Democracy for Montgomery County

Monday, June 21, 2010

TOMORROW! Tuesday Morning in DC: SAVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE, END WAR

TELL US YOU'RE COMING ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/29a6dmm

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 8:30 am Gather at statue of Columbus in front
of Union Station Washington, D.C.
Demonstrate at House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's Speech on the Fiscal
Crisis http://www.thirdway.org/events/26
9:00 a.m. The Columbus Room
http://www.unionstationevents.com/sites/colmbshl.html

Rep. Hoyer has opposed spending money except on wars and the military
and who supports dumping another $33 billion into escalating
Afghanistan. Reportedly he will support cuts to the military (or what he
calls "defense") but how much and what about the wars?

Bring posters! Bring the message: JOBS NOT WARS!

-----

FROM HUFF POST: EXCLUSIVE: HOYER TO CALL FOR DEFENSE SPENDING CUTS AS
PART OF DEFICIT REDUCTION - Steny Hoyer gives an address at the Columbus
Room at Union Station tomorrow morning at 9 am. A main focus of the
speech will be on the need to make defense spending a major part of any
discussion about deficit reduction. "Any conversation about the deficit
that leaves out defense spending is seriously flawed before it begins,"
he'll say, according to an excerpt provided to HuffPost Hill. "Our
defense leaders, including Secretary Gates, have repeatedly pointed out
that paying for programs we don't need only makes our country weaker in
the long run. Our defense spending cannot be above careful scrutiny and
analysis of alternatives. In an important speech last month, Secretary
Gates drew from the legacy of President Eisenhower, who held that "the
United States...could only be as militarily strong as it was
economically dynamic and fiscally sound." He added: "the proverbial wall
has been brought to our back"; as a result, all the parts of our defense
establishment must "take a hard, unsparing look at how they operate."

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

LAST-MINUTE Demonstration in Annapolis Friday morning!

From Jessica Sharp:

The National Speakers Conference, put on for Speakers of the House and
funded by a half-million dollars of corporate money, will be held at the
Annapolis Westin this week, including a Friday session called "Election
2010 and the Angry Voters: Who is Going to Pay?"

We plan on showing up on their doorstep to spread the message that no
legislator needs to spend time and millions of corporate dollars hiring
consultants to tell them why voters are angry when they could just walk
outside and ask us themselves! We want to be represented by legislators
who are concerned about us, not corporate shills who act like lapdogs to
their Wall Street puppet masters! Voters aren't petri dishes that need
to be studied, we're just PEOPLE who need to be listened to!

We plan on meeting outside the main entrance of the hotel at 10 AM.
There is parking in the underground hotel lot. Please bring posters,
etc! The more signage, the better. If the Westin staff forces us to
leave, we will re-locate to the grass inside Westgate Circle. Map:
http://tinyurl.com/2btqk4o

Moms -- this will be baby- and toddler-friendly. A lot of strollers
will make a statement! In fact, we (my other friends bringing strollers
and I) will probably turn it into a mass playdate following the
demonstration. Protest, then ice cream and looking at boats, oh yeah! :)

Please invite any media contacts you may have!

For more info, please visit http://www.fairandcleanmd.org

Hope you can make it!

Friday, May 28, 2010

See The Greening of Southie in DC June 7

What: The Greening of Southie, Green Building Film Screening, trailer:
http://vimeo.com/3125436
When: June 7, 2010 Doors open 6:30pm, film starts at 7pm, followed by
panel discussion
Where: George Washington University, Duquès Hall (2201 G Street NW /
Washington, D.C. 20052)

RSVP: Free event, but must RSVP at
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121167837916799 or email
info@eco-coach.com with "film screening" in the subject line
Notes: The film is about 72 minutes.

