Voting Protection in MD + Update from Progressive Neighbors of SS and TP

Contents: Voting Protection in MD + Update from Progressive Neighbors of
Silver Spring and Takoma Park

1. Town Hall Meeting 8:00 p.m. AFI Theater, Silver Spring Wednesday Jan. 30

2. ACTION ALERT: Your Emails are Needed for Campaign Finance Reform in
Montgomery County - Bill Has Been Introduced

3. PDA's Clean and Fair Elections Conference Call tonight: Maryland is
on the agenda
Time: 9:00 pm EST - Conference Call #: (712) 775-7100 Code: 936487#

4. PDA / DFA / MCPA Meeting 7:30 February 5th in Wheaton - Gearing up
for the Primary

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

Wednesday Jan. 30 Mont. County Council Town Hall Meeting

8:00 p.m. AFI Theater, Silver Spring. Progressive Neighbors will focus
on the issues of affordable housing and progressive taxation.

Affordable Housing: The County Council needs to pass legislation to
prevent excessive rent increases and the resultant loss of existing
affordable housing in MC. A rent stabilization law combined with
limitations on condo conversions is necessary if we are to maintain
affordable housing and economic diversity in our County. County
Executive Leggett said he would sign rent stabilization legislation if
passed by the Council.

Progressive Taxation: The County Executive has announced that the County
will have a $400 million deficit next year. Unless the Council finds
ways to raise additional revenue, there will be serious cuts in services
(including education which accounts for 1/2 of the County's budget). We
support progressive taxation - those who can afford to pay the most,
should pay their fair share which means a higher rate for wealthy
residents. Where do the Council members stand?

Endorsements: In addition, to endorsing Donna Edwards in the 4th
Congressional Feb. 12th Primary, Progressive Neighbors has endorsed
Alies Muskin for Montgomery County Board of Education in the Primary.

More information, contact: malakoff@starpower.net

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

ACTION ALERT: Your Emails are Needed for Campaign Finance Reform in
Montgomery County - Bill Has Been Introduced

State Bill MC 803-08 will be voted on by the County Affairs Committee of
the Mont. County State Delegation this Thursday morning, Jan. 31st. The
bill would allow Montgomery County to enact its own campaign finance
reform rules for County elections which could include public financing.
Progressive Neighbors has endorsed the legislation as has Common Cause
Maryland, the MD League of Women Voters, the Washington Post (!) and
other groups. Delegate Susan Lee of District 16 is leading the effort
for the bill at the state level.

Here's What You Can Do Right Now to Make a Difference: Email your
delegates and senator in Annapolis to let them know that you strongly
support this bill for clean elections and improving democratic
participation at the County level. (Again, it's Bill MC 803-08) Key
representatives who have not committed themselves to supporting the bill
and need to hear from us are District 20 Delegate Sheila Hixson
(sheila.hixson@house.state.md.us), Dist.15 Delegate Brian Feldman
(brian.feldman@house.state.md.us), and Dist.17 Delegate Jim Gilchrist
(jim.gilchrist@house.state.md.us) We could really make a difference here
so please send emails on Tues or Wed. of this week (Jan 29 and 30) in
support of the bill. (Email addresses of other representatives are
listed at http://mlis.state.md.us )

If the committee votes out the bill, it goes to the full Montgomery
County Delegation and then to the floor of the State House and Senate.
Further information on the bill can be found at:

www.montgomerycountydelegation.com/MC%20803-08.html

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

Please join our PDA Issue Organizing Team for Clean, Fair, Transparent
Elections Issue Organizing Team conference call today!

TODAY, Tuesday, January 29 9:00 pm EST
Conference Call #: (712) 775-7100 Code: 936487#

Topics: State initiatives and pro-active strategies in anticipation of
2008 electoral challenges and shenanigans!
Challenges in New Hampshire, Optical Scan option taken up in New York,
Electoral Integrity victories in Maryland!

Join this IOT's Google discussion group.
htt://groups.google.com/group/PDAcleanelections/subscribe
Questions, comments or concerns, please call Diane at 845-661-3754 or
email diane@pdmerica.org.

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

PDA / DFA / MCPA February Meeting - Gearing up for the Primary (open to all)
Tuesday, Feb 5, 2008, 7:30 PM in Wheaton

Join our big push to the primary elections February 12 and much more!

