PLEASE FORWARD, LIBERALLY
Frustration at the top, energy from below. I've been doing these e-mail newsletters since 2003 when it was limited to the Draft Clark Campaign. This is the biggest one ever, even without factoring in presidential campaigns (and I'm open to listing events from all of the Dem. campaigns if I get plenty of lead time). It's interesting that despite the stagnation about stopping the war in Congress, there a rising tide of energy for change at the grassroots level -- H. Park.
- Support Gov. Mark Warner for US Senate!
Watch the announcement video! http://www.markwarner2008.com/
- Request for Volunteers from Obama Campaign
Volunteers are needed NOW to help promote Senator Obama's rally in downtown DC on Sept. 18. PLEASE contact Ruthi David rmedavid@aol.com, and cc Kyle at the office at kwatkins@barackobama.com.
- Anti-War Rally Saturday, Sept. 15
The main gathering point for this march/rally is at noon, Sept. 15 in front of the White House. The website for the event is www.sept15.org.
- DC Voting Rights Rally THIS MONDAY 11:00 AM
On Monday, September 17, from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM join DC Vote, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Secretary Jack Kemp, Mayor Adrian Fenty, other elected officials and civil rights leaders as we call on members of the Senate to vote in favor of the DC House Voting Rights Act (S.1257). The bill is scheduled to come to the Senate Floor at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, September 18.
We will gather in front of the Dirksen Senate Office Building at Constitution Avenue, NE and 1st Street, NE at 11:00 AM for a press conference. Immediately following the press event, we will rally to show Senators that it's time to end DC's denial of democracy. Once the rally concludes, DC voting rights supporters will flood Senate Office Buildings distributing educational information on the bill to Senators and staffers. This marks the first time in nearly 30 years that a DC voting rights bill has made it to the Senate Floor for vote. It's crucial that we show Senators that we demand the vote for DC!
- Wes Clark Book Signings in Bailey's Crossroads 9/18 & Downtown DC on 9/20
Come meet Wes Clark at a Book Signing! General Wesley Clark's new book A Time to Lead (with Tom Carhart) is in bookstores. Wes Clark has two book signing appearances in the Washington area.
Tuesday September 18th 7:30PM he will be at Borders Books and Music, 5871 Crossroads Center Way (near intersection of Leesburg Pike Route 7 and Columbia Pike), Baileys Crossroads inside the Beltway in Northern VA. Thursday September 20th 6PM he will be at Barnes & Noble, 555 12th Street NW (corner of 12th and E Streets NW) in Washington DC. For questions or more information, see www.fourstardemocrats.com or contact Florence Upson (a member of Four Star Democrats Grassroots Volunteers) at f.t.upson@comcast.net or 703/243-6434. Also contact Florence Upson if you are interested in gathering with Clark supporters before or after either event.
- September 18 Obama Rally in Downtown DC
Join Sen. Barack Obama & special guests at a rally in Washington DC on Tuesday, September 18 starting at 5:15 PM at the City Center Lot (the old convention center site) at 11th & H St., NW, convenient to many Metro stops including Metro Center. Tickets for this fundraiser are a reasonable $25 and $15 for students, If you have been looking for an affordable fundraising event to attend with the Senator, this is the one. Don't stop at purchasing a ticket for yourself. Spread the word among your friends and colleagues. This is one event that Obama supporters will not want to miss. Experience firsthand the excitement that you've been reading about in the newspapers! https://donate.barackobama.com/...
Immediately Following the rally there will be a Generation Obama happy hour gathering at Clyde's in Chinatown, more info & exact times will be available at the Rally. For more info on Generation Obama contact Jim McBride, genobamadc@gmail.com.
- Join Dan Seals on Tuesday, September 18th, 2007 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Please join Dan Seals, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois' Tenth Congressional District, for a Reception, along with Honorary Co-Chairs House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. 300 Independence Avenue, SE, Washington, DC Requested Contributions: $45 for Young Professionals, $150 for an Individual Help Dan defeat incumbent Republican Mark Kirk in a district that voted for both Al Gore and John Kerry. Dan came close last time and with more help should be able to win in a good Democratic year. For more info... or if you wish to RSVP, contact Kelly Dietrich at kdietrich@dansealsforcongress.com
- Delegate Selection Process Meeting, Tuesday Sept. 18
Want to go to Denver for the 2008 Dem Convention? DC Dem. State Committee Vice-Chair Jeff Richardson will conduct a meeting/workshop to explain the process on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 7:00 PM at the John Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. This meeting is sponsored by the DC Young Democrats.
