Montgomery County Progressive Alliance: 2005

August 16, 2005

Important Updates- August 16, 2005

As the long hot summer lingers, we're heading into a very active next few months. There are ongoing opportunities to volunteer at People for the American Way at their Dupont Circle offices - 2000 M Street NW 5th floor RSVP: (202) 467-2393 or volunteer@pfaw.org.

Immediate Events: Please Support my friend Cindy Sheehan: http://www.crawfordpeacehouse.org/

I know Cindy Sheehan. She's a great person and she deserves our support, especially as the White House / Right Wing smear machine goes into high gear. I helped set up a website to help her: CindySheehan.com - http://www.CindySheehan.com please sign the petition to help her get a chance to give her side of the story. Also, call to voice your support for Cindy: (214)764-6668

Moveon.org along with Democracy for America and True Majority are hosting candlelight vigils in support of Cindy Sheehan. Two are being hosted in Germantown and Olney by local DFAers. You can click on the following link to set up a vigil:
http://political.moveon.org/event/cindyvigils/

Please attend one of these or a vigil close to your home this Wednesday night.

Vigil for Peace and Truth Outside Black Rock Center for the Arts 17 Aug 07:30 PM, Location: Germantown, MD 20874 Host: Sharon Polidoro Status: Public, open for RSVP, 49 Guests (Max 250)
http://political.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=3723

Candlelight Vigil in support of Cindy Sheehan corner of Georgia Ave. and 108 17 Aug 07:30 PM, Location: Olney, MD 20832 Host: Gina Angiola and Felicia Kimmel Status: Public, open for RSVP, 22 Guests (Max 500)
http://political.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=3835

Upcoming Events:

1. MeetUp with Steve Silverman, County Executive Candidate
* Changed location and time *

2. Out of Iraq Actions, Bike for Peace, and DC Green Festival September 24-26

3. Maryland State-Wide Progressive Conference at College Park in October

4. Reminders: Please sign up with DFA-Tools:
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/register.php?

Please join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance:
http://mc-progressivealliance.com/

Please sign up for the MCPA Newsletter:
http://mc-progressivealliance.com/phplist/?p=subscribe&id=1

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1. MeetUp with Steve Silverman, County Executive Candidate

When: 7:30 PM Tuesday, September 6

Where: Meeting Room A
Bethesda - Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814
240-777-2706

Map / Directions: http://tinyurl.com/d7kse

PLEASE RSVP promptly so I can tell them how many of us to expect.

We're going to meet with the Montgomery County Democracy for America groups this month at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center in Meeting Room A on the second floor - elevator access. We'll begin at about 7:30 PM. Candidate for County Executive Steve Silverman is expected at 7:45. We have the Room until 10:00 PM.

2. Out of Iraq Actions, Bike for Peace, and DC Green Festival September 24-26

We're helping to plan and will participate in several important events including a demonstrations and speeches Sept. 24th near the Washington Monument, teach-ins, and training sessions Sept. 25th planned for the UDC Law School, and lobbying members of Congress Sept. 26th on Capitol Hill. Watch for more details as available.

We will also participate in the Washington DC Green Festival. Exciting speakers including Gold Star Families for Peace co-founder Cindy Sheehan, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Investigative Journalist Greg Palast, Code Pink founder Medea Benjamin, United for Peace and Justice founder Rev. Graylan Hagler. September 24, 10AM-9PM, September 25, 11AM-7PM. DC Convention Center 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW

Please let me know if you're able to house out-of-town attendees for the above events: mikehersh@mikehersh.com

Our friend Kim Louth is organizing a Bike for Peace Event with a Debate Contest tie-in set for Sunday September 25th. Please see her DFA Potomac MeetUp site for information:
http://dfa.meetup.com/818/

3. Maryland State-Wide Progressive Conference at College Park in October

We're working with Democracy for Maryland, the College Park College Democrats, and others on an exciting one-day event planned for late October focusing on Ending the Iraq War, Verified Voting, and Empowering the Grass Roots in Maryland as we gear up for the 2006 Elections and Legislative Session. Volunteer to help with organizing, designing graphics, getting the word out, and much more. Please contact Mike Hersh at MikeHersh@MikeHersh.com to volunteer. Provide full contact information, what you'd like to help do and any other relevant info like experience, skills, time and dates available etc.

4. Reminders: Please sign up with DFA-Tools
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/register.php?

We're going to start using it as an eventual replacement for Meetup.com. I will keep various MeetUp sites going through December, but we'll start using the DFA-Link site now. Once your account is set up, join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance / DFA group:
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=156

You can also join the following groups:

Democracy for Maryland
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=236

Montgomery County DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=237

Kim Louth's Potomac MD DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=241

Prince Georges DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=164

Univ. of Maryland College Democrats / DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=133

David Bailey's Gaithersburg DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=212

American University / Generation DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=94

DC for Democracy DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=205

See more groups at
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/index.php

Stay involved and informed. Join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance:
http://mc-progressivealliance.com/

Thanks for reading this far!

Mike Hersh / 301-933-7169

- Chairperson, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance
http://www.mc-progressivealliance.com

- Organizer, Democracy for America Silver Spring-Wheaton
http://www.democracyforamerica.com

- Maryland State Coordinator, Progressive Democrats of America
http://www.pdamerica.org

- Radio Left Co-host - http://www.radioleft.com

- MikeHersh.com - http://www.mikehersh.com

Please Keep the Left Alive. Support:

- CindySheehan.com - http://www.CindySheehan.com

- "Become the Media Project" -
http://www.mikehersh.com/Become_The_Media.shtm

- Openly Oppose Bush Store - http://www.cafepress.com/antibush04

- After Downing Street Coalition http://www.afterdowningstreet.org

- Media Watch Project - http://www.democrats.com/media

June 08, 2005

Upcoming Events

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER JUNE 8, 2005

Upcoming Events (More Details Below)

1. Conversation with MD Democratic Chairman Terry Lierman 7 PM June 9
2. Leisure World Democrats Host Roger Manno 7 PM June 9
3. Reception for Martin O'Malley 1 PM June 11
4. Doug Duncan's Prince Georges Barbeque 6 PM June 16
5. Young Democrats Anacostia River Cleanup 10 AM June 18
6. Elijah Cummings at the Breakfast Club 7:30 AM June 20
7. Greater Silver Spring Dems Mayor Martin O'Malley 6 PM June 22

Stay up-to-date. Visit the website: http://www.mc-progressivealliance.com/
Please help spread the word! Forward this newsletter in email, print out, share, post on bulletin boards, leave in coffee house, libraries etc. Let us know when you connect with these or other groups and projects. Don't be shy. Inform us about projects you want to work on or need help with. Share ideas for topics, issues, speakers, and more to artfabel@comcast.net or call (301)-460-5716.

