URGENT: Action needed on verifiable voting in Maryland ASAP!

URGENT: Action needed on verifiable voting in Maryland ASAP!

Time-sensitive request for help requested from one of our PWG member
organizations, SAVEourVotes:

Progressives have been pushing the state to switch to a new, reliable,
recountable voting system for years. A just released independent study,
funded by the MD General Assembly, has revealed what we have been saying
for years: the switch will not only protect our voting results, it will
save us millions!

Gov. O'Malley must include a very minimal amount of funding for the
switch in his budget announcement in mid-January or the new voting
system won't be in place in time for the FY 2012 elections. (While
minimal funding will be needed for the switch in FY 2012, it will be
recouped very quickly and lead to savings of $9.5M over the next 7-8
years.) We need the help of your members to ask the Governor to do this
BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS!

Could you please send an email blast ASAP to your group's members asking
them to tell Gov. O'Malley to include the switch to a new optical scan
voting system in his FY 2012 budget before the holidays -- before the
budget is finalized? It's quick and easy. Just direct them to the action
alert at http://www.saveourvotes.org/opscan4md

Thanks very much for your help! If you have any questions, go to
http://www.saveourvotes.org and/or feel free to contact Shelley Fudge at
SAVEourVotes at shelley@saveourvotes.org or 301-580-9224.

Saturday in Silver Spring Celebrate and Support Healthcare Progress

We are close to our final goal of fundraising for the Economic Impact Study for our state single payer health care bill: The Maryland Health Security Act http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/bills/hb/hb0767f.pdf

We hope to have the final amount needed by the end of December so that we can have the results of the study available during the 2011 Legislative Session.

To celebrate we are having a party
This Saturday December 11th  1 to 4 pm
McGinty's Public House
911 Ellsworth in Silver Spring

Short walk from Silver Spring Metro. Free or affordable public parking near by.

Featuring the blues and swing sounds of Deadwood.

Bring your dancing shoes or sit back and sing along while you sip one of McGinty's many fine beers. Bring your friends and family and meet other single payer supporters. The cost of tickets is $20 in advance and $25 at the door and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the economic study.

We will also have canvas shopping bags available for sale. These limited edition bags include the logo for "Got P.I.I.S.D.*" (visible at www.md.pnhp.org) created by our Dr. Carol Paris, a practicing psychiatrist in Southern Maryland who is seeing an epidemic of this condition. Her diagnostic criteria for this disorder were recently published in Psychiatric Times: http://www.pnhp.org/news/2010/november/diagnostic-criteria-for-piisd-%E2%80%93-private-insurance-induced-stress-disorder. We guarantee that these bags will spark conversations wherever you take them!

If you are unable to attend this Saturday, please consider making a donation to the study online at http://www.mdsinglepayer.org/impact-study/.  Donations are tax deductible. Every amount helps. Please give what you can and help us pass the Health Security Act--a publicly financed, privately run, patient-directed health plan (aka single payer health care) in Maryland. Single payer saves lives. Our study will show how much money it will save our state as well.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Progressive Democrats of America/Maryland

Local Civil Rights Restoration Act

• The Local Civil Rights Restoration Act aims to (a) reiterate Fourth Amendment standards constraining suspicionless data collection / intelligence gathering, (b) create enforceable remedies to address racial & ethnic profiling, and (c) impede collaboration between local police agencies and federal agencies (including ICE and the FBI) unrelated to criminal law enforcement.
  
  
• Suggested talking points in "plain English" are posted online.
  
  
• A recent blog post explains the strategy and why these particular reforms are compelling in the wake of SB1070 and recurring FBI scandals. 
  
  
• Our request of grassroots groups at the outset is simply for their "name only" support of these proposed reforms, around which we can mobilize further support.  As allied groups join the coalition, we can shift into a more public phase including mobilization and outreach to officeholders. 
  

celebrate progress on healthcare THIS Saturday!

We are close to our final goal of fundraising for the Economic Impact Study for our state single payer health care bill: The Maryland Health Security Act http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/bills/hb/hb0767f.pdf

We hope to have the final amount needed by the end of December so that we can have the results of the study available during the 2011 Legislative Session.

To celebrate we are having a party
This Saturday December 11th  1 to 4 pm
McGinty's Public House
911 Ellsworth in Silver Spring

Short walk from Silver Spring Metro. Free or affordable public parking near by.

Featuring the blues and swing sounds of Deadwood.

Bring your dancing shoes or sit back and sing along while you sip one of McGinty's many fine beers. Bring your friends and family and meet other single payer supporters. The cost of tickets is $20 in advance and $25 at the door and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the economic study.

We will also have canvas shopping bags available for sale. These limited edition bags include the logo for "Got P.I.I.S.D.*" (visible at www.md.pnhp.org) created by our Dr. Carol Paris, a practicing psychiatrist in Southern Maryland who is seeing an epidemic of this condition. Her diagnostic criteria for this disorder were recently published in Psychiatric Times: http://www.pnhp.org/news/2010/november/diagnostic-criteria-for-piisd-%E2%80%93-private-insurance-induced-stress-disorder. We guarantee that these bags will spark conversations wherever you take them!

If you are unable to attend this Saturday, please consider making a donation to the study online at http://www.mdsinglepayer.org/impact-study/.  Donations are tax deductible. Every amount helps. Please give what you can and help us pass the Health Security Act--a publicly financed, privately run, patient-directed health plan (aka single payer health care) in Maryland. Single payer saves lives. Our study will show how much money it will save our state as well.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Your friends at Healthcare-Now of Maryland and Maryland chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program

Silver Spring fundraiser for universal healthcare

Want universal healthcare at a reasonable price? Think healthcare is a human right? Got P.I.I.S.D. (Private Insurance Induced Stress Disorder)? Want a solution?

Please join us at McGinity's Pub (911 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, MD) on December 11th from 1 to 4 PM for a fundraiser for the Maryland Economic Impact Study.

