support Marc Elrich

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

Time:   6:30 to 8:30pm

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



Dear Friends,

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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



Join us this Tuesday!

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


If you cannot join us on Tuesday....

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

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


Please RSVP

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

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


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


Best,

Greg Smith

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


Suggested Contributions for Tuesday's Reception

$50 Friend     •     $75 Family

$100 Supporter     •     $250 Benefactor

Walking to Tuesday's Reception from the Takoma Metro Station

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

 

 
Authorized by:  Friends of Marc Elrich

Dale A. Tibbitts, Chairman
Christine Grewell, Treasurer
 
8001 Sligo Creek Parkway
 Takoma Park, MD 20912

A Discussion with State Legislators 12-4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Help us spread the word - Invite your friends!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heavy Hand of IG Chills County Council

Heavy Hand of IG Chills County Council
by: Mike Hersh

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

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

Congresswoman Edwards will hold two coffee conversations

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

Prince George's County
Time:          8:30am - 9:30am
Location:     Dunkin' Donuts 
                   9183 Central Ave
                   Capitol Heights, MD 20743-3806

 

Montgomery County
Time:          10:30am - 11:30am
Location:     Panera Bread
                   Germantown Town Center
                   19820 Century Blvd.
                   Germantown, MD  20874

Senate Health Insurance Reform Bill rally tomorrow at noon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ruth Flower
Associate Executive Secretary for Legislative Programs

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

thank Rep Edwards, champion of health care reform

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

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

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

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

grass-roots activists support progressive issues, candidates

If you haven't already, please join Democracy for Montgomery County. 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 from coast to coast and at every level of government.

DFMC is Democracy for Montgomery County, a local DFA-inspired organization which is not directly or legally affiliated with DFA. DFMC has organized events and meetings; and endorsed and organized volunteers for several candidates. DFMC is currently seeking additional steering committee members. Please contact me, mikehersh@mikehersh.com if you're interested.

DFMC will be endorsing and working for candidates, organizing on issues, hosting events, and otherwise supporting progressive issues and campaigns as DFMC and working in coalitions with other organizations through the end of 2009 and into the State election year 2010.

We're very close to the end of 2009, and gearing up for an exciting, important 2010. To achieve everything we should, to expand and extend our meetings, forums, outreach, and support for the best candidates, we ask you to become a paying member of DFMC now.

Paying members will be eligible to serve on committees (including the new steering committee), participate in charting our course into the next year including formulating the process through which we will nominate candidates and voting to endorse candidates for office in 2010.

Paying members will also participate in our planning and decision-making processes governing our role in state and local elections. Committees will study and make recommendations for DFMC's positions on issues facing all levels of government including: health policy, transportation and land use, energy and environment, equality under the law, accurate and transparent elections, clean politics including public campaign financing and other fundamental changes in access to our government, affordable housing, access to needed services, protection from public or private violations of basic rights, respect and support for all members of our community--regardless of race, age, gender, sexual identity, national origin, creed, denomination, religion or lack thereof. As a paying member, you will participate in our process, establishing our priorities, allocating our resources, making a real difference.

Please become a paying member of DFMC (low cost of $25 per year--only $2.08 per month) to see and participate in the changes you want to see in Montgomery County and Maryland. In appreciation for your support, we will provide full membership benefits to you from the time we receive payment until the end of 2010.

Contribute online here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9552283 or bring payment to any event or meeting.

If you haven't yet, please join DFMC now: http://democracyforamerica.com/groups/237-democracy-for-montgomery-county

If you haven't yet, please join our Meetup group: http://www.meetup.com/montgomery-progressives/

If you haven't yet, please join our our Google Discussion Group: http://groups.google.com/group/mcprogressivealliance

If you haven't yet, please join our our Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3401340272&ref=ts

Visit our Blog: http://d4mc.blogspot.com/ to comment and keep up with our plans.

Donate to support our ongoing meetings, public forums, website, and more: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9552283 or bring payment to any event or meeting.

Sponsor our Meetup group and ongoing events: http://www.meetup.com/montgomery-progressives/suggestion/sponsor/

Plan to attend our meetings and events, join our committees, help us organize more events and develop our endorsement process.

Thanks!

Mike Hersh

Chairperson, Democracy for Montgomery County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common Cause Maryland Political Pizza Party

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

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

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

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

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

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

With your support, we can win in 2010!

Download and print

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

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

Speak out! Save jobs and lives! http://www.bustthefilibuster.com/

Nearly 50 million have no health insurance, the same number are under
insured. This failure--due to monopolistic abuse and greed--is crippling
our economy and killing almost 45,000 Americans every year. Speak out!
Save jobs and lives! http://www.bustthefilibuster.com/

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

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

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

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

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

From Physicians for a National Health Program:
Administrative costs consume 31 percent of US health spending, most of
it unnecessary.

Medical bills contribute to half of all personal bankruptcies.
Three-fourths of those bankrupted had health insurance at the time they
got sick or injured.

Taxes already pay for more than 60 percent of US health spending

Americans pay the highest health care taxes in the world. We pay for
national health insurance, but don't get it.

Despite spending far less per capita for health care, Canadians are
healthier and have better measures of access to health care than Americans.

------------- bottom line -------------

A Public Option will help control costs and cover many in need. A Single
Payer system would create jobs and save taxpayers $billions--and most
importantly would save lives! Speak out! Save jobs and lives!
http://www.bustthefilibuster.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free CranioSacral therapy sessions by Randy Goldberg!

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

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

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

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

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

It's not too late!

From Margaret Flowers, M.D.

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

We have 2 requests:

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

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

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

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

Margaret Flowers, M.D.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who are all these organizations and what do they do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bust the Filibuster!

45,000 Americans die each year from lack of access to healthcare.
Senators Lieberman, Bayh, Landreau, Pryor, Ben Nelson and Lincoln refuse
to pledge to help save 45,000 lives per year. If any Senator blocks an
"up or down vote" on healthcare reform, we pledge to defeat them in the
primary the next time they run. We will also call upon the Democratic
leadership to strip them of seniority, and/or committee and subcommittee
chair positions.

Of course any Republican Senator who votes to block a vote deserves
defeat at the polls, and we pledge to work for that as well. Bottom line
for all Senators: if you vote against healthcare for all Americans, we
will vote against you.

Please donate to this effort so we can set up a website and start other
actions to Bust the Filibuster!
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9358323

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

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

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

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

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

Free CranioSacral therapy sessions by Randy Goldberg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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