MCPA, DFMC, PDA, PWG, MoveOn, Meetup Meeting 7 PM WEDNESDAY APRIL 1

Montgomery County Progressive Alliance Meeting 7 PM WEDNESDAY APRIL 1

MCPA, DFMC, PDA, PWG, MoveOn, Meetup Meeting
The time is now to get organized and make a difference.
Please RSVP to mikehersh@mikehersh.com so we know you'll be there.
Who are all these organizations and what do they do? See below.

No April Fools: We're meeting Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 7 PM
Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring,+MD+20902

Short walk from the Wheaton Metro / Red Line. Parking in the public lot
across the street.

Building on recent successful meetings and looking toward the end of the
Maryland General Assembly 2009 session, we'll continue work with our
standing committees:
1. outreach to green business,
2. recruitment (to help us increase membership),
3. media (letters to the editor, call-in to radio shows, etc.),
4. issue advocacy with elected officials, and
5. event planning/hosting.

Upcoming this month, we'll sponsor one or two legislative updates to
learn how our State Senators and Delegates represented our concerns in
Annapolis.

In May, we'll work with other organizations to cosponsor healthcare
reform events locally and in the Baltimore Area.

In June, we hope to hold our 6th annual Progressive Picnic to meet with
elected officials and organize ongoing efforts.

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

Please join the Montgomery County MoveOn core council:
http://www.moveon.org/team/search/signup.html?team_id=4221

Who are all these organizations and what do they do?

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

2. DFA/DFMC: Democracy for America emerged from Gov. Howard Dean's
presidential campaign in 2004, and has organized grass-roots activists
to support socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidates. DFMC
is Democracy for Montgomery County, a local DFA-inspired organization
which is not directly or legally affiliated with DFA. DFMC has organized
events and meetings; and endorsed and organized volunteers for several
candidates. DFMC is currently at a crossroads with most steering
committee members stepping back, and the remaining members seeking a new
approach--perhaps joining efforts with another organization or coalition
such as MCPA.

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.

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

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

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

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

Not the Final Four--Sen. Cardin WEDS NIGHT, other events in the Montgomery County area plus ways to ensure your vote counts next year

Not the Final Four--Sen. Cardin WEDS NIGHT, other events in the
Montgomery County area plus ways to ensure your vote counts next year

1. Sen. Ben Cardin--Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 at White Oak Middle School
2. Rep. Chris Van Hollen/MoveOn PowerUp Campaign--Saturday, March 28
12:30 p.m. Wheaton Library
3. Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG--Wednesday,
April 1, 7 p.m.
4. Eco-Justice Cafe' University of DC--Friday, April 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Act now to ensure your vote counts next year

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

1. Senator Cardin will discuss the Economic Crisis
Sponsored by the Greater Silver Spring Democratic Club

Wednesday, March 25th at 7:30 at White Oak Middle School
12201 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=12201+New+Hampshire+Ave,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20904
Public transportation info: http://www.wmata.com/

2. MoveOn PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off
Saturday March 28 12:30 pm. to 3:30 p.m.
Wheaton Regional Library Mtg room 2, lowest floor
11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902
Sign up online here: http://pol.moveon.org/event/poweruplaunch/92499

PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off of MoveOn's 2009 Agenda and Organizing our
efforts in Montgomery County
Special Guest Congressman Chris Van Hollen CONFIRMED

Accessible to all, short walk or bus ride from the Wheaton Metro Station.
Directions:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/BranchInfo/wh.asp
Requested donation $5 (or more) to defray costs of the room,
refreshments, etc.

We'll discuss ways to support President Obama's Green Economy/Green Jobs
initiatives and ways we can all conserve energy.

We'll also organize efforts to continue progress and build on our
accomplishments.

April: Maryland Legislative Update (details TBA)
May: Healthcare in Maryland and the USA (details TBA)

3. Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG and more.
Wednesday April 1, 7 p.m.
Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902

Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line) /
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902
We're working on Coalition Building Efforts, several bills and lobby
efforts on the state and national level. We'll also discuss the upcoming
County Council Special Election, coalition efforts, and much more!

We're planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working
on meetings with legislators, etc. We'll be holding meetings and events
to make a real difference in our county, state and nation. Participating
organizations include: Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Democracy
for Montgomery County, Progressive Democrats of America, MoveOn.org and
the Progressive Working Group as well as several "MeetUp" groups. MoveOn
has an exciting, progressive agenda for the U.S. and 1000s of involved,
informed members in our area. Please join the Montgomery County MoveOn
Council by clicking on this link:
http://www.moveon.org/team/search/signup.html?team_id=4221

4. Eco-Justice Cafe' University of DC--Friday, April 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Music, poetry, an open mike session, good food, good beer, good people,
good cheer.
University of DC, Firebird Inn, Van Ness/UDC Red Line West exit
Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW, DC 20008, Wheelchair
Accessible.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4200+Connecticut+Ave.,+NW,+DC+20008

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

5. Act now to ensure your vote counts next year
If you care about saving money and secure elections, please take action
with Verified Voting.

Keep in mind: it's far better to use your own words rather than click
and send the suggested message. Please share this with all concerned
Marylanders.

You can send your message using this link:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/199/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26912

This is what I sent:

First, I want to thank you for your leadership in 2007, passing
legislation and budgeting money needed to make Maryland's elections
trustworthy by 2010. This was an important step forward.

I worked with legislators and concerned Marylanders back then. I
testified before the Senate committee, send emails, made calls. I was
back in Annapolis a few weeks ago, and again last week to discuss these
issues with friends and leaders in the legislature. Why? Because I am
very concerned about what I'm hearing.

After making the correct decisions and passing a good law and a budget
to ensure Maryland will convert to trustworthy, cost-effective Optiscan
paper ballot voting--the law to make this move passed unanimously--some
have advocated costly and unnecessary delays in this transition. Please
do not let this happen.

Continued use of outdated, unreliable DRE (touch screen) machines will
cost Maryland $millions in equipment upkeep, repair/replacement and
other charges. Maryland would need only about one tenth as many Optiscan
machines as DREs, which would save us $millions. This is especially
important in these tough financial times. Sen. Madaleno and Del.
Gutierrez both shared the grim news about the budget crunch with
District 18 voters last week.

