Thursday, December 31, 2009

University of DC Justice Cafe' January 8th 6 to 10 p.m.

University of DC Justice Cafe' January 8th 6 to 10 p.m.
(It's OK to come after work, dinner will be served!)

Cosponsored by Progressive Democrats of America!
Music by local performers! Food by Kit's Catering!
Poetry, Beer, Wine, Tabling, Progressive Networking!

Univ. of DC Firebird Inn
Building 39, B-Level - 4200 Conn. Ave NW
Just above the Van Ness/UDC Metro (red line)
See: http://www.udc.edu/campus_map.htm

Suggested donation $15 / $10 students / $5 kids.
No one turned away for lack of donation.
All ages event. Child activities powered by kids!

Performers, Showcase your talents!
Organizations, Get Free Tabling!
Contact mikehersh2007@gmail.com

Live performers:
* Poetry by Split This Rock Poetry Festival: http://www.splitthisrock.org/
* LaPret premieres two all-new singles, "Play My Mind" and "Everything I
Want" plus other songs from his upcoming solo Debut EP "2010: FASHION of
ATTRACTION" in stores everywhere April 13, 2010. Official Site:
http://www.LaPret2010.com
* Wynne Paris (of Wynne Paris and Groovananda), "a world beat
artist/producer and musician who has spent the last decade devoted to an
emerging genre of spiritual music: Yoga music and Kirtan. Wynne's
artistic sound is derived from 20 years of musical adventures and
spiritual experiences." Official Site: http://www.wynneparis.com/
* Mike Bowers, Singer/Songwriter and UDC law student will mix the music
and perform favorites for voice and guitar. Official Site:
http://mdbmusic.com/
* More performers expected.
Want to perform? Contact: mikehersh2007@gmail.com

Current list of tablers:
* Witness Against Torture
* Pax Christi DC-Baltimore
* Free Massage by Lisa Bregman
* David A. Clarke School of Law
* Progressive Democrats of America
* Gray Panthers of Washington, DC
* Author Wilfredo Bohorquez
* The Wendt Center
* Split This Rock Poetry Festival
* Democratic Socialists of America
* More to come!

Organizations: Reserve your free table! Contact: mikehersh2007@gmail.com
Hosted by the University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School
of Law
Upcoming Cafes: Feb 5th, March 5th, April 2nd--plan to be there!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Please share this notice with your DC-area friends!

Please share this notice with your DC-area friends!

The next UDC Justice Cafe' is less than 2 weeks away!
Cosponsored by Progressive Democrats of America!
Music by local performers! Food by Kit's Catering!
Poetry, Beer, Wine, Tabling, Progressive Networking!
Friday, January 8th 6-10 pm

University of DC Firebird Inn
Building 39, B-Level - 4200 Conn. Ave NW
Just above the Van Ness/UDC Metro (red line)
See: http://www.udc.edu/campus_map.htm

Suggested donation $15 / $10 students / $5 kids.
No one turned away for lack of donation.
All ages event. Child activities powered by kids!

Live performers:

* LaPret premieres two all-new singles, "Play My Mind" and "Everything I Want" plus other songs from his upcoming solo Debut EP "2010: FASHION of ATTRACTION" in stores everywhere April 13, 2010. Official Site: http://www.LaPret2010.com Join LaPret's official FB group: http://www.facebook.com/LaPret

* Wynne Paris (of Wynne Paris and Groovananda), "Wynne’s artistic sound is derived from 20 years of musical adventures and spiritual experiences."  Available for purchase from CD Baby.com, Amazon.com, Itunes and other fine online retailers. Official Site: http://www.wynneparis.com/

* Mike Bowers, Singer/Songwriter and UDC law student will mix the music and perform favorites for voice and guitar.  Official Site: http://mdbmusic.com/

* More Performers Wanted! Contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com

Current list of tablers:
* David A. Clarke School of Law
* Progressive Democrats of America
* Free Massage by Lisa Bregman (tips appreciated)
* Gray Panthers of Washington, DC

Organizations: Reserve A Free Table!
Contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com to sign up!

Hosted by the University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School of Law

Upcoming Cafes: Feb 5th, March 5th, April 2nd

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Happy holidays from Progressive Democrats of America/Maryland!

Happy holidays from Progressive Democrats of America/Maryland!
We've got three great events coming up and a serious agenda for 2010

1. New Years' Party at Busboys and Poets December 31, 2009 10 PM
2. PDA Montgomery County Meeting Wednesday, January 6, 2010 7:30 PM
3. UDC Justice Cafe' Friday, January 8, 2010 6-10 PM
4. PDA resolves to advance our Progressive Agenda in 2010

--------------------

1. New Years' Party at Busboys and Poets!

Busboys and Poets is ringing in the New Year by hosting two parties for
the price of one. Come and party with a purpose, among friends and
like-minded progressives! PDA is a co-sponsoring organization. Make sure
you indicate your support for PDA when you order your ticket(s) here:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/91774

For just $65 (plus tax and tip=Total Price $76.70) enjoy an open bar all
night, party favors, 2 of the DMV's hottest DJs (DJ Underdog and DJ Oso
Fresh), lavish hors doeuvres, dancing all night, a midnight champagne
toast to usher in 2010 and a free party bus for transportation between
our two DC locations--2 parties for the price of one! AND...$10 of your
admission will go to a co-sponsoring nonprofit organization of your choice.

December 31, 2009 10 PM to January 1, 2010 2 AM
Busboys and Poets 2021 14th Street NW and 1025 5th St NW Washington, DC
20009
More info: 202-332-6432 http://www.busboysandpoets.com
events@busboysandpoets.com

PDA is a co-sponsoring organization. Make sure you indicate your support
for PDA when you order your ticket(s) here:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/91774

--------------------

2. PDA Montgomery County, MD Chapter Meeting
Wednesday, January 6, 2010 7:30 PM

Agenda: Progressive Coalition Meeting to plan future events and actions
Saigonese Restaurant, 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
Public Transportation: Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902

We're focusing efforts on making progress in our county and state on
Healthcare, the Environment, Education, Labor, Transportation, Energy
and other issues. We're building up our coalition and lobby efforts on
the state and national level, planning special events, forming a
steering committee, and working on meetings with elected officials, and
other organizations.

--------------------

3. UDC Justice Cafe' Friday, January 8th 6-10 PM
(It's OK to come after work, dinner will be served!)

Cosponsored by Progressive Democrats of America!
Music by local performers! Food by Kit's Catering!
Poetry, Beer, Wine, Tabling, Progressive Networking!

Univ. of DC Firebird Inn
Building 39, B-Level - 4200 Conn. Ave NW
Just above the Van Ness/UDC Metro (red line)
See: http://www.udc.edu/campus_map.htm

Suggested donation $15 / $10 students / $5 kids.
No one turned away for lack of donation.
All ages event. Child activities powered by kids!

Live performers:

* LaPret premieres two all-new singles, "Play My Mind" and "Everything I
Want" plus other songs from his upcoming solo Debut EP "2010: FASHION of
ATTRACTION" in stores everywhere April 13, 2010. Official Site:
http://www.LaPret2010.com

* Wynne Paris (of Wynne Paris and Groovananda), "a world beat
artist/producer and musician who has spent the last decade devoted to an
emerging genre of spiritual music: Yoga music and Kirtan. Wynne's
artistic sound is derived from 20 years of musical adventures and
spiritual experiences." Official Site: http://www.wynneparis.com/

* Mike Bowers, Singer/Songwriter and UDC law student will mix the music
and perform favorites for voice and guitar. Official Site:
http://mdbmusic.com/

More performers expected. Want to perform? Contact: mikehersh@mikehersh.com

Current list of tablers:
* David A. Clarke School of Law
* Progressive Democrats of America
* Gray Panthers of Washington, DC

More to come! Organizations: Reserve your free table! Contact:
mikehersh@mikehersh.com

Hosted by the University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School
of Law

Upcoming Cafes: Feb 5th, March 5th, April 2nd

--------------------

4. PDA resolves to advance our Progressive Agenda in 2010

In 2010, PDA will continue waging our strategic 'inside-outside' fight
for progressive change--end both wars, single-payer health care for all,
immigration reform, fair elections, serious climate change legislation.

We resolve to press state and national Democratic Parties to end the
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, push single-payer health care for
everyone, champion immigration reform, work for fair and accurate
elections, and struggle against climate change. This is still a
potential progressive change moment, and PDA wants to make the most of it.


Wishing you and yours a healthy, progressive new year!

Mike Hersh for PDA

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Tune in Tuesdays from 7-8 PM on 89.3 WPFW FM Republican takeover in Congress?

From our friend Garland Nixon: "Does anyone really believe that a
Republican takeover in Congress will make things better?"

Hi all,

I co-host a radio talk show on Tuesdays from 7-8 PM on 89.3 WPFW FM with
two guys who are just about as crazy as me.

It's a 50,000 watt station so you can pick it up pretty far out. The
show is called Dialogue (AKA "The Raucous Caucus")

Please tune in or listen streaming online here:
http://www.wpfw.org/index.php?db=content/WPFW_Radio&tbl=WPFW_Radio&id=1

Call in at 202-588-0893

The show is dynamic (funny, crazy, and pretty wild) and I think you will
find tonight's topic quite interesting.

TONIGHT'S SHOW: How Soon We Forget: One year after the monumental
disaster that was Republican Leadership (or lack thereof), has America
forgotten? Does absence make the heart grow fond?

NOTE: If you agree with my position you should probably call in, if you
disagree you should DEFINITELY call in!