GET INVOLVED WITH AREA EVENTS AND NATIONAL EFFORTS

Election Day November 2, 2004 we shared a vision about what we could do after Jan 20, 2005. The vision remains even if our schedule changed. Now, reaching out and working together is more important than ever. How can we make Montgomery County, Maryland, and the USA better? MCPA is answering that question. Ongoing efforts need volunteers.

We're making connections by supporting and working with / on:
Becoming the Media: http://www.mikehersh.com/Become_The_Media.shtm
Verifiable Voting: http://www.truevotemd.org/
Keeping Kids Safe from War: http://www.LeaveMyChildAlone.org
Teaching Kids the Facts: http://www.TeachTheFacts.org
Protecting the American Way: http://www.pfaw.org
Ending the Occupation of Iraq: http://www.pdamerica.com
Inquiry into Administration Crimes: http://www.AfterDowningStreet.org
Learning Facts about Iraq: http://uslaboragainstwar.org/calendar.php
Getting Affordable Housing: http://tinyurl.com/a58hg
Quality Health Care for All: http://www.americansforhealthcare.org
Sponsoring Sensible Drug Policy: http://www.ssdp.org/
Volunteering with the MC Democratic Central Committee: (301)-946-1000
Helping Crime Victims: https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/vsm/org/454310.html
Ending Violence and Abuse: http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/states/mddv.shtml
Community Service with Young Democrats: www.ydmaryland.org/

UPCOMING EVENTS:

1. Conversation with Maryland Democratic Chairman Terry Lierman
7-9 PM, Thursday June 9 (Rescheduled from May 10th)
Long Branch Public Library
8800 Garland Ave, Silver Spring, MD
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/7z2ot

The Montgomery County DFA MeetUp groups will host Terry Lierman, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party to discuss local, state and national issues - including what we think the Democratic Party should be doing. Guests and new members welcome.

2. Leisure World Democratic Club will host Roger Manno
7 PM Thursday, June 9
Leisure World, Ballroom of Clubhouse One
3701 Leisure World Boulevard, Silver Spring, MD
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/b92z8 or http://tinyurl.com/aq7ar

The Capitol Hill Legislative expert on the hidden horrors in the Bush Budget and Cheryl Kagan, former MC co-chair of the Kerry Edwards campaign will speak and answer questions.

3. Reception for Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley
1 - 2:30 PM Saturday, June 11
Activity Center at Bohrer Park (Summit Hall Farm), 506 S. Frederick Avenue (Route 355) Gaithersburg
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/dtx77 or http://tinyurl.com/askdh
The Baltimore Mayor and Governor Candidate will host a reception.
See: http://www.friendsofomalley.org

4. Doug Duncan's Prince Georges Barbeque
6 PM - 9 PM Thursday, June 16 Rain or Shine!
Newton White Mansion, 2708 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/73nup

Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan invites you to his Prince George's Community BBQ featuring the Marcus Johnson Band
Adults - $20.00, Seniors (65+) and Children (12 and under) - FREE

5. Young Dems Anacostia River Cleanup
10 AM - 1 PM Saturday, June 18th
Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd., Bladensburg, MD 20710
Map and Directions: http://tinyurl.com/989km
http://www.anacostiaws.org/pics/watershedmap7.jpg

Young Democrats of Maryland www.ydmaryland.org/ will help keep the Anacostia River clean. Help fulfill the Democratic Party's commitment to protect our rivers and streams. For Future Projects and ideas contact the following coordinators:
Mel Franklin mel.democrat@gmail.com
Robert Friedman rfriedman88@gmail.com 301-254-0774
Denise Barnes (St. Mary's County) 240-431-1037

6. Rockville Mid-County Democratic Breakfast Club Monday June 20, 2005
7:30 AM to 8:45 AM (yes that's in the morning!)
Original Ambrosia Restaurant
12015F Rockville Pike Rockville, Maryland 20852
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/bs4cp or http://tinyurl.com/bjxg2

Congressman Elijah Cummings will speak about the 2006 Governor's Race.
The relocated Original Ambrosia Restaurant is in the southernmost building in the Montrose Crossing Shopping Plaza, behind Old Navy. There are hundreds of parking places in its immediate proximity. Ingress/egress by car is either via Rockville Pike or Randolph Road. White Flint Metro Rail station is exactly one half mile south of the restaurant. For more info: Susan Magazine Telephone 301-340-8300 smagazine@magazinehillman.com

7. Greater Silver Spring Democratic Club hosts Martin O'Malley
6 - 8 PM Wednesday, June 22nd
Christ Congressional Church
9525 Colesville Road in Silver Spring
Map / Directions: http://tinyurl.com/a7zyw

Baltimore Mayor and Candidate for Governor Martin O'Malley will appear.
See: http://www.friendsofomalley.org

Wear your politics on your sleeve. Openly Oppose Bush Store: http://www.cafepress.com/antibush04

Add / Change / Update your information to help us inform and involve you and tell your Montgomery County friends and others to sign up here: http://mc-progressivealliance.com/phplist/?p=subscribe&id=1

May 12, 2005

Upcoming Events

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1. Ralph Neas of PFAW at Leisure World Thursday May 12
2. Sam Smith at Greens' Meeting Saturday May 14
3. Pete Seeger's 86th Birthday Concert Sunday May 15 (Philadelphia)
4. Rockville Mid-County Democratic Breakfast Club Monday May 16
5. Howard Dean in Montgomery County Rally Tuesday May 17th
6. MCPA Meeting Thursday May 19th
7. Potomac DFA meeting Tuesday May 24th
8. Chevy Chase-Bethesda DFA Meeting with Ike Leggett Weds. June 1
9. Take Back America Conference Wed. June 1 to Fri. June 3
10. DFA MeetUps Host Conversation with Terry Lierman Thursday June 9
11. The Stop Global Warming Virtual March on Washington (Ongoing)
12. Stay Informed and Involved with MCPA

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1. Leisure World Democratic Club hosts PFAW Director Ralph Neas

7 PM Thursday, May 12 - Leisure World, Ballroom of Clubhouse One
3701 Leisure World Boulevard, Silver Spring, MD
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/b92z8 or http://tinyurl.com/aq7ar

Ralph Neas of activist organization People for the American Way will talk about the threat to the filibuster, U.S. Senate rule that protects the rights of the minority party. Light refreshments at 7 PM, program at 7:30. Delegate Carol Petzold will introduce Mr. Neas and review Maryland's Assembly history for the last session.