Also, use of DRE machines risks an election day (or primary day)
debacle, such as happened in Virginia recently. You can read about the
Virginia voting machine meltdown online here:
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=326929&paper=71&cat=104

I trust you will stand by your correct decision and ensure the smooth,
timely and cost-saving move to more reliable, cost efficient
paper-ballot based Optiscan machines.

Thank you,

Mike Hersh

Special Guest Congressman Chris Van Hollen CONFIRMED

Montgomery County Progressive Alliance Coalition Event
(Including MoveOn, Democracy for Montgomery County, Progressive
Democrats of America, MeetUp and others)
Special Guest Congressman Chris Van Hollen CONFIRMED
Please sign up here:
http://www.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=92499

Saturday, March 28, 2009 / 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Wheaton Regional Library Mtg room 2
11701 Georgia Ave Wheaton, MD
Accessible to all, short walk or bus ride from the Wheaton Metro Station.
Directions:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/BranchInfo/wh.asp

Requested donation $5 (or more) to defray costs of the room,
refreshments, etc.
Please bring a snack or drink to share with other attendees.

We'll discuss ways to support President Obama's Green Economy/Green Jobs
initiatives and ways we can all conserve energy. We'll also organize
efforts to continue progress and build on our accomplishments. Please
join the Montgomery County MoveOn Council by clicking on this link:
http://www.moveon.org/team/search/signup.html?team_id=4221

-----------

Organizing meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG and more.
Wednesday April 1, 7 p.m.
Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902

Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line) /
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902
We're working on Coalition Building Efforts, several bills and lobby
efforts on the state and national level. We'll also discuss the upcoming
County Council Special Election, coalition efforts, and much more!

We're planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working
on meetings with legislators, etc. We'll be holding meetings and events
to make a real difference in our county, state and nation. Participating
organizations include: Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Democracy
for Montgomery County, Progressive Democrats of America, MoveOn.org and
the Progressive Working Group as well as several "MeetUp" groups. MoveOn
has an exciting, progressive agenda for the U.S. and 1000s of involved,
informed members in our area.

If you care about saving money and secure elections

If you care about saving money and secure elections, please take action with Verified Voting.

Keep in mind: it's far better to use your own words rather than click and send the suggested message. Please share this with all concerned Marylanders.

You can send your message using this link: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/199/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26912

This is what I sent:

First, I want to thank you for your leadership in 2007, passing legislation and budgeting money needed to make Maryland's elections trustworthy by 2010. This was an important step forward.

I worked with legislators and concerned Marylanders back then. I testified before the Senate committee, send emails, made calls. I was back in Annapolis a few weeks ago, and again last week to discuss these issues with friends and leaders in the legislature. Why? Because I am very concerned about what I'm hearing.

After making the correct decisions and passing a good law and a budget to ensure Maryland will convert to trustworthy, cost-effective Optiscan paper ballot voting--the law to make this move passed unanimously--some have advocated costly and unnecessary delays in this transition. Please do not let this happen.

Continued use of these outdated, unreliable DRE machines will cost Maryland $millions in equipment upkeep, repair/replacement and other charges. Maryland would need only about one tenth as many Optiscan machines as DREs, which would save us $millions. This is especially important in these tough financial times. Sen. Madaleno and Del. Gutierrez both shared the grim news about the budget crunch with District 18 voters last week.

Also, use of DRE (touch screen) machines risks an election day (or primary day) debacle, such as happened in Virginia recently. You can read about the Virginia voting machine meltdown online here:

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=326929&paper=71&cat=104

I trust you will stand by your correct decision and ensure the smooth, timely and cost-saving move to more reliable, most efficient paper-ballot based Optical Scan machines.

Thank you!

This is background from Verified Voting:

If you've sent lawmakers messages in support of verified voting in Maryland this year, thank you! Your efforts are paying off - citizens have headed off a number of attempts to gut the paper ballot law. Lawmakers are listening, but there is still a strong chance that verifiable voting will be delayed.

An election in Virginia this month will help clarify the issue. Two weeks ago, paperless electronic machines in a Fairfax County election reported discrepancies of hundreds of votes on election night, and the discrepancies cannot be satisfactorily resolved. It's a great occasion to remind your Maryland lawmakers that they were wise to move the state away from paperless electronic voting, and that they should not delay any longer. Take just a moment to visit our Action Center and send a message to your lawmakers and Governor O'Malley:

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/199/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26912

Please take just a moment to help keep the pressure on, and Maryland will remain on the path to verified elections.

Thank you for all you do.

Best regards,

The Team at Verified Voting

PROGRESSIVE EVENTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY AND DC

PROGRESSIVE EVENTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY AND DC

The Audubon Society and others forum
Candidates for the upcoming District 4 County Council special primary
election will discuss their positions and issues.

Date: Sunday March 22, 2009 Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Woodend: Audubon Sanctuary, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase
MD 20815

Expected candidates: Michael Bigler, Robert Goldman, Thomas Hardman, Ben
Kramer, Cary Lamari, Nancy Navarro, Also invited: George Gluck (Green
Party)

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

Building the Election Reform Movement MeetUp (DC Metro area)
Sign up/more details here: http://electionreform.meetup.com/176/

Date: Monday, March 23, 7 p.m.
Place: Burma Restaurant 740 6th street NW Washington, DC 20001 2nd floor
short walk from Gallery Pl. Chinatown metro stop (Green/Yellow
Blue/Orange Line)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=740+6th+St.+washington+dc+20001

Guest speaker Joseph Oddo (writer/political consultant/businessman and
co-founder of the Independent Greens of Virginia). We will also discuss
progress on paper ballot/opti-scan voting in Maryland and the Lobby Day
in Annapolis on March 16th. More info, contact: jenkarius@gmail.com

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

Senator Ben Cardin in Silver Spring Sponsored by the Greater Silver
Spring Democratic Club

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Place: White Oak Middle School 12201 New Hampshire Ave, Silver
Spring, MD