With talk of a Republican comeback in 2010, is America ready to blame
the Democrats because they could not fix the Bush catastrophe and hand
power back to the very people who created the problem. How short are the
memories of those who claim that Obama is like Bush.

Will the Republicans plan to block any meaningful legislation and hope
that the Democrats blame their own people work?

Lieberman said that Obama never talked to him to push the public option.
An obvious ploy to turn Obama's base against him..will those kinds of
tactics work or will most people see through them? Will America Blame
Obama because though he stopped the calamitous pace of job loss, he
could not return everyone to work in record time repairing an economy
that has been exporting jobs for the last 30 years.

Wouldn't it be better to throw out the Democrats who vote against our
needs and replace them with more progressive ones thank play into the
Republican's hands and throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Isn't it counterproductive to vote out the progressive democrats because
of the actions of the blue dogs?

Does anyone really believe that a Republican takeover in Congress will
make things better?

If the Republicans take over, don't we deserve what we get? Global
warming denial, DC gridlock, etc...

The question that always hangs around the at both ideological
extremes..is it better to get the best deal you can get and the
candidate closest to your views and stay afloat, or go for everything
when there is no realistic chance of getting it? Extremes on the right
and left act exactly the same regarding this issue.

SHOULD BE A FUN SHOW..JOIN IN!!
202-588-0893

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Happy Holidays from the UDC Cafe'!

Happy Holidays from the UDC Cafe'!

We hope you're not still buried by snow, and you and yours have a happy
holiday season and a progressive new year!

We'd love to have you join us at the January 8th UDC Justice Cafe'.
Please use the info. below to publicize the Cafe' to all your DC-area
friends.

If you or someone you know would like to sing or perform at the Cafe'
please let me know. Hope to see you there!

Thanks,

Mike Hersh

-----------------------

University of DC Justice Cafe'
Friday, January 8th 6 to 10 p.m.
Cosponsor: the Washington Peace Center

Music by local performers! Food by Kit's Catering!
Poetry, Beer, Wine, Tabling, Progressive Networking!

Univ. of DC Firebird Inn Building 39, B-Level
4100 Connecticut Ave NW Washington D.C. 20008
Just above the Van Ness/UDC Metro (red line)
See: http://www.udc.edu/campus_map.htm

Suggested donation $15 / $10 students / $5 kids.
No one turned away for lack of donation.
All ages event. Child activities powered by kids!

Hosted by the University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School
of Law

Upcoming Cafes: Feb 5th, March 5th, April 2nd

Performers Wanted! Reserve A Free Table!
Contact: mikehersh@mikehersh.com

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

CO Josh Stieber in Rockville Thursday, Dec. 17!

From Peace Action Montgomery: http://www.PeaceActionMC.org
7:30 PM Thursday December 17 a chance to be moved and inspired by Josh
Stieber.
Rockville Library, Directions/info:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/BranchInfo/ro.asp
RSVP: info@peaceactionmc.org

As our gift to you in the season of peace, we invite you to a holiday
event this Thursday at the Rockville Library--a chance to be moved and
inspired by Josh Stieber. We are so proud of Josh--he's the 21-year-old
Iraq "surge" veteran from Gaithersburg who, when he saw what war was
like, became a conscientious objector and then spent six months trekking
across the U.S., partly on foot and partly by bicycle.

Seeking love and reconciliation, Josh met with ordinary people doing
extraordinary things as he learned more about peace-making and justice.
He also shared with multiple groups along the way his own story of the
tragedy and immorality of war. Josh is an exceptional young man, and on
Thursday he will tell us about his personal transformation and what he
learned on his amazing journey. You can get a preview of what will
surely be a powerful presentation by checking out his blog.
http://contagiousloveexperiment.wordpress.com/about/

In addition, two of Peace Action Montgomery's outstanding musicians will
entertain us, and a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War will say a
few words--we'll be taking up a collection for IVAW. Plus, we'll have
holiday treats for you!

So, don't miss this event, and invite all your friends: 7:30 p.m.,
Rockville Library, Thursday, Dec. 17!

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Justice Cafe Friday December 4th 6-10 p.m.

University of DC Justice Cafe Friday December 4th 6-10 p.m.

The Cafe' will feature live music, veggie food, beer & wine,
coffee and tea, information table, therapeutic massage,
table tennis and pool tables, and interesting people active
on a wide range of environmental and social issues!
Network with DC, MD and VA progressives!

* FREE TABLES for progressive organizations!
Contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com for your table

Friday, December 4th 6-10 pm
University of DC, Firebird Inn
Van Ness/UDC metro stop Red Line (West exit)
Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW 20008
Campus Map: http://www.udc.edu/campus_map.htm
Wheelchair Accessible

* Music by local artists/Open mic for poets, musicians
* Shabbat service about 7 p.m.
* All ages event with kid-powered activities.
* Food by Kit's Catering (Vegan and Vegetarian).
* Bring a veggie or vegan pot luck dish to share!
* Suggested donation $15 / $10 students / $5 kids
* Please RSVP to mikehersh@mikehersh.com

* Tabling by organizations including:
- SALSA--IPS' Social Action & Leadership School for Activists:
http://www.hotsalsa.org
- Order of the Earth newspaper--free copies available:
http://www.theorderoftheearth.com/
- The Wendt Center for Loss and Healing is a premier resource for
addressing grief: http://www.wendtcenter.org
- EcolocityDC, "The capital future begins now": http://ecolocity.ning.com/
- Progressive Democrats of America: http://pdamerica.org
- Dreaming Out Loud, Inc. nonprofit working with DC children in an after
school program: http://www.dreamingoutloud.net/
- MD Safe Access--Maryland Medical Marijuana advocates:
http://www.mdsafeaccess.org/
- Choices (alternatives to military service)

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Justice Cafe Friday December 4th 6-10 p.m.

Updated info. Please share with all your DC-area contacts.

-------------------------------

Music, Food, Fun and More! University of DC Justice Cafe Friday December
4th 6-10 p.m.

The Cafe' will feature live music, veggie food, beer & wine, coffee and
tea, information tables, therapeutic massage, table tennis and pool
tables, and interesting people active on a wide range of environmental
and social issues!

Organizations table for free--contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com to reserve
space.

Friday, December 4th 6-10 pm
University of DC, Firebird Inn
Van Ness/UDC metro stop Red Line (West exit)
Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW 20008
Campus Map: http://www.udc.edu/campus_map.htm
Wheelchair Accessible

* Music by local talents including Cellist David Rabin, Open Mike for
singers/performers/poets
* Welcoming Shabbat service (about 7 p.m.)
* Tabling by peace, environmental, clean elections, equality, and other
organizations including:
- SALSA--IPS' Social Action & Leadership School for Activists:
http://www.hotsalsa.org
- Order of the Earth newspaper--free copies available:
http://www.theorderoftheearth.com/
- The Wendt Center for Loss and Healing is a premier resource for
addressing grief: http://www.wendtcenter.org
- EcolocityDC, "The capital future begins now": http://ecolocity.ning.com/
- Progressive Democrats of America: http://pdamerica.org
- Dreaming Out Loud, Inc. nonprofit working with DC children in an after
school program: http://www.dreamingoutloud.net/
- MD Safe Access--Maryland Medical Marijuana advocates:
http://www.mdsafeaccess.org/

* FREE TABLES FOR ORGANIZATIONS! Contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com for
your table
* All ages event with kid-powered activities.

* Food by Kit's Catering (Vegan and Vegetarian).
* Suggested donation $15 / $10 students / $5 kids--no one turned away
* Please RSVP so we have enough food
* If you can, bring a veggie pot luck dish to share

If you are passionate about social justice and/or the environment and
want to connect, learn, and have fun with others like you, join us!

Hosted by the University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School
of Law, the District's public interest law school. http://www.law.udc.edu

VOLUNTEER! Contact Mike: mikehersh@mikehersh.com or just come early or
plan to stay late to help set up, decorate, and clean up!

Upcoming Cafes: January 8th, February 5th, March 5th, April 2nd, May
(tba), June 4th

For more information on the law school full-tuition three-year Advocate
for Justice Scholarships, go to http://www.law.udc.edu/?page=AFJ

Music Food Fun More! University of DC Justice Cafe Friday December 4th 6-10 p.m.

Join us this Friday for Music, Food, Fun and More! University of DC
Justice Cafe Friday December 4th 6-10 p.m.

The Cafe' will feature live music, veggie food, beer & wine, coffee and
tea, information tables, therapeutic massage, table tennis and pool
tables, and interesting people active on a wide range of environmental
and social issues!

Mike Bowers, guitar and vocals http://www.mdbmusic.com/music.html --
additional performers TBA

Organizations table for free--contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com to reserve
space.

Friday, December 4th 6-10 pm
University of DC, Firebird Inn
Van Ness/UDC metro stop Red Line (West exit)
Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW 20008
Campus Map: http://www.udc.edu/campus_map.htm
Wheelchair Accessible

* Music by local talents featuring Mike Bowers
* Shabbat service about 7 p.m.
* Tabling by peace, environmental, clean elections, equality, and other
organizations.

* FREE TABLES! Contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com for your table
* All ages event with kid-powered activities.
* Food by Kit's Catering (Vegan and Vegetarian).
* Bring a veggie or vegan pot luck dish to share!

* Suggested donation $15 / $10 students / $5 kids--no one turned away
* Please RSVP so we have enough food
* If you can, bring a veggie pot luck dish to share

If you are passionate about social justice and/or the environment and
want to connect, learn, and have fun with others like you, join us!