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2. Sam Smith to Speak 6 to 7 pm May 14th

Montgomery Greens' May meeting banning+Low on Antique Row
3730 Howard Avenue in Kensington
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/abwbg or http://tinyurl.com/cglal

DC-area pundit Sam Smith, who is a prolific author, activist, and social critic, will speak. Smith is a longtime supporter and astute observer of the American political scene with a special interest in the Green Party. Smith's online journal, The Progressive Review, has been likened by some to the crusading left journalism and acerbic observations of I.F. Stone. For more information on Sam Smith, go to: www.prorev.com. For more information on banning+Low, go to: www.banningandlow.com

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3. Scheduled for 7 PM May 15 (Sunday): Philadelphia, PA

Sing Out! Concert honoring Pete Seeger The "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" concert will be sponsored by Sing Out! magazine at Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA, near Philadephia. The concert is. Pete will be the guest of honor and performers include Bruce Cockburn, Judy Collins, Ronnie Gilbert, Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwarz, Janis Ian, Natalie Merchant, Holly Near, Odetta, Bernice Johnson Reagon, and Stephan Smith. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Sing Out! a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. For tickets and other information, visit the Sing Out! website for more info on this event: http://singout.org/whfgconcert.html

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4. Rockville Mid-County Democratic Breakfast Club Monday May 16, 2005

Representative Benjamin L. Cardin will speak on Social Security
TIME: 7:30 am to 8:45 am (yes that's in the morning!)
PLACE: Original Ambrosia Restaurant
12015F Rockville Pike Rockville, Maryland 20852
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/bs4cp or http://tinyurl.com/bjxg2

Relocated Original Ambrosia Restaurant is in the southernmost building in the Montrose Crossing Shopping Plaza, behind Old Navy. There are hundreds of parking places in its immediate proximity. Ingress/egress by car is either via Rockville Pike or Randolph Road. White Flint Metro Rail station is exactly one half mile south of the restaurant. For more info: Susan Magazine Telephone 301-340-8300 smagazine@magazinehillman.com

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5. Howard Dean in Montgomery County Rally

5:30 to 7:30 pm, Tuesday, May 17th
The Promenade, Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/crrdy

Events are first come, first serve and tickets must be purchased in advance - proceeds benefit the Maryland Democratic Party. Howard Dean will also appear at a private VIP Reception from 5:30 to 6:15 pm. VIP Reception Tickets - $1,000 donation per person, Rally Tickets - $75 donation per person, Seniors - $50 donation per senior, Students - $25 donation per student with ID. Buy tickets online for the rally: http://tinyurl.com/dtttc

Once you've bought your ticket, please forward the email confirmation you receive to Kim Louth ( louth@comcast.net ) or Mike Hersh ( mikehersh@mikehersh.com ) so we can deliver it to MD Democratic Chairman Terry Lierman along with a signed copy of the resolution on Withdrawal from Iraq we plan to present to Howard Dean. (Of course, block out any credit card info.)

All events will be near the Grosvenor Metro stop on the Redline. Outdoor Special Events Parking on site, and other parking located in the Metro Garage off Tuckerman Lane ($4 Monday-Friday, must be paid using a Metro SmarTrip card, available at all Metro Stations). Limited short-term parking available at specially marked meters along Tuckerman Lane. For more information, see: http://www.mddems.org or call 301-858-8818 or 410-269-8818.

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6. MCPA Meeting (The group that runs this newsletter and more)

7-9PM Thursday, May 19th
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Cafeteria
4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814
(near the intersection with Wisconsin Avenue)

Directions: http://tinyurl.com/clay4

We'll continue work on Political Action, Media, Community Service, and much more, and invite guest speakers to lead discussion on ways to get things done.

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7. Potomac DFA MeetUp 7-9PM May 24th
Hunter's Inn - 10123 River Road (Corner of Falls and River Road)
Potomac, MD 20854 - 301 299-9300
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/7wuet
Sign up and more info: http://dfa.meetup.com/818/

Kim Louth organizes substantive meetings leading to action on important topics each month. Kim writes: "We need everyone - we are going to start work on our Bike for Peace Project and our Buy Blue Local Network!" Guests and new members welcome.

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8. Chevy Chase-Bethesda DFA Meeting with Ike Leggett

7-9 PM, Wednesday June 1
Chevy Chase Library, downstairs meeting room.
8005 Connecticut Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(NOT the Chevy Chase DC Library at 5625 Connecticut Avenue, N.W DC)
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/de9ue

Ike Leggett, declared candidate for County Executive will discuss county issues with DFA members. Guests and new members welcome.

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9. Take Back America Conference Washington Hilton

2:00 pm Wednesday, June 1 and ongoing
(Please arrive at least an hour early to register)
1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/a9fjr or http://tinyurl.com/a25t2

Cost Varies from $25.00 - $325.00

Join thousands of fellow activists, elected officials, national opinion leaders and celebrities at The Campaign for America's Future's 2005 Take Back America Conference Join with progressives across the country for the most important gathering of activists, leaders and thinkers this year. Discuss strategies and an agenda for change, identify key issue campaigns, and kick off the drive to Take Back America.

Information: Natalie P. Shear Associates
Telephone: 202-483-3000 / 1-800-833-1354
http://www.ourfuture.org/projects/national_conference/2005/about.cfm

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10. Conversation with Maryland Democratic Chairman Terry Lierman

7-9 PM, Thursday June 9 (Rescheduled from May 10th)
Long Branch Public Library
8800 Garland Ave, Silver Spring, MD
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/7z2ot

The Montgomery County DFA MeetUp groups will host Terry Lierman, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party to discuss local, state and national issues - including what we think the Democratic Party should be doing. Guests and new members welcome.