Senator Ben Cardin will discuss how the Congress is approaching the
Economic Crisis
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=12201+New+Hampshire+Ave,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20904
Public transportation info: http://www.wmata.com/

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

MoveOn PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off with Congressman Chris Van Hollen

Date: Saturday March 28 Time: 12:30 pm. to 3:30 p.m.
Place: Wheaton Regional Library Mtg room 2, lowest floor, 11701 Georgia
Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902
Accessible to all, short walk or bus ride from the Wheaton Metro Station.
Directions:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/BranchInfo/wh.asp

PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off of MoveOn's 2009 Agenda and Organizing our
efforts in Montgomery County--Special Guest Congressman Chris Van Hollen
CONFIRMED
Requested donation $5 (or more) to defray costs of the room,
refreshments, etc. We'll discuss ways to support President Obama's Green
Economy/Green Jobs initiatives and ways we can all conserve energy.
We'll organize efforts to continue progress. Sign up online:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/poweruplaunch/92499
Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG and more.
Wednesday April 1, 7 p.m.
Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902

Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line) /
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902

We're working on Coalition Building Efforts, several bills and lobby
efforts on the state and national level. We'll also discuss the upcoming
County Council Special Election, coalition efforts, and much more!

We're planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working
on meetings with legislators, etc. We'll be holding meetings and events
to make a real difference in our county, state and nation. Participating
organizations include: Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Democracy
for Montgomery County, Progressive Democrats of America, MoveOn.org and
the Progressive Working Group as well as several "MeetUp" groups.

MoveOn has an exciting, progressive agenda for the U.S. and 1000s of
involved, informed members in our area. Please join the Montgomery
County MoveOn Council by clicking on this link:
http://www.moveon.org/team/search/signup.html?team_id=4221

April: Maryland Legislative Update (details TBA) / May: Healthcare in
Maryland and the USA (details TBA)

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

Eco-Justice Cafe' University of DC--Friday, April 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Music, poetry, an open mike session, good food, good beer, good people,
good cheer. University of DC, Firebird Inn, Van Ness/UDC Red Line West
exit--Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW, DC 20008,
Wheelchair Accessible.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4200+Connecticut+Ave.,+NW,+DC+20008

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

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

Progressive Working Group/Progressive Neighbors/SaveOurVotes Events Recap:

The PWG/Progressive Neighbors House Concert Fundraiser with Magpie was
GREAT!
Next time we mention Magpie, make sure you're there!

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

Our PWG Lobby Night in Annapolis (with Save Our Votes and others) for
Accurate, Verifiable Paper-Ballot Voting Monday, March 16 was
well-attended and (we hope) very effective.

Transition to paper ballot voting across the state will save Maryland
money, due to extravagant costs for maintaining the less reliable and
impossible to verify touch screen machines. Our state should use a
system which will provide private and independent voting for disabled
voters alongside the paper ballot-based system. Many jurisdictions in
Maryland used to use the paper-ballot optical scan voting which was
unanimously supported by the Maryland legislature in 2007. We ask our
representatives to ensure a smooth, cost-effective transition to
reliable, transparent voting for the 2010 election cycle, as planned.

Tomorrow Night Roy Zimmerman in ROCKVILLE

Roy Zimmerman: Real American
Moore Music House Concert

Saturday, March 21 8 PM ROCKVILLE, MD
Call or email for directions and reservations: 301- 461-3600 or
mooremusicconcerts@gmail.com $15

What's funny about war, poverty, ignorance, bigotry, neo-conservatism,
homophobia, greed, lust and fear? Ask Roy Zimmerman. He's been writing
satirical songs for twenty years.

The Los Angeles Times says, "Zimmerman displays a lacerating wit and
keen awareness of society's foibles that bring to mind a latter-day Tom
Lehrer."

Tom Lehrer himself says, "I congratulate Roy Zimmerman on reintroducing
literacy to comedy songs. And the rhymes actually rhyme, they don't just
'rhyne.'"

Joni Mitchell says, "Roy's lyrics move beyond poetry and achieve
perfection."

There's a decidedly Lefty slant to his lyrics. "We used to have a name
for Right Wing satire," he says. "We called it 'cruelty.'"

Zimmerman has played clubs across the country, and shared the stage with
George Carlin, Bill Maher, Kate Clinton, Dennis Miller, Sandra Tsing
Loh, kd lang, Andy Borowitz and Paul Krassner. He's done several shows
with The Pixies' Frank Black, swapping songs in a solo acoustic setting.
His up-to-the-moment topical songs are featured on American Public
Media's syndicated broadcast "Weekend America" and Sirius Radio's "West
Coast Live."

He's currently touring a one-man show called "Faulty Intelligence." It's
a ninety minute theatrical presentation of Zimmerman's original songs
and comic commentary - an indictment of the Bush administration to
accompany Patrick Fitzgerald's.

And there's a new album to go with it. "Faulty Intelligence" the CD
contains a lesson in Intelligent Design, "Creation Science 101;" an
Elvis sounding love song to the government phone tappers called "Hello,
NSA" that's featured on the ACLU web site; and the bawk-along
"Chickenhawk," already a Zimmerman classic. He says, "I hope this record
gets good reviews, but mostly I hope it gets denied under oath by Karl
Rove."

Zimmerman's fourth CD is a Holiday offering called PeaceNick. It's
Lefty, Pacifist, Humanist satire celebrating the birth of the Prince of
Peace in a time of pre-emptive war. The disc takes a snipe at
militaristic merchandising with "Buy War Toys for Christmas," and thumbs
its nose at the War on Christmas - an absurd notion promoted by Bill
O'Reilly and his ilk - with the Happy Holidays song
"Christma-Hanu-Rama-Ka-Dona-Kwanzaa." The Dylan-esque "Christmas is
Pain," another Zimmerman classic in the mold of another Zimmerman,
receives wide airplay every Holiday Season.