We are getting very close to our goal of $40,000 and this event could put us there. Come dance to the sounds of DEADWOOD. Get a ticket in advance by making a donation of $20 or more to the study here. Tickets are $25 at the door.

Checkout the flyer for more details. If you have time, please download the flyer and post it where appropriate.

Thanks for your support,
Healthcare-NOW! of Maryland

Healthcare-NOW! of Maryland survives on the generosity of our supporters.
Please consider making a donation.

www.MDSinglePayer.org | info@mdsinglepayer.org

Criminalizing Dissent: WikiLeaks, FBI Raids, Maryland Police Spies and YOU*

Criminalizing Dissent: WikiLeaks, FBI Raids, Maryland Police Spies and YOU*

Sunday, December 5 · 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Busboys and Poets, 5th and K st. NW

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1025+5th+St+NW+Washington+DC+20001
Closest metro stop: Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center (Green/Yellow
lines)

(*You - could be anyone of good conscience)

Information and Organizing meeting for activists and civil libertarians
to discuss recent (ongoing) government attempts to criminalize dissent
and what we can do to counter such attacks on our civil rights.

From the September FBI raids of peace and solidarity activist homes in
Minneapolis & Chicago; the campaign to discredit Julian Assange and
WikiLeaks; Maryland State Police spying o...n local activists and more,
our government is intent on quashing dissent (especially when it has to
do with foreign policy) using a variety of tools and tactics. And we can
fight back.

Pass a local Civil Right Restoration Act to safeguard our civil rights
and civil liberties in DC, MD and VA

Develop a rapid response network to demonstrate our solidarity with
allies under attack

More ideas are welcome!

Sponsored by Bill of Rights Defense Committee, DC National Lawyers
Guild, CodePink, Defending Dissent Foundation, Peace Action, Progressive
Democrats of America, United for Peace and Justice

David Swanson will discuss and sign his new book War Is A Lie

David Swanson will discuss and sign his new book War Is A Lie.
http://warisalie.org

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 18th

Busboys and Poets 5th & K Sts.
1025 5th St NW
Washington DC 20001

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1025+5th+St+NW+Washington+DC+20001
Closest metro stop: Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center (Green/Yellow
lines)

Cosponsors:
Chesapeake Citizens
CODE PINK
Democracy for Montgomery County
Democrats.com
Free Speech TV
Global Exchange
Montgomery County Progressive Alliance
Progressive Democrats of America
PDA - Maryland
WarIsACrime.org
Washington Peace Center

"David Swanson's War Is A Lie may be the most comprehensive antiwar
statement available in the English language." --Kevin Young

"Not since General Smedley Butler's War is a Racket has a simpler, more
brilliant, or truer book been published." --Geoffrey Millard

"David Swanson despises war and lying, and unmasks them both with rare
intelligence. I learn something new on every page." --Jeff Cohen

Hands Off Soc Sec and Medicare Capitol Hill on Nov 30

You've probably heard that the National Fiscal Commission is looking to carve up Social Security and Medicare like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Join  activists on Capitol Hill on Nov 30th at 10am for a Lobby Day to tell Members of Congress directly to keep their hands off Social Security and Medicare.  If the Deficit Commission were serious about reducing the deficit they would look to a single-payer health care system that would save $400 billion annually on the national level, cutting the military budget, or taxing the rich.

Details:
10:00am - Pick up packets at room 2226 of the Rayburn Building

For questions, please contact Andrea Miller at amiller6210@gmail.com.

For Improved Medicare for All,
Katie Robbins
Healthcare-NOW! National Organizer

The election's winner? Big money Baltimore Sun

The election's winner? Big money Letter to the Editor published in the Baltimore Sun
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bs-ed-campaign-finance-reform-letter-20101119,0,3579976.story

Now that the election is over, the tallies are in, and the numbers are shocking — and no, I'm not talking about the votes. I'm talking about the record-breaking amounts of anonymous money poured into campaign coffers by shadowy front groups like American Action Network and American Future Fund. American Action Network spent over $16 million on electioneering in 2010 but did not disclose where a single penny came from. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent over $31 million, but they also did not disclose their donors. They are not alone. The percentage of organizations disclosing their electioneering communications donors has fallen from 97 percent in 2004, to 34 percent in 2010, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Thank the Supreme Court. In case after case, including the landmark Citizens United v. FEC, they have chipped away at barriers between corporate influence and democratic elections. While some may applaud the court's ruling for bestowing every American, from BP to your grandmother, with the right to anonymously spend millions of dollars on elections, the ability of foreign and domestic corporations and unions to launder large independent expenditures through front groups is just another way the voices of individuals are being drowned out.

Action is being taken to mitigate this. Congress has a second chance to pass the Disclose Act, which would require groups to identify their donors. And in Maryland we are lucky enough to have a similar package going to the General Assembly, introduced by Sens. Jamie Raskin and Brian Frosh, which would guard our local officials from anonymous smear campaigns and pay-to-play politics. I hope Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller will understand the need for these protections and use his extensive experience in the General Assembly to advocate for passage of these important bills.

Jessica Sharp, Laurel

Upcoming hearings for the House of Delegates in Rockville

Monday, December 6, 2010

House Hearing for local bills - 7:00 p.m. - 3rd Floor Hearing Room, Stella Werner Council Office Bldg., 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850 - Local bills refer to legislation affecting issues specific to Montgomery County.

Click here to sign up to testify.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

House Hearing for bi-county bills - 7:00 p.m. - 3rd Floor Hearing Room, Stella Werner Council Office Bldg., 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850 - Bi-County bills refer to legislation that requires the approval of the Montgomery County and the Prince George’s County Delegations. 

Click here to sign up to testify.

Free Speech for People--We're making a difference!