================================

11. The Stop Global Warming Virtual March on Washington

Please help Robert Kennedy Jr, concerned scientists, activists, elected officials, and me. This virtual march to stop global warming is an essential ethical action. We have an overriding moral obligation to protect our planet, and pass along our stewardship to the next generations. We only have one planet Earth, and we cannot afford to harm her. Nothing is more important. Join the march here: http://tinyurl.com/ahfbr

You will see this: "Welcome, Mike!" Don't be confused. This is the key part: "If you would like to join Mike on the March, please sign up below." Just add your contact information to join the march!

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12. Stay Informed and Involved with MCPA

If you haven't already, sign up for this website:
http://www.mc-progressivealliance.com/civicspace-0.8.0.3

Join our Discussion group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MC_Progressive_Alliance/

Join our MeetUp Group: http://dfa.meetup.com/721/

Submit Action Alerts, Events, and Articles for publication at the Blog, Website and Newsletter to Art Fabel artfabel@comcast.net and Mike Hersh mikehersh@mikehersh.com - please edit, spell-check, and proof read to help us include your submissions. For meetings and events, include sponsor and contact person, time, place (full street address), date, and summary of agenda, etc.

April 18, 2005

Newsletter April 18, 2005

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE
Newsletter April 18, 2005

1. April 21 MCPA Meeting
2. Meeting Agenda and Actions
3. MCPA Officers (Update)
4. May 10th Conversation with Terry Lierman
5. Stay Informed and Involved
6. Manage Your MCPA Membership

--------------- 1. MCPA MEETING Where and When ---------------

General Meeting 7PM Thurs April 21
Earle B. Wood Middle School
14615 Bauer Dr
Rockville, MD 20853

Just off Rt. 28 (Norbeck Road)
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/877jn

Please bring sandwiches, salad, snacks, soft drinks, coffee, and dessert.

--------------- 2. Meeting Agenda and Actions ---------------

Speakers: Welcome and Guest Introductions - MCPA Steering Committee

Getting Out the Message:
Dan Rupli and Michael Day of Free-State PAC
Representative from Progressive Maryland
Representative from Democracy for America
Representative from Progressive Democrats of America

Voting Reform: Representative from TrueVote Maryland

Other Speakers: TBA

Short Discussion: MCPA Activities and Plans
Candidate forums, endorsements
MeetUps, Discussion Lists
Web Page, Newsletter, Outreach
Making a Real Difference with the Media and on Key Issues
Volunteers to Help Lead New Committees

Committee and Organization Sign Up:
Political Action - Tom Colbert: Candidate Forums & Voter Registration
Media and Messaging - Ben Vaughan and Bob Colton
Fundraising and Finance Committee - Mary Belle Feltenstein
Community Service / Outreach, Diversity, Interfaith - Naomi Bloch
Web & Newsletter Content and Technical - Mike Hersh and Art Fabel
Other Committees to be determined by you! - Volunteers
Guests and other organizations - Guests and others

--------------- 3. MCPA Officers ---------------

MCPA Co-Chair: Mike Hersh mikehersh@mikehersh.com (301)-933-7169
MCPA Co-Chair: Naomi Bloch dodgebloch@hotmail.com (301)-299-1801
MCPA Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair: Mary Belle Feltenstein mbfelt@verizon.net
MCPA Media and Message Co-Chairs: Ben Vaughan bvaughan@adclawfirm.com and Bob Colton rcolto1932@aol.com
MCPA Political Action and Voter Registration Chair: Tom Colbert thomascolbert@netzero.net
MCPA Newsletter Editor: Art Fabel, artfabel@comcast.net (301)-460-5716
MCPA Web Editor: Mike Hersh, mikehersh@mikehersh.com

--------------- 4. May 10th Conversation with Terry Lierman ---------------

Two-way conversation with Maryland State Democratic Committee Chairperson Terry Lierman - Sponsored by Democracy for Montgomery County

We'll discuss plans and concerns for grass roots activists and the Maryland Democratic Party heading toward the 2006 races for Governor, Senator, Congress and more. We'll be in Room #2 on the lowest floor. Get there early! There are only about 100 total places.

When: 7PM-9PM Tuesday May 10th
Where: Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave. Wheaton, MD
Get Directions: http://tinyurl.com/5uoqs
More information: http://tinyurl.com/5ru2v

--------------- 5. Stay Informed and Involved ---------------

If you haven't already, join the Discussion group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MC_Progressive_Alliance/

Visit this Blog and our Website: http://mc-progressivealliance.com/

Join our MeetUp Group: http://dfa.meetup.com/721/

Submit Action Alerts, Events, and Articles for publication at the Blog, Website and Newsletter to Art Fabel artfabel@comcast.net and Mike Hersh mikehersh@mikehersh.com

--------------- 6. Manage Your MCPA Membership ---------------

Tell your Montgomery County friends and others to sign up here:

http://mc-progressivealliance.com/phplist/?p=subscribe&id=1

April 14, 2005

County Councilmember Wants Your Input

Montgomery County Councilmember Steve Silverman writes:

Dear Friend:

As a Councilmember, I have sought to strike a balance between funding important public services and a reasonable tax burden for the citizens. I want to continue to make Montgomery County a great and affordable place to live.

As the County Council reviews the proposed operating budget for the next fiscal year, we face many competing priorities as we work to balance the budget. We must make decisions regarding government services that are critical to the quality of life in the County, such as an excellent public school system, public safety, transportation, and libraries, as well as important health and human services to help those in need in our community.

I need your advice on budget and tax priorities and have put together an 'unscientific' poll listing a number of general budget priorities that the Council will debate this spring. Please let me know your top three priorities, in order, with number one as most important to you.

Just reply to silverman@stevesilverman.org and let me know which of the numbered items or other issues are your first, second, and third priorities. Please respond by April 25.

Please feel free to pass along any other comments on your budget priorities and you may forward this email to others for their views. If you would like to review any or all of the County Executive's recommended budget, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov and click on the link to the budget.

Budget priorities

1. Across-the-board property tax reductions, beyond those recommended by the County Executive. (He recommends lowering the property tax two cents, for an average household savings of approximately $80 compared to current tax rates.)

