verbena-19

How much of Earth's atmosphere must we contaminate? How much of our lands and waters must we pollute? How much of our resources must we plunder, deplete? How many species must we ravage, despoil, extinguish? How many people must we degrade, deprive, destroy with toxic wastes and wars, before we learn to respect one another, to live in harmony on this planet, our Home? "All living beings are brothers and sisters, nourished from the same source of life.." -- Thich Nhat Hanh

: Name: Annamarie; Location: Brampton, Ontario, Canada

I was born in Eastern Europe during the height of the Stalinist regime's reign of terror. Thus, I know what it is like to live under a repressive, dictatorial regime. The fear and terror -- as dissident friends and family members were tortured, imprisoned and some were executed -- is indelibly etched in my memory. That is the reason I have always been an ardent advocate of freedom, social justice, civil liberties, human rights and a voice of peace. The way I see it, war is morally wrong, regardless of who wages it, for whatever reason. No piece of land or commodity is worth the sacrifice of one human life. We are all members of the same race - the "human race" - and must learn to coexist peacefully. Our planet cannot sustain us much longer if we do not stop our wars, nukes, polluting, deforestation, and the wasteful, gluttonous consumption and depletion of our natural resources.

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Friday, April 07, 2006

PDA Updates and Action Alerts

Updates and Action Alerts for American readers, from the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA):

PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF AMERICA

"Stand Up. Take Action. Vote."

On the Move

Progressive Democrats of America

Field Update, Spokescouncil, and More - 04/06/06

The On the Move Update is a PDA report to our members that will be issued every Thursday. This report will highlight the efforts of PDA activists in three different categories: the weekly Field Update and the Chapter Newssection, which have been moved from the Inside/Outside Update, and Extras--news from the Spokescouncil and Issue Working Groups, and other items of interest. If you find this information useful, please consider making a donation:

https://www.pdamerica.org/donate.php

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Field Updates:

- Upcoming Conference Calls

- Field Director's Note

Chapter News: PDA Endorses Francine Busby for Congress

Extra: PDA Holds First DC Briefing

Action Alert: Support the Common Sense Budget Act

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Field Updates:

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Reminder - Congressional District Point People Call

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All Congressional District (CD) Point People (and those interested in becoming CD Point People) are invited to join us tonight for our next conference call at 9 p.m. EST. (Be sure to adjust for your time zone.)

Our special guest will be Congressional Progressive Caucus Executive Director Bill Goold. Please join us for this informative call!

Date: Thursday, April 6 at 9 p.m. EST

Call-In Number: 1-641-297-4600

Access Code: 626860

We now have CD Point People in 132 of the 435 congressional districts!

Thanks to everyone who has stepped up! Check here to see if your CD is covered:

http://pdamerica.org/orgs/cdpp.php

If your district is not currently represented and you would like to do the job, click here to volunteer:

http://pdamerica.org/orgs/cdpp-form.php

Field Director's Note: PDA to Launch Issue Working Groups

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Check out the On The Move report next week where we will unveil upcoming changes within our policy arm. We are in the process of revamping the policy pages on the website and will provide the details next week. If you are interested in joining one of our existing Issue Working Groups, or would like to start one of your own, please contact Sherry Bohlen:

Sherry@pdamerica.org.

Chapter News:

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PDA Endorses Francine Busby for California's 50th Congressional District

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April 6, 2006--PDA San Diego (North County), PDA San Diego Central Chapter and PDA have endorsed Francine Busby in the 50th Congressional District of California. Francine Busby is in a major battle. Randy "Duke" Cunningham left the House of Representatives in shame after being convicted of taking bribes, leaving the 50th Congressional District sans representative. On April 11, members of the traditionally conservative 50th will go to the polls to elect Cunningham's successor.
Read more:

http://pdamerica.org/articles/campaigns/busby.php

Extra: PDA Holds First DC Briefing

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By Joe Libertelli, PDA Board Member

On Tuesday, March 28, after a long day at the Congressional Progressive Caucus retreat, PDA staff, National Advisory Board members, and congressional and other allies "briefed" several dozen potential financial and political supporters on PDA at the Langston Hughes Room in the trendy new Busboys and Poets restaurant in DC's Shaw section.

After a welcome by owner, peace activist and PDA-backer Andy Shallal, Advisory Board Member Joe Libertelli described various aspects of PDA's politics and political strategy, Board Chair Mimi Kennedy outlined PDA's history, public events, and specific campaigns, and Executive Director Tim Carpenter covered PDA's current activities and future plans.

Read more:

http://pdamerica.org/articles/news/briefing.php

Action Alerts

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Thanks for participating in the National Call-In Day on Wednesday April 5. We're gaining momentum and need to keep it going. Please join us in our next effort: Support the Common Sense Budget Act: Email your Member of Congress

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"...We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex..." This warning given to us by President Eisenhower in his farewell address to the nation has come to pass. Over fifty percent of our federal budget goes to the Pentagon, with trillions of dollars unaccounted for by Sec. Rumsfeld's own admission. It's time to set our budget priorities straight and hold the Pentagon accountable for every penny they get.

On March 4, Members of Congress Lynn C. Woolsey (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) sent a letter to their colleagues asking for support of the Common Sense Budget Act of 2006. Without diminishing America’s ability to fight terrorists, America can safely trim $60 billion (15 percent) from President George W. Bush ’s proposed fiscal year 2006

Pentagon budget, freeing up much-needed funding for America’s broader national security needs. The savings would be transferred back into the districts from which it came to improve education, to provide health insurance for every American child, and to invest in sustainable energy. It also provides monies for humanitarian relief, homeland security, job training, and deficit reduction.

For more info visit:

http://www.sensiblepriorities.org/

PDA is impressed with this example of leadership by Reps. Woolsey, Lee, and Nadler and expresses its appreciation for the other Members who have signed on: Reps. Conyers, Danny Davis, Grijalva, Honda, Jackson-Lee, Kucinich, William Lacy Clay, McDermott, McGovern, McKinney, Owens, Schakowsky, and Stark.

Email your Member of Congress today and ask that he/she co-sponsor this important legislation, which will ensure that our military can meet the challenges of the 21st century while helping Americans meet challenges at home.

Click here to find your Member of Congress:

http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/dbq/officials/