Monday, May 24, 2010

NATIONAL CONFERENCE convened by Tikkun Magazine & the Network of Spiritual Progressive Conference

COME JOIN US AT A NATIONAL CONFERENCE convened by Tikkun Magazine & the Network of Spiritual Progressive Conference – June 11-14^th in Washington DC

* Overcoming the “fear and division industry” in our nation

* Proposed Constitutional Amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s Citizen’s United decision

* Alternative economic solutions to empower local citizens to take charge of their economic lives

* Increasing diversity and tolerance both within the progressive community and throughout our nation

on issues like race, religion and immigration.

* Leading the way toward Middle-East Peace

* Leading our nation with Progressive Values and addressing America’s Spiritual Crisis

*Promoting the Global Marshall Plan

Tikkun Magazine and the Network of Spiritual Progressives Presents:

A Progressive Vision and Strategy for The Obama Years:

Overcoming Fear and Corporate Power while Building “The Caring Society”

WE MUST ACT NOW

Tikkun Magazine & The Network of Spiritual Progressives is convening a national conference bringing together both spiritual and secular progressives in a united effort to counteract the fear and division currently gripping our nation. Political rhetoric is not enough to move our country towards a positive future. Liberals and Progressives must offer an alternative vision during this time of crisis. Come help build “The Caring Society” during the Obama years where the values of peace, empathy, generosity, social justice, and ecological sanity provide a compelling challenge to the status quo of complicity, “inside-the-beltway” pragmatism, and corporate sponsored political gridlock.

Key Issues the Conference will address:

* Overcoming the “fear and division industry” in our nation

* Proposed Constitutional Amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s Citizen’s United decision

* Alternative economic solutions to empower local citizens to take charge of their economic lives

* Increasing diversity and tolerance both within the progressive community and throughout our nation

on issues like race, religion and immigration.

* Leading the way toward Middle-East Peace

* Leading our nation with Progressive Values and addressing America’s Spiritual Crisis

*Promoting the Global Marshall Plan

Speakers Include:

Congressmen Dennis Kucinich and Keith Ellison, Sister Joan Chittister, David Korten, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Rev. James Forbes, environmentalist Bill McKibben, Rev. Graylan Hagler, Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, Jeremy Ben Ami of J Street, Marianne Williamson

Conference Speakers Conference Agenda

Date: June 11-14^th

Place: Lutheran Church of the Reformation

212 East Capitol Street NE (Capitol Hill)

Washington DC 20003

Co-Sponsors include: The Nation Magazine, Yes! Magazine, Peace Action, Progressive Democrats of America, Common Cause, Interfaith Alliance, Pace e Bene, Buddhist Peace Fellowship, Code Pink, The Institute for Policy Studies, The Shalom Center, Democracy Matters, OpEdNews,The Backbone Campaign, United Religions Initiative, The Washington Peace Center, 350.org, Public Citizen, Center for Progressive Christianity, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light

For more information visit:www.spiritualprogressives.org, or call 510-644-1200. Register now! You cannot afford to miss this opportunity.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

International Human & Peoples' Rights Law Program

Aloha Friends of Human Rights, Environment, Peace & Global Justice,

The Ninth Annual University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke
School of Law International Human & Peoples' Rights Law Program – Human
Rights on the Hill – in collaboration with the Hawaii Institute for
Human Rights and the Four Freedoms Forum, will take place from May 24 -
28, 2010.

To register, please go to http://www.law.udc.edu/event/Human_Rights_Course

In our formative years, the course focused on reflection and education,
we aim to build on this balanced foundation evolving into realization
and engagement.

There is an opportunity to mobilize to realize human rights in the
United States of America and our partners for peace around the planet.
The course will allow participants to actively be agents of positive
social change in our country and the global civil society.

The summer seminar will focus on important international human rights
instruments. We will cover from ratification to realization in the lives
of all Americans and citizens of the world. The seminar combines keynote
addresses by international law professors as well as peace & policy
makers, panel presentations by NGOs and indigenous peoples, updates on
the latest developments at the United Nations Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues and the newly created UN Human Rights Council
including the Universal Periodic Review, documentary film premieres
daily during lunch and excursions of empowerment throughout the week
around Washington D.C.