SaigonESE Restaurant, 11232 Grandview Ave Wheaton, MD 20902
Google Map: http://tinyurl.com/2fbdso
Short walk from the Wheaton Metro / Red Line: http://tinyurl.com/3836uy
Parking in the huge municipal lot across the street.

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

Stop Telecom Immunity: Call Sen. Mikulski and Sen. Cardin now!

Stop Telecom Immunity: Call Sen. Mikulski and Sen. Cardin
at the Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121 now!

Despite Reid's recent pledge to oppose immunity for the telecom industry, he has brought forward one of two bills, both amended by the Senate Intelligence Committee, which contains… immunity!

Reid didn't have to do this. He could have championed the other bill, which eliminated immunity for the telecom industry.

So today, the Senate will vote to grant immunity to the telecom industry for their illegal spying on Americans, or they will protect our rights and the Constitution and vote no.

Call your Senators NOW at the Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121 and tell them to vote no on the FISA Amendment to allow immunity for the telecom industry.

We've let Bush trample on our civil rights long enough, without letting him-and the Democratic enablers Harry Reid and Dianne Feinstein—give a break to those corporations who willingly break the law. And don't let poor AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth tell you that they didn't know warrant-less wiretapping is illegal, or that they couldn't refuse; Qwest Communications saw it for what is was, and said, “No, thanks.”

The New York Times editorialized, just this past Saturday: “The Senate (reportedly still under Democratic control) seems determined to help President Bush violate Americans' civil liberties and undermine the constitutional separation of powers. Majority Leader Harry Reid is supporting White House-backed legislation that would expand the administration's ability to spy on Americans without court supervision and ensure that the country never learns the full extent of Mr. Bush's illegal wiretapping program.”

To learn more about the terrible cost of this immunity for those who helped break the law, read the ACLU's opinion.

Dial 202-224-3121 now--and tell your Senators to vote against any bill containing immunity for the telecom companies that are illegally spying on Americans.

In Solidarity,

Tim Carpenter
National Director


P.S. Since a Democrat is poised to become the next leader of the “free” world, and Edwards has already come out strongly opposed to telecom immunity, it will be interesting to see if Clinton and Obama assume the mantle of leadership and stand up for our rights by actually casting a vote to uphold the Constitution.

_{Progressive Democrats of America is a grassroots PAC that works
both inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for
peace and justice. Our goal: Elect a permanent, progressive
majority in 2008. PDA's advisory board includes seven members
of Congress and activist leaders such as Tom Hayden, Medea
Benjamin, Thom Hartmann and Rev. Lennox Yearwood.
More info: http://pdamerica.org}

1/23/08 Update from HealthCareMaryland.org

Health CareMaryland.org is working with our friends and allies--other organizations, elected officials, and concerned individuals--to bring high-quality universal health care to Maryland in 2008. We're planning town halls, summits, conferences, and organizing legislative efforts. Health Care Maryland.org is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization which promotes research, public education and advocacy to guarantee universal high-quality health care for all Maryland residents.

Digging In the Right Place

Washington state Sen. Karen Keiser (D), chairwoman of her legislature's powerful health committee, this week introduced the nation's most far-reaching universal health care proposal
There's a memorable moment in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" when Indiana Jones sees a rival's archaeological excavation and realizes the buried treasure is somewhere else. "They're digging in the wrong place!" he exclaims. The line could explain why our national elections leave us feeling empty. By expecting so much so fast from Washington D.C., we are digging for "change" in the wrong place.

As Recession Looms, Another SCHIP Veto

Tomorrow, the conservative minority in the House is expected to sustain President Bush's third veto of expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program.
SCHIP has already successfully provided health coverage to six million kids, but nine million more remained uninsured. The bipartisan compromise bill would extended coverage to four million more kids, and even that was too compassionate for Bush and his fellow conservatives.

Democratic Presidential Candidates Agree on Health Care Model

The contenders envision private insurance continuing, but they see a government-run plan as a competitive option.
WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have been sniping at each other for months over healthcare, but there's one thing the top Democratic presidential candidates agree on: Americans of all ages should have the choice of buying a government-run plan modeled on Medicare.
The idea, which would set up a competition between a new government plan and private insurance programs, has been overshadowed by the political horse race. But it's one of the most far-reaching and controversial proposals for making health insurance more affordable and more widely available.