- Young Voter Pac Celebrity Bartender event, Open Bar, $50, Sept. 19th
In DC, our celebrities are "politicos," so come get a drink (open bar of beer and wine) from one of our previously endorsed candidates and other Democratic leaders who support the youth vote. Buy your ticket today at http://www.youngvoterpac.org/...
Time and Place: Wednesday, September 19, 2007, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Top of the Hill Bar (319 Pennsylvania Ave., SE)
Confirmed bartenders so far are:
Rep. Harry Mitchell, Everyone’s Favorite Teacher, Rep. George Miller, the College Affordability Crusader
Scott Kleeb, the Hot Rancher, Celinda Lake, the Goddess Pollster, John Aravosis, America's Blogger
Host Committee:
Alexandra Acker, Roshanak Ameli-Tehrani, David Burd, Julie Burton, Julia Cohen, Ryan Friedrichs, Ivan Frishberg, Chris Gallaway, Jane Fleming Kleeb, Brooke Lierman, Alexis McGill, Andrew Gillum, Sarah Ingersoll, Parag Mehta, Christine Pelosi, Crystal Strait, Jessy Tolkan, Simone Ward
- Capitol Area Progressive Ambassadors Kick-Off Happy Hour/Networking Event, Wed., 9/19
A new networking group! 6:00-9:30 pm Wed, September 19, at the Capitol Lounge, 229 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Washington, DC (Capitol South Metro).
Sponsored by the Arlington Young Democrats' Capitol Area Progressive Ambassadors (CAPA), join young dems (and the young-at-heart) from VA, DC and MD for another happy hour to get local progressives to socialize, network and build relationships for helping us win back Virginia's General Assembly in 2007 and America's White House in 2008. Please invite your friends!
The purpose of CAPA, which launched in July 2007, is to develop new alliances as well as foster stronger relationships among like-minded organizations in the D.C. metro area to unite us together to further a progressive agenda. If you would like us to add your organization as a co-host and CAPA Member, please let us know. Contact: Sarah Godlewski, 715-379-2511, publicity@arlingtonyoungdems.org
- Monday, Sept. 17 DC Voting Rights Call In Day
From DC Vote: With your outstanding support, we have been pushing for months to get the Senate to take action on the DC House Voting Rights Act. Yesterday, Senator Reid committed to bring the bill up for a vote next Tuesday! Now, we need your help again to ensure Senators hear from their constituents around the country. Your voice of support is critical, and we need you to enlist as many friend and family members as possible to help out too! Please forward this important call to action to your friends and family across the country.
On Monday, September 17, we are holding our second National Call-In Day for DC Voting Rights. Use the toll-free number 1.866.346.3008 between the hours of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT. We want to flood Senate offices with calls from DC voting rights supporters demanding the vote for the nearly 600,000 Americans living in the nation's capital. There is no cost to you or your friends and family to make the phone call.
- Lawyers for Obama Fundraising Breakfast Sept. 19
Attend this special breakfast with Senator Obama on Wednesday, September 19, starting at 8:15 AM at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street, NW. It's a unique opportunity to meet the Senator and hear him speak in an intimate setting. It is a high-dollar event, but associates can attend for $250. Please contact Leanne Bortner at lbortner@nixonpeabody.com for more information.