Hosted by the University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School
of Law, the District's public interest law school. http://www.law.udc.edu

VOLUNTEER! Contact Mike: mikehersh@mikehersh.com or just come early or
plan to stay late to help set up, decorate, and clean up!

Upcoming Cafes: January 8th, February 5th, March 5th, April 2nd, May
(tba), June 4th

For more information on the law school full-tuition three-year Advocate
for Justice Scholarships, go to http://www.law.udc.edu/?page=AFJ

Monday, November 30, 2009

support Marc Elrich

Please join us Tuesday, December 1 to support the re-election of Montgomery County Council Member Marc Elrich

Time:   6:30 to 8:30pm

Place:  The Home of Eliza Leighton and Josh Wright
                7401 Maple Avenue
                Takoma Park, MD  20912
                (About a 10-minute walk from the Takoma Metro Station)
                http://tinyurl.com/elrich-event-dec-1



Dear Friends,

This Tuesday evening, join fellow activists at the home of Eliza Leighton and Josh Wright for a casual but critical fund raiser for Montgomery County Council Member Marc Elrich.

As I've said in past emails, Marc brings to public office a rare blend of intelligence, integrity, commitment, compassion and common sense.  I've witnessed Marc's good work for more than a decade -- as a community advocate, a Takoma Park City Council Member and now as a County Council Member -- on a wide range of environmental, social and economic issues.

He digs into the issues, does his homework and bucks political head winds on tough issues.


The stakes in this election are, as always, high.

The County Council is Montgomery County's pre-eminent transportation and land use authority.  It selects the members of the county Planning Board, and through policies, laws and budget decisions sets  the county's priorities on education, public health, public safety, housing, economic development, global warming, energy, air quality, habitat conservation, farmland preservation, watershed protection, and many other issues.

Marc takes no contributions from developers, and he has been one of too few elected officials who has been willing to speak out consistently and forcefully against wasteful, destructive projects like the Intercounty Connector.

This is no mean feat given that Marc serves in a county-wide, at-large seat on the County Council, in a county where developers, road builders and their friends have in recent elections all but swamped our elections with special-interest campaign cash.

Marc's successful 2006 campaign was powered by grassroots energy and contributions, and with our help, he can win again in 2010 running the same kind of focused, issues-driven campaign.



Join us this Tuesday!

Eliza and Josh have generously opened their home for this event, and we're all hoping for a great turnout and a significant boost to Marc's campaign for re-election.


If you cannot join us on Tuesday....

Please consider sending a contribution to support Marc's important work on behalf of us all. 

Contributions should be sent to:        Friends of Marc Elrich
                                        8100 Sligo Creek Parkway
                                        Takoma Park, MD 20912.


Please RSVP

To RSVP, send a quick note to:  rsvp@marcelrich.com

As always, every contribution counts, and your generosity is most appreciated!


Many thanks and I hope you can make it Tuesday to Eliza's and Josh'!


Best,

Greg Smith


Tuesday's Host Committee
 
Bruce Williams and Geoff Burkhart   *   Howard and Diana Kohn   *   Josh Wright and Eliza Leighton
Sabrina Baron   *   Keith Berner and Marty Ittner   *   Bob Bingaman and Maribeth Oakes
Greg Lebel   *   Lorraine Pearsall   *   Frances Phipps   *   Kathy Porter   *   Hank Prensky
Senator Jamie Raskin   *   Terry Seamens   *   Ed Sharp   *   Chris Simpson and John Lorenz
Andrew Strongin   *   Mike Tabor and Esther Siegel   *   Donna Victoria


Suggested Contributions for Tuesday's Reception

$50 Friend     •     $75 Family

$100 Supporter     •     $250 Benefactor



Walking to Tuesday's Reception from the Takoma Metro Station

After exiting the main gate at the station, walk straight along Carroll Avenue for three short blocks.  Turn left onto Maple Avenue then walk nearly two full blocks.  Eliza's and Josh's house is on the right (east) side of street, by the intersection of Maple and Valley View.

 
 
Authorized by:  Friends of Marc Elrich

Dale A. Tibbitts, Chairman
Christine Grewell, Treasurer

 
8001 Sligo Creek Parkway
 Takoma Park, MD 20912

Saturday, November 28, 2009

A Discussion with State Legislators 12-4

"Opportunities for Progressive Legislation in the 2010 General Assembly
Legislative Session"
A Discussion with State Legislators
7 p.m. Friday Dec. 4th
Eastern Village Cohousing Community,
7981 Eastern Ave. Silver Spring.

State Legislators will address issues including campaign finance reform,
fair taxation and combined corporate income reporting, transparency and
equal access in Annapolis, and affordable housing and tenant protection.
Sponsored by Progressive Neighbors.

Confirmed (to date): Sen. Jamie Raskin, and Delegates Sheila Hixson, and
Tom Hucker from District 20); Delegates Al Carr and Jeff Waldstreicher
from (District 18; and Delegate Roger Manno from District 19.

Join us as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session in Annapolis.
Contact Wally Malakoff for further information malakoff@starpower.net

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Justice Cafe Friday December 4th 6-10 p.m.

Music Food Fun More! Univ. DC Justice Cafe Friday December 4th 6-10 p.m.

Live music, veggie food, beer & wine, coffee and tea, information
tables, therapeutic massage, and interesting people active on a wide
range of environmental and social issues!

Mike Bowers, guitar and vocals http://www.mdbmusic.com/music.html --
plus other performers.

Organizations table for free--contact me to reserve space!
mikehersh@mikehersh.com

Friday, December 4th 6-10 pm
University of DC
Van Ness/UDC metro stop Red Line (West exit)
Firebird Inn Building 39, B-Level,
4200 Connecticut Ave., NW 20008
Wheelchair Accessible

Suggested donation: $15, $10 for Students, $5 for Kids
No one turned away for lack of contribution.

Help us spread the word - Invite your friends!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Justice Cafe Friday December 4th 6-10 p.m.

Music Food Fun More! University of DC Justice Cafe Friday December 4th
6-10 p.m.

The Cafe' will feature live music, veggie food, beer & wine, coffee and
tea, information tables, therapeutic massage, table tennis and pool
tables, and interesting people active on a wide range of environmental
and social issues!

Mike Bowers, guitar and vocals http://www.mdbmusic.com/music.html --
additional performers TBA

Organizations can table for free--contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com to
reserve space.

Friday, December 4th 6-10 pm
University of DC, Firebird Inn
Van Ness/UDC metro stop Red Line (West exit)
Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW 20008
Wheelchair Accessible

Friday, November 20, 2009

Heavy Hand of IG Chills County Council

Heavy Hand of IG Chills County Council
by: Mike Hersh

The Washington Post, The Business Gazette, and The Washington Examiner are reporting on what County Council Member Duchy Trachtenberg called "KGB tactics" by county investigators. Ms. Trachtenberg and her aide, Dr. Dana Beyer, M.D. filed an official complaint against Inspector General Thomas J. Dagley with the Ethics Commission. It's hard to believe this could happen in Montgomery County. The ramifications apply everywhere. Bigots and extremists abuse any power or access they get their hands on. In this case, sore losers can't accept the tide of history is pushing society toward greater acceptance and equality, so they agitate to undermine freedom and tolerance. 

Read entire article here: http://www.freestatepolitics.us/diary/2237/heavy-hand-of-ig-chills-county-council

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Congresswoman Edwards will hold two coffee conversations

Congresswoman Edwards will hold two coffee conversations this Saturday, November 21, 2009.
She will meet with constituents to provide a legislative update and discuss a variety of issues. Hope to see you there.

Prince George's County
Time:          8:30am - 9:30am
Location:     Dunkin' Donuts 
                   9183 Central Ave
                   Capitol Heights, MD 20743-3806
 
Montgomery County
Time:          10:30am - 11:30am
Location:     Panera Bread
                   Germantown Town Center
                   19820 Century Blvd.
                   Germantown, MD  20874

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Senate Health Insurance Reform Bill rally tomorrow at noon

EMERGENCY CALL-TO-ARMS TOMORROW (Thursday): SENATE HEALTH INSURANCE
REFORM INTRODUCED! WE NEED YOU!

We just got word from Organizing for America that Sen. Reid will be
introducing the Senate Health Insurance Reform Bill tomorrow at noon and
they've asked us to come out to show our support (as well as help
counteract any protesters that may show up). This is our chance to help
one of the most important changes we fought so hard for in 2008 become a
reality in 2009! The event will be held at the Capitol Visitor's Center.
Details below...

PLEASE SIGN UP AT EITHER SITE BELOW FOR DETAILS:
FACEBOOK SIGN UP HERE:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176087597297#/event.php?eid=176087597297
MYBO SIGN UP HERE: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpczsy

Even if you can just come out for your lunch hour - we need you! Thanks
for your support!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Community Forum on Immigration Reform: Bethesda, Sunday Nov. 15

Community Forum on Immigration Reform: Bethesda, Sunday Nov. 15
Friends Committee on National Legislation
A Quaker Lobby in the Public Interest

more info. / flyer for event: http://action.fcnl.org/r/90372/55761/0

WHO: Gustavo Torres, Executive Director, CASA of Maryland, Candace
Kattar, Executive Director, Identity Inc., Ana White, The Interfaith
Immigration Coalition, and Peggy Gleason, Attorney, Catholic Legal
Immigration Network and Catholic Charities

WHAT: Talk and dialogue on Immigration Reform legislation, prospects for
passage, and what you can do to get involved

WHEN: 5-7 p.m., Sunday, November, 15

WHERE: River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation Fellowship Hall,
6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD

SPONSORS: St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church; Bethesda Friends Meeting; and
River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Liz Hofmeister hofmeister@earthlink.net or
Don Chery dchery@aol.com

Ruth Flower
Associate Executive Secretary for Legislative Programs

P.S. FCNL recently submitted testimony in support of comprehensive
immigration reform to the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees,
and Border Security. It's available on our website
http://action.fcnl.org/r/90373/55761/0

Monday, November 09, 2009

thank Rep Edwards, champion of health care reform

Countdown to Change Rally at Donna Edwards' Office
Thursday, 12 Nov 2009, 12:00 Noon
RSVP: http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=99485&id=

We are joining together to thank Rep Donna Edwards for being a tireless
champion of health care reform. We will start with a honk and wave at
noon, and the rally will start at 12:30 in which we will present Rep.
Edwards with an poster sized thank you card signed by those in
attendance. Join us for a FUN rally!