Dear friend -

Great news: we’re seeing a tremendous response to our campaign, just in the past few days since our last message.   In fact, it’s been one of our strongest responses ever.  It’s clear that people are ready to stand up and fight to take our democracy back from the corporations.  

There’s also been a ton of press coverage on all the money spent in the recent election.  And that coverage gives us an important opening to make our case for a constitutional amendment, using letters-to-the-editor to reach policy-makers and the public.  

Can you take 5 minutes right now, to send a letter to your newspaper?  We’ve made it easy by providing sample letters and an online tool to help you send one to your paper, here:

       Send a quick letter to the editor now.

Letters-to-the-editor are really powerful: they’re widely read, especially by elected officials, who pay extra close attention to get a feel for what the voters are thinking about.  

After the election, you can bet they’re watching to see if we’re going to roll over and accept the latest power grab by corporations, which just spent hundreds of millions of dollars to influence the last election, with the Supreme Court’s blessing.  Or, if we’re standing and fighting.

Which will you do today?

       Click here to stand up and be heard.

Our constitutional amendment will make it clear once and for all that free speech and other constitutional rights are for people, not corporations.

Your letter will help tell the world that the fight for the future of our democracy is on.

Thanks again for standing with us.

Sincerely,

- John

John Bonifaz
Free Speech for People
November 17, 2010

monthly meeting of Healthcare-Now of Maryland

Join us for the monthly meeting of Healthcare-Now of Maryland, working
for universal, single-payer healthcare. Newcomers, friends, members all
welcome. Thursday, Nov. 18th, 7:15-9:15 PM in Baltimore at the
Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, 6 E. University Pkwy (ne corner
University Pkwy and N. Charles St.) Ample free parking (enter from N.
Charles St.) For more info, email info@mdsinglepayer.org

UPDATE: Libby Kimzey Maryland Organizer for Common Cause will join us at 7 PM to discuss the Fair Elections Now Act.

UPDATE: Libby Kimzey Maryland Organizer for Common Cause will join us at
7 PM to discuss the Fair Elections Now Act.

Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, PDA, and more.
Progressive Coalition Meeting to plan future events and actions.

Report on 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.

If you haven't paid your dues for 2010 (or want to pay for 2011) please
take this opportunity to do so now.

Please pay online:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=TQJP7KPCH6HN6
or bring dues to our meeting:
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

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

Thanks!

Mike

Four Meetup groups--Progressive Victory in 2010, Democratic Party /
MCPA, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance and this one--get together
with like-minded activists working for Progressive Victories in 2010 and
beyond. We meet at least once each month to discuss and plan events and
actions. Of these groups, Progressive Victory has the most members, and
we hope you will join that Meetup to save time, money, and effort
organizing our meetings and actions. See:
http://www.meetup.com/progressive-victory/ We'll eventually close the
other Meetup groups.

1. MCPA: The Montgomery County Progressive Alliance is a result-oriented
coalition working on local, state, national and international issues.
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.

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. See: http://www.PDAmerica.org You can sign up for
PDA here:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/personal2.asp?formid=joinusshort&c=5052037

Other organizations working in our area:

PWG: The Progressive Working Group is a coalition promoting progress and
reform, economic fairness and equality, protecting the environment, and
more. PWG is not part of the MCPA, but the MCPA is part of the PWG which
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. PWG will
focus on 2 or 3 issues during the 2010 session. Progressive
organizations are welcome to join PWG. Please contact Wally Malakoff
malakoff@starpower.net for more information.

NOW: The National Organization for Women has been advancing womens'
issues including general progressive causes for decades. See:
http://www.now.org/ for more information. Contact Montgomery County NOW
membership chairperson Jeannette Feldner lj.feldner@verizon.net to join.
Men as well as women are welcome to join NOW.

OfA: Organizing for America emerged from President Obama's campaign in
2008, and is organizing grass-roots activists to support the Democratic
National Committee/Obama agenda. OfA is sponsoring local efforts in each
congressional district which are not directly or legally affiliated with
the DNC. OfA is currently sponsoring phone banks, organizing meetings,
and building a "rapid response" media effort. Please contact Jon Randall
jrandall39@comcast.net for more information. See
http://www.barackobama.com/learn/about_ofa.php

MoveOn is a national political action organization and has a local
council in Silver Spring and elsewhere around Maryland. Local MoveOn
members have cooperated with MCPA on town halls, vigils, phone banking,
and other actions. See http://www.moveon.org to join your local council.

To have your organization or events listed here, please contact me.

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

Mike Hersh, Meetup Organizer
Chairperson, MCPA and DFMC
Maryland State Coordinator, PDA
Steering Committee, PWG

TONIGHT: Girls at Risk: the bullying of sexualization of girls

REMINDER: The Montgomery County Chapter of the National Organization for Women invites you to attend an engaging, informative panel-led discussion and workshop on "Girls at Risk: the bullying of sexualization of girls." Free, open to the public, free parking. Refreshments.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010 FROM 7 TO 9 P.M.
WHEATON REGIONAL LIBRARY Large Meeting Room on the ground Floor
11701 Georgia Ave., (corner of Arcola Ave.) Wheaton, MD 20902

Directions: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/branchinfo/wh.asp#map

Falling Off The Edge: Maryland’s Education Funding Cliff

Maryland Education Coalition presents... Falling Off The Edge:
Maryland's Education Funding Cliff

Thursday, November 18, 2010 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Bowie High School 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715

Maryland Education Coalition will host a presentation and panel
discussion on Maryland's budget crisis, threats to state education
funding, and the potential impact on school districts, teachers, and
students in Maryland.

Presentations and Panel Discussion Guests

Dr. William Hite, Superintendent of Prince George's County Public School
System John Woolums, Maryland Association of Boards of Education Clara
Floyd, Maryland State Education Association Neil Bergsman, Maryland
Budget and Tax Policy Institute

Light Food and Refreshments will be served. For more information and to
RSVP for the event, contact Ellie Mitchell at 410.625.7976 or
emitchell@safeandsound.org. 


