Politicians who campaigned against each other
have become elected officials who work together.
After years of seeking Obama's Waterloo,
the GOP now praises his leadership.

We're not hearing rants against union thugs,
but applause for first responders & relief workers.
Instead of diatribes against Big Government,
we're grateful for public emergency services.

Bad corporate citizens are showing generosity.
For-profit companies are aiding the public good.
Citizens aren't asking if you're red or blue,
but if you need a hand or can offer one.

We don't want a world of escalating disasters
and need action on climate change to prevent it.

We do want a society that acts for the common good
and need to take action to preserve it:
the civil society we've seen in Sandy's aftermath
that we rarely see in a Presidential campaign.

This hurricane shows us how much we have to fear.
It also shows how much reason we also have to hope.

Right now, help and donate to that society.
Next week, vote for a stronger society.
Then, beyond, work and advocate to preserve
and strengthen that society against all threats
foreign, domestic, global, natural & human-made.

In the meantime, find your community
-- comrades and conversation, tales & toasts --
as we join in the society we so desperately need
at your local progressive social club.

DRINKING LIBERALLY
Find - or start - a chapter near you.

With "horses and bayonets" Mitt started a weak week,
spending half the final debate getting trounced
and half agreeing with the man doing the trouncing.

Then Murdouck made Mitt's week much worse,
saying pregnancy from rape is what God's intended
forcing Romney to decide if he defended
the man he told Indiana to send to the Senate.

But $5 million brought the week to its worst --
offered by Mitt's own supporter, Donald Trump,
who trumped Romney by mugging the media
in a bigoted, foolish crusade to steal the spotlight.

Compared to what fellow GOPers have said,
being mocked by the Prez was this week's high point.

Mitt's hit bumps, seen a slump and was dumped,
but getting lumped still beats being Trumped.

With 12 days left, come share a night
to meet, greet, laugh, learn, talk and toast
at your local progressive social club.

DRINKING LIBERALLY
Find - or start - a chapter near you.

After Romney came out swingin' and fightin',
and Obama seemed to be duckin' and hidin'
the Dems turn the next round to Joe Biden.

The GOP's high-flyin' on Romney's lyin'
and Obama's shy 'n tirin' sighin'
but can they keep Dems fryin' with Paul Ryan?

While the polls may tighten, it's no landslidin'
so will the right-wing mite continue to frighten
or will Obama's VP to the rescue ride in,
and the mood he'll lighten spirits heighten?

The Right's rooting to keep Dems cryin'
but the left's bidding Biden to be rid of Ryan.

Watch the debate and join the discussion
with left-leaning friends and liberal libations
at your local progressive social club.

DRINKING LIBERALLY
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Mitt continued his big lie about Medicare
-- and while Obama didn't take it lying down,
he didn't stand up strongly enough,
letting the lie live another day.

Romney denied his own tax plan
to reduce taxes for the richest 1%,
but the President demurred his own chance
to bring up 47% and rally for the 99%.

Mitt said he'd fire Big Bird --
he likes firing people…and Muppets too.
But even this didn't inflame Barack,
who seemed lacking his own fire-power.

Don't lie down in front of lies,
don't power down, get fired up,
because now we see the Real Romney:
a liar, denier and Big Bird Fire-er.

Come debate the debate, cheer & jeer,
as you share your thoughts & toast a beer
at your local progressive social club.

DRINKING LIBERALLY
Find - or start - a chapter near you.

by Ben Lust

This past Wednesday, I went to my first event as an intern for Living Liberally. "Stand Up for Freedom!" presented by the PEN American Center and featuring Laughing Liberally, was a huge hit. In a quick summation before I begin, the night was highlighted by many wonderful first-time experiences.

I was not sure what to expect when I walked in those doors of the Galapagos Arts Center at 6pm, two hours before the show started. To be honest, I did not even know right away. It took a good thirty seconds of staring into what I thought was an oddly placed black mirror on the ground before I realized it was in fact water...there was water all around the stage and the tables! Expecting to walk into a customary theater, this urban setting was a breath of fresh air to me.

Following this water-revelation, I began to chat with Beth, one of the event planners from PEN. After telling her that this was the first time I was in Dumbo (amazing name), she encouraged me to wander around a little. I walked down the boardwalk and got some great photos of some afternoon views and the giant merry-go-round.

When I returned to Galapagos, I took my position of selling tickets at the front door. Happy to help out, we collected a fat stack of money as people began to roll on in. The chatter as they opened the first door was pretty great, some people immediately saying things such as "this place smells like a pool." Little did they know how right they really were. As showtime inched closer, it suddenly hit me that, although I love comedy routines and watch them all the time, I have never seen one in person. This revelation served to even further my excitement for the show.