Homeland and Security are a twin pair of CD releases arising in the
aftermath of the 9-11 disaster. In 23 scathing originals, Roy dissects
the jingoism, belligerence and plain addle-headedness of Bush and
Company's response. Homeland takes on domestic threats, among them the
"Patriot Act" and "Jerry Falwell's God." This disc also contains Roy's
heartfelt love song to his wife, "You." Security widens the satirical
bite to include a "Multinational Anthem" and the mock-inspirational "One
World, One Bank."

Roy's first solo release was Comic Sutra, a mixture of the personal and
the political and the personal that is political including the same-sex
marriage anthem, "Defenders of Marriage," and "Punish the People," a
happy-go-lucky paean to class warfare.

"Punish the People" is also featured on the compilation CD Laughter is a
Powerful Weapon, released to raise money for the Red Cross in the wake
of Hurricane Katrina.

Roy wrote the song "I'm Fired" for the Los Angeles Theatre Works
production of "Fired!" and performed in the show at the Skirball Center
for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles and Off-Broadway at New York's
Second Stage Theatre.

Performing at New York City's Symphony Space during the 2004 Republican
Convention, he drew this review from the New York Times: "Roy Zimmerman
lifted the evening with his song 'Chickenhawk,' ridiculing the military
policies of Bush administration officials who didn't serve in the armed
forces. Zimmerman's squawking and clucking conveyed his scorn with
contagious irreverence."

US Senator, Ben Cardin in Silver Spring Weds. March 25!

Meet our US Senator, Ben Cardin and hear the latest about how the
Congress is approaching the Economic Crisis!
Sponsored by the Greater Silver Spring Democratic Club

Wednesday, March 25th at 7:30 at White Oak Middle School
12201 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=12201+New+Hampshire+Ave,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20904
Public transportation info: http://www.wmata.com/

MoveOn PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off

MoveOn PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off
Special Guest Congressman Chris Van Hollen invited, confirmation
expected soon.

Saturday, March 28, 2009 / 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Wheaton Regional Library Mtg room 2
11701 Georgia Ave Wheaton, MD
Accessible to all, short walk or bus ride from the Wheaton Metro Station.
Directions:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/BranchInfo/wh.asp

Requested donation $5 (or more) to defray costs of the room,
refreshments, etc.

We'll discuss ways to support President Obama's Green Economy/Green Jobs
initiatives and ways we can all conserve energy. We'll also organize
efforts to continue progress and build on our accomplishments.

Sign up online here: http://pol.moveon.org/event/poweruplaunch/92499

April: Maryland Legislative Update (details TBA)
May: Healthcare in Maryland and the USA (details TBA)

Protect Voting! Lobby Night Annapolis tonight / Write-In today

2 actions you can do to protect voting in Maryland. Please share with friends, lists, etc.

Lobby Night in Annapolis for Accurate, Verifiable Paper-Ballot Voting
Monday, March 16, 5:30 p.m.
Senate Building, 11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11+Bladen+St.+Annapolis+MD+21401

We'll meet in the Rotunda (turn right and walk up the ramp after passing through the metal detector), organize into teams, receive ...  Read Moreassignments, talking points and other materials. Bring a valid ID!

Find your State Delegate(s) and Senators here: http://mdelect.net/ and send your contact information and the names of your state elected officials to Stan Boyd, sbb223@yahoo.com ASAP.

Transition to paper ballot voting across the state will save Maryland money, due to extravagant costs for maintaining the less reliable and impossible to verify touch screen machines. Our state should use a system which will provide private and independent voting for disabled voters alongside the paper ballot-based system. Many jurisdictions in Maryland used to use the paper-ballot optical scan voting.

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

Maryland Legislators are seriously considering eliminating funding for paper ballot voting systems. Not only is that wrong for elections, it's money wasted.

If you have already sent a message to lawmakers, thank you, please send another message today!

Make yourself heard once more. And if you have not sent a message urging lawmakers to keep us moving away from the touch screens, now is the time to act. Please take just a moment help to educate lawmakers about the costs of keeping the touch screens. Visit our action center to send a message to your lawmakers and to key members of the leadership.

Reminder--please use your own words, elected officials and staff tend to discount several emails with the same comments. You can reword the sample message (already loaded at the website) or pick and choose from points (below).

TAKE ACTION BY CLICKING HERE: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/199/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26869

Legislators have received cost estimates that do not include the maintenance costs of the touch screens, even though those are some of the highest costs of the state's current, unverifiable system of voting.

The state's current touch screen voting systems cannot prove their accuracy, and do not allow meaningful recount. Please take action today to make sure that the 2010 elections in Maryland are verifiable:

TAKE ACTION BY CLICKING HERE: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/199/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26869

Thank you for all you do.

Best regards,

The Team at Verified Voting

Some talking points:
My research and discussions with election integrity activists and others suggest the following:

Legislation passed unanimously in 2007 and the Governor's budget provided the means and funding to purchase Optical Scan and other voting equipment sufficient to transition to paper-ballot voting for all Marylanders, including those with special access needs.

The planned transition to optically scanned paper ballots will save Maryland the most money in the mid to long term, but apparently requires amending the 2007 legislation to grant flexibility to election boards so they can purchase reliable, secure, effective and appropriate--although not necessarily federally certified--voter assistance equipment.

Enacting Del. Hixson's HB 893 (with Senate companion legislation) offers to fully address concerns about accessibility, and would save Maryland the most money in the mid and long terms.

Enacting Del. Cardin's HB 738 as currently drafted would implement a "mixed machine" solution which is preferable to delaying implementation of Optical Scan machines, but could be improved by an amendment allowing implementation of reliable, secure, effective and appropriate--although not necessarily federally certified--voter assistance equipment.

Delaying the transition to paper ballots and optical scans would cost Maryland the most money due to higher ongoing expenses for elections in the near, mid and long term--and continue unverifiable, highly vulnerable voting--an outcome which is untenable for several reasons discussed below.

Fewer machines means lower costs: The Optical Scanning machines each replace approximately 10 touch screen DRE machines. This is because approximately 10 voters may mark ballots at voting stations simultaneously, and then feed their ballots into the Optical Scan readers--requiring only 1 or 2 machines per precinct. The touch screen DRE machines require one machine per voter. Therefore, Maryland needs to buy, store, maintain, transport, etc. ten times more touch screen machines than optical scan machines.

