Arizona State News

Vol. 1, No. 3--November, 2004

For more information on the Arizona Democratic Progressive Caucus, email Connections@AzProgressive.us!

On October 5th the Arizona Democratic Progressive Caucus held its latest meeting in Phoenix. The agenda covered how we could participate with the coalition of Arizona activists to support the various events planned for Oct. 9-13. The event--billed as Democracy for Change--was a rousing success. Members from Tucson, Phoenix and Scottsdale areas worked with the coalition and Code Pink representatives from Los Angeles.

Also at the State meeting, AzDPC discussed the November 13th-14th post-election Forum as well as member recruitment and the plans to create a more autonomous organizational structure. It was unanimously decided that the cementing of specific duties and positions (to be renewed by election in 2007) would be an effective way to create a firm organizational structure.

The membership is growing by leaps and bounds and it is expected that after the efforts of those involved in the presidential campaign are complete, many more will join and participate.

A meeting was held with the Governor's office to pull together support for the November 13th meeting. After a robust conversation, it was decided that it may be more appropriate for us to tackle the issues we would like to see on the drawing board for future concentration rather than depend on the more moderate party structure within the state. It may take a bit of progressive spark to move the more conservative members of the Democratic Party toward progressive ideas and stands. We are firmly committed to that end, and look forward to working with other states to form a more united progressive coalition. We (the states) are the grass roots ground force and we look to the leadership within the PDA to be the glue to hold it together and to be the communication and support tool. A great deal of work will need to be done to keep the vision alive. We must be calm, patient and resolute. The keys to success will be honesty and integrity built around nonviolent communications and strong negotiations.

Highlights of the last month.
Amy Goodman, host of Democracy Now! came to Tucson, Yuma and Phoenix. AzDPC was instrumental in her visit. Thanks to Sherry and Thom Bohlen for making it happen in Phoenix. On Oct. 10th AzDPC volunteers joined others to create a War Memorial of over a 1000 crosses representing our fallen troops in Iraq. Details should be on our Web site soon. It was an incredible tribute. Twice during the memorial students came up to identify their brothers who died and engraved on crosses their names. Of the hundreds who passed by there was an honest trail of tears and it was covered by the press.

Working with Code Pink we established a 200+ person line on University Blvd. and again got press coverage of the demonstration. We also participated in a peaceful march, gathering behind the CNN stage at ASU hollering "Pink Slip Bush" until the Young Student Republicans gasped in desperation. The march was surrounded and directed by Phoenix Police on Horseback, motorcycle, bike and foot patrols. They were courteous, although definitely an intimidating presence.

One of the highlights was a Forum on the 12th on the ASU campus with Medea Benjamin (Founder and Director of Global Exchange and Code Pink), Fernando Suarez del Solar (whose son died in Iraq), Michael Hoffman (ex-Marine who was in Iraq in 2003 and founded Veterans against the Iraq War) and Norman Soloman (syndicated columnist and author).

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