Katie Halper, the MC, started the show off right with a great set, warming us up to see her several times through the night as she performed before introducing each comedian.

Next was Negin Farsad. Negin was the only one of the comedians I was familiar with, due to her role in the Campaignful video series, which makes politics more approachable by way of a hilarious behind-the-scenes satire of a Republican "War Room." Negin did not disappoint, blending hilarious stories from her escapades on the dance floor, to casually breaking a toilet in Iran, with observations on politics and culture.

Next up was Baratunde Thurston. It brought a tear to my eye when Baratunde built up the courage to confess his biggest fear to us: being killed by a drone strike ordered by a white lady scared he is going to take her purse. Baratunde continued to explain awkward racial encounters he has experienced as well as his opinion on Mitt Romney and his team (far from enthusiastic about the possibility that he is the next president).

Once Baratunde exited, Katie took the stage once more. This time, she vented about a quirky past boyfriend of hers, whom seemed far from ideal after hearing several stories about him. Just when I began to wrap my head around her ex-boyfriend's relationship with his mother, Katie said goodbye one last time. Throughout the night, Katie did a great job combining true humor with current events. Katie touched over topics ranging from human rights to freedom of speech.

Next up, John Fugelsang. John proceeded to display his extreme political knowledge whilst humorously expounding the different types of liberals and conservatives in the world. All in all, each comedian had an intelligent set that had the audience laughing all the way through.

As I was saying before, this night was filled with firsts for me. My first time in Dumbo, my first time working for Laughing Liberally, and my first time at a comedy show. It turned out to be an amazing night with lots of laughs and great memories. One of the most rewarding parts of the night was learning about the PEN organization. PEN works to promote free expression across the entire world. By utilizing mediums such as comedy shows, PEN makes itself a very approachable organization that serves of such importance in the scheme of things.

Thanks to the whole Laughing Liberally and PEN team for allowing me to help out!

Romney's 47% insult to America
was quickly followed by his 14% tax returns
and an ever-diminishing percentage in the polls
but he says it's still "early" in the race.

Ryan's runs for VP like it's a marathon:
a long, painful course requiring hard work
at which he's mediocre, but claims he's world-class.

GOP candidates everywhere are alienating
women, youth, gays and non-white Americans,
yet argue they represent the real America
…or at least the aging white male part of it.

If elections were football, the GOP would be scrambling
for one Hail Mary pass to change their fortunes.
But with Super PACs, Fox News & voter suppression,
this game isn't on an even playing field.

...and Republicans are banking on replacement refs
getting the call wrong in the end zone.

Florida 2000...it's happened before.
Voter purges, ID laws...it could happen again.
It's time we get real referees back in this game.

Share your election theories and queries
as you raise your voice & raise a glass
at your local progressive social club.

DRINKING LIBERALLY
Find - or start - a chapter near you.

Mitt calls half of America dependents,
implying they are freeloading moochers
-- including the working poor, seniors
& middle class families who pay payroll taxes.

Mitt says these voters all support Obama
though Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia,
Idaho, South Carolina are among the top states
for residents paying no federal income tax.

Mitt says he doesn't worry about these people.
He should worry because these people
are regular Americans, voters, and the deciders
who are about to keep him unemployed.

Mitt's math led to Mitt's myth about America.
Truth-challenged Romney finally got a fact right
but he drew all the wrong conclusions.
No wonder he usually sticks with fiction.

He tried to win us with mathematics
but he lost us again with Mitt-thematics.
And now 47 is the new 99...

Bill Clinton did say the secret was "arithmetic."
For Mitt, he should've added "Don't be a jerk."

Liberals + drinks + good conversation
adds up to a welcoming scene & fun night,
so join the math of politics and pints
at your local progressive social club.

DRINKING LIBERALLY
Find - or start - a chapter near you.

After the DNC got us re-fired and ready to go
the next day's jobs report was ready to stall,
so while the Prez enjoys a strong bounce,
too many still suffer a weak slide.

On Labor Day we honored working Americans
and committed to move forward with them,
and then Chicago teachers were forced to strike
against Obama's anti-worker ex-chief-of-staff.

We solemnly marked 9/11, but also were grateful
that bin Laden is gone, troops are returning,
& for the hope that bloomed in the Arab Spring.
Then violence in Libya took our Ambassador's life.

A convention can make us all soar,
until the real world returns with a thud.
Campaigns bounce…and then reality bites.

These folks may all enjoy being candidates
but we hope they realize governing is hard.

If you choose, share the news, share your views
and do it all over a sip of liberal booze
as we share a drink & what we think
at your local progressive social club.

DRINKING LIBERALLY
Find - or start - a chapter near you.