Happy New Year & as always, PLEASE FORWARD

1. DC for Democracy/Stop the War-Escalation Rally, this Thursday at 6:00 PM in Lafayette Park
 

From DC for Democracy (local Democracy for America chapter)

Let's deliver an immediate and direct response to the president's call for escalation: NO!   On Thursday, January 11, volunteers will host actions in cities and towns across the country within 24 hours of the president's speech with a simple message: "America says NO more troops in Iraq!"

DC for Democracy is sponsoring the event in the nation's capital. We will meet at Lafayette Square, directly opposite the White House at 6PM. There will be a reading of the names of Iraq War casualties from the DC area, some brief speeches, and a candlelight vigil. The event will conclude at 7PM.  Lafayette Square is a few blocks from the Farragut North metro on the Red Line and Farragut West metro on the Orange Line. Click here for a map.  For up to date information on the event, please click here.

We, who live in the DC area have a unique opportunity to speak for the millions nationwide who oppose the troop surge, but are unable to do so right outside the White House. So please give one hour of your time this Thursday and join us in sending a clear and visible NO to the escalation. RSVP here .

We need your help to make this event a success, whether by acting as an event host who will bring 5 friends, or as a marshal who will help to keep things flowing smoothly. To volunteer, please contact Kesh Ladduwahetty at keshinil@yahoo.com or (202) 531-0615.

2. Wes Clark Supporters Meet Wednesday, Jan. 10 in Arlington, 7:00 PM

We don't know if he is running or not but supporters or those just interested in supporting Gen. Wes Clark for President will meet for drinks or dinner TONIGHT, starting at 7:00 PM, Wednesday, Jan. 10 at Whitlow's on Wilson, 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201 just down the street from the Clarendon stop on Metro's Orange line.  It's just a few minutes from DC.  Pending a decision by Wes Clark, we will begin to have monthly or bi-monthly meetings throughout the year so if you can't make it on Wednesday, just come the next time when we will have groups meeting in both DC and Arlington.

This is just an informal gathering.  Don't expect anything but speculation about Gen. Clark's intentions.  Nobody at the meeting truly speaks for Gen. Clark or for his campaign which may or may not ever exist!  We do know, however, that if Wes Clark is to have a chance at an effective campaign in DC, MD & VA, we must begin before he announces on outreach, supporting the campaign in early primary states, grassroots fundraising and a smooth delegate selection process.  If you have any questions feel free to call me at 202-544-6262 or at hpark4@aol.com.  This will be a joint Meetup with Florence Upson's (f.t.upson@comcast.net) Clark '08 group in VA.  As the campaign proceeds (or not) please check www.washingtondcforclark.com.  

3. Friday on Capitol Hill, Forum on U.S. Military Disengagement from Iraq

This Friday, Jan. 12, 9:30 am - 11:30 am, join Congressional sponsors Rep. Lynn Woolsey, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Maxine Waters and speakers  former Sen. George McGovern and Dr. William R. Polk and Progressive Democrats of America for a Forum about a McGovern & Polk's new book "Out of Iraq: A Practical Plan for Withdrawl.", 345 Cannon House Office Building.  FREE.

4. DC Draft Gore Group Forms www.dcforgore08.com

A group which hopes to Draft Al Gore for President has formed in DC.  Their first meeting was on Jan. 4.  For more info go to www.dcforgore08.com.

5. Drinking Liberally
On Capitol Hill, Drinking Liberally meets every Wednesday, 7:00 PM, at 18th Amendment, 613 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, about a block east of the Eastern Market Metro.  DCDL also meets Thursdays, at Timberlakes, 1726 Connecticut Ave., NW, (back room) about 2 blocks north of the Dupont Circle Metro Station, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, www.dcdl.org In Alexandria, join the Drinking Liberally crew in the heart of the Blue Dominion at the Shenandoh Brewing Company, 652 Pickett St. (upstairs) in Alexandria, on Thursdays at 7:00 PM.

6. Join Mayor Fenty for Muriel Bowser in Ward 4, Jan. 18

Join Mayor Adrian Fenty, Thursday, Jan. 18,  for a fundraiser for Murial Bowser, Candidate for City Council in Ward 4 at the home of Bill & Cynthiana Lightfoot, 1609 Kalmia Rd., NW, RSVP to 202-832-0403.  Suggested donations range from "other" to $51 to $500.

7. Jan 15, 22nd Annual DC King Birthday Celebration

Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, Join the DC Boys Choir, other musicians &elected officials, Free & Open, 3:00 PM Public Reception, 4:00 Program, 5:30 Post-program reception, The University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW, Main Auditorium, Building 46

8. Jan. 17, Inauguration of Martin O'Malley and Anthony Brown in Annapolis, MD

The Maryland Inauguration will be at noon at the State House in Annapolis on Wednesday, Jan. 17.  There is limited outdoor seating/standing room available on a first come basis.  Parking & shuttle busses are available at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.
 I assume that other Maryland Inauguration events are by special invitation.

9. Jan. 27 United For Peace & Justice Rally to Stop the War, details at: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

10. Young Dems Founders Day Celebration & Conference, Feb. 2

Join YDA at our Founders' Day Celebration on February 2nd as we kick-off our 75th anniversary of developing leaders, creating chapters and building a solid bloc of young voters. While you are at it, join us for our Winter Conference as well. Both events take place in Washington, DC during the next DNC meeting.

You can purchase your Founders' Day tickets online at www.yda.org. Tickets are $75 per person and with each Founders' Day ticket you receive a free registration to the Winter Conference which includes several trainings and a keynote luncheon.

11. Save the date, Yearly Kos, THE Progressive Netroots Political Conference, Chicago, August 2 - 5, 2007.  Go to www.yearlykosconvemtion.org

List Housekeeping

13.  Want us to publish your notice?  Please send me (Howard Park hpark4@aol.com) the information as far ahead of time as possible.  The next newsletter will probably be in early/mid January of 2007.  It is much better to send simple "cut & pasteable" copy NOT attachments.  This newsletter is a volunteer enterprise and is published on an irregular basis.  We are not able to publicize events on short notice