News about chapter activities of Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) en Thu, 08 May 2008 Thu, 08 May 2008 60 May use with attribution link to http://pdamerica.org/ http://pdamerica.org/ AZ Last weekend I traveled to Phoenix, AZ, for a PDA fundraiser with Norman Solomon at the home of Dan and Sharon O'Neal. It's always great to go to Arizona. It's the cradle of PDA. It was a little house on Bird Lane, and Tim Carpenter welcomed us there four years ago saying, "Welcome to PDA Worldwide Headquarters!" Board Member Joel Segal, one of our first D.C. supporters and senior legislative staffer to Congressman John Conyers, used to chide us for not having a D.C. address, saying it was necessary to have credibility on the Hill. When we started in '04, the Democratic Party was just beginning to feel the western winds. But our starter Arizona address is a great part of our history. It was a harbinger—coming from the left-hand side of the heartland. It is ironic—because the right-wing revolution started in Arizona, with Goldwater, and is in its last hour with the nomination of old-guard Arizona conservative John McCain. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/az-2008-05-08-09-04-05-chapters.php CA One hundred and ten Progressive Democrats of America members and their guests filled the center section of the Nuart Theater in Los Angeles for the premiere of the new Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro film, "Body of War." It was a sold-out house and a very special evening for those lucky enough to have gotten their tickets in advance. The "Body of War" is the story of Tomas Young and his journey from healthy young man from Kansas to broken warrior returning to his country, disillusioned by the lies that sent him to war and a leader who jokes about non-existent "weapons of mass destruction." Tomas begins his new life in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the chest down. Riding in an unarmored Humvee on his first mission into Sadr City, he had been shot above the collarbone. In the front row with us was one man who has lived his life this way since Vietnam--Ron Kovic, author of "Born on the Fourth of July," which became the Oliver Stone movie of the Vietnam generation's war. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ca-2008-04-28-10-14-50-chapters.php CA Progressive Democrats of America held a house party in San Diego on Thursday, April 24, in support of its activism campaign called "Healthcare NOT Warfare." PDA's national campaign is co-chaired by Norman Solomon, author and director of "War Made Easy," narrated by Sean Penn; and activist and actress Mimi Kennedy, PDA’s advisory board chair. The purpose of the event was to support "Healthcare NOT Warfare" and to introduce PDA's endorsed candidates in the San Diego region. PDA national organizers from Washington, D.C., were in attendance, including Vin Gopal, who spoke about PDA's ongoing efforts to move "Healthcare NOT Warfare" to the next level and to plan support for PDA candidates in the June 3 California primary. PDA is building on great success in Maryland, where PDA-endorsed Congressional candidate Donna Edwards handily beat long-term incumbent Al Wynn. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ca-2008-04-27-08-53-53-chapters.php MA The sun shone on more than 300 Obama supporters Saturday afternoon, April 19, in Northampton, Massachusetts. Spirited men, women and children waved banners and signs, carried cardboard images of Barack Obama, and used megaphones, wind flutes and happy smiles to call attention to their candidate. They rallied at the intersection of Main and Pleasant Streets in the busy downtown area. Horns blasted and hands waved from cars, trucks and motorcycles confirming support and enthusiasm for Obama. Rallying Obama supporters from the Pioneer Valley towns was part of a nationwide event to show unified support and a celebration of the Democratic presidential candidate prior to the Pennsylvania primary, April 22. PDA members at this Obama rally distributed fliers to the crowds, spreading the message of "Healthcare NOT Warfare" and urging the passage of H.R. 676, the John Conyers' bill, which guarantees health care for everyone in the U.S. Other PDA volunteers were urging people to call on members of Congress to bring the troops home from Iraq. All were guided to sign the online petition at PDAmerica.org. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ma-2008-04-21-08-48-39-chapters.php NY http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ny-2008-04-20-11-23-38-chapters.php VA April 14, 2008--Retired Air Force Colonel Mike Turner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in the 10th District, is calling on Congressman Frank Wolf to propose an emergency resolution within the next two weeks. This resolution would require President Bush to get Congressional approval before starting another misadventure in the Middle East. A former Middle East policy planner on the Joint Chief's staff for Retired General Wesley Clark, Turner said, “The recent testimony of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker may have unwittingly provided ammunition for President Bush to order a reckless action against Iran that would have dire consequences for our country and for the world.” The proposed resolution would make it an impeachable offense for the President to initiate a conventional or unconventional military operation against Iran without first getting approval by majority vote of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Turner expects his proposal to garner bi-partisan support, and he urges Wolf to reach across the aisle to get this resolution proposed and passed rapidly. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/va-2008-04-15-08-18-16-chapters.php CA