2. Targeted property tax reductions for low and moderate-income homeowners. (This would expand the current circuit breaker, which helps low and moderate-income homeowners facing significant assessment increases.)

3. Education initiatives such as reduced class sizes and expansion of full day kindergarten.

4. Other education initiatives such as improvements in special education, gifted and talented, and other initiatives to improve student achievement.

5. Additional faculty and scholarships to enable more students to attend Montgomery College.

6. Funds to reduce waiting lists for various health and human service programs helping low and moderate-income families, such as child care assistance, rental assistance, in-home services for elderly and disabled individuals, etc.

7. Funds to tackle backlogs in basic infrastructure maintenance such as street resurfacing, sidewalk repairs, park and ball field maintenance, tree maintenance, and fire apparatus.

8. Additional police officers and fire/rescue personnel.

9. Additional library materials and increased hours open to the public.

10. Additional funds for roads and transit.

11. Additional funds for community organizations serving diverse communities.

12. Additional funds for arts and cultural organizations.

13. Additional funds for parks and recreation programs.

Thanks for sharing your priorities with me. Feel free to forward this survey to a friend by clicking here.

Sincerely,

Steve Silverman
Councilmember

For more information about Steve, visit his website www.stevesilverman.org

April 13, 2005

Montgomery County Progressive Alliance Newsletter

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Montgomery County Progressive Alliance Weekly Newsletter
April 13, 2005 - Events, Meetings, and Ways to Stay Active

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Contents This Newsletter:

1. April 14 Meeting with Chris Van Hollen's Staff

2. April 18 Healthcare, Prescription Drugs, and You

3. April 21 MCPA General Meeting

4. May 10 Conversation with Maryland State Democratic Committee Chairperson Terry Lierman

5. Action Alerts: Doug Duncan, Martin O'Malley and More

6. Keep Informed and Involved - Visit the Blog, Discussion Group and Website.

7. Manage your Membership - Please update / verify your information.

Note: Anyone with knowledge of PHP especially PHP Nuke and PHP List who is willing to help out, please contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com.

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1. Meeting with Chris Van Hollen's Staff on Protecting Social Security from Privatization Schemes

Elly Shaw-Belblidia Rockville Democracy For America MeetUp Host organized a meeting with Congressman Chris Van Hollen's staff in cooperation with DFA and True Majority. Supporters across the U.S. are meeting with their Representatives on April 14 to discuss Social Security.

Here in the 8th Congressional District we have a fine Representative in Chris Van Hollen. We know he supports preserving Social Security and doesn't need convincing. Still, we want to meet with his staff with this purpose: to emphasize our support for a vigorous Democratic defense of Social Security, and to ask what we can do to help.

Elly scheduled a meeting with Joan Kleinman, Rep. Van Hollen's District Director.

When 9:15AM-10AM Thursday, April 14

Where: 51 Monroe St., Suite 507, in central Rockville. (We'll meet in the lobby first. Late arrivals should meet us upstairs but not if you're running too late.)

The office is walking distance from the Rockville Metro. There is a large parking lot in front of the Cinema.

Get Directions: http://tinyurl.com/66b8w
More information: http://tinyurl.com/5zb4p

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2. April 18 Healthcare, Prescription Drugs, and You

Montgomery County Young Democrats are sponsoring a forum entitled Healthcare, Prescription Drugs, and You

When: 7:30PM Monday, April 18

Where: Silver Spring Library
8901 Colesville Road
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Get Directions: http://tinyurl.com/5qhvg
More information: http://tinyurl.com/5kcrv

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3. MC Progressive Alliance General Meeting

We'll discuss important topics and establish committees and task forces. Bring some refreshments if you can.

When: 7PM-9PM Thursday April 21

Where: Earle B Wood Middle School in cafeteria (general purpose room)
14615 Bauer Dr
Rockville, MD 20853

Get Directions (CORRECTED!): http://tinyurl.com/5s3xr
More information: http://mcprogressivealliance.blogspot.com/

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4. Conversation with Maryland State Democratic Committee Chairperson Terry Lierman

Two-way discussion of plans and concerns for grass roots activists and the Democratic Party heading toward the 2006 races for Governor, Senator, Congress and more. We'll be in Room #2 on the lowest floor. Get there early as activists from all across Maryland will be attending and there are only about 100 total places.

When: 7PM-9PM Tuesday May 10th

Where: Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave.
Wheaton, MD

Get Directions: http://tinyurl.com/5uoqs
More information: http://tinyurl.com/5ru2v

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5. Action Alerts: Doug Duncan, Martin O'Malley and More

Martin O'Malley Demands Fair Pay for Maryland Workers
More Information: http://tinyurl.com/52czq

Doug Duncan on Fair Share Health Care bill
More Information: http://tinyurl.com/6sdtj

Teach the Facts - Standing up for Montgomery County Students and School Board More Information: http://www.teachthefacts.org/

PAC for a Change - Election Reform and ANWR Boycott
More Information: http://www.pacforachange.com/

Help stop the right wing court packing plan
More Information: PFAW - http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=17698
Action Resources: DNC - http://www.democrats.org/action
PFAW - http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/

---------------------------------

6. Stay Informed and Involved.

If you haven't already, join the Discussion group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MC_Progressive_Alliance/

Visit the Blog and Website to stay up to date:

Blog - http://mcprogressivealliance.blogspot.com/
Website - http://mc-progressivealliance.com/

Join our MeetUp Group: http://dfa.meetup.com/721/

Submit Action Alerts, Events, and Articles for publication at the Blog, Website and Newsletter to Art Fabel [ artfabel@comcast.net ] and Mike Hersh [ mikehersh@mikehersh.com ]

---------------------------------

7. Manage your membership to the MCPA

You can Add / Change / Update your information to help us inform and involve you in future projects and events here:

http://mc-progressivealliance.com/phplist/?p=subscribe&id=1

10 Action Items You Can Do Today!

Read these articles and call Congress and the media about these critical items today. Follow links below for more details. Change the Media for the Better: Join the Media Watch Project and Contact the media: http://www.democrats.com/media/ and http://www.democrats.org/media/index.html

Join the Progressive Media - Become your own media outlet: http://www.mikehersh.com/join_the_personal_progressive_media.shtml

Call your Senators and Representatives

Calling is much better than email (which is often ignored).