Touch screen DRE machines suffer from degradation similar to laptop computers--they wear out quickly, require hardware and software patches and upgrades, etc. which incur added expenses and may void their certifications. (Note: This places into context concerns about new equipment specifically the delay or lack of federal certification.

Maryland has been using problematic and potentially out-of-certification technology because of vulnerabilities and other flaws in the touch screen systems. Attorney General Gansler brought civil action against vendors in an attempt to recover ongoing costs to maintain and remedy these vulnerabilities.

We have an obligation to accommodate voters with special needs. Some voters who are currently able to vote on require another person or additional equipment to assist them, but there aren't any certified voter assistance systems yet. The certification process is slow. Some argue the state should purchase such equipment in anticipation of certification.

Purchasing voter assistance equipment to facilitate voting by those with special needs as well as the optical scan equipment this year would deliver the greatest savings and best outcomes for all voters over the mid and long term, because voter assistance equipment could ease implementation of other reforms including early voting and voting by Maryland citizens who speak English as a second language. This approach would provide the least expensive implementation of paper ballot based voting for all Marylanders in time for the 2010 cycle.

Paper ballot-based voting is the only reliable, verifiable form of voting. Their operation is opaque to voters, election officials and others, and they have well-established hardware and other vulnerabilities, making widespread errors or even intentional "vote flipping" possible. There is no tangible record of the ballots cast, making audits, recounts etc. impossible. As noted, known and likely to emerge vulnerabilities in touchscreen DRE machines call into question the transparency, accuracy and legitimacy of elections. Any approach which depends on use of any such touchscreen DRE machines remains problematic for these reasons.

We support HB 893 the Hixson/Dyson/Carter Conway attempt to reconcile the 2007 legislation with current conditions to allow for purchase of optical scan and tested (although not necessarily federally certified) voter assistance equipment which would facilitate voting by special needs voters, ease implementation of early voting as well as voting by Maryland citizens who speak English as a second language. This approach would provide the least expensive implementation of paper ballot based voting for all Marylanders in time for the 2010 cycle, and save the state $millions over the short, mid and long terms.

We support the Cardin approach HB 738--hopefully with amendments, and if not, with reservations. Using both Optical Scan and touchscreen DRE machines machines in 2010 as a temporary transitional measure, with the goal of complete transition to paper-based, verifiable voting by 2012 (once voter assistance machinery is federally certified) is better than delaying the transition to paper-based voting past 2010. We can accept HB 738--preferably if amended to allow for full implementation of paper-based voting for all Maryland voters in time for the 2010 election cycle. Such amendment(s) would address concerns in the 2007 legislation, and allow the purchase and implementation of reliable, secure, effective and appropriate--although not necessarily federally certified--voter assistance equipment.

Mike Hersh
Chairperson, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance

Magpie Music Sunday, Protect Voting Monday...MORE!

1. PWG/Progressive Neighbors House Concert Fundraiser with
Magpie--Sunday, March 15, 4:15 p.m.
2. Lobby Night in Annapolis for Accurate, Verifiable Paper-Ballot
Voting--Monday, March 16, 5:30 p.m.
3. Building the Election Reform Movement MeetUp (DC Metro area)--Monday,
March 23, 7 p.m.
4. MoveOn PowerUp Campaign Kick-Of --12:30 p.m. Saturday March 28 or
Sunday 29, details TBA
5. Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG--Wednesday
April 1, 7 p.m.
6. Eco-Justice Cafe' University of DC--Friday, April 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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

1. PWG/Progressive Neighbors House Concert Fundraiser with Magpie
Sunday, March 15, 4:15 p.m. at 706 Erie Ave. Takoma Park
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=706+Erie+Ave.+Takoma+Park.+MD
bus service available: http://www.wmata.com/
Donation is $15 with veggie potluck dish to share and $20 without. For
more information - 301-587-5559

2. Lobby Night in Annapolis for Accurate, Verifiable Paper-Ballot Voting
Monday, March 16, 5:30 p.m. The Senate Building, 11 Bladen St.,
Annapolis, MD
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11+Bladen+St.+Annapolis+MD+21401

We'll meet in the Rotunda (turn right and walk up the ramp after passing
through the metal detector), organize into teams, receive assignments,
talking points and other materials. Bring a valid ID! Find your State
Delegate(s) and Senators here: http://mdelect.net/ and send your
contact information and the names of your state elected officials to
Stan Boyd, sbb223@yahoo.com ASAP.

Transition to paper ballot voting across the state will save Maryland
money, due to extravagant costs for maintaining the less reliable and
impossible to verify touch screen machines. Our state should use a
system which will provide private and independent voting for disabled
voters with paper ballots. Many jurisdictions in Maryland used to use
the paper-ballot optical scan voting which was unanimously supported by
the Maryland legislature in 2007. We ask our representatives to ensure a
smooth, cost-effective transition to reliable, transparent voting for
the 2010 election cycle, as planned.

3. Building the Election Reform Movement MeetUp (DC Metro area) Sign
up/more details here: http://electionreform.meetup.com/176/
Monday, March 23, 7 p.m. Burma Restaurant 740 6th street NW Washington,
DC 20001 2nd floor walkup--short walk from Gallery Pl. Chinatown metro stop
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=740+6th+St.+washington+dc+20001

Guest speaker Joseph Oddo (writer/political consultant/businessman and
co-founder of the Independent Greens of Virginia) will discuss his
10-Point Platform for Election Reform and report on 2008 voting
machinery failure in VA. We will also discuss progress on paper
ballot/opti-scan voting in Maryland and the Lobby Day in Annapolis on
March 16th. More info, contact: jenkarius@gmail.com

4. SAVE THE DATES! MoveOn PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off (12:30 pm. to 2:30
p.m. March 28 or 29, details TBA)
Sign up and--in the next few days--view finalized details here:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/poweruplaunch/92499

5. Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG and more.
Wednesday April 1, 7 p.m. Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave
Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line) /
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902
We're working on Coalition Building Efforts, several bills and lobby
efforts on the state and national level. We'll also discuss the upcoming
County Council Special Election, coalition efforts, and much more!