Crisis in Education Funding
• $430 million in federal stimulus funding for education WILL BE LOST
for next school year • Federal stimulus funding for IDEA and Title I
WILL ALSO BE LOST • A shift of teacher pension costs from the state to
local school districts could lead to HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS CUT FROM
CLASSROOMS • Maryland faces $1 billion+ in revenue shortfalls for fiscal
year 2012

Will you act to prevent cuts to Maryland's public schools? Join the
Maryland Education Coalition!

Chris Van Hollen on "Political Pulse" Oct. 22, 24, 26

Chris Van Hollen, Congressman from Maryland's 8th District and Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) will be on "Political Pulse" on:

Friday, Oct. 22nd through Sunday, Oct. 24th at 6 p.m. and Tuesday October 26th, at 9:30 p.m.

Topics that will be discussed include the mid-term elections (and whether the Democrats can hold onto the House of Rep's), jobs, campaign financing, the Health Care bill, the Stimulus bill and other local issues.

Political Pulse is on Channel 16 TV in Montgomery County.

The Left and Elections forum in Baltimore Sun. Oct. 24th

Public forum this Sunday: October 24th
The Left and Elections
Place: The Baltimore Free School
1323 N. Calvert St. Baltimore MD 21202
Time: 2 pm to 3:30 pm

Speakers: Les Bayless, union organizer and peace activist, and Cindy
Farquhar, member of Progressive Working Group.

Event is free, and there will be plenty of time for discussion about
legislative possibilities in the General Assembly in 2011.

Join Karen Montgomery this Saturday

From Delegate and State Senate nominee Karen S. Montgomery:

As we move forward to the general election, I hope you will take
advantage of early voting. It's convenient--try it!

You helped me win a difficult election so that we can enact a
progressive legislative agenda in Maryland. But if we don't win the
governor's office, our work will have been for naught.

The governor signs or vetoes legislation that we pass in the General
Assembly, and if we want progressive legislation signed into law, we
must reelect Gov. O'Malley.

The differences are stark. Where Gov. O'Malley froze tuition for four
straight years at the University of Maryland, brought real
professionalism to the executive branch through the State Stat program,
and became one of the nation's leading environmental governors, former
Gov. Ehrlich oversaw record hikes in college tuition in our state, hired
and unleashed a political hack to fire and demote hundreds of fine
public servants because they were not Republicans, and moved to sell off
public lands to private entities. It is critical that Gov. O'Malley be
re-elected!

But we must get out the vote if we are to defeat Bob Ehrlich. Turnout in
the Maryland primary election in September was only 24%, which means
that 76% of the people did not vote! We can't let that happen in the
general election.

I hope you will join me in downtown Silver Spring on Saturday, Oct. 23,
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a Street Festival to support Gov.
O'Malley, kick off early voting, and enjoy a fun day with other highly
engaged Democrats!

The Street Festival features all sorts of great events. Gov. O'Malley
will speak at 1:30 p.m. Check here for details and an entertainment
schedule: http://www.silverspringfestival.com/

With your help, we can turn the progressive ideals we hold In common
into legislative victories. We can keep our schools number one, create
quality jobs, protect the environment, improve transportation, and save
taxpayers money through responsible budgeting.

Let's not turn back the clock. Please help ensure that Gov. O'Malley is
reelected so that he can sign into law the kinds of progressive measures
we have fought for in District 14.

I ask for your vote again, for senate, and for the rest of the District
14 team--Ann Kaiser, Eric Luedtke, and Craig Zucker for delegates.

Join me in Silver Spring next Saturday--and let's reelect Gov. O'Malley!

Sincerely,

Karen S. Montgomery

Bethesda Oct 23: Patients United for the Human Right to Healthcare

In the words of the "old sage" Yogi Berra, "IT AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S
OVER!!" Health care reform is NOT OVER! It's JUST BEGINNING! We are now
starting to build on the foundation.

Please join Joel Segal, Senior Legislative Assistant to Congress;
Phyllis Zolotorow, Healthcare Advocate and uninsured patient; Judy
Mahaffy, Healthcare Advocate and underinsured patient and Beverly
Hummel, Healthcare Activist to explore how to start the "building" process!

Some people say "Repeal the new law". We say, "We're gearing up to amend
and build!"

Be a part of history, join us, "Patients United for the Human Right to
Healthcare", at Beverly Hummel's command post:
6213 Dahlonega Road, Bethesda, MD / Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=6213+Dahlonega+Road+Bethesda+MD+20816

RSVP by October 20th to: patients4hcr@gmail.com

Directions from 495:
495 to River Road South/190
Right on Goldsboro Rd/614 (about 5 traffic lights)
1st left on Massachusetts Ave/396
1st right on Bent Branch
1st left on Mohican Rd
2nd left on Dahlonega 

Mean Girls and Their Victims--MCNOW presents "Girls at Risk" Mon. Nov. 8th

The Montgomery County Chapter of the National Organization for Women invites you to attend an engaging, informative panel-led discussion and workshop on "Girls at Risk: the bullying of sexualization of girls."  Free, open to the public, free parking. Refreshments.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010 FROM 7 TO 9 P.M.
WHEATON REGIONAL LIBRARY Large Meeting Room on the ground Floor
11701 Georgia Ave., (corner of Arcola Ave.) Wheaton, MD 20902
Directions: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/branchinfo/wh.asp#map

With the following AGENDA:

1.       Presentation by Leslie Cameron of the American Psychological Association on the APA’s Task Force Report on The Sexualization of Girls—with a focus on suggestions for curriculum that can address this problem in the Middle Schools.

