Charlotte

It's time for another session of Drinking Liberally!

Yep, it's true. For a respite from the all that ails you, please join us Wednesday night, July 16, at Dolce Vita, in the sweet, happy heart of NoDa, for our third-Wednesday-of-the-month gathering. It'll be a night of toasts--some honest and forthright, some probably a bit more tongue-in-cheek.

For starters, we'll raise a glass to one of our all-time favorite Senators, good ol' chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patrick Leahy, of Vermont, who, at 68, appears in the new Batman movie. Kudos, Senator!

Then there's the rest. Shout "Cheers!" and thump on the table for Obama, who prepares to venture abroad. For McCain, who stays Stateside. For Bush, who vetoes solidly bipartisan Medicare legislation. For Stewart and Colbert, who return from their break. For Jesse Ventura, who threatens a return of his own. (To Minnesota for a Senate run. Probably not, but maybe. Probably not, though.) For Jesse Helms, who has moved on--never to return. (Kudos, Senator!) For China, which gears up for the Olympics. For Zimbabwe, which holds its breath. For Afghanistan, which falters. For Iraq, which simmers. For The New Yorker, which offends. For the economy, which wobbles. And so on.

There's lots to talk about, so join us!

As always, you'll be warmly received and, before you know it, half-a-drink deep in a hair-raising, spine-tingling session of the usual slew of provocative political banter, current-events brouhaha, occasionally eyebrow-raising debate, and, of course, a healthy dose of life-affirming liberal carousing.

Where: Dolce Vita, at 3205 North Davidson St.
When: Wednesday July 16, beginning at around 7 o'clock--but come late if you want, or early
Who: Any and all who'd like to join the fun! (No haters, though.)
Why: Because it's YOU who makes the conversation happen!
Plus: Dolce Vita's "Wino Wednesday" means you enjoy half-price wine by the glass!

Are you concerned about high gas prices? Do you find yourself jittery when it comes to Afghanistan? Disheartened by events in Zimbabwe? Furious over Iraq? Freaked out by the chatter on Iran? Thrilled for Spain?

Are you curious about the recent spate of 5-4 Supreme Court decisions? Wowed by the tenacity of the good people of Iowa? Curious about third-party candidates Bob Barr and Ralph Nader? Saddened by the loss of George Carlin?

Has your patriotism been called into question by your political rivals? Are you wearing a flag pin on your lapel? Is the campaign of your choice inducing an intense and abiding enough "Yes We Can!" sense of inspiration? Are you in love?

Anything's possible, you know. And with Independence Day just a stone's throw from now, what better time is there to swing by Drinking Liberally for a glass of vino or a cold beer--and possibly the best couple hours of conversation you'll have all week?

Whether the topics are big or small, wide ranging or close to home, dreamily theoretical or solidly practical, you'll enjoy a groovy, informal forum where your opinions and ideas are what make it all happen.

Plus, we swear to never question your patriotism!

Where: Dolce Vita, at 3205 N. Davidson St., in NoDa
When: Wednesday July 2, starting at around 7 o'clock
Who: Patriots of all stripes!
Plus: Dolce Vita's "Wino Wednesday" means you enjoy half-price wine by the glass!

We can't wait to see you!

Mark, Jeremy, Marcus & Andy