We're planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working
on meetings with legislators, etc. We'll be holding meetings and events
to make a real difference in our county, state and nation. Participating
organizations include: Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Democracy
for Montgomery County, Progressive Democrats of America, MoveOn.org and
the Progressive Working Group as well as several "MeetUp" groups. MoveOn
has an exciting, progressive agenda for the U.S. and 1000s of involved,
informed members in our area. Please join the Montgomery County MoveOn
Council by clicking on this link:
http://www.moveon.org/team/search/signup.html?team_id=4221

6. Eco-Justice Cafe' University of DC--Friday, April 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Music, poetry, an open mike session, good food, good beer, good people,
good cheer. University of DC, Firebird Inn, Van Ness/UDC Red Line West
exit--Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW, DC 20008,
Wheelchair Accessible.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4200+Connecticut+Ave.,+NW,+DC+20008

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

ACT NOW to protect Maryland Elections!

Maryland Legislators are seriously considering eliminating funding for
paper ballot voting systems. Not only is that wrong for elections, it's
money wasted.

If you have already sent a message to lawmakers, thank you, please send
another message today!

Make yourself heard once more. And if you have not sent a message urging
lawmakers to keep us moving away from the touch screens, now is the time
to act. Please take just a moment help to educate lawmakers about the
costs of keeping the touch screens. Visit our action center to send a
message to your lawmakers and to key members of the leadership.

Reminder--please use your own words, elected officials and staff tend to
discount several emails with the same comments. You can reword the
sample message (already loaded at the website) or pick and choose from
points (below).

TAKE ACTION BY CLICKING HERE:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/199/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26869

Legislators have received cost estimates that do not include the
maintenance costs of the touch screens, even though those are some of
the highest costs of the state's current, unverifiable system of voting.

The state's current touch screen voting systems cannot prove their
accuracy, and do not allow meaningful recount. Please take action today
to make sure that the 2010 elections in Maryland are verifiable:

TAKE ACTION BY CLICKING HERE:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/199/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26869

Thank you for all you do.

Best regards,

The Team at Verified Voting

Some talking points:
My research and discussions with election integrity activists and others
suggest the following:

Legislation passed unanimously in 2007 and the Governor's budget
provided the means and funding to purchase Optical Scan and other voting
equipment sufficient to transition to paper-ballot voting for all
Marylanders, including those with special access needs.

The planned transition to optically scanned paper ballots will save
Maryland the most money in the mid to long term, but apparently requires
amending the 2007 legislation to grant flexibility to election boards so
they can purchase reliable, secure, effective and appropriate--although
not necessarily federally certified--voter assistance equipment.

Enacting Del. Hixson's HB 893 (with Senate companion legislation) offers
to fully address concerns about accessibility, and would save Maryland
the most money in the mid and long terms.

Enacting Del. Cardin's HB 738 as currently drafted would implement a
"mixed machine" solution which is preferable to delaying implementation
of Optical Scan machines, but could be improved by an amendment allowing
implementation of reliable, secure, effective and appropriate--although
not necessarily federally certified--voter assistance equipment.

Delaying the transition to paper ballots and optical scans would cost
Maryland the most money due to higher ongoing expenses for elections in
the near, mid and long term--and continue unverifiable, highly
vulnerable voting--an outcome which is untenable for several reasons
discussed below.

Fewer machines means lower costs: The Optical Scanning machines each
replace approximately 10 touch screen DRE machines. This is because
approximately 10 voters may mark ballots at voting stations
simultaneously, and then feed their ballots into the Optical Scan
readers--requiring only 1 or 2 machines per precinct. The touch screen
DRE machines require one machine per voter. Therefore, Maryland needs to
buy, store, maintain, transport, etc. ten times more touch screen
machines than optical scan machines.

Touch screen DRE machines suffer from degradation similar to laptop
computers--they wear out quickly, require hardware and software patches
and upgrades, etc. which incur added expenses and may void their
certifications. (Note: This places into context concerns about new
equipment specifically the delay or lack of federal certification.

Maryland has been using problematic and potentially out-of-certification
technology because of vulnerabilities and other flaws in the touch
screen systems. Attorney General Gansler brought civil action against
vendors in an attempt to recover ongoing costs to maintain and remedy
these vulnerabilities.

We have an obligation to accommodate voters with special needs. Some
voters who are currently able to vote on require another person or
additional equipment to assist them, but there aren't any certified
voter assistance systems yet. The certification process is slow. Some
argue the state should purchase such equipment in anticipation of
certification.

Purchasing voter assistance equipment to facilitate voting by those with
special needs as well as the optical scan equipment this year would
deliver the greatest savings and best outcomes for all voters over the
mid and long term, because voter assistance equipment could ease
implementation of other reforms including early voting and voting by
Maryland citizens who speak English as a second language. This approach
would provide the least expensive implementation of paper ballot based
voting for all Marylanders in time for the 2010 cycle.

Paper ballot-based voting is the only reliable, verifiable form of
voting. Their operation is opaque to voters, election officials and
others, and they have well-established hardware and other
vulnerabilities, making widespread errors or even intentional "vote
flipping" possible. There is no tangible record of the ballots cast,
making audits, recounts etc. impossible. As noted, known and likely to
emerge vulnerabilities in touchscreen DRE machines call into question
the transparency, accuracy and legitimacy of elections. Any approach
which depends on use of any such touchscreen DRE machines remains
problematic for these reasons.

We support HB 893 the Hixson/Dyson/Carter Conway attempt to reconcile
the 2007 legislation with current conditions to allow for purchase of
optical scan and tested (although not necessarily federally certified)
voter assistance equipment which would facilitate voting by special
needs voters, ease implementation of early voting as well as voting by
Maryland citizens who speak English as a second language. This approach
would provide the least expensive implementation of paper ballot based
voting for all Marylanders in time for the 2010 cycle, and save the
state $millions over the short, mid and long terms.

