Join the " Brown Bag Lunch Vigils!
Join the "Healthcare NOT Warfare" campaign!
Click here for the Congressional Schedule
Inside/Outside Update
PDA Staff Report
September 28th, 2005
A review of a powerful weekend of dissent, community, planning, and solidarity.
PDA staff, volunteers and activists have just returned from DC after participating in a series of events ranging from meetings at the Congressional Black Legislative Forum, to strategic planning for the '06 elections. PDA activists gathered with over 500,000 Americans to protest the Bush policies regarding the Iraq war. Also, PDA activists filled the halls of Congress on Monday with over 1,000 activists who booked over 400 appointments with members of Congress in a joint effort in support of UFPJ's lobby day. It was simply a powerful, historic weekend. Your voices were there. We thank you for your support. This weekend would not have been possible without you. Below are several accounts of the events and updates of where we go now.
A Grassroots Organizer's Perspective: PDA Strategy Day
By Mike Hersh
September 25, 2005-- In the wake of the march that seized the streets of our Nation's Capitol September 24th, Progressive Democrats of America activated and trained hundreds of members and guests at a National Strategy Conference Sunday, September 25th. We began with an Interfaith Service led by Dr. James A. Nelson, Reverend Gerry Straatemeier, Reverend Lennox Yearwood, Rabbi Michael Lerner, and Nicoli Bailey. Mimi Kennedy, star of "Dharma and Greg" and the Chair of PDA's Board, hosted a breakfast for participants to honor PDA's Grassroots Leadership.
Cindy Sheehan electrified us with her call for peace and a report of her discussions with top Democrats demanding they start leading the U.S. out of Iraq. Incredible speakers followed, including key members of the House Progressive Caucus;...[read more]
PDA Activists Pass Resolution on Katrina
At the Grassroots Strategy Day the PDA Alliance breakout session organized with other activists to present a resolution demanding action around the issue of the Katrina aftermath. The resolution called for:
- 1. Reconstruction of the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina shall be complete and must include respect for the culture and heritage of the city of New Orleans and of the region.
- The evacuees must have meaningful, complete, and respected participation in the planning, execution, and decision making regarding reconstruction of the city of New Orleans and of the region.
- The Reconstruction shall uphold, respect, and follow current labor and other laws, specifically the Davis Bacon Act, affirmative action laws, civil rights laws, environmental regulations and laws, fair employment and houisng laws, and act in all ways in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act.
- All evacuees must retain the right to full voting participation in the areas affected.
We, as PDA staff, will carry this message from the grassroots into our future actions. Stay tuned for updates regarding this issue.
On Monday morning, Will Pitt wrote about the PDA weekend events
Sunday 25 September 2005-- My ears are still ringing from the roars that blasted up and down the streets of Washington DC yesterday, roars of joy and rage and defiance and strength. My ears are still ringing from the roars of the majority, which showed up in strength and in numbers that made history. C-SPAN pegged the crowd at 500,000 people. Having been there, having marched in the midst of it, having stood upon the hill beneath the Washington Monument to gaze down on the majesty of that majority, I think that number is just about right. [read more]
PDA Board Chair, Mimi Kennedy, leads a California PDA Delegation through the halls of Congress. - Photo by Greyling GentryPDA'ers help make UFPJ's Lobby Day a Success
By Mike Hersh
This is what democracy looks like, Progressive Democrats of America and United for Peace and Justice style. PDA, UFPJ, and a host of progressive allies issued a call to arms, and at least 800 citizen lobbyists from 40 states answered. Activists, almost all still in D.C. from the mobilization on September 24th, walked the corridors of power demanding their Representatives and Senators stand up against the occupation of Iraq, and in support of legislation against permanent military bases and "sweetheart deals" the Administration has planned. [read more]
Did You Take Action This Weekend?
If so, please send your video footage, photos, and/or stories to . We would love to hear your experience.
PDA activists have come away with many questions as to how to capitalize on the powerful energy created this weekend. More emails will come in the next few days with further details. But below are some next steps what we hope you will support.
PDA Announced First National Endorsement for Congress
Progressive Democrats of America is thrilled and honored to announce that we have officially endorsed a progressive candidate, Steve Young, in his race for California's 48th Congressional district. More details on this extraordinary and exciting candidate will be forthcoming in the next few days. This endorsement, the first of more to come from PDA as the '06 campaign season gets closer, was presented at the incredible grassroots strategy session that took place on Sunday, Sept. 25th, in Washington DC. The election is only days away, so we encourage everyone to visit Young's web site to learn more, offer support and donate. [read more]
PDA Supports New Bills after Black Forum Briefing
Rep. Barbara Lee came to PDA's Grassroots Strategy day to advocate two bills which she has put forward. H.Con.Res. 234 demands that Bush address the real issues of poverty in America. She has asked PDA activists to write to their members of congress and ask for support of this bill. We have updated our action center to include this as one of our priorities. Click here to take action.
In addition, after several staffers and advisors to PDA met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus during their 35th Annual Legislative Forum on the 23rd of September, it has become very clear that we must work to support legislation calling for a National Election Day Holiday. PDA has always remained consistent in this stance, however has not seen a bill solely supporting a holiday until now. This may generate bipartisan support. PDA supports H.R.63. Please take action here.
Finally, our campaign continues to advocate for no permanent military bases in Iraq. Each PDA activist on the Hill on Monday asked their member of Congress to stand with Rep. Lee regarding H.Con.Res. 197. Rumor has is, with our actions on Monday, we may get support from some Republicans on this, thanks to the Arizona PDA delegation!
Support around Carter/Baker Dissent - PDA Supports FairVote Statement
FairVote Statement: Carter Baker Commission Stirs Controversy the September 19th release of recommendations by a reform commission headed by Jimmy Carter and James Baker met with mixed reactions and concerns from some election reformers about photo identification requirements at the polls, and something like a dull thud in Congress.
FairVote applauds the commission for its endorsement of a more inclusive presidential primary schedule, high school civic education, nonpartisan elections officials, verified voting and articulating the goal of universal voter registration. But the report falls short in the breadth of its recommended reforms. It stays silent on essential reforms like direct election of the president, redistricting reform, proportional voting systems and instant runoff voting. Moreover, the report turns away from the ideal of nationwide standards for running federal elections founded on a constitutional right to vote, instead accepting the familiar state-by-state patchwork of rules.
FairVote's Executive Director Rob Richie was an academic advisor to the commission.
[Visit the Commission's website]
[Read a dissent by one of the Commission members, Spencer Overton]
Click here to subscribe to this newsletter, or to invite your friends or family to subscribe.