Congressional Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Find your Senators: http://www.senate.gov/senators/senator_by_state.cfm/

Find your Representative: http://www.house.gov/writerep/

1. Oppose the "Brat Tax" repeal.

Right wingers wants to eliminate any tax on estates (wealth passed from rich people to their kids) even though it will cost the rest of us $1 TRILLION over the next ten years, or $100 BILLION per year. See: http://tinyurl.com/4tcsm

2. Stop the Republican attack on Your Voice

Protect your voice in the Senate at: http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/stop_nuclear

3. Oppose the Bolton nomination.

The Bolton nomination is in Committee, so NOW is the best time to fight to keep him from clearing committee. Sign the petition at http://www.care2.com/go/z/22701 Then register your opposition with your Senator. You can also call the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations: Majority Republican Sen Lugar: (202) 224-4651 and Ranking Democrat Sen. Biden (202) 224-3953

Here are the members of the Committee: http://www.care2.com/go/z/22701 Give each of them an earful of details why Bolton is not acceptable to you. See detail at bottom why Bolton is such a bad nominee.

4. Get Big Brother out of the Patriot Act! http://www.aclu.org/SafeandFree/SafeandFree.cfm?ID=17913&c=206

5. Stop War Profiteering - Bush demands another $83 billion to squander on war profiteering and waste with no accountability. The House passed this waste of taxpayer money to hand to irresponsible contractors. Stop the $83 Billion Appropriations bill. Tell the Senate: No More Taxpayer Money for War without accountability! Call Congress and demand an end to exploitation and profiteering.

6. Urgent! Call Congress to Demand an "Open Rule" for the Bankruptcy Bill! Oppose the bill itself. TODAY, April 13, at 5 p.m., the House Rules Committee will decide whether to allow any amendments to the outrageous Bankruptcy Bill that was passed by the Senate (S. 256). Progressive activists, led by Democrats.com and Progressive Democrats of America, are fighting back. This morning we hosted a press conference on Capitol Hill with Reps. John Conyers (D-MI) and Barbara Lee (D-CA), along with the leaders of the powerful DebtSlavery.org Coalition see: http://debtslavery.org/

Whether you are outraged by its endorsement of usurious interest rates of over 30 percent, or its abandonment of our medical cost victims, our elderly on subsistence and our over deployed military, we MUST take a strong stand to oppose the "bankruptcy reform" or "bankruptcy abuse prevention act". It passed the House and we must stop it in the Senate! Call your Congressperson 888-818-6641.

If the House passes this bankruptcy bill, Bush will sign it into law severely limiting working and middle class people's ability to file for bankruptcy even if they're filing due to health care expenses, a veteran, a senior citizen or whatever. Yet, the bill still has a huge loophole for rich people!

Democrats tried to slow the bill down by placing an amendment on it that would raise the minimum wage to $7.25 and the GOP struck that down, too! What kind of President is this? Bush has declared war on everyone who is not rich in this nation. we don't count and it is open season on us all - regardless of whether we are black, brown, white, straight, gay, fat, skinny - it don't matter - if you ain't rich ya got to go.

7. Oppose the HUD attack on the poor. Ask for your Senators or Representative at 888-818-6641. They call it "The State and Local Housing Flexibility Act of 2005" http://nlihc.org/news/040705.html

8. Oppose Budget cuts that will hurt the poor. Ask for your Senators or Representative to oppose cuts to the Community Development Block Grant project and to oppose moving it to the Commerce Dept. Read details http://tinyurl.com/5eokx and call Congress: 888-818-6641

9. Oppose Tom DeLay: Congratulate Rep. Shays

Yesterday, Rep. Chris Shays of Connecticut became the first Republican member of Congress to heed the call to demand that Tom DeLay resign from Congress. Join the Public Campaign Action Fund to ramp up the public accountability campaign on three more members of Congress, Reps. Roy Blunt of Missouri, Jim Nussle of Iowa, and Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania. Their ads and grassroots campaign begins in these districts tomorrow. Here's how you can help:

Call Rep. Shays' office to thank him at 202-225-5541. Then call your own Representative through the Capitol Hill switchboard at 202-225-3121 to ask them to stand for ethics and decency by asking DeLay to resign.

Donate to the media campaign at https://secure.ga3.org/03/without_DeLay

Write a letter to the editor of your local paper praising Rep. Shays for standing up to Tom DeLay's big money corruption and urging that your congressman do the same.

Tell a friend about the Public Campaign Action Fund to hold politicians accountable at: http://tinyurl.com/46jke

10. Ten reasons for DeLay to resign: http://www.pcactionfund.org/withoutDeLay/facts/

The Tom DeLay abuse story is a fast-moving story. On Saturday, Newsweek reported that Jack Abramoff, the disgraced lobbyist who funded DeLay's trips would soon release emails about how much DeLay knew and when he knew it. Yesterday's bombshell came when Shays' said DeLay should resign and ultra-conservative Senator Rick Santorum called on DeLay to explain himself! Keep the pressure up.

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BOLTON DETAILS: Letter sent by a citizen to his Senators. Oppose John Bolton as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. April 11, 2005

Please stop John Bolton from becoming the US Ambassador based on his horrific track record as under secretary of state for arms control. While in this position he did more to spread nuclear proliferation. This man has been totally unapologetic about his radical prescription for dealing with the proliferation threat.

Some examples of his poor performance include

1. Bolton has also dropped the ball on Pakistani weapons dealer A.Q. Khan, who is known to have provided nuclear technology to North Korea, Iran and Libya, among others. After learning he may have put two nuclear scientists in touch with Osama bin Laden, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf put Khan under house arrest, but has rebuffed international efforts to question him.

2. Since revelations about the scope of Iran's secret nuclear program first emerged in late 2003, Bolton has shown little willingness to deal realistically with the issue. President Bush has claimed the impasse can be "solved diplomatically," but in 2002, when Tehran "signaled interest in discussing its nuclear program," Bolton brushed it aside. Late last year, Bolton mocked the very notion of diplomacy with Iran, telling a European conference on the issue, "I don't do carrots."