St. Louis-Based Health Initiative Wins National Award

...for Improving the Health of Special Needs Babies
Nurses for Newborns Foundation “Bridge to the Future” program selected as 2008 Monroe E. Trout Premier Cares Award winner
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Nurses for Newborns Foundation (NFNF) of St. Louis has been honored by the Premier healthcare alliance with the 16th Annual Monroe E. Trout Premier Cares Award for its Bridge to the Future program, which works to improve the health of special needs babies. NFNF last night received the Cares Award and $70,000 for the work it has done to prevent infant mortality, child abuse and neglect through in-home nursing visits.

Maryland County Plan To Provide Coordinated Care for Uninsured Delayed by Three Months

The launch of a Howard County, Md., health access program has been delayed for three months to Oct. 1 because legislation is needed to exempt the program from state insurance regulations, the Baltimore Sun reports (Carson, Baltimore Sun, 1/18). The Healthy Howard program aims to provide affordable and coordinated health care to uninsured residents who are not eligible for state and federal programs. To be eligible for the county's program, individuals must have lived in the county for at least one year and must have been uninsured for a year (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 10/18/07).

Washington State Voters may prescribe health care fix

Other states such as Maryland proposed so-called "Wal-Mart bills" but had the efforts blocked by the courts. Experts say federal law would have to be changed to allow states to force employers to provide health coverage.
Washington voters could be the first in the nation to directly decide what kind of health insurance system their state will have.
Labor groups -- with strong support from hospitals and physicians and some support from small business owners -- are pushing a multistep proposal in the current legislative session that would require town-hall style meetings around the state to find out what people want.
The Legislature would set up a nine-member citizens work group, appointed by the governor, that would travel the state collecting public input on what constitutes quality, affordable health care. The work group would hire an expert in health economics to evaluate up to five proposals and report back to the Legislature in 2009 with recommendations and suggestions.

Groups Propose Long-Term Care Overhaul

Three long-term care organizations have proposed a restructuring of the current long-term and post-acute care systems that would, they said, encourage individuals to save for their long-term care needs and ease the financial pressure of long-term care expenditures on federal and state budgets. “The long-term care system, if you want to call it that, is pretty messed up,” said Bruce Yarwood, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association, adding that the current system is extremely fragmented.

Free State Politics: Senate President Pledges Support for Progressive Principles

Senate President Pledges Support for Progressive Principles
by Mike Hersh Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

Maryland Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller. Jr. attended a
bloggers' meeting organized by Senator Rich Madaleno (District 18 ) in
Annapolis January 21 to discuss the upcoming session, the recent special
session, and Maryland politics. The two-hour gathering in the James
Senate Office Building also featured a fact-filled overview of state
finances by Sen. Madaleno, supported by District 20 Senator Jamie Raskin
and House of Delegates Majority Leader Kumar Barve (District 17).

President Miller recounted the accomplishments achieved during the
special session: extending health care to 100,000 Maryland residents,
increased funding for education and poverty programs, and creating new
opportunities in the state. In his customarily outspoken style, Sen.
Miller laid out the road map he believes the state will follow during
the 2008 session and onward--warning that many in the room "will not
like" all of it, but promising Governor Martin O'Malley will continue to
lead Maryland based on "progressive principles." [continued:

http://www.freestatepolitics.us/showDiary.do?diaryId=1115]

Donna Edwards Fundraiser 5-9 pm Sunday, January 20 in Wheaton

What: Donna Edwards Fundraiser 5-9 pm Sunday, January 20 in Wheaton

When: Sunday, January 20, 5:00 PM

Who should come: Anyone who wants to send a great person to Congress

Why: Have fun and support a great candidate for Congress


* Support and meet Donna Edwards 5-9 pm Sunday, January 20 in Wheaton
* Watch Donna Edwards and her campaign to replace Al Wynn on the PBS program "Now" Friday Jan. 18th.
* The Democratic Primary Election is February 12, 2008

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

Support and meet Donna Edwards, Democratic candidate for Maryland's 4th Congressional District
Sponsored by Montgomery County campaign volunteers and Haitian-American friends of Donna Edwards

5-9 pm Sunday, January 20, 2008
ANTIPUQUEÑO RESTAURANT
2504 Ennalls Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902
(where Sabang used to be)

Short Walk from the Wheaton Metro stop (red line)

DIRECTIONS: From I-495 take the Georgia Avenue Exit towards Wheaton. Continue for almost 2 miles and make a left on Ennals Avenue (the block before University Blvd.). Continue for two blocks to the Antipuqueno Restaurant on the left. There is plenty of free public parking.