- Sept. 19 Stein Club 31st Anniversary & Leadership Awards
The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club is the voice of LGBT Democrats in DC. Join the Stein Club at their Anniversary Celebration on Spet. 19, 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Women's National Democratic Club at 1526 New Hampshire Ave., NW, tickets are $75 per person. For more info go to: www.steindemocrats.org
- Drinking Liberally EVERY Thursday, Speaker on Sept. 20
Drinking Liberally meets EVERY Thursday in the back room of Timberlake's, 6:30 to 9, in the back room at Timberlake's (1726 Connecticut Ave NW, north of Dupont Circle). Socialize, network, rant, and converse about what's going on in the country and the world. September 20, we have a guest speaker: Eric Shutt, director of First Freedom First, a foundation supporting religious liberty and separation of church and state. It's a joint project of Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Interfaith Alliance.
http://firstfreedomfirst.org. Check the blog for occasional political blathering and posts about
other events: http://dcdl.org
Spread the word about Drinking Liberally! If you enjoy our events,
tell your friends and get them to subscribe to our announcement list:
http://drinkingliberally.org/...
- Go Local & Support Dem Candidates in Fairfax Sept. 23
Please help turn Virginia Blue. Come to a Northern Virginia Democratic Garden Party
in support of Virginia Senate candidates: Chap Peterson, Janet Oleszek and George Barker
and Delegate Margi Vanderhye. Sunday, September 23rd from 1 to 4, 6811 Queens Brigade Court, Fairfax, RSVP to Drew Kleibrink, 703-204-9622, kleibrink@mindspring.com If you want to support the event but can't make it, go to: www.actblue.com/page/gardenparty
- Join Majority Leader Hoyer & Rep. Rangel for Eric Massa on Sept. 25
One of the best opportunities for a Democratic pickup in 2008 is Eric Massa's race against Bush Rubber Stamp Rep. Randy Kuhl in New York's 29th District. Join Rep's Hoyer, Abercrombie, Crowley, Hall, Higgins, Hinchey, Nadler, Rangel, Sestak, Taylor & Weiner and Co-Hosts John Hlinko, Rick Reidy & John Weinfurter at the home of John Weinfurter, 209 C St., NE, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM on Tuesday, Sept. 25. Tickets start at $250 for individuals. RSVP to Scott Dworkin 202-248-6933 scott@massaforcongress.com. In 2006 Massa came within 2% of beating Kuhl and he has real momentum in 2007 as the choice of the DCCC and all Democratic Committees in the District.
- DC Democrats Debate Watch Party on Sept. 26 on Capitol Hill
Join the DC Democratic State Committee as Democratic Candidates debate in New Hampshire on the evening of Sept. 26 at Martys, 527 8th St., SE, near the Eastern Market Metro. A $20 donation includes a buffet dinner. Join us!
- ROAD TRIP Work for Barack Obama in South Carolina on Sept. 28 & 29
DC for Obama, Generation Obama, DC Young Lawyers for Obama, Students for Obama join other Obama supporters in one of the places where it matters most, in South Carolina. The TENATIVE UNCOMFORMED schedule is that our charter bus will leave from Union Station about 4:00 PM on Friday, Sept. 28 and leave for the return trip to DC the afternoon of the next day, Saturday, Sept. 29. Space, on a free or very low-cost basis is available. Basic accommodations are available (think floor bring your sleeping bags!) for free. THE SCHEDULE IS NOT YET CONFIRMED. For further info contact Jan at mail2jec@gmail.com or Howard hpark4@aol.com, 202-544-6262. This trip will be just over a day in length but will go a long way toward kicking off the statewide canvassing program in South Carolina. SC is a crucial state and there is lots to be done there!
- Work for Barack Obama in New Hampshire anytime, esp. the weekend of October 19
Volunteers are needed anytime and all the time for the crucial New Hampshire primary effort for Barack Obama. If you have a few weeks to spare this fall you can be placed in positions throughout New Hampshire on an individual basis. If you have ANY interest in independent travel to New Hampshire to work with the Obama Campaign contact Brian Sullivan, bsullivan@barackobama.com.
The next group trip to New Hampshire from the DC area is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 19. We especially need drivers! Although there are several transportation options, a few car owners can really step up to make this trip a big success. Some basic accommodations may be available for free. For more information about the planned Oct. 19 trip contact Howard Park at hpark4@aol.com, 202-544-6262.
- Yes, Virginia, there is another election THIS November
Now is the time for you to act and help Turn Virginia Blue!
