Drinking Liberally Houghton Chapter Blog

First off, I hope to see you all out on New Year's Day at the Keweenaw Brewing Company to resume the regular meetings of Houghton's Drinking Liberally chapter.

Who: You & a friend or a few
What: Drinking Liberally Houghton
When: Every Thursday at 8 pm
Where: Keweenaw Brewing Company, Houghton

There are some stories I'd like to bid farewell as 2008 comes to a close, namely, stories of war. I don't know whether I can realistically hope for lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace in the wake of the most recent violence there. The wizard Gandalf, when describing the chances of success of Frodo's mission to rid the world of evil in The Lord of the Rings said, "There never was much hope. Just a fool’s hope, as I have been told." Call me a fool, but I'm not willing to let go of my hope that humans can get past this evolutionary adolescence . . . that as a nation and as a world we can begin to embrace the qualities that we expect of fully functioning adults in society. David Friedman said, "The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem, it is generally employed only by small children and large nations." It's time we grow up.

An interesting side story to the clash in Gaza is the attack by an Israeli Navy ship on an aid ship destined for Gaza, carrying former congresswoman and Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/30/cynthia-mckinney-boat-att_n_154...

On a lighter note, this video of Robin Williams discussing the political climate post-election has been making its rounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puMz1Q3E000&eurl=http://politicalirony.co...

Daniel Kurtzman writes about 2008's Most Laughable Political Antics.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-kurtzman/2008s-most-laughable-poli_...

President-elect Obama may have some 'splainin' to do over his support of clean coal following the current crisis in Tennessee. The facts underlying this spill are pretty appalling. ". . .in just one year, the plant’s byproducts included 45,000 pounds of arsenic, 49,000 pounds of lead, 1.4 million pounds of barium, 91,000 pounds of chromium and 140,000 pounds of manganese." All of these are heavy metal poisons. Again, this is are the one year tallies. The holding pond that spilled "contained many decades' worth of these deposits."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/us/30sludge.html?em

By the way, in 2007, coal accounted for nearly half the electricity produced in the U.S. In the midwest, more like 65%.
http://patriotroom.com/article/half-our-electricity-comes-from-coal

Enough good news. C'mon out Thursday and make your wishes for a New Year in progressive politics and boundless beer. Seriously, Houghton, I sincerely hope 2009 brings you joy and serenity, and a little fun while we're at it.

Oh, and just for fun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A0rwG39Jzk

Jeremy

Hello Houghton DLers,

Once again, it's time for a weekly reminder that Drinking Liberally will meet tonight at 8 p.m. at the Keweenaw Brewing Company on Shelden Ave. in Houghton.

We saw a spike in attendance last week and had some lively discussions and hope to keep it up.

As the Bush Administration comes to a close, I've started to think about legacy and history. I think about what I'll tell my kids and grandkids in 50 years about the last 8 years. I also think about what I did in response, and what others like me have done. I'm really digging this project right now:
http://presidentbushlegacy.com/bushlegacy

Looking forward, the Iraqi government is petitioning Barack Obama to enter into more congenial talks with Iran in the interest of regional stability. Personally, I'm hoping for a shift from military might to diplomatic tact in our overseas relations. Hillary Clinton's role as Secretary of State concerns me, as it's difficult to divine her foreign policy agenda, falling somewhere between diplomacy and obliteration.
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4BA2FV20081211
http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=2971

Senate seat for sale scandal? Distracting, unfortunate, stupid . . . investigate it, prosecute it, move on.

The war of terror is shifting focus back to Afghanistan . . .
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/12/11/gates.afghanistan/index.html

. . . as tension rises between regional nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan over Mumbai attacks.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081209/ts_afp/indiaattacks

"So this is Christmas . . . War is over if you want it."

So be good, for goodness' sake! Come on out. Have a beer. Let's throw our holiday wishes for the world into the collective consciousness and share our progressive punditry with our partners in politics.

Have a good one,
Jeremy

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the beer is so delightful . . .

Just a quick note that DL is back in session tonight. I hope everybody had a relaxing & enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Who: You
What: Drinking Liberally weekly gathering
When: Every Thursday at 8 pm
Where: Keweenaw Brewing Company

Later,
Jeremy

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

G'day!

Can you believe it's 67 degrees and sunny?! We may be on the deck tonight at KBC, starting at 8 pm. Tonight is the last regular DL meeting before the election, so bring your last minute thoughts, jokes, election night plans!

On election day, there will be a couple parties that I'm involved with and y'all are invited to.

Rock the Vote Election Party 2008 (Pre-party)
Who: Open to all
Where: Tech campus, MUB Ballroom
When: 6-10 pm
Details: Free pizza, snacks, pop; cash bar (ID required); live election coverage; election bingo; trivia; pin the tail on the donkey, pin the trunk on the elephant; prizes for all the games.
Facebook event:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=36916496215
RSVP by Facebook or email.