8730 Georgia Ave #209 Silver Spring, MD 20910 -- short walk from
Silver Spring Metro (red line)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=8730%20Georgia%20Ave%20%23209,+Silver%20Spring,+MD,+20910

Directions: Street parking, and there are many public parking garages.
The closest garage is on Cameron St. This is in down town Silver Spring
on Georgia Ave.

Sunday, November 08, 2009

TODAY!!! DEMAND passage of real healthcare reform and respect for working people.

TODAY!!! DEMAND passage of real healthcare reform and respect for
working people.

* Join us at the picket line 10 to Noon today at Whole Foods 833 Wayne
Avenue Silver Spring MD.
* Please tell your local activist friends to come out and stand up for
what we believe in!

* Informational picket at the Whole Foods location in Silver Spring
* Rain or shine: Every Sunday morning 10 a.m. to Noon
* Spread the word! Tell your friends to come support healthcare!

We'll meet here: 833 Wayne Ave. Silver Spring 20910
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=833+Wayne+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20910

Print and bring copies of this flyer to pass out to interested shoppers:
http://www.progressiveneighborsmd.org/boycott-flyer.pdf

Why Boycott Whole Foods? Because:
- John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods dishonestly attacks health reform that
would prevent 44,789 deaths each year.

- Mr. Mackey argues that Americans have no right to health care--or even
food, shelter, or clothing for that matter.

- Whole Foods retaliates against employees who try to organize to secure
better pay, benefits and working conditions.

- Whole Foods employees cannot protest, picket or organize for fear of
losing their jobs--so we have to speak for them!

JOIN THE BOYCOTT--SHOP SOMEWHERE ELSE: A local Co-op, a farmer's market,
My Organic Market, or a union shop.

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.progressiveneighborsmd.org/wholefoods.php

JOIN US TOMORROW and Every Sunday morning 10 a.m. to Noon--and don't
shop Whole Foods

John Mackey uses the money he makes when we buy at Whole Foods to
promote myths and propaganda created by the insurance industry and big
drug companies to derail health care reform. If you support health care
reform and honest discussion about the issues facing our nation, it is
time to send John Mackey and his friends a message. Tell them that the
voice of ordinary Americans will be heard.

Most Americans Support a Public Option:
"All the national polls show a wide majority of Americans support the
public option." -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

"Poll results tend to back up Reid's assertion that voters approve the
public option." -- Christian Science Monitor (10/27/09)

Most Doctors, the AMA, and AARP Support a Public Option:
"A majority of physicians (62.9%) support public and private options.
Only 27.3% support private only." -- New England Journal of Medicine
(9/14/09)

"I want to thank both organizations again for their support, and I urge
Congress to listen to AARP, listen to the AMA and pass this reform for
hundreds of millions of Americans who will benefit from it." --
President Obama

"[T]he American Medical Association and AARP endorsed legislation
drafted by top House Democrats. The AARP, the nation's largest
organization of older Americans, is a nonpartisan group that advocates
for people 50 and older. The AMA, historically an opponent of health
care reform, is considered one the nation's most influential doctors'
advocacy groups." -- CNN (11/05/09)

John Mackey is not "speaking out against Obama." He is *lying* about the
facts on healthcare, and thereby speaking out against everyone. He's
entitled to his opinions. He is not entitled to his own "facts," which
really aren't facts at all. That said, Mackey is legally allowed to lie.
We're at least as allowed to call him on his lies, and also deny him as
best we can the megaphone he uses to push his lies.

A few people have complained this boycott would inconvenience them, but
that's a small price to pay when the alternative includes rapidly
increasing insurance costs which are choking our economy, and killing
44,789 Americans each year.

Research released "in the American Journal of Public Health estimates
that 45,000 deaths per year in the United States are associated with the
lack of health insurance. If a person is uninsured, 'it means you're at
mortal risk,' said one of the authors, Dr. David Himmelstein, an
associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. The
researchers examined government health surveys from more than 9,000
people aged 17 to 64, taken from 1986-1994, and then followed up through
2000. They determined that the uninsured have a 40 percent higher risk
of death than those with private health insurance as a result of being
unable to obtain necessary medical care. The researchers then
extrapolated the results to census data from 2005 and calculated there
were 44,789 deaths associated with lack of health insurance." See:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/18/deaths.health.insurance/index.html

Some express concerns that a boycott would hurt Silver Spring
economically. This fear is unfounded. Silver Spring is a thriving center
with countless shops, restaurants, and even several alternatives for
grocery shopping. Whole Foods is an overpriced, "big hype" outlet for
products generally available elsewhere--at more reasonable prices. Shop
co-ops, farmers' markets, or union-friendly grocery stores. Boycott
Whole Foods without any concerns that you'll be hurting Silver Spring.
Employees dislocated by the boycott can find jobs with real health
benefits and better conditions elsewhere when the shift of consumers to
other retailers create new jobs at better places. Keep in mind, Whole
Foods--for all its high prices and hype--is not a good employer.

The "free healthcare" Whole Foods used to provide was high deductible,
high co-pay, illusory insurance. That means his employees thought they
had real coverage, until they needed it. Then they found their
out-of-pocket costs made this "free insurance" worth about what they
paid for it. Then, Whole Foods began to charge them for that, and
refused to let them have real health insurance. Bad deal for them, but
what choice did they have? None. That's where this mendacious Op-Ed
comes in. Mackey, not happy with preventing his own employees from have
free choice to secure decent insurance for themselves and their family
is now working to prevent everyone he can from having free choice to
secure decent insurance.

Who is John Mackey to deny us free choice, using lies and "fake facts,"
leveraging his prestige as CEO of a presumably moderate or even liberal
chain of stores? Who is he to mock choice and attack competition? This
is business as usual for Mackey who relies on anti-competition and
deception. The FTC investigated Whole Foods intention to eliminate all
other consumer choices in the high-end "healthy" food market
nationally--all to give Whole Foods the monopoly power to jack up its
prices.

We support honest discussion. Mackey doesn't. He tries to trick people
with false claims and propaganda. Mackey taking $1 in salary is a
gimmick, another bit of deception. Mackey makes $millions in bonuses and
still benefits from stock and/or options. To be clear: He can *say*
whatever he wants (he can even keep lying about healthcare here and in
other nations). We can *shop* wherever we want. We don't care what his
compensation is, or even if he *pays* to work for Whole Foods. After he
tipped his hand with his dishonest Op-Ed, he won't be getting any $1
dollars--or $100 per bag of groceries--from many moderates, liberals or
progressives.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Common Cause Maryland Political Pizza Party

Common Cause Maryland Political Pizza Party
Join us as we prepare to change Annapolis in 2010!

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Roscoe's Pizzeria 7040 Carroll Ave Takoma Park, MD 20912

Join our inspiring guest speakers...Senator Jamie Raskin, Delegate Roger
Manno & Delegate Heather Mizeur, and Our Great Host Committee of
Reformers...Delegate Sheila Hixson, Delegate Tom Hucker, Karen Britto,
Delegate Kirill Reznik, Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher, Delegate Saqib Ali,
Councilman Josh Wright and Eliza Leighton, Hon. Cheryl C. Kagan, Alice
Wilkerson and Joseph Gordon, Amanda Schiabor, Bruce Moyer, Dan
Furmansky, Dana Beyer, David Moon, Eric Luedtke, Esther and Norm Gelman,
George Vlasits, Gina Angiola, Greg Smith, Howard and Diana Kohn, Jay and
Anna Keller, Jeremiah Lowery, Jonathan Shurberg and Rebecca Lord, Karla
Walker, Marc Korman, Marie Ritzo and Norm Gleichman, Marlana Valdez,
Mary Boyle and Casey Anderson, Michael Sriqui, Mike Hersh, Mike Tabor,
Miti Figueredo, Navid Nasr, Rob Richie and Cynthia Terrell, Seth Grimes,
Stephen Spaulding, Susan Schreiber, Wally Malakoff ...and more!

...As We Help Common Cause Maryland Get Money out of Politics and Pizza
in Your Stomach

Enjoy drinks and gourmet pizza at a fabulous new restaurant in Old Town
Takoma. Funds go to benefit Common Cause Maryland as we prepare for our
upcoming effort to enact public campaign financing for the General Assembly.

With the Supreme Court threatening to overturn 100 years of campaign
finance law, it's more important than ever that we make progress in the
states. One of the best chances will be in Maryland this coming year.
It's time for the people to own the election process, not corporations
and lobbyists.

With your support, we can win in 2010!