2.       Response by Panelists
a.       Ellen Bartlett, author of “Have Our Kids Lost Their Way?” Bethesda Magazine Oct. 2010
b.      Maggie Campbell, American University
c.       Julia McMurry, Albert Einstein High School

3.       Audience discussion and workshop
a.       Best Practices by Parents and Teachers
b.      Supporting the Healthy Media for Youth Act in Congress
c.       Forming a Coalition to Address the Sexualization of Youth

We hope you will attend yourself and will share this invitation with your colleagues, friends and contact.

Jill N. Brantley and Mike Hersh
Action Vice-Presidents, Montgomery County N.O.W

Pathways to Peace: Creating an Israeli/Palestinian Peace Agreement

Campaign for Middle East Peace (CMEP) in partnership with George
Washington Interfaith Action (GWIA)

Proudly presents the Symposium Series: Pathways to Peace: Creating an
Israeli/Palestinian Peace Agreement

Come hear, meet and share your support and insight with:
Harriet Fulbright – President of the J. William and Harriet Fulbright Center
Walter Fauntroy – US Congressman (D-DC, 1971-1990) and Founder of the
Congressional Black Caucus
Joel Segal – Founder of the Free China Movement & co-founder of the
Progressive Democrats of America
and other expert panelists as they seek your help and participation in
transforming a long standing conflict into a long standing peace.

7:30pm – 9:30pm Thursday, November 4th, 2010
GWU, Marvin Center, Grand Ballroom,
800 21st Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20052
A few blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro Station

Snacks and Drinks will be provided.

To RSVP or more information, please contact
Tarek Nahabet at StrategiesForDevelopment@live.com / 603-504-4440

Bethesda Oct 23: Patients United for the Human Right to Healthcare

Patients United for the Human Right to Healthcare

In the words of the "old sage" Yogi Berra, "IT AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S OVER!!"

Health care reform is NOT OVER! It's JUST BEGINNING! We are now starting to build on the foundation.

Please join Joel Segal, Senior Legislative Assistant to Congress; Phyllis Zolotorow, Healthcare Advocate and uninsured patient; Judy Mahaffy, Healthcare Advocate and underinsured patient and Beverly Hummel, Healthcare Activist to explore how to start the "building" process!

Some people say "Repeal the new law". We say, "We're gearing up to amend and build!"

Be a part of history, join us, "Patients United for the Human Right to Healthcare", at Beverly Hummel's command post:
6213 Dahlonega Road, Bethesda, MD / Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=6213+Dahlonega+Road+Bethesda+MD+20816

RSVP by October 20th to: patients4hcr@gmail.com

Directions from 495:
495 to River Road South/190
Right on Goldsboro Rd/614 (about 5 traffic lights)
1st left on Massachusetts Ave/396
1st right on Bent Branch
1st left on Mohican Rd
2nd left on Dahlonega

Saturday Oct. 16 Progressive Neighbors/Organizing for America (OFA) canvassing

Friends,

A reminder that Progressive Neighbors will be participating in the
Democratic Party's Organizing for America (OFA) canvassing effort this
Saturday (Oct. 16) to encourage registered Democrats in District 20 to
vote during the early voting period between Friday, 10/22 - Thurs., 10/28.

While we expect all our endorsed Democratic candidates in District 20 to
prevail in the Nov. election, we believe it's important to help ensure
that O'Malley remains as governor so that progressive representatives at
the state and local level have a chance at getting a progressive agenda
implemented.

We will be meeting up at 8804 Flower Ave., Silver Spring (in the empty
parking lot at the corner of Flower and Arliss St.) at 10:00 am. this
Sat. OFA will provide a brief training session, provide us handout
materials, and will then send us out in pairs. Everyone is encouraged
to participate between 10 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:00 pm, but if you can't
spare that much time, we encourage you come at 10:00 and participate for
as long as you can.

The primary message for the canvassing will be to encourage folks to
vote early, but if you have time, you might want to view
http://martinomalley.com/point for a comparison of
O'Malley's vs. Ehrlich's records prior to Sat. We'll be distributing 3
flyers: one on O'Malley/Brown, one about early voting, and the Sierra
Club flyer comparing O'Malley's vs. Ehrlich's record on the environment,
see
http://maryland-politics.blogspot.com/2010/10/sierra-club-clear-choice-for-governor.html

If you can join us, please RSVP to Shelley Fudge at scfudge@gmail.com by
Thursday, 10/14, if possible, so we can tell OFA how many materials they
need to bring for the PN contingent on Sat.

If you have any questions about this PN get-out-the-vote effort, feel
free to contact Shelley at 301-580-9224. Hope to see you on Saturday!

Also, Save the Date - Sat. Oct. 23rd for an early vote rally in Downtown
Silver Spring 10 to 4. More details to follow in our next email.

p.s. If you haven't already joined Progressive Neighbors, it's only $10
- go to http://www.progressiveneighborsmd.org

March with the Monahans for democracy

March with the Monahans

On October 20, the Monahan Brothers end their historic walk by crossing the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington, D.C.

Join PDA's Amend to Suspend Corporate Personhood Action Group; sign up here.

Published by Move To Amend.

Five months ago, two brothers—both veterans and both in their sixties—set out to walk across the US for democracy.   

Like the overwhelming majority of Americans, Laird and Robin Monahan disagreed strongly with the 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that confirmed that “corporations are persons” and have the constitution right of “free speech” under the First Amendment. But, instead of getting cynical, they got walking.

Starting in San Francisco May 16, they headed east along Highway 50, speaking along the way with local citizens and the media, demonstrating in front of state capitals, and connecting with Move to Amend supporters and allied grassroots groups in small towns and large cities across the country. Read their blog and press accounts at www.lairdandrobin.org.

On October 20, the Monahan Brothers end their historic walk by crossing the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington, DC.

Join Move to Amend in Washington to welcome them at the bridge and rally at the Lincoln Memorial and U.S. Capitol for an end to corporate personhood and corporate “free speech”.