The course will meet in UDC's Building 39 on the second floor in Room
205, 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW (Van Ness/UDC Metro) and will begin each
morning at 9 a.m. from Monday May 24 through Friday May 28. The
presentations will take place every 90 minutes starting at 9 a.m.
throughout the day concluding at 4:30 p.m. daily. Each day at noon,
there will be the sixth annual Human Rights Film Festival featuring
documentary movies on fundamental freedoms.

We hope you can participate as much as possible in the five day program.
A significant aspect of this advocacy course is participating actively
with the decision-makers in our democracy. Therefore, there will be
educational excursions of empowerment to complement the talks. For
latest schedules please email joshuacooperhawaii@gmail.com or jfl@udc.edu.

We also want to welcome you to invite your membership to be part of the
coalition aiming for ratification of treaties by the U.S. government and
also to organize better monitoring of US involvement in the UN human
rights mechanisms. We very much look forward to your participation in
this empowering endeavor and hopeful future action to create a culture
of peace and human rights.

As we are finalizing the schedule, it would be greatly appreciated if
you could let us know today if you are able to speak. Thank you.

Maluhia Me Ka Pono,

Joshua Cooper, Coordinator

International Human and Peoples' Rights Law Program

(Please feel free to forward this email)

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Donna Edwards on Political Pulse / Roger Manno and Mike Hersh on The Edge with Garland Nixon

Donna Edwards, Congresswoman for Maryland's 4th District will be on
Political Pulse with Charles Duffy on:

Thursday, May 6th at 9:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday, May 7th-9th, at 6 p.m. and
Tuesday, May 11th, at 9:30 p.m.

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

State Senate Candidate Roger Manno and Mike Hersh will be on the Edge
with Garland Nixon Monday, May 10th at 7 PM

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

"Political Pulse" and The Edge" are on Montgomery Municipal Cable in
Montgomery County Channel 16 TV

2 Forums on Cleaning Up Politics This Week

Here are the details for the Rockville/Aspen Hill MD Event:
Aspen Hill Montgomery County Library
4407 Aspen Hill Road Rockville, MD 20853
Wednesday, 5 May 2010, 6:45 PM
(changed from 6:30 to give people time to get there)

Here are the details for the Columbia, MD Event:
Columbia Central Library
10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy Columbia, MD
Saturday, May 8th, 2010 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Host your own Community Forum or sign up for an event near you: http://pol.moveon.org/event/2010townhall/103090

Progressives learned a sobering lesson in 2009: even with President Obama and Democratic majorities in Congress, it's incredibly difficult to make change in Washington. Giant corporations and their lobbyists who profit from the status quo have doubled down in the wake of last year's election, and they have massive amounts of money available to fight progressive legislation and leaders. Already, these corporations are getting ready to spend whatever it takes to repeal the health care reform bill in the courts or by taking back the Congress. And recent court decisions such as Citizens United have made their job easier and ours harder.

What we have is people-power. Our emergency Community Forums will bring our communities together to make sure we have a shared understanding of the problem and discuss how we use progressive people-power to block this corporate power grab and save American democracy before it's too late.

More about the Columbia, MD event: "We’ll be discussing strategies to take action against the corporate money grubbers and to restore democracy and a voice to the hard-working people who make our country great. Featured speakers include Maria Allwine, Co-Chair of Maryland Green Party and Margaret Flowers, a National Spokesperson for the Physicians for a National Health Program. This event is co-sponsored by: Howard County MoveOn, Howard County Friends of Latin America, Network of Spiritual Progressives in Maryland, Howard County Coalition for Peace and Justice, Common Cause of Maryland, Progressive Working Group in Maryland, HoCo Health Care Now E-mail: moveonhocomd@gmail.com for additional info and to RSVP for the event. (RSVP is NOT necessary to attend)."

