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Washington, D.C.-– There is good news and forward movement to report following Progressive Democrats of America's (PDA) successful National Strategy Day in Washington, D.C. on September 25 and PDA's participation in the National Lobbying Day on September 26. Perhaps nothing is more symbolic of the movement's progress than Senator Kerry's recent pronouncement on troop withdrawal from Iraq. We think the Kerry speech is a good step, especially in the context of the appalling silence of other Senate Democrats. It will not satisfy the "out now" demand nor should we stop putting on the pressure, but at least it says "out soon." The demand for 20,000 troops out by Christmas is good and will prevent Bush from taking total credit if it happens. PDA hopes the Senator will follow the lead of Rep. Woolsey and call for Senate hearings on an exit strategy from Iraq.
I wanted to let you know I have just returned from a very productive trip to Washington D.C., where I traveled the halls of Congress with PDA Advisory Board member Joe Libertelli. We met with Reps. Woolsey, Watson, Conyers, and Lee's offices and the staff of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. We also met with leaders from Peace Action, United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), CodePINK, and AfterDowningStreet.org. As a result of these meetings, we are close to formally announcing the PDA National Advisory Board. Please take a look at the PDA Board web page where you will find the names of Congress members Conyers, Watson, and Woolsey, as well as nearly two dozen other progressive stalwarts, including Medea Benjamin, Tom Hayden, Butch Wing, Gary Flowers, John Bonifaz, Joel Segal, Acie Byrd, Rev. Yearwood, and others. We will introduce the Advisory Board to the media and the progressive community at a press briefing and fundraiser to be held in Washington, D.C. on November 15.
As a further direct result of PDA's meetings last week and of PDA's National Strategy Day planning efforts, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) plans to introduce legislation to cut the funding for the Iraq war. Last week, Rep. David Price (D-NC) put forward a "Troop Withdrawal Plan from Iraq" (H.J.Res.70). Also under consideration are Rep. Dennis Kucinich's (D-OH) "Homeward Bound" legislative proposal (H.J.Res.55) and Rep.Barbara Lee's (D-CA) "No Permanent Bases in Iraq" legislation (H.Con.Res.197). We will continue to speak out and lobby Congress for passage of these legislative efforts to end the occupation of Iraq. To support these efforts, please click on the links above or go here.
In addition to this important work, PDA will be at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) meetings in Phoenix, Arizona in early December. We will begin our inside/outside strategy around the DNC. We plan to have a reception for all PDA activists on site, Thursday, December 1. The following afternoon, we will begin to organize an unofficial progressive caucus of DNC members. Alongside these events, we will be hosting trainings for PDA activists on Saturday, December 3 in Phoenix. This will be the first of many DNC/PDA actions. Come stand vigil with our sisters from CodePINK outside the hotel and take part in the revolution that is happening inside the hotel as well as within the DNC. For more information on these events, contact , PDA Deputy Director.
So what more do we need to do to build the progressive movement?
First, help build and join PDA chapters in your region, which are the foundation of our entire PDA movement. If you are not a chapter member, or want help in forming an effective PDA chapter, please visit: http://pdamerica.org/orgs/findstate.php. Go to your state's page and you'll find contact information.
Second, we must each personally challenge PDA members to help find PDA sustainers. Although PDA is a lean and efficient organization, we still need nearly $20,000 each month to maintain even our streamlined operations. These operations are here to support the chapters and their work. By helping sustain this organization, you are helping sustain your work on the ground. You can do so here: https://www.pdamerica.org/donate.php
We are grateful for everything each of you contributes toward the realization of new models for achieving local, national, and global security and for the funding of health and education programs, the provision of full and meaningful employment, and an end to war and poverty for all people. This work requires financial support from committed individuals like you. Please make an online contribution. Together we will take back control and redirect the resources of our government.
Thank you so much for your continued support.
In peace,
Tim