Download and print

JOIN Progressive Neighbors and others TOMORROW 10 am to
Noon--informational picket at Whole Foods in Silver Spring. Download and
print copies of this flyer to pass out to interested shoppers:
http://www.progressiveneighborsmd.org/boycott-flyer.pdf

Mike Hersh wrote:
> Join our informational picket at the Whole Foods location:
> Rain or shine: TOMORROW and Every Sunday morning 10 a.m. to Noon
> Spread the word! Tell your friends to come support healthcare!
>
> We'll meet here: 833 Wayne Ave. Silver Spring 20910
> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=833+Wayne+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20910
>
> Why Boycott Whole Foods? Because:
> John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods dishonestly attacks health reform that
> would prevent 44,789 deaths each year.
> Mr. Mackey argues that Americans have no right to health care--or even
> food, shelter, or clothing for that matter.
> Whole Foods retaliates against employees who try to organize to secure
> better pay, benefits and working conditions.
> Whole Foods employees cannot protest, picket or organize for fear of
> losing their jobs--so we have to speak for them!
>
> JOIN THE BOYCOTT--SHOP SOMEWHERE ELSE: A local Co-op, a farmer's
> market, My Organic Market, or a union shop.
>
> MORE INFORMATION: http://www.progressiveneighborsmd.org/wholefoods.php
>
> JOIN US TOMORROW and Every Sunday morning 10 a.m. to Noon--and don't
> shop Whole Foods
>
> John Mackey uses the money he makes when we buy at Whole Foods to
> promote myths and propaganda created by the insurance industry and big
> drug companies to derail health care reform. If you support health
> care reform and honest discussion about the issues facing our nation,
> it is time to send John Mackey and his friends a message. Tell them
> that the voice of ordinary Americans will be heard.
>
> Most Americans Support a Public Option:
> "All the national polls show a wide majority of Americans support the
> public option." -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
> "Poll results tend to back up Reid's assertion that voters approve the
> public option." -- Christian Science Monitor (10/27/09)
>
> Most Doctors, the AMA, and AARP Support a Public Option:
> "A majority of physicians (62.9%) support public and private options.
> Only 27.3% support private only." -- New England Journal of Medicine
> (9/14/09)
>
> "I want to thank both organizations again for their support, and I
> urge Congress to listen to AARP, listen to the AMA and pass this
> reform for hundreds of millions of Americans who will benefit from
> it." -- President Obama
>
> "[T]he American Medical Association and AARP endorsed legislation
> drafted by top House Democrats. The AARP, the nation's largest
> organization of older Americans, is a nonpartisan group that advocates
> for people 50 and older. The AMA, historically an opponent of health
> care reform, is considered one the nation's most influential doctors'
> advocacy groups." -- CNN (11/05/09)
>
> John Mackey is not "speaking out against Obama." He is *lying* about
> the facts on healthcare, and thereby speaking out against everyone.
> He's entitled to his opinions. He is not entitled to his own "facts,"
> which really aren't facts at all. That said, Mackey is legally allowed
> to lie. We're at least as allowed to call him on his lies, and also
> deny him as best we can the megaphone he uses to push his lies.
>
> A few people have complained this boycott would inconvenience them,
> but that's a small price to pay when the alternative includes rapidly
> increasing insurance costs which are choking our economy, and killing
> 44,789 Americans each year. Research released "in the American Journal
> of Public Health estimates that 45,000 deaths per year in the United
> States are associated with the lack of health insurance. If a person
> is uninsured, 'it means you're at mortal risk,' said one of the
> authors, Dr. David Himmelstein, an associate professor of medicine at
> Harvard Medical School. The researchers examined government health
> surveys from more than 9,000 people aged 17 to 64, taken from
> 1986-1994, and then followed up through 2000. They determined that the
> uninsured have a 40 percent higher risk of death than those with
> private health insurance as a result of being unable to obtain
> necessary medical care. The researchers then extrapolated the results
> to census data from 2005 and calculated there were 44,789 deaths
> associated with lack of health insurance." See:
> http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/18/deaths.health.insurance/index.html
>
> Some express concerns that a boycott would hurt Silver Spring
> economically. This fear is unfounded. Silver Spring is a thriving
> center with countless shops, restaurants, and even several
> alternatives for grocery shopping. Whole Foods is an overpriced, "big
> hype" outlet for products generally available elsewhere--at more
> reasonable prices. Shop co-ops, farmers' markets, or union-friendly
> grocery stores. Boycott Whole Foods without any concerns that you'll
> be hurting Silver Spring. Employees dislocated by the boycott can find
> jobs with real health benefits and better conditions elsewhere when
> the shift of consumers to other retailers create new jobs at better
> places. Keep in mind, Whole Foods--for all its high prices and
> hype--is not a good employer.
>
> The "free healthcare" Whole Foods used to provide was high deductible,
> high co-pay, illusory insurance. That means his employees thought they
> had real coverage, until they needed it. Then they found their
> out-of-pocket costs made this "free insurance" worth about what they
> paid for it. Then, Whole Foods began to charge them for that, and
> refused to let them have real health insurance. Bad deal for them, but
> what choice did they have? None. That's where this mendacious Op-Ed
> comes in. Mackey, not happy with preventing his own employees from
> have free choice to secure decent insurance for themselves and their
> family is now working to prevent everyone he can from having free
> choice to secure decent insurance.
>
> Who is John Mackey to deny us free choice, using lies and "fake
> facts," leveraging his prestige as CEO of a presumably moderate or
> even liberal chain of stores? Who is he to mock choice and attack
> competition? This is business as usual for Mackey who relies on
> anti-competition and deception. The FTC investigated Whole Foods
> intention to eliminate all other consumer choices in the high-end
> "healthy" food market nationally--all to give Whole Foods the monopoly
> power to jack up its prices.
>
> We support honest discussion. Mackey doesn't. He tries to trick people
> with false claims and propaganda. Mackey taking $1 in salary is a
> gimmick, another bit of deception. Mackey makes $millions in bonuses
> and still benefits from stock and/or options. To be clear: He can
> *say* whatever he wants (he can even keep lying about healthcare here
> and in other nations). We can *shop* wherever we want. We don't care
> what his compensation is, or even if he *pays* to work for Whole
> Foods. After he tipped his hand with his dishonest Op-Ed, he won't be
> getting any $1 dollars--or $100 per bag of groceries--from many
> moderates, liberals or progressives.
>
>

Join our info-picket TOMORROW 10 a.m. to Noon

Join our informational picket at the Whole Foods location:
Rain or shine: TOMORROW and Every Sunday morning 10 a.m. to Noon
Spread the word! Tell your friends to come support healthcare!

We'll meet here: 833 Wayne Ave. Silver Spring 20910
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=833+Wayne+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20910

Why Boycott Whole Foods? Because:
John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods dishonestly attacks health reform that
would prevent 44,789 deaths each year.
Mr. Mackey argues that Americans have no right to health care--or even
food, shelter, or clothing for that matter.
Whole Foods retaliates against employees who try to organize to secure
better pay, benefits and working conditions.
Whole Foods employees cannot protest, picket or organize for fear of
losing their jobs--so we have to speak for them!

JOIN THE BOYCOTT--SHOP SOMEWHERE ELSE: A local Co-op, a farmer's market,
My Organic Market, or a union shop.

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.progressiveneighborsmd.org/wholefoods.php

JOIN US TOMORROW and Every Sunday morning 10 a.m. to Noon--and don't
shop Whole Foods

John Mackey uses the money he makes when we buy at Whole Foods to
promote myths and propaganda created by the insurance industry and big
drug companies to derail health care reform. If you support health care
reform and honest discussion about the issues facing our nation, it is
time to send John Mackey and his friends a message. Tell them that the
voice of ordinary Americans will be heard.

Most Americans Support a Public Option:
"All the national polls show a wide majority of Americans support the
public option." -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
"Poll results tend to back up Reid's assertion that voters approve the
public option." -- Christian Science Monitor (10/27/09)

Most Doctors, the AMA, and AARP Support a Public Option:
"A majority of physicians (62.9%) support public and private options.
Only 27.3% support private only." -- New England Journal of Medicine
(9/14/09)

"I want to thank both organizations again for their support, and I urge
Congress to listen to AARP, listen to the AMA and pass this reform for
hundreds of millions of Americans who will benefit from it." --
President Obama

"[T]he American Medical Association and AARP endorsed legislation
drafted by top House Democrats. The AARP, the nation's largest
organization of older Americans, is a nonpartisan group that advocates
for people 50 and older. The AMA, historically an opponent of health
care reform, is considered one the nation's most influential doctors'
advocacy groups." -- CNN (11/05/09)

John Mackey is not "speaking out against Obama." He is *lying* about the
facts on healthcare, and thereby speaking out against everyone. He's
entitled to his opinions. He is not entitled to his own "facts," which
really aren't facts at all. That said, Mackey is legally allowed to lie.
We're at least as allowed to call him on his lies, and also deny him as
best we can the megaphone he uses to push his lies.