We support the Cardin approach HB 738--hopefully with amendments, and if
not, with reservations. Using both Optical Scan and touchscreen DRE
machines machines in 2010 as a temporary transitional measure, with the
goal of complete transition to paper-based, verifiable voting by 2012
(once voter assistance machinery is federally certified) is better than
delaying the transition to paper-based voting past 2010. We can accept
HB 738--preferably if amended to allow for full implementation of
paper-based voting for all Maryland voters in time for the 2010 election
cycle. Such amendment(s) would address concerns in the 2007 legislation,
and allow the purchase and implementation of reliable, secure, effective
and appropriate--although not necessarily federally certified--voter
assistance equipment.

Upcoming Progressive Events in Montgomery County and D.C.

Upcoming progressive events in Maryland/Montgomery County

1. PWG/Progressive Neighbors House Concert Fundraiser with Magpie --
Sunday, March 15, 4:15 p.m.
2. Lobby Night in Annapolis for Accurate, Verifiable Paper-Ballot Voting
-- Monday, March 16, 5:30 p.m.
3. Building the Election Reform Movement MeetUp (DC Metro area) --
Monday, March 23, 7 p.m.
4. MoveOn PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off -- 12:30 p.m. Saturday March 28 or
Sunday 29, details TBA
5. Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG and more. --
Wednesday April 1, 7 p.m.

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

1. PWG/Progressive Neighbors House Concert Fundraiser with Magpie
Sunday, March 15, 4:15 p.m. at 706 Erie Ave. Takoma Park
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=706+Erie+Ave.+Takoma+Park.+MD
bus service available: http://www.wmata.com/
Donation is $15 with veggie potluck dish to share and $20 without. For
more information - 301-587-5559

2. Lobby Night in Annapolis for Accurate, Verifiable Paper-Ballot Voting
Monday, March 16, 5:30 p.m. The Senate Building, 11 Bladen St.,
Annapolis, MD
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11+Bladen St.+Annapolis+MD

We'll meet in the Rotunda (turn right and walk up the ramp after passing
through the metal detector), organize into teams, receive assignments,
talking points and other materials. Bring a valid ID!
Find your State Delegate(s) and Senators here: http://mdelect.net/ and
send your contact information and the names of your state elected
officials to Stan Boyd, sbb223@yahoo.com ASAP.

Transition to paper ballot voting across the state will save Maryland
money, due to extravagant costs for maintaining the less reliable and
impossible to verify touch screen machines. Our state should use a
system which will provide private and independent voting for disabled
voters alongside the paper ballot-based system. Many jurisdictions in
Maryland used to use the paper-ballot optical scan voting which was
unanimously supported by the Maryland legislature in 2007. We ask our
representatives to ensure a smooth, cost-effective transition to
reliable, transparent voting for the 2010 election cycle, as planned.

3. Building the Election Reform Movement MeetUp (DC Metro area) Sign
up/more details here: http://electionreform.meetup.com/176/
Monday, March 23, 7 p.m. Burma Restaurant 740 6th street NW Washington,
DC 20001 2nd floor walkup
(16th and H St. 2nd floor--short walk from Gallery Pl. Chinatown metro stop)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=740+6th+St.+washington+dc+20001

Guest speaker Joseph Oddo (writer/political consultant/businessman and
co-founder of the Independent Greens of Virginia) will discuss his
10-Point Platform for Election Reform and report on 2008 voting
machinery failure in VA. We will also discuss progress on paper
ballot/opti-scan voting in Maryland and the Lobby Day in Annapolis on
March 16th. More info, contact: jenkarius@gmail.com

4. SAVE THE DATES! MoveOn PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off (12:30 pm. to 2:30
p.m. March 28 or 29, details TBA)
Sign up and--in the next few days--view finalized details here:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/poweruplaunch/92499

5. Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG and more.
Wednesday April 1, 7 p.m. Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave
Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line) /
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902
We're working on Coalition Building Efforts, several bills and lobby
efforts on the state and national level. We'll also discuss the upcoming
County Council Special Election, coalition efforts, and much more!

We're planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working
on meetings with legislators, etc. We'll be holding meetings and events
to make a real difference in our county, state and nation. Participating
organizations include: Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Democracy
for Montgomery County, Progressive Democrats of America, MoveOn.org and
the Progressive Working Group as well as several "MeetUp" groups. MoveOn
has an exciting, progressive agenda for the U.S. and 1000s of involved,
informed members in our area. Please join the Montgomery County MoveOn
Council by clicking on this link:
http://www.moveon.org/team/search/signup.html?team_id=4221

MAGPIE SUNDAY MARCH 15

IDES OF MARCH - "SMASHING THE EMPIRE" HOUSE CONCERT FEATURING MAGPIE

SUNDAY MARCH 15, 4:15 PM
706 Erie Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912

SONGS OF THE EARTH, HOPE, AND CHANGE

The house concert will benefit Progressive Neighbors and the Progressive
Working Group

No RSVP necessary, but first come first serve
Bring a pot luck dish (veggie only) and folding chairs if you have.
Donation: $15 (with pot luck dish to share) $20 (without)

For more information - 301-587-5559 CD'S AND DVD'S FOR SALE

Urgent: Act TODAY to Protect Verifiable Elections in Maryland!

"VerifiedVoting.org" <vevo@mail.democracyinaction.org>
Subject: Urgent: Keep Maryland on the Path to Verifiable Elections
[Please forward to all your friends, lists, groups, etc.]

We need your help to protect Maryland's path to trustworthy elections. Two
years ago, the Legislature passed a law to phase out unreliable touch
screen voting systems by 2010.

That victory is now in jeopardy. With the current budget climate, there is
talk of delaying implementation of the law. But paper ballot/optical scan
systems are cheaper to maintain and operate than touch screen voting
machines. This fact is not as widely known in Annapolis as it needs to be.

You can help to educate lawmakers. Send a letter to your legislators urging
them to continue Maryland's path toward more cost-effective and verifiable
voting systems. Go to this Web page to send a letter:

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/199/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26736

[Please use your own words--legislators receiving exactly the same message
tend to discount the effort. Show some originality, mention your delegate(s)
and state senator by name if you can.]