3. Bolton is known to have pressured analysts for intelligence that fit his ideological agenda. In spring 2002, Bolton "planned to announce the existence of a secret bio-weapons program in Cuba" until he was blocked by State Department Bio-weapons Chief Christian Westermann, who said the speech did not accurately reflect intelligence assessments. Bolton "summoned Westermann to his office and berated him ... then tried to have him fired."

4. Bolton dismissed and insulted U.N. intelligence estimates that turned out to be more accurate than those he helped gather. For instance, when IAEA Director Mohamed El Baradei told the United Nations that nuclear experts had found no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Bolton said the report was "impossible to believe." (Recently, Bolton has been a prime mover behind the White House's attempt to get El Baradei fired.)

Bolton has actually fantasized the physical destruction of the organization, saying, "There's no such thing as the United Nations ... If the U.N. secretary building in New York lost 10 stories, it wouldn't make a bit of difference." Surely, Congress should consider Bolton's personal antipathy to the organization for which he has been nominated – it should also consider his first term record.

Please represent our country and not the NEOCON party. The US needs to restore our credibility in the world not trash it any more.

April 08, 2005

Martin O'Malley Demands Fair Pay for Maryland Workers

Tell Governor Ehrlich Its Time for Fair Pay for Maryland Workers

Do you think the minimum wage in Maryland should be raised from $5.15 an hour to $6.15 an hour? Then sign Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley's electronic petition. http://www.martinomalley.com/minimumwage.html

As Mayor O'Malley has said, "It is time for us to step up and do the right thing. It is our moral duty to make sure that decent, hard-working people can earn a decent wage. This increase is justified and overdue."

Doug Duncan on Fair Share Health Care bill

Urgent message from Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan

Dear Friends:

Yesterday we made great progress in the fight to expand health care coverage in Maryland and ensure that everyone pays their fare share of the health care costs in this State. By an overwhelming margin, the Maryland Senate approved the Fair Share Health Care bill, which says that big businesses need to pay their fair share of the costs associated with providing health care to their employees. The House of Delegates has already approved the bill.

More than 700,000 Marylanders have no health insurance, and many more have limited or inadequate coverage. I am proud to have fought both in my County and at the State level for health care reform and efforts to bring down the high costs of prescription medications.

I was an early supporter of the Fair Share Health Care legislation that passed the Senate yesterday, and have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Maryland Citizens Health Initiative, the Service Employees International Union, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, the faith community, responsible business leaders and others fighting for the bill’s enactment. We have made great progress, but still more needs to be done.

Governor Ehrlich is threatening to veto this bill to increase health care coverage for working men and women in our State. I urge you to contact him immediately at 1-800-811-8336 or email him at governor@gov.state.md.us and ask him to sign the Fair Share Health Care bill. No one should have to choose between their medical care and putting food on the table or paying the rent.

Ask the Governor to stand with hard working Marylanders who are struggling to make ends meet, working paycheck to paycheck and are living just one medical catastrophe away from losing it all. Ask the Governor to sign SB 790/HB 1284, the Fair Share Health Care legislation.

Sincerely,

Douglas M Duncan
County Executive

Healthcare, Prescription Drugs, and You

Montgomery County Young Democrats are sponsoring a forum entitled Healthcare, Prescription Drugs, and You

When: Monday, April 18 at 7:30PM

Where: Silver Spring Library
8901 Colesville Road
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
(Click here for directions)

Who: Tom Perez, President Montgomery County Council
Richard Parsons, President & CEO Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
Glenn Schneider, Executive Director Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative / Health Care for All Coalition

Rally on the Supreme Court Steps

Some of our members attened the rally to protest the "nuclear option" - that is the Republican "leadership's" [sic] threat to silence minority opinion and subvert the Constitutional Advice and Consent authority on confirming federal judges by tampering with the Senate's filibuster rules. (For more information, see: http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=17698).

Senate Democratic Leader Reid wrote: Dear Mike,

Keep the Momentum Going! Help stop the GOP power grab by writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper: www.democrats.org/action

Learn more about this important issue and view photos of the Supreme Court rally on our Stop the Abuse of Power website: www.democrats.org/nuclear

Today I stood in front of the Supreme Court and collected more than 1 million petitions from people all across America. Standing there, I heard your voices urging the Senate to reject any attempt to do away with the system of checks and balances our founding fathers created to protect the rights and voices of all Americans.

I want to say thank you for standing up and lending your voice to this debate.

Republicans want to go "nuclear" and turn the Senate into a rubber stamp for President Bush. They want to silence Senate Democrats -- the one remaining check on President Bush's power. If they can do away with debate in the Senate, they can get whatever they want -- right-wing Supreme Court Justices, Social Security privatization, and tax breaks for the wealthy that will plunge us deeper in debt.

But Senate Democrats are going to fight them every step of the way. And this fight will be different than any other fight in the history of the Senate -- because it will include you.

The Republicans are arrogant with power. If they don't like the rules, they break them. If they don't like someone standing in their way, they attack them. We have some Republicans in the Senate that are considering throwing out 200 years of Senate history in order to pack the courts with right wing judges. And we have a Republican Leader in the House of Representatives who attacks judges who don't agree with him and corrupts our government by running roughshod over the ethics committee.

It's a complete abuse of power by the Republicans and if they can get away with this on judges, they will get away with this on legislation like Social Security too. There is no distinction.

This is about more than a few unqualified judges, this is about protecting the rights of disabled Americans to work, the rights of minorities to vote, the rights of every American to have clean air, safe drinking water and be heard in Washington.

Thank you,

Harry Reid
Senate Democratic Leader

Art Fabel's report on the rally:

Rally on the Supreme Court Steps

I borrowed this picture from the People for the American Way's website and posted it in the files section (of the discussion group). This picture is symbolic of many things: 1. People rallying to keep the Supreme Court free from one sided interpretation of the Constitution, 2. The press ignoring Liberal causes, 3. We need more people protesting to become visible, 4. Many organizations coming together for a shared cause, and 5. The power of the internet.

What was very surprising was that there were about 10 television cameras at the event and I don't think it made it to the evening news. The press seemed to give a yawn about the rally on the Supreme Court steps to protest the nuclear option.

So I thought I would add a few more dots on the Internet to say we were there, we care, and we're not giving up. Somewhere in the crowd of that picture were four members of this group: Gina Angiola, Rachael Holstine, Maida Tryon, and Art Fabel. Join us next time!