A few people have complained this boycott would inconvenience them, but
that's a small price to pay when the alternative includes rapidly
increasing insurance costs which are choking our economy, and killing
44,789 Americans each year. Research released "in the American Journal
of Public Health estimates that 45,000 deaths per year in the United
States are associated with the lack of health insurance. If a person is
uninsured, 'it means you're at mortal risk,' said one of the authors,
Dr. David Himmelstein, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard
Medical School. The researchers examined government health surveys from
more than 9,000 people aged 17 to 64, taken from 1986-1994, and then
followed up through 2000. They determined that the uninsured have a 40
percent higher risk of death than those with private health insurance as
a result of being unable to obtain necessary medical care. The
researchers then extrapolated the results to census data from 2005 and
calculated there were 44,789 deaths associated with lack of health
insurance." See:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/18/deaths.health.insurance/index.html

Some express concerns that a boycott would hurt Silver Spring
economically. This fear is unfounded. Silver Spring is a thriving center
with countless shops, restaurants, and even several alternatives for
grocery shopping. Whole Foods is an overpriced, "big hype" outlet for
products generally available elsewhere--at more reasonable prices. Shop
co-ops, farmers' markets, or union-friendly grocery stores. Boycott
Whole Foods without any concerns that you'll be hurting Silver Spring.
Employees dislocated by the boycott can find jobs with real health
benefits and better conditions elsewhere when the shift of consumers to
other retailers create new jobs at better places. Keep in mind, Whole
Foods--for all its high prices and hype--is not a good employer.

The "free healthcare" Whole Foods used to provide was high deductible,
high co-pay, illusory insurance. That means his employees thought they
had real coverage, until they needed it. Then they found their
out-of-pocket costs made this "free insurance" worth about what they
paid for it. Then, Whole Foods began to charge them for that, and
refused to let them have real health insurance. Bad deal for them, but
what choice did they have? None. That's where this mendacious Op-Ed
comes in. Mackey, not happy with preventing his own employees from have
free choice to secure decent insurance for themselves and their family
is now working to prevent everyone he can from having free choice to
secure decent insurance.

Who is John Mackey to deny us free choice, using lies and "fake facts,"
leveraging his prestige as CEO of a presumably moderate or even liberal
chain of stores? Who is he to mock choice and attack competition? This
is business as usual for Mackey who relies on anti-competition and
deception. The FTC investigated Whole Foods intention to eliminate all
other consumer choices in the high-end "healthy" food market
nationally--all to give Whole Foods the monopoly power to jack up its
prices.

We support honest discussion. Mackey doesn't. He tries to trick people
with false claims and propaganda. Mackey taking $1 in salary is a
gimmick, another bit of deception. Mackey makes $millions in bonuses and
still benefits from stock and/or options. To be clear: He can *say*
whatever he wants (he can even keep lying about healthcare here and in
other nations). We can *shop* wherever we want. We don't care what his
compensation is, or even if he *pays* to work for Whole Foods. After he
tipped his hand with his dishonest Op-Ed, he won't be getting any $1
dollars--or $100 per bag of groceries--from many moderates, liberals or
progressives.

Friday, November 06, 2009

UDC Justice Cafe' TONIGHT 11/6 6-10 pm

UDC Justice Cafe' TONIGHT 11/6 6-10 pm--please forward to all DC contacts.

Please join us for the UDC Justice Cafe' 6-10 pm TONIGHT Friday 11/6
Featuring fun, food, friends, free tabling, music, massage, and more!

Delicious veggie catering by Kit's Catering--PLEASE RSVP to:
mikehersh@mikehersh.com so we know how much food we'll need!
Pot Luck: if you can, please bring a vegetarian pot luck dish to
share--side dishes and desserts are especially welcome!

If you want a FREE TABLE for this or future Cafes, contact Mike Hersh
mikehersh@mikehersh.com

Hosted by the University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School
of Law, the District's public interest law school.

Firebird Inn, Building 39, B-Level
4200 Connecticut Ave NW Washington DC 20008
Just above the Van Ness UDC Metro Station (red line)
Campus Map: http://www.udc.edu/campus_map.htm
Wheelchair Accessible

The Justice Cafes build community among people and groups active on a
wide range of social and environmental issues. They feature live music,
vegetarian food, beer & wine, coffee and tea, a Shabbat service,
information and vendor tables, table tennis and pool tables, and more -
something for everyone.

Nov. 6 musicians: David Rabin, cellist; Mike Bowers, guitar and vocals;
Melissa Chong; Joey Shade, guitar and vocals (invited). Drum circle and
acoustic jam.

Free CranioSacral therapy sessions by Randy Goldberg!

Suggested donation $15 / $10 students / $5 kids. All ages event; child
activities provided - and powered by kids!

Tablers on Nov. 6 will include:
DC Statehood Green Party,
Food & Water Watch,
Why and How Women Are Exploited by Men Worldwide (author and book),
Rooting DC and the Neighborhood Farm Initiative,
War Resisters League calendars & other material,
Choices--Peaceful Alternatives to Military Recruiting,
plus other vendors, and equality, social justice and environmental
organizations.

Invite your friends to the Café - and ask them to please RSVP so we know
how much food to get!

Upcoming Cafes: First Fridays at 6 pm -10 pm (* with exceptions to avoid
holidays): November 6th, December 4th, *January 8th, February 5th, March
5th, April 2nd, May (TBA), June 4th

We need volunteers to help set up and decorate, clean up at the end, and
help host the event. Come early, stay late and help!

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

It's not too late!

From Margaret Flowers, M.D.

It's not too late to call! The managers' amendment that can put the
Kucinich amendment back into the legislation has not been released.
Members of Congress have received many phone calls. The push for single
payer is working. Please keep it up and call now!

We have 2 requests:

1. Keep the Kucinich amendment in HR 3269! The Kucinich amendment makes
changes to ERISA law that make it possible for states to pass single
payer and not have it challenged on the basis of ERISA.

2. Keep the promise and let the Weiner amendment come to the floor of
the house for a debate and vote. See the video of this at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0fA2DfwFn4&feature=related. This will be
the first time that single payer has come to a vote in the House. It is
historic and we don't want to lose this opportunity.

Call:
Speaker Pelosi at 202-225-4965
Majority Leader Hoyer at 202-225-4131
Chairman Waxman at 202-225-3976

THANK YOU!
Onward to single payer.
And don't forget to support the campaign at www.mobilizeforhealthcare.org.

Margaret Flowers, M.D.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Join us 7 PM Wednesday November 4th / Progressive Activist Meeting

Join us 7 PM Wednesday November 4th / Progressive Activist Meeting
Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, PDA, PWG and more.

Agenda: Progressive Coalition Meeting to plan future events and actions
Saigonese Restaurant, 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
Public Transportation: Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line)
Google Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902

We're focusing efforts on making progress in our county and state on
Healthcare, the Environment, Education, Labor, Transportation, Energy
and other issues. We're building up our coalition and lobby efforts on
the state and national level, planning special events, forming a
steering committee, and working on meetings with legislators, and other
organizations.

Please join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance google group:
http://groups.google.com/group/mcprogressivealliance

If you're on Facebook, please join the MCPA group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3401340272&ref=ts

--------------

Who are all these organizations and what do they do?

1. MCPA: The Montgomery County Progressive Alliance is a flexible,
result-oriented coalition. MCPA includes more than 1,000 local
activists, mainly in and around Montgomery County Maryland. The
organization began in 2003 when Democracy for America Meetup members
reached out to other Meetup groups and other groups. In 2004, 100s of
Montgomery County for Kerry members and local Progressive Democrats of
America members joined the MCPA. MCPA adopted a mission statement,
organized special events, and has held meetings nearly each month since
2003. MCPA members worked to elect progressive leaders, led issue
advocacy efforts in Rockville, Annapolis, and on Capitol Hill, and
cooperated with other organizations and coalitions to make progress in
our communities, state, and nationally. Moving into the rest of 2009 and
building toward 2010, MCPA plans to solidify our organization, raise
funds, and continue our public education and outreach efforts. MCPA is
currently seeking new steering committee members and coalition partners.

2. DFA/DFMC: Democracy for America emerged from Gov. Howard Dean's
presidential campaign in 2004, and has organized grass-roots activists
to support socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidates. DFMC
is Democracy for Montgomery County, a local DFA-inspired organization
which is not directly or legally affiliated with DFA. DFMC has organized
events and meetings; and endorsed and organized volunteers for several
candidates. DFMC is currently seeking additional steering committee
members. Please contact me, mikehersh@mikehersh.com if you're
interested. You can sign up for DFA here:
http://democracyforamerica.com/session/new

3. PDA: Progressive Democrats of America began just after the 2004
Democratic National Convention in Boston. Bringing together people from
the 2004 Kucinich and Dean Campaigns with other progressives, PDA
adopted an "inside/outside strategy" uniting activists working inside
the Democratic Party with those working in peace and justice movements.
PDA's core issues include clean, accurate and transparent elections;
environmental protection; single-payer healthcare; economic and social
justice; and peace. You can sign up for PDA here:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/personal2.asp?formid=joinusshort&c=5052037

4. PWG: The Progressive Working Group is a coalition promoting progress
and reform, economic fairness and equality, protecting the environment,
and more. PWG endorsed 14 issues for the 2009 General Assembly session.
PWG currently includes: Audubon Naturalist Society, CASA of Maryland,
Democracy for Montgomery County, Equality Maryland, Health Care Now,
Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Montgomery Health Care Action,
PeaceAction Montgomery, Peace and Justice of Prince George's County,
Progressive Cheverly, Progressive Democrats of America (Maryland),
Progressive Neighbors, Save Our Votes, and Upcounty Action. Other
progressive organizations are welcome to join PWG. Please contact Wally
Malakoff malakoff@starpower.net for more information.

Note: While MoveOn has determined not to join with these other
organizations in an official capacity, many local MoveOn members are
participating in actions organized and cosponsored by MCPA and vice versa.

Thanks for reading down this far, and hope to see you at the meeting and
future events,

Mike Hersh
Chairperson, MCPA
Steering Committee, PWG & DFMC
Maryland State Coordinator, PDA
Montgomery County Council, MoveOn

UDC Justice Cafe' THIS FRIDAY 11/6 6-10 pm

UDC Justice Cafe' THIS FRIDAY 11/6 6-10 pm
Fun, food, friends, music, massage, and more!