The state's current touch screen voting systems cannot prove their
accuracy, and do not allow meaningful recount. Please take action today to
make sure that the 2010 elections in Maryland are verifiable.

Thank you for all you do.

Best regards,
The Team at Verified Voting

let single payer into the White House Summit on healthcare

Please make the call and forward to your friends and lists.

Call The White House (202) 456-1414 or (202) 456-1111
Ask them to let single payer into the White House Summit on healthcare.

On Thursday, March 5, 2009, the White House will host a summit on how to
reform the healthcare system.

The 120 invited guests include lobbyists for various interest groups
including the private-for-profit insurance industry (AHIP), some members
of Congress including Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus who has already
ruled single payer "off the table,"� and various others concerned with
healthcare.

No single payer advocates have been invited to attend.

Please urge President Obama to fulfill his promise for transparency and
openness in government

Call The White House (202) 456-1414 or (202) 456-1111.
Ask them to let single payer into the White House Summit on healthcare.

Distributed by:
All Unions Committee For Single Payer Health Care--HR 676
c/o Nurses Professional Organization (NPO)
1169 Eastern Parkway, Suite 2218
Louisville, KY 40217
(502) 636 1551
Email: nursenpo@aol.com
http://unionsforsinglepayerHR676.org
03/03/09

announcements and appeals for help from groups that are part of the PWG coalition

Progressive Working Group Participants and Friends, (thanks to Wally
Malakoff for drafting this announcement)

Below are announcements and appeals for help from groups that are
part of the PWG coalition. If you are going to be in Annapolis or can
make a trip or you can phone bank or send an email, please volunteer and
help other members of our progressive coalition. Showing legislators
that there is a coalition of groups behind these issues definitely helps.

We also urge all groups to sign onto the PWG's Statement of Purpose
(attached), even if your group is unable to endorse all 14 legislative
priority issues the coalition has adopted.

The PWG has signed on to letters from participant groups to
legislators in support of priority legislative issues that the PWG
adopted. Letters have been sent thus far on Combined Reporting for
Corporations and the Maryland Guard Home Bill. The letters used the
following language.

"On behalf of name of group, and with the endorsement of the
Progressive Working Group..." body of letter. At end of letter: "The
Progressive Working Group (PWG) is a newly formed coalition of
progressive groups, primarily in Montgomery and Prince George's
Counties, that is working to create a broad-based progressive presence
in Annapolis. All PWG member organizations support the purpose of the
organization; not all member organizations may support every item of the
PWG legislative agenda.

"Progressive Working Group membership to date: Casa of Maryland,
Equality Maryland, Progressive Democrats of Maryland, Health Care Now of
Maryland, Progressive Neighbors, Progressive Cheverly, Democracy for
Montgomery County, Upcounty Action, SAVEourVotes, Peace Action
Montgomery, Peace and Justice Coalition of Prince George's County,
Audubon Naturalist Society, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance,
Montgomery Health Care Action"

ANNOUNCEMENTS

-SAVEourVotes needs emails and letters to ensure implementation of
the law passed two years ago that would phase out unreliable touch
screen voting systems and implement a proven and more cost-effective
paper ballot voting system by 2010. That victory is now in jeopardy. Go
to
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/199/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26736
for more information and to send an email to your legislators.

-Volunteers are needed to testify Wed. March 4th in Annapolis on the
Maryland Guard Home Bill. Contact Jean Athey at jeanathey@verizon.net

-Progressive Cheverly and Progressive Neighbors encourage written
or in-person testimony on Combined Reporting legislation - Thurs. Mar 5
in the House, Wed. Mar 11 in the Senate.
Contact Norm Oslik: noslik@verizon.net 301-322-5272.

-Democracy for Montgomery County/Progressive Democrats of
America/Mont. County Progressive Alliance is meeting Wed. March 4 from
7-10 pm at Saigonese Restaurant. (11232 Grandview Avenue, Wheaton, MD
20902) Among the items to be discussed are progressive issues before the
General Assembly. Contact Mike Hersh for more information
mikehersh@mikehersh.com 301-933-7169

-Sierra Club and Audubon Naturalist Society are phone banking
against funding for the ICC Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week
and next. Contact Alana Wase at Sierra Club (301-277-7111
alana.wase@mdsierra.org) or Dolores Milmoe at Audubon (301-652-9188 x 19
dmilmoe@audubonnaturalist.org) to volunteer and for more information
about sending emails.

-Casa of Maryland is looking for volunteers in the next two weeks to
testify with them in Annapolis on immigration issues including in-state
tuition for children of immigrants and denial of driver's licenses.
Contact Hector Pop at 240-354-5661 hpopchun@casamd.org

Progressive Working Group Legislative Priorities

-Corporate Income Tax - Rate Reduction and Reform (Combined Reporting)

-Health Security Act (Single Payer)

-Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act

-Defund the ICC

-In-State College Tuition For Non-Citizen Immigrant Children

-Opposition to Real ID in Current Form

-ASVAB(Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)-Protect Student
Privacy

-Keep the MD Guard at Home

-Electoral Integrity - Post-Election Audits; Voting Process
Transparency

-Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act

-Gender Identity and Expression Protections

-No Police Spying on Lawful Activities

-Public Financing of General Assembly Campaigns

-Workforce Anti-Fraud Bill (Misclassification of Workers as
Independent Contractors)

SUNDAY MARCH 15 MAGPIE SUNDAY MARCH 15

IDES OF MARCH - "SMASHING THE EMPIRE"
HOUSE CONCERT FEATURING MAGPIE

SUNDAY MARCH 15, 4:15 PM
706 Erie Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912

SONGS OF THE EARTH, HOPE, AND CHANGE

The house concert will benefit Progressive Neighbors and the Progressive
Working Group

No RSVP necessary, but first come first serve
Bring a pot luck dish (veggie only) and folding chairs if you have.
Donation: $15 (with pot luck dish to share) $20 (without)

For more information - 301-587-5559
CD'S AND DVD'S FOR SALE