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Mole's Progressive Democrat

The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

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  • Wednesday, July 13, 2011

    FLORIDA FOCUS

    ALAN GRAYSON RUNNING FOR CONGRESS:

    This is a voice we desperately need in Congress:



    HELP ALAN GRAYSON RETAKE CONGRESS.


    Public Hearings on Fair Districts are Coming to a City Near You!

    This summer, members of the House and Senate will be holding public hearings on redistricting across Florida. This is our opportunity to let politicians know how important it is to us that they faithfully follow the Fair

    Districts standards when they re-draw their own districts. Over 60% of Florida’s voters approved Fair Districts in 2010. Below you will find dates and locations for the first stops on the Fair Districts public hearing tour. If you live in or near these areas, please try to attend and make your voice heard on this critical issue.

    Public Hearings on redistricting will take place across Florida at the locations listed below.

    July 25th : Lakeland
    2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Polk State College, Main Auditorium
    ----------------------
    July 26th : Wesley Chapel
    2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Wiregrass Ranch High School
    ----------------------
    July 26th : Wauchula
    8:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    Hardee County Civic Center
    ----------------------
    July 27th : Orlando
    2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. AND 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
    ----------------------
    July 28th : Viera
    10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    Brevard County Commission Chamber


    PROGRESSIVE RADIO FLORIDA:

    1590 WPUL Radio Daytona Beach:
    427 Dr Martin Luther King Blvd South
    Daytona Beach FL, 32114
    386-492-2907 - Talk Line

    Destin, FL
    WNWF 1120AM
    destin1120am.com
    Office: (850) 654-1718
    Fax: (850) 654-1619
    Talk Line: (850) 654-1120
    Email Comments: wnwf@destin1120am.com


    BLOGGING FLORIDA:

    The Florida Progressive Coalition: progressive politics in Florida.

    LeftyBlogs Florida is the place to find out what's happening in the progressive blogosphere across Florida.

    FLA Politics: Political news from Florida

    Change in Tallahassee: Covering politics in Tallahassee

    Blue in Miami: '...if by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people -- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties -- someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal."'

    BlueBroward.org: Making Florida a Blue State, One Election at a Time


    CURRENT TV:
    Current TV, founded by Al Gore, includes some of the best journalism in America today. In particular their Vanguard series is amazing and should not be missed by ANYONE who wants to know in depth coverage of some of the major stories in the world. And now CurrentTV has Keith Olbermann as well.

    In most areas Current TV is available on:
    DIRECTV Channel 358
    DISH Network Channel 196
    Comcast Digital: Channel 107
    AT&T U-Verse: Channel 189

    Check out their program schedule here.


    Equality Events in Florida: The Dolphin Democrats have a calendar with many events throughout Florida. Go here to find out what is going on in your area.


    North Florida Hispanic Association:
    The North Florida Hispanic Association, Inc. was established in 1993 to bring Tallahassee's Hispanic Community together. With members originating from such countries as Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Argentina (to name a few), this organization seeks to keep the Spanish speaking culture alive in this community through a yearly Hispanic Festival , social gatherings at The American Legion Hall, and sharing of food, recipes from Hispanic cuisine, music, folklore and other traditions. The Association is open to all Hispanics and non-Hispanics who have an interest in the music, arts and traditions of the Spanish-speaking countries. The North Florida Hispanic Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization.

    North Florida Hispanic Association, Inc.
    P.O. Box 37361
    Tallahassee, FL 32315-7361
    Phone: (850) 216-6049


    Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus:
    The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus represents the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community to the Florida Democratic Party. We are a statewide organization, with more than a dozen local chapters around the state, from Tallahassee to Jacksonville to Key West – and most major metropolitan areas in between. Our strength lies in the size of our organization and the ability of our local chapters and their individual members to stand up for equal rights, support candidates who support our community, and lobby for legislation and policies that recognize and strengthen our community.

    Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
    P.O. Box 7492
    Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338-7492

    Phone/Fax: (877) 446-8569

    Email: info@floridaGLBTdemocrats.org

    Find your local chapter here.

    Check out local LGBT events here.


    SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL UNION:

    Click here for the Texas AFL-CIO website to get involved in protecting your rights in the workplace. Click here to see what you can do now.

    For more union info, find your local affiliate here.


    Florida Democratic Party Netroots Coalition

    The Netroots Coalition was created to help bring together bloggers and Netroots activists who support the Democratic Party. The mission of the organization is to contribute to the growth and influence of the Democratic Party, to establish and maintain a Democratic online community, and to promote the party and all party candidates for Democratic leadership throughout the state and nation. We also seek to assist and encourage Florida Democrats, including clubs, county, and grassroots organizations to get online and establish a communication network and promote online participation among Democrats. Go here to join.