If you are passionate about social justice and/or the environment and
want to connect, learn, and have fun with others like you - join us!

Delicious veggie catering by Kit's Catering--PLEASE RSVP so we know how
much food we'll need!

Pot Luck: if you can, please bring a vegetarian pot luck dish to
share--side dishes and desserts are especially welcome!

Free CranioSacral therapy sessions by Randy Goldberg

Musicians: David Rabin, cellist; Mike Bowers, guitar and vocals;
Godisheus (pending); Joey Shade, guitar and vocals (invited)

Tablers: DC Statehood Green Party, Wendt Center for Loss and Healing,
Why and How Women Are Exploited by Men Worldwide (author and book),
Rooting DC and the Neighborhood Farm Initiative, War Resisters League
desk calendars & other anti-war and pro-environmental material,
Choices--Peace and Alternatives to Military Recruiting, plus other
equality, social justice and environmental organizations!

If you want a FREE TABLE, contact Mike Hersh mikehersh@mikehersh.com

Suggested donation $15 / $10 students / $5 kids. All ages event; child
activities provided – and powered by kids!

Hosted by the University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School
of Law, the District's public interest law school.

Firebird Inn Building 39, B-Level
4200 Connecticut Ave NW Washington DC 20008
Just above the Van Ness UDC Metro Station (red line)
Campus Map: http://www.udc.edu/campus_map.htm
Wheelchair Accessible

Upcoming Cafes: First Fridays at 6 pm -10 pm (* with exceptions to avoid
holidays): November 6th, December 4th, *January 8th, February 5th, March
5th, April 2nd, May (tba), June 4th

We need volunteers to help set up and decorate, clean up at the end, and
help host the event.

TO VOLUNTEER, contact Mike: mikehersh@mikehersh.com or Joe: JFL@udc.edu
Tell everyone to attend the Cafe'--ask them to please RSVP so we know
how much food to get!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Virginia coming down to the wire

With the election in Virginia coming down to the wire, now is our last
chance to make sure that Virginia elects Creigh Deeds as it's next
governor. Deeds needs a strong Get Out the Vote operation to put him
over the top, and he's relying on volunteers like you to make it happen!


There is a special need for volunteers to help out in McLean, Virginia
on election day, answering a hotline for people with polling questions:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpck27


Canvassing on Saturday and Sunday (meet at the Democratic National
Committee Headquarters): http://www.deedsforvirginia.com/action/Volunteer


Phone banking on Monday and Tuesday (election day!):
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpck2s


Thank you so much.
Jake
Organizing for America

phone banking for healthcare in Montgomery County

Join us for phone banking for healthcare in Montgomery County.

Please help us mobilize fellow supporters in key Congressional Districts
to urge their Members of Congress to support health insurance reform. We
will be making calls 6:30 - 9:00 PM, Monday through Thursday in
Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Gaithersburg. -- Bethesda (downtown), in
the office of EZGSA, 4801 Hampden La., Suite 105 (at the corner of
Hampden La. and East La., one block south of the Bethesda Metro station)
-- Silver Spring (downtown) at the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, 8230
Georgia Ave. (at the corner of Ripley St. and Georgia Ave., 3 blocks
southeast of the Silver Spring Metro Station ) -- Gaithersburg, in the
MCGEO union offices at 600 S. Frederick Ave. (at the corner of W. Deer
Park Rd. and S. Frederick Ave.)

Here's a link where you can sign up by date and place:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEFuZ21HMnJPSGVVNWxEN0huSU5QaVE6MA

Meet and have fun with Progressives from DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Join us at the UDC Cafe and bring all your friends!
Meet and have fun with Progressives from DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Organizations can table for free--contact me to reserve space!
Volunteers needed. Please contact me to help.

Friday, Nov. 6th 6-10 pm
University of DC, Firebird Inn,
Van Ness/UDC metro stop Red Line (West exit)
Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW, 20008, Wheelchair
Accessible
Suggested donation $15/ $10 students/$5 kids (includes food and drink)

The November 6 Cafe will feature live music, veggie food, beer & wine,
coffee and tea, a 7 pm Shabbat, a variety of information tables, table
tennis and pool tables, and a variety of interesting people active on a
wide range of environmental and social issues!

David Rabin, cellist; Mike Bowers, guitar and vocals:
http://www.mdbmusic.com/music.html -- and more!

Help us spread the word - Invite your friends!

Thanks,

Mike Hersh

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The UDC Justice Café

Does your organization need publicity, volunteers, connections?

Sign up for a FREE TABLE at the

The UDC Justice Café !

Friday, Nov. 6th 6-10 pm

University of DC, Firebird Inn, Van Ness/UDC Red Line West exit

Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW, 20008, Wheelchair Accessible

Suggested donation $15/ $10 students/$5 kids (includes food and drink)

The November 6 Cafe will feature live music, veggie food, beer & wine, coffee and tea, a 7 pm Shabbat, a variety of information tables, table tennis and pool tables, and a variety of interesting people active on a wide range of environmental and social issues!

David Rabin, cellist

Mike Bowers, guiltar and vocals:
http://www.mdbmusic.com/music.html
and more!

Help us spread the word - Invite your friends!

Invite your Facebook Friends at

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641564804&ref=name#/event.php?eid=194652189008&index=1

All ages event; child activities provided – and powered by kids!

TO VOLUNTEER or TO PERFORM or to TABLE on November 6, please contact MikeHersh@mikehersh.com
MikeHersh@mikehersh.com

Hosted by the University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School of Law www.law.udc.edu, the District's public interest law school.
For more information on the law school full-tuition three-year Advocate for Justice Scholarships, go to
http://www.law.udc.edu/?page=AFJ

MONTHLY UDC JUSTICE CAFÉS: are held on the First Fridays of each month at the UDC Firebird Inn. They help build understanding, friendship, community and cooperation among area activists.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Just a week to go!

Creigh Deeds is running for governor, and needs our help! Election Day
is next week!

Please contact my friend, former congressional candidate Andrea Miller
to help preserve progress in Virginia. Andrea will set you up walking
districts in her part of the state. People from Maryland are going to
Northern Virginia, which is fine, but the campaign needs our help in
central Virginia now!

Send an email to Andrea: amiller6210@gmail.com

Thank you,

Mike Hersh

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Boycott Whole Foods for Opposing Health Reform, Labor Rights

From Progressive Maryland: Whole Foods Opposes Health Reform, Labor
Rights-- Boycott & Help Progressive Md. & Allies Leaflet/Picket the
Silver Spring Store, Fenton & Wayne Ave. Sundays 9 am- Noon, Oct. 25 &
Nov. 1 (rain or shine)

Did you know Whole Foods CEO John Mackey:
* Strongly opposes President Obama's health care reforms? (Read his
op-ed in Wall Street Journal, Aug. 12, 2009:
http://www.progressivemaryland.org/public/documents/CLIPS-TopStories/2009/aug/2009_8_12_wsj_whole_foods_ceo.pdf
* Believes Americans have no right to health care, food & shelter?
* Fires employees who dare to organize themselves into a union?

Mr. Mackey uses the money customers spend at Whole Foods to promote
myths and propaganda created by the insurance industry and big drug
companies to derail health care reform, and to prevent his workers from
forming a union. Recent polls continue to show a large majority of
Americans want a "public option" in any health care reform bill. Our
weekly leafleting is turning away hundreds, raising awareness, and
building the nationwide boycott.

Help leaflet Whole Foods and send Mackey a message.
Boycott & tell them why: 301.984.4874; fax 301.984.2064.

For more: 240-505-6282, gvlasits@gmail.com, read the flyer
http://www.progressiveneighborsmd.org/wholefoods.php or
http://www.wholeboycott.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Sunday, October 25 support the re-election of Marc Elrich

Please join us Sunday, October 25 To support the re-election of
Montgomery County Council Member Marc Elrich

Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Place: The home of Diana and Bill Conway
10600 River Road
Potomac, MD 20854
(Less than one mile northwest of the intersection of River Road and
Great Falls Road)
http://tinyurl.com/ElrichEvent

Dear Friends,

It's that time again! The election cycle is swinging into (higher) gear.

This Sunday afternoon, join fellow activists and quite a few elected
officials at the home of Diana and Bill Conway for a casual but critical
fund raiser for Montgomery County Council Member Marc Elrich.

Marc brings to public office a rare blend of intelligence, integrity,
commitment, compassion and common sense. I've witnessed Marc's good work
for more than a decade -- as a community advocate, a Takoma Park City
Council Member and now as a County Council Member -- on a wide range of
environmental, social and economic issues.

He digs into the issues, does his homework and bucks political head
winds on tough issues. The stakes in this election are, as always, high.

The County Council is Montgomery County's pre-eminent transportation and
land use authority. It selects the members of the county Planning Board,
and through policies, laws and budget decisions sets the county's
priorities on education, public health, public safety, housing, economic
development, global warming, energy, air quality, habitat conservation,
farmland preservation, watershed protection, and many other issues.

Marc takes no contributions from developers, and he has been one of too
few elected officials who has been willing to speak out consistently and
forcefully against wasteful, destructive projects like the Intercounty
Connector.

This is no mean feat given that Marc serves in a county-wide, at-large
seat on the County Council, in a county where developers, road builders
and their friends have in recent elections all but swamped our elections
with special-interest campaign cash.

Marc's successful 2006 campaign was powered by grassroots energy and
contributions, and with our help, he can win again in 2010 running the
same kind of focused, issues-driven campaign.