Election Reform and ANWR boycott

Thanks so much for your continued support of PAC for a Change, and for joining with me to fight for the issues we care about so much.

This week, the Senate is back in session after the Easter recess. With Congress returning to debate some of these issues, I wanted to give you an update on two key online advocacy campaigns we have underway and ask for your help.

(1) Election Reform -- Urge support of the Count Every Vote Act

More than 15,000 people have already emailed their Senators and Members of Congress, urging support of the Count Every Vote Act authored by Senator Hillary Clinton and me.

We must restore the confidence of the American people in our federal elections system -- and this legislation would help to do just that.

So if you haven't already, I encourage you to sign my petition to your elected representatives, urging them to support the Count Every Vote Act. And then invite your friends and family to do the same.

(2) ANWR boycott -- Tell the oil companies to stay out of the Alaskan wilderness

More than 25,000 Americans have already joined with me, appealing to the 5 largest oil companies to stay out of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- even as President Bush and the right-wing Republicans seek to open it up.

Please stand with me and email these oil company CEOs now. Tell them to stay out of the Alaskan wilderness. And ask everybody you know to join us.

Thanks so much for your continued support! I look forward to fighting alongside you on these important issues and many more in the weeks and months ahead.

In Friendship,

Barbara Boxer

Contribute Today!

Paid for by PAC for a Change, www.pacforachange.com, Treasurer Sim Farar, FEC#C00342048. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Action Alerts and Regional Events

Thanks to the Virginia Grassroots Coalition

VGC Action Alerts:

Intern with the Rockridge Institute - http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/aboutus/internships/2005/announcement

Oppose CAFTA, A Flawed Trade Pact. Urge your senators and representatives to oppose the Central American Free Trade Agreement http://www.capwiz.com/thenation/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=6825116

A Whole BUNCH of Action Alerts on PDAmerica. http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/home/

Check out the American Progress daily email. It WILL make you angry. http://www.americanprogressaction.org/

No Draft. http://www.nodraftnoway.org

Regional Events:

Saturday, April 9, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Honors DNC Chairman Howard Dean.At the 16th Annual Leadership Awards. VIP Reception at 6:30 pm / General Reception at 7 pm /Program at 8 pm, Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street NW. Sign up and become a sponsor today to be listed on the invitation for this not-to-be-missed event. Go to www.thetaskforce.org/awards or contact Task Force National Events Manager Clayton Yeung at (202) 393-5177 ext.8742 OR cyeung@theTaskForce.org.

Tuesday, April 19^th, Civic Dialogue Project: National Dialogue on Social Security. Find one near you! http://www.wellstone.org/network/issue_page.aspx?catID=1770

April 30th-May 1st - DFA Training in Charlottesville -www.democracyforvirginia.com or Jeanbee6@netscape.net

June 1st - 3rd - Take Back America 2005, A Progressive Conference in Washington, DC - www.ourfuture.org

Weekly Reader and Fun Stuff

Democracy Arsenal. http://www.democracyarsenal.org/

Energy Insanity. www.alternet.org/columnists/story/21622

Dark and Weird.http://www.ctheory.net/text_file.asp?pick=449

Illiberal Conservative Media. http://media.eriposte.com/

Who Wins? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3796-2005Mar26.html

Mission Not Accomplished. http://www.missionnotaccomplished.us/

Hypocrisy is NOT pretty. http://www.sptimes.com/2005/03/22/Opinion/Political_opportunism.shtml

On Corporate Social Responsibility. http://hbswk.hbs.edu/specialReport.jhtml?id=4715&t=special_reports

Campus Progress. http://www.campusprogress.org/

The Attack on Unions.http://www.inthesetimes.com/site/main/article/2008/

Minimum Wage. http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&amp;name=ViewWeb&articleId=9310

No Mandate. http://www.nomandate.org/

Debt Slavery.http://www.debtslavery.org/

DeLay in Trouble AGAIN. http://tinyurl.com/48e2j

A living will that works.http://www.sptimes.com/2005/03/27/Columns/Living_will_is_the_be.shtml

Wussies. http://www.inthesetimes.com/site/main/cartoons/wussies/

April 07, 2005

Action Alerts and Regional Events

Thanks to the Virginia Grassroots Coalition

VGC Action Alerts:

Intern with the Rockridge Institute - http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/aboutus/internships/2005/announcement

Oppose CAFTA, A Flawed Trade Pact. Urge your senators and representatives to oppose the Central American Free Trade Agreement http://www.capwiz.com/thenation/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=6825116

A Whole BUNCH of Action Alerts on PDAmerica. http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/home/

Check out the American Progress daily email. It WILL make you angry. http://www.americanprogressaction.org/

No Draft. http://www.nodraftnoway.org

Regional Events:

Saturday, April 9, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Honors DNC Chairman Howard Dean.
At the 16th Annual Leadership Awards. VIP Reception at 6:30 pm / General Reception at 7 pm /Program at 8 pm, Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street NW. Sign up and become a sponsor today to be listed on the invitation for this not-to-be-missed event. Go to www.thetaskforce.org/awards or contact Task Force National Events Manager Clayton Yeung at (202) 393-5177 ext.8742 OR cyeung@theTaskForce.org.

Tuesday, April 19^th, Civic Dialogue Project: National Dialogue on Social Security. Find one near you! http://www.wellstone.org/network/issue_page.aspx?catID=1770

April 30th-May 1st - DFA Training in Charlottesville - www.democracyforvirginia.com or Jeanbee6@netscape.net

June 1st - 3rd - Take Back America 2005, A Progressive Conference in Washington, DC - www.ourfuture.org

Weekly Reader and Fun Stuff

Democracy Arsenal. http://www.democracyarsenal.org/

Energy Insanity. www.alternet.org/columnists/story/21622

Dark and Weird. http://www.ctheory.net/text_file.asp?pick=449

Illiberal Conservative Media. http://media.eriposte.com/

Who Wins? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3796-2005Mar26.html

Mission Not Accomplished. http://www.missionnotaccomplished.us/

Hypocrisy is NOT pretty. http://www.sptimes.com/2005/03/22/Opinion/Political_opportunism.shtml

On Corporate Social Responsibility. http://hbswk.hbs.edu/specialReport.jhtml?id=4715&t=special_reports

Campus Progress. http://www.campusprogress.org/