Watch NFL Playoffs on Flat Screen HD TV!

Contribute to the campaign and have a good time! Music, dancing, cash bar and Salvadorian Tex-Mex menu.

For more information, contact Ken Leiner (240) 305-8880 or Claire Gabriel (301) 384-5458 or email: community1event@yahoo.com

If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a contribution to the campaign

Make an on-line contribution: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/17959

Or write a check to Donna Edwards for Congress and send your donation to P.O. Box 441153 Fort Washington, MD 20749-1153

To comply with Federal Election regulations, you must identify your Occupation and Employer. If not employed, please enter "not employed" under occupation, and please enter "none" under employer. If self-employed, please enter "self" under employer.

You must also attest Contribution Eligibility by writing the following: I confirm that the following statements are true and accurate.
1. I am a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien.
2. This contribution is made from my own personal funds, and funds are not being provided to me by another person or entity for the purpose of making this contribution.
3. I am not a federal contractor.
4. I am at least eighteen years old.

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

Watch Donna Edwards and her campaign to replace Al Wynn on the PBS program "Now" Friday Jan. 18th 10 PM on WETA - channel 26

Repeated on WETA World on Sunday, Jan. 20th, at 12 midnight, and again at 5 AM. WETA World is Comcast cable channel 202 and Verizon FIOS channel 873.

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

This message was not paid for or coordinated with any candidate or campaign.

1/16/08 Update from HealthCareMaryland.org

http://www.HealthCareMaryland.org
"Health Care Delayed is Health Care Denied"

Health Care Maryland.org is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization
which promotes research, public education and advocacy to guarantee
universal high-quality health care for all Maryland residents. We're
working with our friends and allies--other organizations, elected
officials, and concerned individuals--to bring high-quality universal
health care to Maryland in 2008. We're planning town halls, summits,
conferences, and organizing legislative efforts. Read articles at the
Health Care Maryland website. Please share with interested friends and
colleagues.

Urge Senators to Deliver Quality Indian Health Care
From FCNL -- Friends Committee on National Legislation

Senators will vote January 22 on reauthorization of the Indian Health
Care Improvement Act (S. 1200).This bill lays the foundation for program
change and addresses health crises such as diabetes, youth suicide, and
drug addiction that have escalated among native peoples in the past 15
years. Take Action

Doctors Give Massachusetts Health Reform A Failing Grade
Poor Early Outcomes Raise Red Flags, Only Private Insurers Profit
From MedicalNewsToday.com

Over 250 Massachusetts doctors have signed an open letter to the country
warning that the health reform model enacted by Massachusetts is failing
and that a single payer program is the only alternative.

"It is urgent that the rest of the country know that Massachusetts is a
living laboratory for the health care reforms being pushed in California
and by the Obama/Clinton/Edwards campaigns. Right now the Gov.
Romney/Massachusetts' plan gets a failing grade on the ground," said
Dr.Rachel Nardin, Assistant Professor of neurology at Harvard Medical
School.

Our Future Rooted in Our Past

Unprecedented change in the nation's healthcare system is looming, while
the ability to attract new nurses still is hindered by sexual and gender
stereotypes.
by Catherine Spader, RN | Nurse.com

Nurses who came of age during the baby boom generation have transformed
nursing from a role dominated by tasks and physicians' orders into a
profession of independent thinkers with their own body of knowledge. As
the baby-boom nurses begin to retire and exit the workforce in the next
20 to 30 years, they leave behind some big shoes to fill.

Generation X and Y nurses, born and raised in a fast-paced world, thrive
on technology and change--and that's a good thing because tomorrow's
healthcare system will look much different than when baby boomers
entered as young nurses starting in the early 1960s.

State Town Hall Tour to Focus on Health Care Issues

From Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, and the Health Care for All!
campaign
A Busy Spring: As many of you might know by now, we have reconvened our
Technical Advisory Committee. This team of experts from the Johns
Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, University of MD School of
Law, Community Catalyst, and others helped draft the original Health
Care for All! plan. We have brought them back together to draw up a new
plan to represent all the things that have changed since the original
plan was written, and hope to have a newly updated Health Care for All!
plan late this spring. We have had series of stakeholder meetings
already and the wheels are in motion to get the very difficult work
completed.