THE GREATER DC PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Saturday, May 15

The DC Metro Social Forum invites you to: THE GREATER DC PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY
Saturday, May 15, 2010, 9:30AM-4:00PM
Plymouth Congregational UCC, 5301 North Capitol Street, NE. Fort Totten
Metro Station (green/red lines)

* Connect with people from across the region who are working for change,
* Share your struggle and vision,
* Help develop a people's agenda for a more just Greater DC in 2010.

Join us on May 15th to build a stronger movement for peace and justice.

Speakers will include:
*Joslyn Williams, President of the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO*
* Anise Jenkins, Stand Up for Democracy*
...and more.

Childcare available, please RSVP by May 7. Lunch provided. Suggested
donation $7.

For more information, to RSVP or sign on to the campaign check out
www.greaterDCsocialforum.ning.com.

===

PROGRAM:

9:30-10:00: breakfast and registration

10:00-11:00: Panel Discussion, The State of Greater DC
—� Joslyn Williams, President Metropolitan Washington AFL-CIO
—� Anise Jenkins, Stand Up for Democracy

11:00-1:00pm Session Breakouts: Developing Our Priorities
—� Workers' rights
—� Housing
—� Immigrant rights
—� Public Services and the budget
—� Health care
—� Peace
—� Youth and education
—� Faith

1:00-1:45pm: Lunch

1:45-3:45pm: Session Reportback: Building a Collective Platform

--
Sonia Silbert
Director

Washington Peace Center
1525 Newton St NW
Washington, DC 20010
ph. (202) 234-2000
fax. (202) 558-5685
www.washingtonpeacecenter.org

Are you in the loop? We have an online calendar full of events for you!
Sign up for weekly Activist Alert emails so you know what's happening in
progressive DC! www.washingtonpeacecenter.org.

Monday, May 03, 2010

Meeting With State Senate Candidate Roger Manno Tues. May 4th

Join State Senate candidate Roger Manno at our meeting, tomorrow night
Tuesday May 4th. A former staffer for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and other
members of Congress, Delegate Manno served in the Maryland legislature
for the past 4 years. He's worked on healthcare, labor, environmental,
seniors', education, reproductive choice and several other issues on the
state and federal level. He was picked for the White House Healthcare
working group.

A representative from Tikkun Magazine will join us discussing positive
ideas and programs for an economy and society that more fully embodies
our highest values, including the upcoming progressive conference in D.C.

When: Tuesday, May 4, 2010 7:30 PM

Where: Saigonese Restaurant, 11232 Grandview Ave
Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
Public Transportation: Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line)
Google Map/ Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902

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

Join Roger Manno for his Official Campaign Kick-off 3:30-4:30 PM Sunday,
May 16th
Sole D'Italia Restaurant
14324 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906.
Map/directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=14324+Layhill+Road+Silver+Spring+MD+20906
Public Transportation: Short bus ride (RideOn 49) from Glenmont Station
(Red Line)

MoveOn mtg Aspen Hill library Campaign Finance Reform Wednesday, May 5

MoveOn Rockville Community Forum: Make Democracy Work for the Rest of Us!

Big corporations have stood in the way of the changes we need on Wall
Street reform, health care, clean energy, and more. We're meeting up to
discuss how we make Washington work for the 98% of us who don't have
big-time lobbyists representing us in DC. Here are the event details:

What: MoveOn members are meeting up at a community forum, Aspen Hill
Montgomery County Library (in Rockville) Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at 6:30
PM to talk about how our democracy is being overrun by lobbyists and big
corporations—and what we can do about it.