Join us this Sunday!

Bill and Diana have generously opened their home for this event, and
we're all hoping for a great turnout and a significant boost to Marc's
campaign for re-election.

There will be plenty of catered food & drink (including local cider,
wines & cheeses), and many elected officials on hand including County
Executive Ike Legget, State Comptroller Peter Franchot, State Attorney
General Doug Gansler, some of Marc's fellow council members, and many
state delegates and senators from across the county.

So lots of elected arms to twist on your favorite topic.

If you cannot join us Sunday....

Please consider sending a contribution to support Marc's important work
on behalf of us all.

Contributions should be sent to: Friends of Marc Elrich
8100 Sligo Creek Parkway
Takoma Park, MD 20912.

Please RSVP

To RSVP, send a quick note to: rsvp@marcelrich.com

Every contribution counts, and your generosity is most appreciated! Many
thanks and I hope to see you Sunday at Diana's and Bill's!

Best,

Greg Smith

Sunday's Host Committee: Delegate Saqib Ali • Donna Baron • Laura
Berthiaume • Paula Bienenfield • Delegate Bill Bronrott • Delegate Al
Carr • Bill and Diana Conway • Sharon Dooley • Delegate Kathleen Dumais
• Merry Eisner • Delegate Brian Feldman • Mayor Peter Fosselman •
Comptroller Peter Franchot • Delegate Bill Frick • Senator Brian Frosh •
Attorney General Doug Gansler • Senator Rob Garagiola • Delegate Jim
Gilchrist • Janette Gilman • Delegate Henry Heller • Delegate Sheila
Hixson • Delegate Tom Hucker • Oakley and Francie Johnson • Delegate Ben
Kramer • Delegate Susan Lee • Pam Lindstrom • Senator Rich Madaleno •
Delegate Roger Manno • Cindy and David McGrath • Delegate Karen
Montgomery • Senator Jamie Raskin • Vincent Renzi • Delegate Kirill
Reznik • Delegate Craig Rice • Mike Rubin • Carol Van Dam • Delegate
Jeff Waldstreicher

Suggested Contributions for Sunday's Reception: $50 Friend • $75 Family
• $100 Supporter • $250 Benefactor

Parking at Sunday's Reception :Please park in the cul-de-sac at the end
of Potomac Manors Drive, behind the Conway's house. Then follow lighted
walkway to their driveway.

If your party includes someone with limited mobility, please use Diana's
and Bill's driveway.

Authorized by: Friends of Marc Elrich
Dale A. Tibbitts, Chairman
Christine Grewell, Treasurer
8001 Sligo Creek Parkway
Takoma Park, MD 20912

CALL WHERE IT COUNTS PHONE BANKS -- SILVER SPRING

CALL WHERE IT COUNTS PHONE BANKS -- SILVER SPRING (Downtown)
Wed. 10/21, Thu. 10/22; Mon. 10/26; Tue. 10/27; Wed. 10/28; Thu. 10/29
6:30 - 9 PM each evening @ Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, 8230 Georgia
Ave., SS

Join us as we help drown out the heath care industry lobbyists by
mobilizing fellow Democrats whose voices matter right now. Bring a
friend too, if you can. It is time to deliver real health insurance
reform NOW for the millions of Americans whose lives may depend on it.
Please bring a wifi-capable laptop, if you have one.

To RSVP, go to: http://tinyurl.com/HCPB-md08
Or sign-up at my.barackobama.com, under "Events" at the top of the page

* * * * *
Cosponsors of this event include the Greater Silver Spring Democratic
Club, Delegates Mizeur, Manno and Hucker, Councilmembers Leventhal and
Ervin, Tony Hausner, Donna Graham, Emily Ackerman, Mark Woodard,
Patricia MacTaggart, Rachel Lemberg, Darian Unger, Tina Slater, Mike
Hersh. We welcome other cosponsors.

Associated Groups:
Maryland for Obama, Montgomery County for Obama, Election Day Call Team
1, Silver Spring MD for Obama

Health Care Phone Bank Thursday, October 22

Health Care Phone Bank in Silver Spring
Host: Rosie Engman rosie.engman@gmail.com
Time(s):
Thursday, October 22 from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Pyramid Atlantic Art Center
8230 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20901
Map/Directions:
Take Georgia Ave. towards the District. Turn right before Ripley St
and park. The door is on Ripley St.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=8230+Georgia+Ave.+Silver+Spring,+MD+20901
Short walk from Silver Spring Metro station

Monday, October 19, 2009

TIME TO DELIVER CALLING PARTY -- SILVER SPRING

From Tony Hausner:

There will be health reform phonebanks during a number of days in the
next two weeks and possibly beyond. Calls will be made to supportive
voters in key states during these sessions. The goal is to get these
voters to call their Senators and/or their Representatives to Congress.
Both houses will be voting soon and these calls are coming at a critical
time in this decision. I encourage everyone to participate in these
phonebanks and to spread the message as widely as possible to persons in
the Silver Spring and Takoma park areas. For persons outside of this
immediate area, advise them to get involved by going to Obama's
grassroots Organizing for America at http://www.barackobama.com

TIME TO DELIVER CALLING PARTY -- SILVER SPRING (Downtown
Tues. 10/20, 6-9 PM @ Alan Banov and Associates, 8401 Colesville Rd.,
Suite 325, SS

We'll call friendly voters whose voices matter in this debate, talk to
them about the President's plan, and ask them to call on their
representatives to support reform. To RSVP, go to:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/timetodelivercallparty/gpcmv4
President Obama will participate via webcast on Tuesday evening.

_________________________

CALL WHERE IT COUNTS PHONE BANKS -- SILVER SPRING (Downtown)
Wed. 10/21, Thu. 10/22; Mon. 10/26; Tue. 10/27; Wed. 10/28; Thu. 10/29
6:30 - 9 PM each evening @ Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, 8230 Georgia
Ave., SS

Join us as we help drown out the heath care industry lobbyists by
mobilizing fellow Democrats whose voices matter right now. Bring a
friend too, if you can. It is time to deliver real health insurance
reform NOW for the millions of Americans whose lives may depend on it.
Please bring a wifi-capable laptop, if you have one.

To RSVP, go to: http://tinyurl.com/HCPB-md08
Or sign-up at my.barackobama.com, under "Events" at the top of the page

* * * * *
Cosponsors of this event include the Greater Silver Spring Democratic
Club, Delegates Mizeur, Manno and Hucker, Councilmembers Leventhal and
Ervin, Tony Hausner, Donna Graham, Emily Ackerman, Mark Woodard,
Patricia MacTaggart, Rachel Lemberg, Darian Unger, Tina Slater, Mike
Hersh. We welcome other cosponsors.

Associated Groups: Maryland for Obama, Montgomery County for Obama,
Election Day Call Team 1, Silver Spring MD for Obama

Saturday, October 17, 2009

JOIN THE BOYCOTT--SHOP SOMEWHERE ELSE

Join our picket line at the Whole Foods location:
Sunday October 18th 10 a.m.
833 Wayne Ave. Silver Spring 20910
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=833+Wayne+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20910

Why Boycott Whole Foods?
Did you know that John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods…
• has strongly opposed President Obama's health care reforms?*
• does not believe Americans have any right to health care, food and
shelter?*
• fires employees who dare to organize themselves into a union?

Mr. Mackey uses the money he makes when we buy at Whole Foods to promote
myths and propaganda created by the insurance industry and big drug
companies to derail health care reform. If you support health care
reform and honest discussion about the issues facing our nation, it is
time to send John Mackey and his friends a message. Tell them that the
voice of ordinary Americans will be heard.**

JOIN THE BOYCOTT--SHOP SOMEWHERE ELSE
Learn the whole truth about Whole Foods – For more information go to
http://www.progressiveneighborsmd.org/wholefoods.php

* Op ed by John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, in the Wall Street Journal,
8/12/09
** SurveyUSA poll (8/19/09) and numerous polls following President
Obama's speech on health care demonstrate that a large majority of
Americans wanted a "public option" in any health care reform bill.

Forum on Healthcare Sunday, October 25

Montgomery County Forum on Healthcare: Local, Maryland and National Reforms

Join State Senator Jamie Raskin; Delegates Karen Montgomery, Roger
Manno, Ana Sol Gutierrez, Heather Mizeur, and Tom Hucker; and Council
Members Duchy Trachtenberg and George Leventhal.

Moderator: Garland Nixon (WPFW Pacifica Radio, Montgomery Municipal
Cable TV).

When: 1-3 PM Sunday, October 25, 2009
Where: Rockville Regional Library, Rockville Town Center
21 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850

$10 Requested donation for the room, pizza, snacks, coffee, etc.

Short walk from the Rockville Metro station (red line)
Detailed directions:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/BranchInfo/ro.asp

Topics for Discussion:
* Report from the White House Working Group on Healthcare
* Healthcare Discrimination: Problems and Solutions
* How We Can Help Pass Real Healthcare Reform

Get involved with ongoing actions supporting reform--phone banking, door
knocking, calling elected officials, etc.

Sponsored by: Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Progressive
Maryland, Progressive Neighbors, HealthcareMaryland.org, Progressive
Democrats of America/Maryland, Democracy for Montgomery County, Greater
Silver Spring Democratic Club, Montgomery Health Care ACTION, Organizing
for America (Md 8th), and MoveOn (Montgomery County). Other
organizations are considering cosponsorship. Additional cosponsors
welcome! Contact Mike Hersh: MikeHersh@MikeHersh.com