CareFirst's quality initiative: Doctors to get more for providing better
care
By Karen Buckelew | Maryland Daily Record Business Writer

Maryland doctors soon will have the chance to earn higher payments from
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield through a new initiative to improve the
quality of patient care. The new CareFirst Quality Rewards program,
which the state's largest insurer announced Tuesday, will give doctors
the chance to earn up to 7 percent increases in the standard fee
CareFirst pays physicians for services.

Casa's services mean advocacy in many languages
Nonprofit has expanded its reach to serve area's burgeoning African
population
By Agnes Jasinski | Gazette Staff Writer

For the last three years, Casa of Maryland has been a second home for
Frederic Ngongang of Cameroon. Ngongang, who left the African country
for Takoma Park in 2003, arrived on United States soil in need of
immediate employment. What he found was one of the state's largest
advocacy groups for Hispanics, but one that welcomed him as well....

Over the last year, Casa has increased efforts to reach Africans through
health care services through partnerships with nonprofits such as the
Ethiopian Community Development Council and the county's African
American Health Program, Jaramillo said.

Keeping King's dream alive--Sen. Verna L. Jones helped win an expansion
of health care
By Susan Gvozdas | Special to the Baltimore Sun

The Rev. Johnny R. Calhoun is overseeing the construction of a $3
million community center in Parole. State Sen. Verna L. Jones helped win
an expansion of health care for the poor and elderly. Business executive
James Pitts orchestrated the renovation of the Robinwood Community Center.

The three are among nine individuals and groups to be honored Friday
night at Anne Arundel County's 20th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dinner. The event will also mark the 40th anniversary of King's
assassination....

Health Care For All! Town Hall Meetings on Health Reform in Maryland

For additional information, please
contact the Maryland Citizens'
Health Initiative at 410-235-9000
or visit www.healthcareforall.com

THE TOWN HALL MEETINGS WILL BE 6 TO 9 PM
AND ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative's Technical Advisory
Committee will provide you an opportunity to:
* Learn about the new health care expansion laws
* Give comments on what YOU want to see in an overall plan to
give access to quality, affordable health care for all Marylanders

Wed Jan. 30 Baltimore City Sheldon Hall,
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,
615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore City

Wed Feb. 6 Howard County Date tentative; Location TBA

Wed Feb. 20 Prince George's County Oxon Hill United Methodist Church,
6400 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD

Tue Feb. 26 Montgomery County River Road Unitarian Universalist Church,
6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD

Thu Feb. 28 Baltimore Co., Harford Co., Carroll Co. Towson Unitarian
Universalist Church,
1710 Dulaney Valley Road, Lutherville, MD

Mon Mar. 3 Western Maryland Frederick Public Library,
110 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD

Wed Mar. 12 Upper Shore Easton Unitarian Universalist Congregation,
7401 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD

Wed Mar. 19 Lower Shore Location TBA

Tue Mar. 25 Anne Arundel County Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis,
333 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD

PROGRESSIVE ACTION FOR THE ECONOMY January 16, 2-4 PM

Join us for a...

TOWN HALL MEETING:

PROGRESSIVE ACTION FOR THE ECONOMY

Wednesday, January 16, 2-4 PM
Cannon Caucus Room, 345 Cannon House Office Building
[Very close to the Capitol South metro stop (blue / orange line)]

Everything bad is going up: Foreclosures. Oil prices. Bankruptcies. Medical costs. Outsourcing. College tuition. Poverty. Except for the dollar. Wages. That's going down.

As our struggling economy teeters toward recession, what action is needed to protect working families? What long-term investments must we make to build a vibrant economy that works for everyone?

Wednesday, January 16th, join us on Capitol Hill for this important town hall meeting, exploring what we must do to get our economy on track.

RSVP for the Capitol Hill Town Hall Meeting on the Economy: http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl

The Economy and Progressive Remedies

With U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee and Lynn Woolsey, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus; and U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, the Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services;
Robert Kuttner, author of The Squandering of America and co-founder and co-editor of The American Prospect; and Roger Hickey, co-director, Campaign for America's Future

Rep. Frank said the recent poor jobs report "should be a wake-up call that a public policy response is needed to help the economy recover more quickly and to help average Americans deal with any downturn."

Robert Kuttner's latest book offers a new model of managed capitalism that can deliver security and opportunity, and rekindle democracy as a check on concentrated wealth.