We invite you to be part of this event to:
• celebrate the end of their 158-day “Walk Across America for Democracy”
• rally against unlimited corporate money in elections that drowns out the voice of “we the people”
• rally to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to end corporate personhood and the false notion that money is equivalent to speech.

Save the Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2010

10:00 a.m.: Meet Laird and Robin and walk with them to the Lincoln Memorial. Starting point: The Women in Military Service for America Memorial, at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and near the Arlington Metro stop.

12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.: Rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

1:30 p.m.: Leave Lincoln Memorial and walk to the U.S. Capitol Building for a second rally at 3:00 p.m.

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.: Celebration and reception at Busboys & Poets at 5th and K (www.busboysandpoets.com)

As we close on the midterm elections, corporate donors are spending an unprecedented amount of money, much of it from undisclosed entities and some of it possibly originating illegally overseas, to influence voters and ensure that they have a Congress who’ll protect their interests and their profits.

The corporate agenda has kept Main Street struggling while Wall Street prospers with taxpayer bailouts. The corporate agenda has prevented real healthcare reform for all, and promoted “free” trade and the migration of jobs overseas, while criminalizing immigrants to this country. The corporate agenda costs us when we go to second-rate hospitals, drive on crumbling bridges and roads, and send our kids to inadequate public schools.

We deserve better—a truly democratic government answerable to the people and the public good, and constitutional protection against “corporate persons” and the notion that money is speech. Join us in DC as we “March with the Monahans” to show our commitment to these goals.

You probably can't take seven months to walk across the US. But we hope you'll support Move to Amend wherever you are, by organizing in your community, spreading the word on corporate power, and donating to support our work. Thank you!

Marc Korman and Mark Uncapher Debate MoCo and MD politics on "Political Pulse" on Ch. 16 TV

Marc Korman, who is on the Montgomery County Democratic Central
Committee, and Mark Uncapher, the Chairman of the Montgomery County
Republican Party, discuss key County and State races on "Political
Pulse" on:

Thurs, Oct 7th at 9:00 p.m.

Fri-Sun, Oct. 8th-10th at 6:00 p.m. and

Tues, October 12th, at 9:30 p.m.

Political Pulse is on Channel 16 TV in Montgomery County.

making plans for progress in MoCo, Maryland and the USA.

Join us 7:30 PM Tues. Oct. 5th at the Saigonese Restaurant in Wheaton.

We'll be making plans for progress in MoCo, Maryland and the USA.

11232 Grandview Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902 a few short blocks from the
Wheaton Metro stop.

Marc Elrich Montgomery Political Forum Wednesday, 10/6, at 12:30pm at the Rockville Library

Reminder for the Montgomery Political Forum!

The first Wednesday of the month meeting of the MPF is this Wednesday,
10/6, at 12:30pm at the Rockville Library.

Featured speaker will be Marc Elrich, who, having served four years on
the County Council, was the top primary vote getter among the at-large
candidates.

As usual, it is bring your own lunch - with opportunities nearby to
purchase takeout. Parking, now for a fee, is across the street from the
library on Maryland Avenue.

Computing for the Clueless 7 PM Monday October 4th at the Wheaton Library

Attend Montgomery County National Organization for Women's event
"Computing for the Clueless" -- there are no "dumb" questions, just
information and skills you haven't learned...yet.

7 PM Monday October 4th at the Wheaton Library (Georgia Ave at Arcola).
Experienced computer users will answer your questions, and help with
everything from email to twitter.

Free and open to the public, free parking at the library lot.

Upcoming Progressive Events!

> Progressive Democrats of America is holding a lobby day and then a
reception on Capitol Hill Friday, October 1st.
> We're participating in the One Nation Working Together events in DC
Saturday, October 2nd.
> "Computing for the Clueless" MC NOW offers help with basic computer
skills in Wheaton Monday, October 4th.
> October Progressive Coalition meeting: PDA, DFA, MCPA, Meetups in
Wheaton Tuesday, October 5th.

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

Two Important Events Friday, October 1st
> Visit members of the Progressive Caucus on Capitol Hill with PDA
9 AM - 3 PM, in the House Office Buildings--closest Metro Capitol South

We'll give CPC members a packet of information, and ask them to: Join
the Out of Afghanistan Caucus; Cosponsor Barbara Lee's Bill HR 6045, the
"Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan Act" which would "end combat
operations in Afghanistan and limit funding to the safe and orderly
withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors from Afghanistan";
and Sign the "Dear Colleagues" letter to protect Social Security from cuts.

---> Sign up here to help with these visits:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/mtglistproc.asp?formid=meet&caleventid=18322

> Reception on Capitol Hill with PDA advisory board members Rep. John
Conyers, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Raul Grijalva, Rep. Lynn Woolsey, and
Bill Fletcher, Jr. + More surprise guests!
4 - 5 PM on the House side of the Capitol Visitors Center
Refreshments provided by PDA advisory board member Andy Shallal, owner
of Busboys and Poets.

---> Check for updates/RSVP/register here:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/mtglistproc.asp?formid=meet&caleventid=18323

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

> Saturday, October 2nd Demand the changes we voted for
One Nation Working Together is a social movement of individuals and
organizations committed to putting America back to work and pulling
America back together. Coming from a diverse set of backgrounds,
experiences, beliefs and orientations, we are determined to build a more
united country with good jobs, equal justice, and quality public
education for all.

Where: Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
Time: March begins at Noon, ends at 4:00pm

-----> More information online here:
http://www.onenationworkingtogether.org/

> "Computing for the Clueless" MC NOW offers help with basic computer
skills in Wheaton Monday, October 4th
There are no "dumb" questions, just information and skills you haven't
learned...yet.
7:00 PM Monday October 4th at the Wheaton Library (Georgia Ave at Arcola).

Experienced computer users will help you with everything from email and
web surfing to Facebook and Twitter.
Presented by MC National Organization for Women. Free and open to all.
Free parking at the library lot.