    Florida Democratic Party Small County Coalition

    The SCC is made up of the counties in Florida that have less than 35,000 registered Democrats, which includes more than half of the counties in Florida. The mobilization and organization of small counties through the SCC is an important asset to Florida Democrats. As one of the finest examples of what cooperation within the Party can achieve, the SCC, Florida's largest Democratic voting block, gives Democrats from smaller counties a chance to deliver our message in underrepresented areas of Florida.

    Go here to get active in the coalition.


    Alternative Energy in Florida:

    GREEN POWER SWITCH IN FLORIDA:

    Alternative energy and YOUR energy bill: YOU can be part of the solution for America by signing up to purchase your energy through a Green Power Provider. My wife and I have been doing this in NYC for years. All our energy usage is provided through wind energy generation on American farms. So we use clean energy AND help American farmers. It costs us three cents per kilowatt-hour more per month, but we feel great about it. Although our actual energy may come from anywhere, we are paying to purchase wind energy for the energy grid. Each state has different programs available, usually through yuor existing energy provider right on your existing energy bill. To find such options in Florida, go here and pick your energy provider from the list. If you need help, you can email me and tell me who you get your bill from (don't give me any other info!) and I can tell you who to contact to go green through that energy provider.

    Here aree a couple of other options:

    Tampa Electric’s Renewable Energy program:

    When you participate in Tampa Electric’s Renewable Energy program, you're joining others who support the use of cleaner renewable sources like the sun and biomass (plant materials) to produce electricity. Our program gives you the opportunity to purchase renewable energy in 200-kilowatt “block” units at $5 each per month. There is no limit to the number of blocks you can purchase. Learn more about the benefits of renewable energy and how your participation will produce a positive environmental impact – and check out Tampa Electric's solar panel installations installed throughout the community.

    How to participate

    Both residential and business customers can participate. Residential customers can sign up online for as little as $5 per month added to your electric bill. Tampa Electric will create a customized package for business customers who wish to join our list of Power Partners. Learn more about becoming a Power Partner.

    Customers can also sign up and learn more by calling 813-228-4848.



    Green Power Choice:

    You now have the opportunity to participate in Green Power Choice, the latest innovative program designed to protect the environment. Green Power Choice allows interested members to join their local electric cooperative in actively caring for the environment while supporting the environmental benefits of using renewable energy - in this case, methane gas - as a fuel source.

    Find out more here.

    Or sign up here (based on your energy cooperative...available in Alabama and the Florida panhandle)


    Or you can do the same thing using Renewable Energy Certificates through an organization that works with utility companies, though in this case it is a separate bill. One off the cheapest (.4-1 cent per kilowatt-hour), but still e-Green certified, ways to do this is through Good Energy. Or, for about half a cent per kilowatt-hour you can purchase renewable energy certificates through Carbonfund.org. ANY of these ways you do it, you are helping the environment, helping America, and helping cut carbon emissions.


    Here are some other alternative energy groups in Florida:

    SolarCity Gainesville is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of solar and renewable energy in Gainesville and Alachua County. Go here for more info.

    Jacksonville's Sustainable Future:
    Jacksonville's Sustainable Future is a resource for those who are concerned about Global Climate Change and want to do something, as well as a resource for those who want to learn more.

    Our focus is on creating a better world for future generations.

    Join us to discuss citizen awareness projects, personal endeavors, and other plans for a better future for Jacksonville, Orange Park, the Beaches, St. Augustine, Fernandina, and the other areas that make up Greater Jacksonville. Go here for more info.

    We are working on a number of projects related to energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

    Please join us if you want to work towards a greener, cleaner, and healthier future for our community.


    ALTERNATIVE FUELS:

    There are two kinds of alternate fuels that are readily available that lower your carbon foot print and use AMERICAN resources and create AMERICAN jobs rather than supporting big oil companies and oil nations like Saudi Arabia, Iran and Venezuela.

    ETHANOL: Cars labeled FlexFuel (now becoming common in some states) can use up to E85 (85% ethanol/15% gasoline). E85 burns cleaner than gasoline and is usually cheaper. I have used E85 in California and found it to be 10-40 cents cheaper than the cheapest gasoline at the same station. CLICK HERE TO FIND STATIONS IN FLORIDA OFFERING E85. This can be a really good way to help the American economy, help the environment, AND save money.

    BIODIESEL: Pretty much ANY diesel engine can use biodiesel. Biodiesel burns cleaner and in most engines is better for the engine. It can be more expensive than regular diesel depending on the location, but is better for the environment, is better for most diesel engines, and is good for the local economy. You can find nearby stations and cooperatives (often the best option) that offer biodiesel by clicking here and either clicking on your state on the map or entering your zip code. We used biodiesel in a rental car one year and loved it.

    Here is a biodiesel cooperative in Florida. If you drive a diesel truck or car, check them out.

    Brevard BioDiesel
    Brevard County

    Brevard Biodiesel seeks to promote the availability and use of clean-burning, renewable biodiesel fuel as a replacement for petroleum by raising public awareness of its environmental, economic, and national security benefits.