In what is sure to be a remarkable political year, it is up to us to drive the national debate with bold ideas to remedy the rampant failures of the conservative era, and establish a broad progressive mandate for lasting change. We need your help, your participation and your voice.

We hope to see you on Capitol Hill for this event. Together, we can take our country back.

RSVP for the Capitol Hill Town Hall Meeting on the Economy: http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl

Co-hosts: the Campaign for America's Future and The American Prospect

Sincerely,

Emily Barson
Events Manager
Campaign for America’s Future

Three Important Meetings On One Day: Sunday January 13

Three Important Meetings On One Day: Sunday January 13

-- What's Going on in Annapolis for the Coming Legislative Session?
MD Dist 18 Senator Rich Madaleno on health care, global warming, the
budget and slots 10:15 am Sunday January 13

River Road UU Congregation, River Road UU Congregation, 6301 River Road,
Bethesda, MD 20817
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=6301+River+Rd,+Bethesda,+MD+20817
Public Transportation and Driving Directions:

http://www.rruuc.org/Directions.html

-- Progressive Neighbors of Takoma Park and Silver Spring Public Meeting
Special Legislative Session: Victory or Defeat for Progressives?
1:30 pm Sunday January 13

With Dist 18 Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez, Prof. Allan Lichtman
AU/Commentator, Josh Kurtz Editor Roll Call, Elbridge James President
Progressive MD; Aaron Meisner Stop Slots Maryland, and Donna Edwards 4th
District Democratic Candidate for Congress

Argyle Park Rec. Center 1030 Forest Glen Road Silver Spring, MD
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1030+Forest+Glen+Rd,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20901
(between University Blvd. and Sligo Creek Parkway)
RSVP / More Info: 301-587-5559 or malakoff@starpower.net

-- District 20 Town Hall Meeting: Meet and Discuss Maryland's Issues
4 – 6 pm Sunday January 13

With Sen. Jamie Raskin, and Delegates Tom Hucker, Heather Mizeur and
Sheila Hixson

Fellowship Hall, Colesville United Methodist Church, 52 Randolph Road
Silver Spring, MD
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=52+Randolph+Road++silver+spring+MD

Town Hall Jan 16th: Barney Frank, Barbara Lee and Lynn Woolsey

Campaign for America's Future | www.ourfuture.org
Please RSVP to participate in this critical discussion:
http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl

TOWN HALL MEETING ON THE NEED FOR URGENT PROGRESSIVE ACTION TO TACKLE
ECONOMIC INSTABILITY.

Everything is going up. Foreclosures. Oil prices. Bankruptcies. Medical
costs. Outsourcing. College tuition. Poverty. Except for the dollar.
That's going down.

As our struggling economy teeters toward recession, what urgent action
is needed to cushion the blow to working families? What long-term
investments must we make to build a vibrant economy that works for everyone?

On Wednesday, January 16th, join us on Capitol Hill for a critical town
hall meeting, exploring what we must do to get our economy back on track.
RSVP for the Capitol Hill Town Hall Meeting on the Economy:

http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl

WHAT: Capitol Hill Town Hall Meeting on the Economy and Progressive Remedies

WHO: U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, Chairman of the House Committee on
Financial Services
U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee and Lynn Woolsey, Co-Chairs of the Congressional
Progressive Caucus
Robert Kuttner, author of The Squandering of America and co-founder and
co-editor of The American Prospect
Roger Hickey, co-director, Campaign for America's Future

Co-hosted by the Campaign for America's Future and The American Prospect

WHERE: Cannon Caucus Room, 345 Cannon House Office Building
Very close to the Capitol South metro stop (blue / orange line)

WHEN: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM

(Light refreshments will be served.)

Rep. Frank said the recent poor jobs report "should be a wake-up call
that a public policy response is needed to help the economy recover more
quickly and to help average Americans deal with any downturn." And
Robert Kuttner's latest book offers a new model of managed capitalism
that can deliver security and opportunity, and rekindle democracy as a
check on concentrated wealth.

In what is sure to be a remarkable political year, it is up to us to
push the parameters of national debate, make room for bold ideas that
remedy the failures of the conservative era, and establish a broad
mandate for lasting change. And we can only shape the debate with your
help, your participation and your voice.

We hope to see you on Capitol Hill for this special event, so together,
we can take our country back.