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

> October Progressive Coalition meeting: PDA, DFA, MCPA, and Meetups

7:30 - 9:00 PM Tuesday, October 5th
Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave Wheaton, MD 20902
Public Transportation: 2-3 block walk from Wheaton Metro (red line)

We'll organize for Election Day, discuss the recent primaries and
weekend events, and plan for 2011.

Please join us!

Attend MC NOW's event "Computing for the Clueless"

Attend Montgomery County National Organization for Women's event
"Computing for the Clueless" -- there are no "dumb" questions, just
information and skills you haven't learned...yet.

7 PM Monday October 4th at the Wheaton Library (Georgia Ave at Arcola).
Experienced computer users will answer your questions, and help with
everything from email to twitter.

Please share with local friends and contacts. Open to current, past, and
(hopefully) soon-to-be NOW members, all ages, genders, shapes and sizes
welcome! Free parking at the library lot.

Hope to see you there!

Stop the Militarization of Space! Bring the War $$ Home!

Stop the Militarization of Space!
Bring the War $$ Home!

Speaker: Bruce Gagnon
 
Bruce Gagnon serves as Secretary/Coordinator of the Global Network
Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space. He has been working on
space issues for the past 25 years and helped create the GN in 1992.
He also helped found the "Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home." 
For 15 years he coordinated the Florida Coalition for Peace & Justice.
He was trained as an organizer by the United Farmworkers Union and is
also a member of Veterans for Peace. He will address current US plans
to militarize space, efforts to stop US "missile defense" systems from being
deployed around Russia and China, and converting the military industrial
complex. He is the author of: "Come Together Right Now: Organizing
Stories from a Fading Empire." 
 
Date: Friday, October 1, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.
Place: Dorothy Day  Catholic Worker, 503 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW,
Washington, DC, 20010.
For more info contact Art @ 202-360-6416.

Upcoming Progressive Events--healthcare, lobbying, One Nation

1. The State Single-Payer Strategy Session: "Enact the
Maryland Health Security Act"

9 AM - 2 PM Tomorrow Saturday, September 25th
Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis
333 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD, 21401.

Activists are coming from around the state to discuss strategies for
building our movement. The conference is free and lunch is provided.
There will be speakers followed by three breakout groups: (1) working
with legislators (2) building the grassroots (3) broadening the coalition.

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

2. Progressive Democrats of America Progressive Lobby Day /
Reception on the Hill

Citizen's Lobby Day at the Rayburn Building on Capitol Hill
9 AM - 3 PM, Friday, October 1st
Drop by anytime to pick up a packet before you visit your representative.
Rayburn House Office Building Room 2226 Capitol Hill
Washington, DC 20515-0907
Info./RSVP:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/mtglistproc.asp?formid=meet&caleventid=18322

Meet with PDA Advisory Board members Rep. John Conyers, Rep. Raul
Grijalva, and Bill Fletcher Jr
4:00 - 5:00 PM, Friday, October 1st
The Capitol Visitor Center.
Room HVC-215, Capitol Hill
Washington, DC 20515
Info./RSVP:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/mtglistproc.asp?formid=meet&caleventid=18323

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

3. Single Payer Party at the New Busboys and Poets

6:00 - 8:00 PM Friday, October 1st
Busboys and Poets http://www.busboysandpoets.com/
1025 5th St. NW (corner of 5th and K Sts) Washington DC

Help us to have a strong single payer presence at the One Nation march!
Please join us to welcome single payer advocates who are coming from
across the country. We will gather for fun, food, music and to get
prepared for the march on October 2nd. Signs for carrying and postcards
for collecting signatures will be available. For more information
contact Margaret Flowers, margaret@pnhp.org 410-591-0892.

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

4. One Nation Working Together
10.2.10 March on Washington for Peace, Jobs and Justice:
http://www.onenationworkingtogether.org/content/main

10:30 AM Saturday, October 2nd
Meet at at West Potomac Park
between Ohio Dr. and Independence Ave
http://tinyurl.com/10-10-10-healthcare-contigent

This historic event will ensure that the voices and concerns of working
people will be heard on the streets of our nation's capital. You can
March with single payer activists, including Progressive Democrats of
America, National Nurse United/California Nurses Association,
Healthcare-NOW!, and Physicians for a National Health Program.

One Nation March 10/2/2010 Washington DC

One Nation March Date: 10/2/2010 in Washington DC Lets all join
together and march as "ONE NATION" on October 2nd!

When is the March? Saturday, October 2, 2010. We will begin at 12:00
noon and will end at approximately 4:00 pm.

Where is the March? The March takes place on the steps of the Lincoln
Memorial located on the National Mall in Washington DC.

Is the event open to the public? Yes, this event is open to the public.
This event is also a family friendly event.

Is this event open to the media? Yes. Media credentials and other
logistics information may be obtained from the ONWT Communications
Office which can be reached at 202 263 4529 or by email at
ONWTCommunications@gmail.com.

What happens if it rains? The March will proceed rain or shine.

Will there be food, beverage and bathrooms available on site? Yes there
will be portable bathrooms and water on site.

Can I bring signs? Yes you can bring signs that promote the values of
One Nation Working Together.

What arrangements are being made for persons with disabilities? Special
accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Please
contact ONWTlogistics@gmail.com with any questions.

Where can I stay in the DC area? There are many hotels in the D.C. area
that are close to the March event site. To learn more about union hotels
in the Washington, D.C. area, visit the Unite Here website.

Additional information about Washington, D.C. and the march can be found
at http://www.washington.org and
https://www.wegoted.com/events/detail.asp?eventID=37

URGENT RALLY FOR SENATE ACTION THIS THURSDAY 9/23 IN WASHINGTON

National Black Farmers Association
URGENT RALLY FOR SENATE ACTION THIS THURSDAY 9/23 IN WASHINGTON

Join John Boyd and his tractor "Justice" in Washington, DC at this
critical moment! "Pass the Black farmers bill on any bill leaving the
Senate. Black farmers need action now."