    Check out their website. They have some good environmental news reports on their site.


    Here are some Florida groups and events:

    Florida Public Transportation Association

    The Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) is chartered to fulfill the following objectives:

    1. To provide a forum for public transit service providers and affiliated organizations to exchange experiences, studies and to engage in meaningful discussion of mutual problems, concerns and issues.
    2. To foster the improvement of public transportation in the state by promoting the beneficial use of research and factual study.
    3. To act as a collective voice in promoting the recognition, use, expansion and enhancement of public transportation in the state.
    4. To elicit cooperation efforts among member agencies, their employees, agents and customers, along with the general public to pursue and achieve common interests.
    5. To represent the interests of member agencies, individually or collectively, in forums appropriate for the prosecution, enforcement or defense of issues of interest to those members.
    6. To receive and apply funds for the achievement and furtherance of organizational purposes and objectives, including levying, assessing, charging and collecting dues from the membership of the Association.
    7. To acquire, hold and own land, facilities, equipment and furnishings and do all things necessary and incident to carrying out the organizational purposes and objectives.

    Miami-Dade Democratic Black Caucus Regularly Scheduled Meeting
    Second Saturday of every month at 10 AM
    Event Location: El-Portal City Hall 500 NE 87 Street, The Village of El-Portal.

    We welcome new membership, please join us, free continental breakfast served! Honorable Joyce A. Davis, President 305-754-0934

    Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Miami-Dade
    Fourth Wednesday of every month, 7:00PM
    Hoja Nueva Restaurant at the Westin Colonade
    Please attend the monthly meeting for the Miami Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida. For more info: 305 632-0036

    Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club
    Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club Breakfast Meeting
    Event Location: “Versailles” restaurant located at 3555 SW 8 ST Miami, FL 33135 Fourth Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. (If this is the same Versailles Cuban restaurant that I know in California, the food is fantastic! Particularly the roast chicken and rost pork).

    The Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club invites you to its next breakfast meeting at “Versailles” restaurant located at 3555 SW 8 St
    Cost: $15 per person.

    For more info contact: Hector Caraballo (President, Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club) at hector_at_miamicubandems.org

    MIAMI-DADE YOUNG DEMS MONTHLY MEETING
    Fourth Tuesday of every month, 7pm
    Location:
    Gordon Biersch
    1201 Biscayne Ave. Miami, FL 33131
    For info: 786-425-1130

    Sumter County Democratic Club
    P.O. Box 1066 Wildwood, FL 34785
    General Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of every month Sumterville Community Center

    Tri-County Women's Democratic Club
    General Meeting at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st Monday of every month at the Sumter County Sheriff's Annex on Highway 466 @ Morse Boulevard.

    Charlotte County Democrats meeting
    The Charlotte County Democratic Club meets on the second Saturday of every month. Please join us at 9:30 AM for coffee and snacks. The meeting starts at 10 AM. Location is the upstairs meeting room at the Public Library on Aaron Street in Port Charlotte. Call 743-5560 for directions or more info.


    And for those interested in a more fun way to be liberal, here are Florida's Drinking Liberal groups:

    Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
    * Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
    * Island Jack's Patio Bar and Grille, 5425 W Atlantic Blvd, Margate (just East of 441)
    * Hosted by Jacqueline Hope Derby and Dave Pfeffer, ftlauderdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Orlando, Florida
    * Every Wednesday, 6:00 pm onward
    * Johnny's Fillin' Station, 2706 S Ferncreek Ave (NE corner of Michigan and Fern Creek)
    * Hosted by Dan Hill, orlando (at) drinkingliberally.or

    Pensacola, Florida
    * Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
    * Intermission, 214 S Palafox St
    * Hosted by Terry Welch, pensacola (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Tallahassee, Florida
    * Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
    * Gill's Tavern, 2545 North Monroe Street
    * Hosted by Sharon Collins, tallahassee (at) drinkingliberally.org

    South Tampa UPDATED
    * Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward (used to only be first Thursday)
    * Rock-N-Sports, 1600 E 8th Ave, #E200 (Above Starbucks, Across from Muvico, Next to Adobe Guilas)
    * Hosted by Tim Heberlein, southtampa (at) drinkingliberally.org
    * http://livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/FL/southtampa

    St. Petersburg
    * Last Thursday of each month, 8:30 pm onward
    * Limey's Pub, 1492 4th St N
    * Hosted by Connor Davis and Dave Lee, stpetersburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Brandon
    * Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
    * Giordano's, 11310 Causeway Blvd, Brandon FL 33511 (Outside patio) (NEW location)
    * Hosted by Joe Litton and Shirley Litton, brandon (at) drinkingliberally.org
    * http://livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/FL/brandon

    Land O Lakes
    * Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
    * Rapscallions, 4422 Land O Lakes Blvd (US-41)
    * Hosted by Brian Reach and Michael Greenman, landolakes (at) drinkingliberally.org


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