Nobody Can Take Your Place

By Tim Carpenter, PDA National Director

Vol. 2, No. 4--May 11, 2005

The last several weeks have seen tremendously exciting advances as Progressive Democrats of America has worked with our friends and allies to thwart the designs of Bush and his Congressional, corporate counterparts, while striving towards that better, safer, kinder world we all seek to create.

PDA's most important work in the last weeks has been focused on the issue of the Iraq occupation. Working shoulder to shoulder with progressive and Democratic activists over the course of several days, a powerful coalition that included PDA activists passed a resolution at the California State Democratic Convention demanding the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

This convention was the largest gathering of state-party Democrats in the nation, making the passage of this resolution an historic moment of resistance. One week later, a similar resolution was passed in New Mexico, and another resolution demanding a withdrawal from Iraq will be introduced in Virginia on June 18th. Likewise, PDA activists will be at the state party convention in New Hampshire on May 7th, and in Massachusetts on May 13th and 14th, where similar resolutions will be introduced.

To further the push for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, PDA drafted and released a letter to DNC Chairman Howard Dean, asking him to leave aside the "We have to stay in Iraq" rhetoric he recently voiced, and instead lead the Democratic party and the nation in a vigorous and highly public discussion on why, when and how we are to give Iraq back to the Iraqi people and bring our troops home. A petition was attached to this letter, which was sent to the four corners of the activist community. In the first 72 hours after the petition was released, it gathered nearly 3,500 signatures.

PDA activists and allies have met with success in other action areas, as well. The nomination of John Bolton to the post of UN Ambassador was vigorously opposed by a coalition of activists that included PDA, and as of this date, that nomination appears to be in serious jeopardy. The issue is not decided yet, however, and so our work continues every day.

PDA, working hand in hand with Democrats.com, also introduced the DebtSlavery.org website to fight the advocates and influence of the Bankruptcy Bill. The website was introduced during a press conference that featured Rep. Barbara Lee and Rep. John Conyers on April 13th. The coordination of work between PDA and Democrats.com is the basis for effective future activism, and the site itself will be a clearinghouse for information and ideas on how to stop the ruinous effect of that legislation.

Thanks to you, PDA is growing. We have seen 29 new chapters created over the last several weeks, and now enjoy a strong working relationship with over 80 partners and allies. To date, PDA has established chapters in 15 states, and we continue to grow every day. A number of successful PDA fundraisers have also taken place recently. One such fundraiser took place in Los Angeles at the home of PDA Board member Lila Garret. Speakers at this event included author and activist Norman Solomon and Assembly Member Jackie Goldberg. Among those in attendance were James Cromwell, Mimi Kennedy, Ed Asner and Steve Cobble. Another successful fundraiser was organized and put on by local PDA activists Diane Valentino, Mary Carter, Debra Kasden, Greg Gilbert, Mario Romero and Henry Weil. We are deeply grateful for their efforts.

In these last weeks, and especially since the release of our letter and petition to DNC Chairman Dean, we have seen a significant spike in our membership along with several new additions to our list of Sustainers. PDA is indeed growing by the day, and as we gather new members and Sustainers, we also gather momentum and strength.

None of this, no part of this whatsoever, happens without your hard work, steadfast dedication and generous financial support. If you are able, please give to PDA.

We have accomplished so much, and can accomplish so much more, with your help. You are we and we are you, and together we will carry this movement to a better day, a better nation and a better world.

Thank you so much from all of us at PDA.

Tim Carpenter
National Director
Progressive Democrats of America

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