RSVP: http://pol.moveon.org/pac/event/events/event.html?event_id=103090

Friday, April 30, 2010

Peace Luncheon Saturday May 8th 11:30 AM to 2 PM

Peace Luncheon of Peace Action Montgomery, PAX Christi and the Social
Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville
Keynote speaker: Ray McGovern. Delegate Sheila Hixson and Senator Jamie
Raskin will be honored for their work on the ASVAB legislation
Help raise funds for Afghan women. Raffle for a motorized bike! More
info. see: http://washingtonpeacecenter.net/node/2994

Saturday May 8th 11:30 AM to 2 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville
100 Welsh Park Dr., Rockville, MD 20805
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=100+Welsh+Park+Dr,+Rockville+MD+20805
Public transportation: Short bus ride from Rockville Station (Red Line)
RIDE-ON Bus 55 towards Germantown Transit Center

Donna Edwards, Others Deny Endorsing Lenett

Note: Roger Manno will speak at the next Progressive Alliance Meeting in
Wheaton
"Mobilizing for progressive candidates" 7:30 to 9 PM Tuesday, May 4th
Saigonese Restaurant, 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
Map/Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902
Public Transportation: 2 blocks from Wheaton Station (Red Line)

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

Join Roger for his Official Campaign Kick-off 3:30-4:30 PM Sunday, May 16th
Sol D'Italia restaurant 14324 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906.
Map/directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=14324+Layhill+Road+Silver+Spring+MD+20906
Public Transportation: Short bus ride (RideOn 49) from Glenmont Station
(Red Line)

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

From Maryland Politics Watch: Franchot, Gansler and Edwards Deny
Endorsing Lenett

The Gazette is reporting that Comptroller Peter Franchot, Attorney
General Doug Gansler and Congresswoman Donna Edwards are not endorsing
District 19 Senator Mike Lenett in his race against challenger Roger
Manno. Lenett had claimed their endorsements in a campaign press
release. We also talked to representatives of Franchot, Gansler and
Edwards and received the same response.

[...]

A source close to Edwards told us, "She is NOT endorsing Lenett. As a
matter of fact, Lenett is so scared that he lied about the endorsement
he is asking forgiveness by asking Donna not to say anything about his
'mistake' and that the whole thing be forgotten." We hear Edwards is
FUMING. Could she be so mad that she might actually support Manno down
the road instead?

Continued:
http://maryland-politics.blogspot.com/2010/04/franchot-gansler-and-edwards-deny.html

Gazette coverage: Dems stay out of Senate race after Manno jumps in,
Lenett initially claimed support of Franchot, Gansler, Edwards in
District 19 primary

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

Please share this with all the progressives you know.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

ROGER MANNO TO ANNOUNCE CANDIDACY

Manno * Democrat * Senate * "Leadership Takes Teamwork"
For Immediate Release * Contact: Rebecca Smondrowski, 301-325-6246

DELEGATE ROGER MANNO TO ANNOUNCE CANDIDACY FOR MARYLAND STATE SENATE

Silver Spring, MD - Tonight at 7:30 pm, Delegate Roger Manno will be a guest on WPFW Pacifica Radio (89.3 FM) and will formally announce his candidacy for the Maryland State Senate seat in the 19th Legislative District.

Manno has previously appeared on WPFW's "Dialogue" with host Garland Nixon to discuss Manno's role as a member of a White House health care working group. Manno has also worked collaboratively with Nixon and others on comprehensive health care reform and social justice issues at the state and federal level.

"I do not enter this race lightly," said Roger Manno today. "Over the past several months I have been approached by many in my legislative district who have expressed their concern that we need a more collaborative type of leadership in Annapolis. We've come a long way in the fight for quality, affordable and accessible health care, a world-class education system, jobs and a strong economy, but I believe we can do better. By bringing people together we can accomplish great things."

Manno will officially kick-off his campaign on Sunday, May 16th from 3:30-4:30 pm with an afternoon rally at Sol D'Italia restaurant in Silver Spring, Maryland.

-----

Manno * Democrat * Senate * "Leadership Takes Teamwork" More information see: http://www.rogermanno.com/

Monday, April 26, 2010

FOUR UPCOMING EVENTS!