Recently, the volunteers who launched the Draft Jim Webb campaign and led the volunteer efforts for Sen. Webb's landmark victory, created DEMPAC: Virginia Democrats for an Enduring Majority PAC. A new organization for Democratic volunteers, DEMPAC is working closely with the Democratic Party of Virginia, local Democratic candidates, blogs like Raising Kaine, and volunteers from across Virginia to get you what you need to make a difference in November. Over the next two months, DEMPAC will provide you with information about the campaigns, events and activities closest to you, and, most importantly, what help is needed to ensure victory to your local Democratic candidates.
For now, please take a few minutes to get familiar with some of the most competitive races this year.
Senate Candidates: http://www.youroots.org/...
House Candidates: http://www.youroots.org/...
Don't forget: Local races affect state-wide elections! In 2001, with Republicans controlling the Virginia Legislature, they were able to gerrymander Virginia's congressional districts so effectively that they now represent us 8-3 in Congress. By retaking control of the Senate and House of Virginia, Democrats will control the redistricting process in 2011, and can restore balance to our great commonwealth.
Your time, effort, money and dedication, this year will help to transform Virginia and send a powerful message to the nation that the time for change is now. Expect to hear from us soon, and in the meantime, get ready to Turn Virginia Blue!
- Young Lawyers for Obama South Carolina Trip Sept. 28-29
Are you interested in walking door-to-door in a key early state? If so, join other members of DC-YLFO and other Obama supporters in DC as we head to South Carolina the last weekend in September (tentatively Friday, Sept 28-Saturday, Sept 29). Details are still being finalized, but email Scott Pluta at SPluta@winston.com if you are interested in participating!
- www.stopthedcestablishment.com (from blogger Matt Stoller of www.openleft.com)
David Petraeus is full of it. It's just that simple. Anyone, Democrat, Republican, or reporter who believes him or votes to appropriate one cent of money without binding withdrawal timelines is enabling an occupation of Iraq until at least 2009, and probably beyond.
Blogger and author Glenn Greenwald has made an excellent video that details this travesty. He expresses the contempt many of us feel at the barren standards of Beltway journalism and the craven behavior of political leaders from both parties in the whole Iraq debacle, of which this Petraeus testimony is just a sideshow. Please watch it, and sign the petition to express your disgust towards the Washington establishment: http://stopthedcestablishment.com/
Petraeus's testimony is irrelevant to an appropriately skeptical public that already voted for an end to this war in 2006. It is instead a justification for elites to keep a large American force occupying Iraq. The only recourse is a democratic one, where the people themselves resolve to take their country back. Please watch this video, sign the petition, and send it onward:
- DC for Democracy Meetup are the first Wednesday of every month...
at 7:00 PM at historic & delicious Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, DC at 1210 U St., NW. At the next Meetup, on Oct. 3, I believe that DC for Democracy members will vote on a Presidential endorsement. DC for Democracy is DC's largest progressive political group and works on both local and national issues, especially DC voting rights & stopping the war. DC for Democracy is the local chapter of Democracy for America, founded by Howard Dean.
- DC For Obama Meetups the second Wednesday of EVERY month
Free...DC for Obama meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the upstairs room of the Hawk & Dove, 329 Pennsylvania Ave., SE.
- Young Lawyers for Obama Chapter starting in VA & MD
We are currently starting up our statewide Virginia YLFO chapter, and continuing to build our presence in Maryland. If you live in Virginia and would like to get involved there, or know others who would (anywhere in the state), please contact or have them contact Christina Carroll at cycarroll@gmail.com. If you are interested in getting more involved in YLFO in Maryland, contact Ryan Spiegel at rspiegel@winston.com.
FALL POLITICAL DINNER DEPARTMENT
- Moving Virginia Forward Gala with Gov. Tim Kaine on Sept. 25
Virginia Democrats will hold a Celebration Gala on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, 7:00 PM. YIP Reception at 6:00 PM. Democratic Grassroots Activists ($75) receive one ticket to the General Reception. Friends ($1,000) receive one ticket to both events. For more info go to www.movingvirginiaforward.com
- Maryland Dem. Party Gala on October 1
The Maryland Dem. Party's "One Maryland" Dinner will be on Oct. 1 with Keynote Speaker Gov. Martin O'Malley at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, MD. Tickets start at $250. For more into go to www.mddems.com or call 410-269-8818.
