Houghton

Hidey ho. As a new administration gathers steam and begins announcing its principal players, we meet to blow off steam and announce our principal prayers (no offense, atheists) at KBC this Thursday at 8 in Houghton.

It looks as if some of those prayers (shall we call them meditations?) are being answered . . .
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/18/cheney.gonzales.indicted/

. . . from the strangest of places . . . Willacy County, Texas?

In today's Change We Can Believe In piece, Democrat turned neocon Joe Lieberman has been granted continuing leadership of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee by Senate Democrats.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/us/politics/19cong.html?em

The Clintons may be back in the White House soon. Hillary's Secretary of State bid is shining light on Bill's international finances in his post-presidential years, for better or worse.
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AH7W020081118

Eric Holder, who would become the first African American to head the Justice Department, has been offered the Attorney General position by the Obama administration. He "sharply criticized the secrecy and the expansive views of executive power advanced by the Bush Justice Department." One thing I've been hoping to see out of this administration is the relinquishing of power. I've never seen it in a world leader. I'd like to.
http://www.blog.newsweek.com/blogs/poweringup/archive/2008/11/18/obama-s...

"I have to say this is one of the most arrogant, incompetent administrations I've ever seen or ever read about," said Republican Senator Chuck Hagel. Amen.

Oh, yeah, and the automobile industry that has for a century provided the bread and butter of Michigan needs your tax dollars. Whaddya say?

Thursday, 8 pm, Keweenaw Brewing Company, Shelden Ave., Houghton

Adios,
Jeremy

This is a quick reminder that Drinking Liberally will meet tonight at 8 pm at the Keweenaw Brewing Company. We'll be talking about the political agenda moving forward, specifically for the burgeoning Obama administration.

Here are ACLU's suggestions (97 pages):
http://www.aclu.org/transition/

This is pretty thorough treatment of civil rights. It's got everything from Guantanamo to shackling pregnant women, though not much in the way of policies regarding the domestic economy, foreign conflicts, health care, etc.

Have you read the news?
http://www.nytimes-se.com/

Later,
Jeremy

Who: Anyone
What: Drinking Liberally in Houghton
When: Every Thursday, 8 pm - 10 pm
Where: Keweenaw Brewing Company, downtown Houghton

Three cheers for progressive politics and liberal libations! Several of you were at the house last Tuesday and got to participate in a little celebration. Cheers to the Houghton County Dems and all that helped out with the various campaigns (Obama, Levin, Stupak, Lahti, Wisti, etc.) here in Houghton. We applaud all your hard work.

Let's all keep in mind that the work is not over. I have hope for this presidential administration, but feel that the people that got him there have a duty to hold him to campaign promises and ensure that we continue to be heard in the political process, not just every 4 years.

As such, I propose we, as a group, formulate what we'd like to see post-inauguration. What are our priorities for this presidency? For this congress? Shall we work to restore civil liberties? Shall we drill here and now? Shall we dance?

Bring your ideas for a reform package this Thursday at 8 pm to KBC. I'd like to draft a letter and send it off to president-elect Obama from the Houghton, MI chapter of Drinking Liberally. Who knows if he'll see it, but it can't hurt to put our 2 cents in the political piggy bank and see how far it goes.

See you Thursday,
Jeremy

First off . . . VOTE!

"Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good. 'Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm." ~ George Bernard Shaw

"Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote." ~ William E. Simon

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." ~ John Quincy Adams

"Where every man in a state has a vote, brutal laws are impossible." ~ Mark Twain

"People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote -- a very different thing." ~ Walter H. Judd

Second, DL will not meet at its regular time and place Thursday. Instead, try to make it to one of these Election Night Parties!

Rock the Vote Election Party
Sponsored by: Rock the Vote, College Democrats and Pastafarians of Michigan Tech
When: Tues. 6-10 pm
Where: MUB Ballroom
What: Free food, cash bar, live coverage of multiple TV networks on multiple screens, games

Houghton County Democrats Election Party
Sponsored by: Houghton County Democratic Party
When: Tues. 8:30 pm-?
Where: Super 8 in Houghton
What: Pot-luck, BYOB, live coverage

Drinking Liberally Election After-Party
Hosted by: Jeremy Sandrik
When: Tues. 11 pm-?
Where: 47608 2nd St., Houghton, MI (South of Sharon on Gundlach; left on B.F. Gaffney right after Houghton High; right on 2nd St at end of B.F. Gaffney; 2nd house on left, tan house)
What: 1/4 barrel of KBC Full Gale Pale Ale, live music by Melithequin's Bling, live coverage on 1 TV + 1 MacBook

Clearly, this is going to be a crazy night and I look forward to sharing it with friends. Wherever you end up, if you drink, do so responsibly. I look forward to meeting you on the field of victory next Thursday, November 13 at KBC around 8 pm.

Until then, thank you all for your strength and courage to rise above the mucky muck to make your voices heard. Hang your heads high, liberals. You've earned it.

Jeremy