Meet Marcy Winograd, Progressive Democratic Candidate for Congress

Tuesday, April 27th, 7 PM
New Busboys and Poets 5th & K Sts. NW
1025 5th Street NW, DC 20001
Map/Directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1025+5th+Street+NW,+DC+20001
3.5 blocks from the Convention Center metro (Green/Yellow line)

Marcy Winograd is a long-time activist for peace and social justice
running against corporate / Blue Dog incumbent Jane Harman (CA-36) in
the June 8 Democratic primary. Marcy wants to redirect our priorities
from war spending and corporate greed to job creation, world-class
education, health care, and energy independence through a Green New
Deal. While Jane Harman famously called herself "The Best Republican in
the Democratic Party," the Party named Marcy a "Democrat of the Year."
Come see why the San Francisco Chronicle named this one of seven
national races to watch.

===============

Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Sanford Gottlieb discuss and sign "Red
to Blue: Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Grassroots Politics"

Thursday, April 29th, 7 to 8:30 PM
Original Busboys and Poets, 14th & V. Sts. NW
2021 14th St NW DC 20009
Map/Directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2021+14th+St+NW+DC+20009
2 blocks from U Street Cardozo Metro stop (Green Line)

Link to the webstore and book description:
http://bbpbooks.teachingforchange.org/book/9781594514890

===============

Progressive Alliance Meeting in Wheaton--Mobilizing for progressive
candidates, events and issues

Tuesday, May 4th, 7:30 to 9 PM
Saigonese Restaurant, 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
Map/Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902
2 blocks from Wheaton Metro (Red Line)

Agenda: Mobilizing for progressive candidates, events and issues. We're
making progress in our county and state on Healthcare, Verifiable
Voting, 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.

===============

Peace Luncheon of Peace Action Montgomery, PAX Christi and the Social
Justice Committee of the Universalist Church of Rockville

Saturday May 8th 11:30 AM to 2 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville
100 Welsh Park Dr, Rockville, MD 20805
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=100+Welsh+Park+Dr,+Rockville+MD+20805
Public transportation: http://www.wmata.com/

Keynote speaker: Ray McGovern. Delegate Sheila Hixson and Senator Jamie
Raskin will be honored for their work on the ASVAB legislation Help
raise funds for Afghan women. Raffle for a motorized bike! More info.
see: http://washingtonpeacecenter.net/node/2994

Montgomery County's annual Peace Luncheon, Sat., May 8, 11:30 a.m.

From Dr. Pat Salomon:

Don't miss Montgomery County's annual Peace Luncheon, Sat., May 8, 11:30 a.m.

Keynote speaker: the fabulous Ray McGovern, who will inspire you and give you hope and energy for our long struggle for peace.

Delicious Middle Eastern food, stirring music, great speaker--and all to benefit a terrific organization that provides services for rural Afghan women (Women for Afghan Women: http://www.womenforafghanwomen.org/about/AWFOctober09Color.pdf ).

Plus, we'll present awards to Sen. Jamie Raskin, Del. Sheila Hixson and a high school student in recognition of their work for peace.

New this year: A raffle of a very cool electric scooter, to benefit the Afghan youth group "Our Journey to Smile."

Suggested donation: $20 (includes lunch).

Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Dr., Rockville. Directions here: http://www.uucr.org/directions.php

Everyone is invited, but please be sure to RSVP to info@peaceactionmc.org so that the organizers can ensure enough food for everyone!

Sponsored by Peace Action Montgomery, the UUCR Social Justice Committee, and Pax Christi.

-- Pat Salomon, MD

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Winograd, Challenges Harman on Iran, Healthcare, MORE!

Winograd Warns Harman Not to Jeopardize National Security

Congressional Candidate Challenges Incumbent on Iran
Meet Marcy Winograd, Progressive Democrat for Congress Tuesday, April 27th, 7 PM
New Busboys and Poets 5th & K Sts. NW / 1025 5th Street NW, DC 20001
Map/Directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1025+5th+Street+NW,+DC+20001
3.5 blocks from the Convention Center metro (Green/Yellow line)
To learn more about the Winograd For Congress campaign, visit: www.winograd4congress.com.