- Save the Date: Oct. 24 for DC Dems Kennedy-King Gala
The DC Democratic Party will hold its 24th Kennedy - King Awards Gala on the evening of Wednesday, October 24 with Mayor Adrian Fenty, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton and special guests to be announced. Gala Co-Chairs are Jan Eichhorn & The Hon. William Lightfoot. Proceeds of the Gala will be used to promote participation in the Feb. 12, 2007 Chesapeake DC/MD/VA Presidential Primary and publicizing & conducting the Jan. 19 DC Pre-Primary Caucus. For more info please contact Jan Eichhorn at 202-547-8855 Jan Eichhorn2@aol.com
- Save the Date: Latinos for Obama Happy Hour, Oct. 2
Meet fellow Obama supporters, especially from the Latino Community, at a Happy Hour, Tuesday, October 2
Rosa Mexicano Restaurant, 575 7th St, NW, Penn Quarter, DC, starting about 6:30 PM, no charge other than your tab! www.rosamexicano.info
- Democrat Donna Edwards Debates Libercrat Rep. Al Wynn 10/10 in Largo.
Meet a real Democrat, the inspiring Donna Edwards, on 10/10 in a debate sponsored by the Greater Marlboro Democratic Club at the Largo - Kettering Public Library, 9601 Capital Lane in Largo. Democrat Donna Edwards is challenging Rep. Al "Bush Dog" Wynn.
- DC GREEN FESTIVAL, Washington DC Convention Center, SAT & SUN, OCT. 6-7
You want to be green, but you have questions. Will renewable energy help improve biodiversity? Does buying fair trade really make a difference? How can I tell if a company is honestly green? What can I do to support positive change in my own community?
At Green Festival you'll find real answers...Check out our Film Festival covering important issues of social and economic justice and environmental responsibility from around the world. Experience all things green at the DC Environmental Pavilion. And find out how to make your home eco-friendly and help stop global warming through the Green Home Series. Speakers include...Frances Moore Lappe – Dr. Helen Caldicott - Hunter Lovins - Amy Goodman - Jim Hightower - Vicki Robbin - Thom Hartmann - Bill McKibben Timberly Whitfield Medea Benjamin – Kevin Danaher - Alisa Gravitz - Wendy Rieger – Warren Brown – Karen Johns – Michael Dorsey and 100 other visionary leaders....
Special Attractions include . . .
Hands-on workshops include Green Careers - Community and Social Investing - Greening Your Home & Office - Yoga Studio - Responsible Travel - Green Technology and Building – Solar Installations and Green Renovations
And don't miss the Organic Valley Kids’ Zone - Organic Beer and Wine Garden - Organic Dining - Green Festival Bookstore - Live Music Stage - Community Action Area - Film Festival
All at a nearly zero waste event! Your all-inclusive weekend admission pass is just $15.00! Order your tickets online at www.greenfestivals.org Discounts for seniors, union members, and students FREE – Children under 12
- Help Young Lawyers for Obama Organize in MI, AK,NM & OK
As many of you know, YLFO is a national organization with chapters from coast to coast. As of now, we have a presence in over 40 cities nationwide, including the 4 early primary and caucus states and almost all of the February 5 states. Our goal is to recruit coordinators to build chapters to help the campaign in all February 5 states by the end of this month, though, and we’re still looking for attorneys in Alaska, Michigan, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. If you know of anyone in those states – either an attorney who might be interested or someone who might know such an attorney – please email Jamie Long at jmlong@law.gwu.edu.
- Richardson Wants YOU in Iowa
The Bill Richardson Campaign seeks staff in Iowa. Send your resume to: richardson.iowa@gmail.com
List Housekeeping
- Want us to publish your notice? Please send me (Howard Park hpark4@aol.com) the information as far ahead of time as possible. It is much better to send simple "cut & pasteable" copy NOT attachments. This newsletter is a volunteer enterprise and is published on an irregular basis. We are not able to publicize events on short notice.