Drinking Liberally Election House Party (After party)
Who: You and close friends
Where: Jeremy's house, 47608 2nd St., Hurontown (don't bother Googlemapping, email for directions)
When: 11pm - We have a new president!
Details: 1/4 barrel of KBC Full Gale Pale Ale; live music by Melithequin's Bling; live coverage on a crappy lil' TV.
Facebook event:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=32925074583
RSVP by Facebook or email.

Drop me an email if you need directions or further details about any of the above.

And I'll see you tonight at 8 at KBC for DL.

Oh, celebrities. Is there anything they can't illuminate?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iMbaXONQak

Out,
Jeremy

Hey folks,

First, tomorrow, a health care forum featuring members of the health care industry in the community. This is sponsored by Rock the Vote 2008 of Michigan Tech.
Who: Any and all are welcome
What: Health Care Forum
When: Tuesday, October 21, 6 pm
Where: Tech campus, M&M U115

Second, DL will meet at its regular time & place.
Who: Any and all
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Every Thursday
Where: Keweenaw Brewing Company

Third, a couple things on election day.
Who: Any and all
What: Election Day Watch Party
When: November 4, 6-10 pm . . . after party at 11
Where: Tech campus, MUB Ballroom, then to Jeremy's place in Hurontown.

The campus party is going to have free pizza, pop & salty snacks; all the screens in the ballroom will be carrying live results coverage; trivia & pinatas; pin the tail on the donkey & pin the trunk on the elephant; and we're planning on a cash bar pending approval by the University. After party will have some KBC growlers and local band Melithequin's Bling will play while we try to make out results and either drink to celebrate or to forget. The more the merrier for either. Email if you need directions to my place.

It took me a bit to get caught up on the ACORN bit. I got this today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdNgMKPV9xQ

This might evoke the "ouch" response and is potentially insensitive and offensive. With that caveat:
http://lettucelaugh.com/2008/10/20/why-you-so-mean-biden/

In the twisted, but true column, a dead bear was found shot in the head and wrapped in Obama signs on Western Carolina University's campus:
http://www.wyff4.com/news/17764161/detail.html#-

Finally, some stand-up McCain supporters confronting the bigotry and hate at the rallies. I wish McCain or Palin had shown the integrity to chase these people out weeks ago.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1417423198/bctid1866657225

Again, Health Care Forum Tuesday @ 6, DL Thursday @ 8, more about election day in the next two weeks.

I'm out,
Jeremy

Welcome to Cloud Cuckoo Land, ladies and gentlemen. We'll be trying to make sense of it tomorrow.

What: Drinking Liberally
When: Every Thursday at 8 pm
Where: KBC in Houghton
Who: You

I'm a big Radiohead fan and wanted to share a lil' song with y'all. The state of the nation is such that I can't really distinguish the real from the surreal anymore, and I think this track sums up that psychological state pretty well:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=IGWSy1YnhNI
Lyrics here:
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/radiohead/likespinningplates.html

For me, the most perplexing issue at the moment for me is how buying up shares in banks with government (taxpayer) funds protects the free market. Isn't this the antithesis to free markets?
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1015/p01s03-usec.html

The Palin fiasco is flat Orwellian, according to The Anchorage Daily News.
Palin: I'm very, very pleased to be cleared of any legal wrongdoing, any hint of any kind of unethical activity there.
Stephen Branchflower, prosecutor of Troopergate: I find that Governor Palin abused her power by violating Alaska Statute 39.52 110(a) of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Alaska Statute 39.52 110(a) provides: The legislature affirms that each public officer holds office as a public trust, and any effort to benefit a personal or financial interest through official action is a violation of that trust.
Read the article:
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters/372079/alaska_s_largest_p...
SourceWatch on Doublespeak:
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Doublespeak

Oh, hell, I'm in the middle of the debate right now. I hear a McCain stump speech.
http://rawstory.com/rawreplay/?p=2174

Damn, I love Bob Schieffer!

Joe the plumber . . . that poor bastard never expected to be in the limelight.

"Americans are hurtin' tonight, and they're angry." - John McCain

Why is he blinking so much?

"Even Fox News disputes it!" - Barack Obama

"I got the scars to prove it." - John McCain

Blink, blink, blink, blink.

Somebody come down tomorrow and educate me about ACORN.

"That's all good." - Barack Obama

"Why does he blink so goddamn much?" - Jeremy Sandrik
"Torture?" - Jon Maxwell

mydebates.org

Closing statements:
"I have a record of reform . . . a careful steward of your tax dollars . . . We have to stop the spending . . . country first . . ." - John McCain

". . . invest in the American people again . . . renew a spirit of sacrifice and responsibility . . ." - Barack Obama

I don't know if any of you watch Heroes, but here's the cheerleader, Hayden Panettiere with her message, "Nobody f**ks with John McCain."
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/df8d1f5b7d

Peace,

Jeremy