Historic Iraq-Withdrawal Language Added to Party Platform

The California Democratic Party held its annual convention this past weekend in San Jose, and PDA fielded a huge presence there, covering the full spectrum of the political process. From state organizers and PDA-endorsed Congressional candidates to chapter leaders, volunteers and some very special friends, scores of PDA members blanketed the three-day event with banners, flyers, stickers, speeches, platform language-and their influence. One result was some of the strongest movement yet seen in the state party's official stance on withdrawal from Iraq, including support for the repeal of the Authorization to Use Military Force, submitted in a platform amendment written and introduced by PDA members. (See more, below.) Before delegates even entered the convention center's main hall, they were greeted by PDA members handing out flyers and stickers touting our campaign for “Healthcare NOT Warfare” (“HNW”). For those who may have missed the message, a ten-foot-wide color banner displayed the same slogan in the lobby and in the hall, with another banner (courtesy of PDLA) declaring, “Education NOT Incarceration!” [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ca-2008-04-01-16-21-35-chapters.php MA On March 19, 25 to 50 citizens stood in the cold rain outside of Congressman Delahunt's office for a reading of names of U.S. soldiers and Iraqi children who have died in Iraq and to ask for a response to a petition to end war funding. (Text of petition below.) In July '07, Rep. Delahunt had signed a pledge along with Rep. Lynn Woolsey and others to vote only for funding "to carry out a safe and orderly redeployment of our troops." However, Rep. Delahunt's vote in November '07 for the $50 billion in supplemental funding was contrary to this pledge. No response to the petition was forthcoming. Sarah Thacher, Paul Rifkin, Mike Tork, Mike Risch, and Diane Turco attempted to negotiate with Rep. Delahunt on the position to not vote for funding to extend the war. With the help of his staff member Michael Higgins, they negotiated with chief of staff Mark Forest, until 9:30 p.m. Not receiving a direct response to the petition, they stayed the night in the congressional office, sleeping on the floor. The next morning, they spoke directly with Rep. Delahunt. He was unable to make a commitment. The group remained to bear witness for peace and respectfully asked for his reconsideration. At 3:30, another call came in from Rep. Delahunt. Hopeful that he had reconsidered his position, they were disappointed to learn that the call was actually to ask them to leave. Rep. Delahunt suggestion to the peace advocates: “In the best American tradition, why don't you take your protest out on the street?” Their response: “In the best American tradition, we will bear witness to peace right here in this office. The funding for the war needs to end now and we call upon you to vote not to extend war funding.” Police were called in and the four were arrested. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ma-2008-03-27-09-41-38-chapters.php FL

Florida Congressman Honored for Standing Up for the Constitution

On Monday, March 17, at the Deerfield Democratic Club in Broward County Florida Congressman Robert Wexler, who represents the 19th Congressional District of Florida, was honored with the prestigious Backbone Award. Sheldon Packer and Luis Cuevas of Progressive Democrats of America collaborated with the Backbone Campaign to organize the presentation. Rep. Wexler was very pleased to accept the Award. The large and pleasantly surprised crowd of over 100 persons responded with a standing ovation. The Award was presented after Wexler's speech to the group. "He was both eloquent and passionate," said Luis Cuevas of Progressive Democrats of America. "He promised to help enact a universal healthcare bill on the first day of the 2009 Congressional session and vowed to continue to push for impeachment hearings and to bring Dick Cheney to justice," said Cuevas. Wexler was nominated for and awarded the Backbone Award for his leadership in the House Judiciary Committee. The award inscription reads: [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/fl-2008-03-21-08-05-12-chapters.php CA Local PDA chapter Sacramento For Democracy helped kick off PDA's "Healthcare NOT Warfare" tour this weekend. The weekend's events started off Friday evening at local restaurant, Amore Cafe, in Gold River with a book signing by author Norman Solomon on Friday evening. The cafe was abuzz over Norman's appearance on NPR radio earlier that afternoon as well as the prospects of PDA endorsed candidate Bill Durston becoming the next representative of California's Third Congressional District! After the book signing, we headed over to the Cordova Center in Rancho Cordova for the evening's main event. Local musician/activists Paul & Candy Anderson and their Celtic band electrified the crowd with a beautiful and uplifting set of songs before the speakers took the stage. Durston for Congress chief of staff Marilyn Sabin introduced Mimi Kennedy, who was remembered by many for her appearance at the California Secretary of State's office hearings on voting systems in Sacramento a couple of years ago. Mimi gave us a brief history of how PDA was formed and our current strategies. She told us about the "Healthcare NOT Warfare" campaign and asked us to get involved with PDA and with local candidates. She then introduced Norman Solomon. Norman gave an informative and inspiring speech and showed a few clips from his film "War Made Easy" to a visibly moved audience. Norman talked about what a great candidate Bill Durston is and the need to elect real progressives like Bill as our representatives in Congress. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ca-2008-03-12-10-10-16-chapters.php CA On March 6, a crowd of more than 150 people flocked to hear a dynamite line-up of experts on the national healthcare crisis; most stayed to sign up for PDA and take action to make universal single-payer healthcare a reality in California and in the nation. The speakers included: PDA's Advisory Board member and "Healthcare NOT Warfare" co-chair Norman Solomon; Andrew McGuire, the executive director of OneCareNow, grassroots campaign for CA SB 840-single payer plan for CA; Sara Rogers, the senior legislative consultant on health care for CA State Senator Sheila Kuehl, author of SB 840; Stan Gold, local PDA healthcare activist; Mervis Reissig, speaking about PDA and the Progressive Challenge; and PDA's advisory board chair Mimi Kennedy. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ca-2008-03-12-10-04-40-chapters.php MA I had the opportunity to attend a special screening of Chicago 10 on Tuesday night, followed by a Q & A with the film's Director Brett Morgan, and PDA Board member and participant in the events depicted in the film Tom Hayden. The film is a moving re-telling of the events leading up to the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago, and the government's efforts to squash the anti-war movement in the infamous trial that followed. The film combines archival footage of the events and participants, and animated segments that studiously follow the courtroom transcripts. (Cameras were not allowed in the courtroom.) First released at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, it is described as taking a stylized, innovative approach that gives contemporary history a forced perspective. Director Brett Morgan boldly mixes original animation with extraordinary archival footage to explore the buildup to and unraveling of the infamous conspiracy trial. Set to the music of revolution then and now, Chicago 10 is a parable of hope, courage, and challenge as it portrays the struggle of young Americans attempting to confront an oppressive and armed government…their own. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ma-2008-03-08-08-33-52-chapters.php MA On February 20, PDA met with Congresswoman Niki Tsongas of the Massachusetts 5th Congressional district. The congresswoman was hosting a Town Hall meeting to report to the district on her recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan and on legislation she plans to introduce to initiate a withdrawal of U.S. troops. In response to repeated requests from the local PDA chapter, Tsongas met with the PDA delegation at the Acton-Boxborough High School prior to the forum, and we addressed the following issues: The War in Iraq: We pressed her to sign on to the Pledge For Peace campaign pointing out the importance of Congress exercising its “power of the purse” to actually force an end to the war. With eight of the 10 Massachusetts members of the House delegation already supporting the pledge, we argued that this would place her squarely in step with her colleagues and the voters of her district. Tsongas responded by explaining that to date she has supported only those congressional resolutions that have included a timetable for withdrawal, and she has voted against those without one. She indicated that she is committed to this position and will continue to vote accordingly. In something of a surprise move, during the public forum she unveiled legislation that she will be introducing in the current session of Congress that would initiate re-deployment of troops out of Iraq over a six month period, leaving behind only sufficient forces to protect the U.S. embassy. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ma-2008-03-08-07-51-24-chapters.php CA OBAMA: For the past six weeks, we've been organizing Obama phone banks to Texas from Santa Cruz County, California. For the weekend prior to the primary, we planned eight phone banks with 100 volunteers. We had 65 volunteers phoning last weekend and 40 more over Presidents Day weekend. These were the first in the nation into Texas because we have close relationships with the field staff there (formerly in California). Pretty good numbers for volunteers with no office and no campaign budget! A lady phone volunteer, 85 years old, gave me two big hugs and a $100 bill to pay for pizza. [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ca-2008-03-08-07-42-02-chapters.php NY Please come to the Town Hall Meeting: "Is Impeachment Necessary to Protect the Constitution?" on March 9, 2008, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square South, NYC. Speakers: Bruce Fein, Constitutional scholar, former associate deputy attorney general, and Chairman of the American Freedom Agenda Elizabeth Holtzman, a member of the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment of Richard Nixon, and co-author of The Impeachment of George W. Bush: A Practical Guide for Concerned Citizens Scott Horton, Contributor to Harper's Magazine, adjunct professor at Columbia Law School, and member of the board of the National Institute of Military Justice and the Council on Foreign Relations [more] http://pdamerica.org/articles/chapters/ny-2008-02-24-14-17-02-chapters.php