Congressional Candidate Marcy Winograd (CA-36) warns her opponent Jane Harman not to jeopardize world peace with talk of a military strike on Iran. Harman told reporters recently she does not believe “that the possibility of a military strike as a last resort is off the table if sanctions fail and Iran presses forward with its (nuclear) program.”

Says Winograd, “My opponent’s reference to a military strike is both reckless and reminiscent of the run-up to the US invasion of Iraq, when she failed to provide any oversight in her role on the House Intelligence Committee. At the time, we heard that Iraq was about to attack us with weapons of mass destruction. Now, Harman is parroting the same scare-mongering that led us to a trillion dollar war in Iraq.”

Harman is seeking economic sanctions against Iran if it does not abandon its nuclear program. Winograd, who opposes sanctions, points out Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty, has never been found in violation of that treaty, and, according to US intelligence analysts, is not currently working on a nuclear weapons program.

“Sanctions can serve as a precursor to war to debilitate the country before an attack,” says Winograd, pointing to the decade of US sanctions against Iraq prior to the US invasion. “Rather than impose punitive sanctions sure to backfire and mobilize Iranians against the United States, our Congress should support diplomatic solutions to this impasse, while re-examining our own nuclear weapons policy which dangerously reserves the right to launch a first-strike on Iran.”

Congress is expected to soon pass a bill enacting crippling economic sanctions against Iran, a country with 70-million people, two-thirds under the age of 30. Winograd notes that the sanctions would necessitate a blockade of goods entering Iran. “Let us not forget," says Winograd, "that a blockade is an act of war under International law. I call on my opponent and the rest of Congress to refrain from jeopardizing U.S. national security and world peace.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Saturday April 24, Day of Climate Action Silver Spring and Bethesda

Earth Day - Day of Climate Action: MoCo
Saturday, April 24, 2010 Starting 10 AM
Location: Downtown Silver Spring
Contact Tama Griffith for more details: tamagriffith@gmail.com

In honor of this historic 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, CCAN is having
a day of climate action in Montgomery Count on the 24th. We'll have a
few teams of people collecting signatures on petitions urging our
Senators to do what the earth really needs right now: help pass a strong
climate bill through the Senate this spring. Then we're capping the day
off with an Earth Day movie and potluck bbq party at the home of one of
our local supporters from the Silver Spring area.

Do something really good for the planet this earth day and help us kick
of our 350 10/10 International Work Party campaign by joining one of our
local petition teams on the 24th. Then come to a party for some good
food, company and a screening of No Impact Man! Come for part or all of
the day!

Schedule: Silver Spring and Bethesda
10 AM – 1 PM – Petitioning at the Silver Spring Farmers Market
1 PM – 1:30 PM – Lunch
1:45 – 3:30 PM – Clean Energy sign on letter outreach to local Silver
Spring businesses
3:45 – Movie Screening and Potluck BBQ Party

Reps. Donna Edwards & Chris Van Hollen+More!

==========================================================================================

*** Progressive Events in Our Area featuring Van Hollen, Arts Festival
MCPA Mtg, Legislative Wrap Up, MORE! ***
Planning a progressive event? Please send complete details for inclusion
in future updates to mikehersh2007@gmail.com

==========================================================================================

* Get Involved: support progressive candidates and issues. Become a
supporting member of the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance (MCPA).

1. April 23-25, The First Amnesty International Arts Festival in
downtown Silver Spring -- See: http://www.humanrightsartfestival.com/

2. Saturday, April 24, Congresswoman Donna Edwards will hold coffee
conversations in Suitland (8:30 AM) and Silver Spring (10:30 AM).

3. Sunday, April 25th, 2 to 5 PM The 2010 General Assembly Session: What
did it accomplish? Progressive Working Group, Delegates, State Senators,
and Constituents in Laurel.

4. Tuesday, April 27th, 7 PM Meet Marcy Winograd, Progressive Democratic
Candidate for Congress from California at the New Busboys in D.C.