RSVP for the Capitol Hill Town Hall Meeting on the Economy:

http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl

Sincerely,

Emily Barson
Events Manager
Campaign for America's Future

Montgomery County Congressional Candidates’ Forum on Jan. 27

IMPORTANT: Come to the Montgomery County Congressional Candidates' Forum
on Jan. 27

What: The Role of Congress in U.S. Foreign Policy: Iraq, Iran, and
National Security.

All candidates for Congress from Montgomery County districts 4 & 8 have
been invited to explain their foreign policy views. Come hear what they
have to say, and ask them YOUR questions.

When: Sunday, Jan. 27, 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: County Council Office Building, 3rd-floor hearing room, 100
Maryland Ave., Rockville
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=100+Maryland+Ave,+Rockville,+MD+20850
Short walk from Rockville Metro on the Red Line

Why: Show them how important YOU think these issues are.

Please put this on your calendar TODAY! Tell your friends and
neighbors!! The media is saying that Iraq is off the radar screen--let
candidates for Congress know that this is not true!

Print out this email notice and put it in your house of worship, local
library, or community center. Forward it to everyone you know who lives
in Montgomery County. We need your help to advertise this important event!

Sponsored by PeaceAction Montgomery. Cosponsored by Pax Christi
Montgomery; UFCW Local 1994, MCGEO; Montgomery County Student Anti-War
Network; Washington Region Religious Campaign Against Torture.

Shut Down Guantanamo! DC Action on January 11

Important Action on January 11 in DC !!! Please forward to all your
friend and lists!

The following action is supported by witnesstorture.org, Amnesty
International, CodePink Women for Peace, and many other groups. We stand
against torture and extra-judicial confinement. We stand for Habeus
Corpus, the rule of law, and respect for human life and human dignity.
Please join us in support of this powerful action to declare our
abhorrence of the crimes that have been committed in our names.

Shut Down Guantanamo! (Washington, DC)
Start: Jan 11 2008 - 10:00am
End: Jan 11 2008 - 3:00pm

Prisoners of Guantanamo march to the Supreme Court: A provocative street
theater performance involving people wearing orange jumpsuits and black
hoods. We will march in an orderly, silent procession, hauntingly
evoking the moral disgrace that is Guantanamo. All participants are
strongly encouraged to attend a final planning meeting and training on
Thursday (January 10th), 4|6pm. After dinner, there will be a public
program on Guantanamo from 7-9 pm. Location: St. Stephens and the
Incarnation Church, 1525 Newton Street NW, at 16th Street.

January 11th Schedule
10:00 am - Gather at the National Mall for Orientation to Prisoner March
(National Mall @ 12th street NW between Madison Dr NW & Jefferson Drive
SW - near the Smithsonian Metro Stop)

11: 00 am - Permitted demonstration on the National Mall co-sponsored by
Amnesty International and National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Noon - Guantanamo Prisoner Procession from the National Mall to the
Supreme Court (2 plus miles)

1:30 pm - Funeral Ceremony at the Supreme Court remembering the four men
who died in custody at Guantanamo and mourning the death of Habeas Corpus

Location
National Mall
12th street NW and Madison Dr NW
Washington, DC, 20004
United States

Sunday January 6, Meet Donna Edwards

5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Sunday January 6, Meet Real Democrat Donna Edwards
The grassroots progressive Democrat for Congress in Maryland's 4th
District.

The primary is Feb. 12. Join Donna Edwards for a "Woman to Woman
Conversation"

Prince George's Ballroom, 2411 Pinebrook Ave., Landover
**http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2411+Pinebrook+Ave,+Hyattsville,+MD+20785

Entertainment by "Sense of Urgency" a jazz quintet. FREE!
For info contact Carletta Fellows at 301-316-1880.

Directions to Prince George's Ballroom:
Prince George's Ballroom is located in the Kentland community of
Landover, at Pinebrook Avenue and Landover Road. The facility is also
accessible by Metro on the Orange/Blue Line, Landover station.

From Baltimore, take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway south toward
Washington, D.C. Take Route 202 (Landover Road), Cheverly exit. Make a
left turn onto Landover Road. At the 7th stop light make a right onto
Pinebrook Avenue and continue straight to the circular driveway.

From Washington, D.C., take Route 50 east to the Landover Road (Route
202) exit. Take Route 202 toward Upper Marlboro, then proceed through 2
stop lights to Pinebrook Avenue. Make a right onto Pinebrook Avenue and
continue straight to the circular driveway.