On Thursday, September 23, John Boyd will lead a March from USDA to the
United States Senate.
Your help is needed in Washington! This is the moment!

WHO: John Boyd, President of the National Black Farmers Association and
his tractor "Justice", NBFA members from around the country and
supporters of the Black farmers

WHEN: Start Time -- This Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 10:00 AM at
U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC
20250

THEN: March up Capitol Hill to the United States Senate for 11:00 AM
Rally and 11:15 AM Press Conference

WHY: To call on the Senate to pass the Black farmers bill for $1.15
billion in September (So far the Black farmers bill has failed 7 times
in the Senate this year.)

URGENT: Without the passage of the Black farmers bill, there will be no
settlement funds to compensate you in your case. It is time for you to
show support and come in numbers. Bring your family and friends. There
is strength in numbers. See you there!

PLEASE RSVP TO: johnwesleyboydjr@gmail.com

BLACK FARMERS RALLY Thursday Sep. 23 12/NOON.

BLACK FARMERS RALLY
1400 Independence Avenue SW/Washington DC 20250 (USDA Building)
Thursday September 23rd, 2010 at 12/NOON.

There will be a cavalcade of concerned citizens going to Rally Support
for the Black Farmers of this Country. If you can make it out please do.
This is one of the critical issues of our time that has continually been
suppressed by the Mainstream Corporate Media. Please Read below for details:

Farmers from Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and elsewhere in the South
will be coming to Washington next week to shine a spotlight on the
refusal of the Senate to approve $1.25 billion in funding for the Black
farmers' anti-discrimination lawsuit against the USDA, funds promised in
February by the Obama administration and passed by the House in May.
Black farmers have been denied loans and participation in other
government programs for decades by the USDA and many have lost their
land and been forced out of farming as a result. They won a class-action
lawsuit in 1999 (Pigford v. Glickman) upholding their claims of
discrimination. Today, they are fighting for additional funds in order
to compensate thousands of farmers who were unjustly excluded from the
first settlement.

Supporting the Black Farmers!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/your-world-news

BLACK FARMERS RALLY
1400 Independence Avenue SW/Washington DC 20250
(USDA Building) on Thursday September 23rd, 2010 at 12/NOON

State Single Payer Strategy Session: Saturday, September 25th

State Single Payer is happening all around the nation! Let's set a
path to victory for single payer in Maryland!

There is renewed energy to work for state single payer bills and at
least 20 states are in different stages from just beginning to write a
single payer bill to moving legislation through the state house to
working with consultants on ways to implement single payer at the state
level. The Maryland Health Security Act will be introduced for the third
time this upcoming session. The time is now to craft our strategy to
move this bill forward!

Join us for a dynamic and interactive strategy session. We will hear
from people who have successfully moved bills through the legislature.
We will hear from our legislative and organizational allies about ways
to build broader support for this bill. We will develop three working
groups from the strategy session which will focus on educating
legislators, working with state agencies and building a stronger
coalition of supporting organizations. You will learn about ways that
you can help us achieve our shared goal of a health system in Maryland
that is truly universal, lifelong, comprehensive and will control health
care costs.

State Single Payer Strategy Session

When: Saturday, September 25th
Registration at 9 am
Program begins at 9:30 and ends at 2 pm (lunch provided)

Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis
333 Dubois Rd., Annapolis, MD (map)

All are invited to join us. The event is free. However, donations will
be requested to help cover costs.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Margaret Flowers at
mdpnhp@gmail.com or at 410-591-0892.

Thanks for your support,
Healthcare-NOW! of Maryland

Healthcare-NOW! of Maryland survives on the generosity of our supporters.
Please consider making a donation.

http://www.MDSinglePayer.org | info@mdsinglepayer.org

--
HealthCare-Now of Maryland
http://www.mdsinglepayer.org

THE RESPONSE: Award winning movie Saturday, October 9, 2010, 7:00 p.m.

THE RESPONSE: Award winning movie
Film Screening & Discussion Saturday, October 9, 2010, 7:00 p.m.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville
100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD
This free event is co-sponsored by Amnesty International Group 82

Shortlisted for the 2010 Academy Awards
Winner of the 2009 ABA Silver Gavel Award

Starring
• Aasif Mandvi (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart);
• Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway of Star Trek: Voyager)
• Peter Riegert (Animal House, The Sopranos)

Screened at the Pentagon, the Department of Justice and
the U.N. Peace Operations and the Law Symposium

Following the film screening, there will be a panel and open discussion
featuring the writer/producer, Sig Libowitz.

For more information, visit http://www.uucr.org or call 301-762-7666

$450,000 per year for Lockheed Martin's luxury hotel?

Let's Stop County Council Bill 44-10

We have a chance to defeat a small but nevertheless outrageous example of the work of the military industrial complex. The Montgomery County Council has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday on Bill 44-10.

If enacted into law, this bill will exempt persons staying at Lockheed Martin's luxury hotel on its Bethesda campus from the County transient tax, depriving the County of $450,000 per year at a time of fiscal crisis.

Here's what you can do to help ensure that Lockheed Martin is treated no differently from any other hotel owner in the County:

• Click here [www.OurFunds.org] to send an e-mail message to the County Council telling them that you object to this bill. It's quick and easy to do this--and extremely important!  (If you have trouble with the link, please try this one: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/161/action/no-tax )
  
• Ask your friends to send an e-mail message to the Council--forward this e-mail.
  
• Attend the County Council hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1:30 p.m., at the Council hearing room, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville.  We'll be testifying, and the more supporters who are present, the more powerful our message. Besides, you might find it interesting!

With your help, we can prevent this bill from becoming law and have a half million dollars more per year for our schools, our libraries, and the poor and vulnerable among us.  This is a step in the right direction--let's make it happen!