5. Thursday, April 29th, 7 to 8:30 PM Rep. Van Hollen and Sanford
Gottlieb discuss and sign "Red to Blue: Congressman Chris Van Hollen and
Grassroots Politics" Original Busboys in D.C.

6. Tuesday, May 4th, 7:30 to 9 PM Progressive Alliance Meeting in
Wheaton--Mobilizing for progressive candidates, events and issues.

7. Saturday, May 8th, Peace Luncheon of Peace Action Montgomery, PAX
Christi and the Social Justice Committee of the Universalist Church of
Rockville, at the church in Rockville.

==========================================================================================

* Get Involved: support progressive candidates and issues. Become a
supporting member of the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance (MCPA).

If you live in the Montgomery County Maryland area--or support our
efforts here--please join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance.
MCPA is local, independent coalition of organizations. We organize
debates, forums and other events to inform the public and advance
progress in Montgomery County and throughout Maryland. We're gearing up
for an exciting, important election cycle this year. MCPA will endorse
candidates and launch issue campaigns to educate the general public. To
help us achieve everything we should, please support MCPA now. Contact
mikehersh@mikehersh.com to work with MCPA. Become a supporting member of
MCPA here:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9559742

==========================================================================================

1. The First Amnesty International Festival, Downtown Silver Spring, MD.
April 23-25, Schedule, information, etc.:
http://www.humanrightsartfestival.com/about.html

==========================================================================================

2. Congresswoman Donna Edwards will hold coffee conversations in
Suitland and Silver Spring
The Congresswoman will meet with us, provide a legislative update, and
discuss a variety of issues.

Saturday, April 24, 8:30 AM
Suitland Dunkin Donuts--8:30 am - 9:30 am 6100 Allentown Rd. Suitland,
MD 20746
Short Bus 30 ride from Branch Ave. Metro (Green Line) See:
http://www.wmata.com/
Map/Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=6100+Allentown+Rd.+Suitland+MD+20746-4552+(Dunkin'+Donuts)

Saturday, April 24, 10:30 AM
Silver Spring Kefa Café--10:30 am -11:30 am 963 Bonifant Street Silver
Spring, MD 20910
3 Blocks from Silver Spring Metro (Red Line) See: http://www.wmata.com/
Map/Directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=963
Bonifant+Street+Silver+Spring+MD+20910

For more information about Congresswoman Edwards, please see:
http://www.donnaedwardsforcongress.com/

==========================================================================================

3. Legislative Wrap-Up: "The 2010 General Assembly Session: What did it
accomplish?"

Join the Progressive Working Group (PWG) to discuss issues with Senators
Raskin, Harrington, and Lenett, and Delegates Manno, Montgomery, Hixson,
Bobo, Hucker, and Ali (invited and expected.)

Sunday, April 25th, 2 to 5 PM
Laurel Regional Hospital (J. Russell Jones Room)
7300 Van Dusen Road, Laurel, MD 20707
Map/Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7300+Van+Dusen+Road+Laurel+MD+20707

Where do your state legislators stand on key issues including: the
Environment, Campaign Finance and Transparency in Government,
Healthcare, Education, Labor, Gender Issues, Separation of Church and
State, Peace and Justice, and more. Share your legislative priorities
for the 2011 session.

For more information, please call: 443-604-2298

==========================================================================================

4. Meet Marcy Winograd, Progressive Democratic Candidate for Congress
from California

==========================================================================================

5. Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Sanford Gottlieb discuss and sign
"Red to Blue: Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Grassroots Politics"

Link to the webstore and book description:
http://bbpbooks.teachingforchange.org/book/9781594514890

==========================================================================================

6. Progressive Alliance Meeting in Wheaton--Mobilizing for progressive
candidates, events and issues

==========================================================================================

7. Peace Luncheon of Peace Action Montgomery, PAX Christi and the Social
Justice Committee of the Universalist Church of Rockville