Upcoming Meetings & Events

(For the latest updates on local events, and links to more info about these, always check the DCDP website Calendar.)

Monday, July 27:

• Texas Democratic Women of Collin County The state of sexuality education in Texas, with Kathy Miller of the Texas Freedom Network. (6:45 PM, Collin College Preston Ridge, Founders Hall, Rm F148, 9700 Wade Blvd, Frisco)
  
• Old East Dallas Democrats (7 PM, Grace United Methodist Church, 4104 Junius St at Haskell, Dallas)
  
• Telephone Townhall On Health Care in District 30 by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. See article below. (7:10 - 8:10 PM, by phone)

Tuesday, July 28:

• Judge Carter Thompson Re-election Campaign Kickoff
  Reception (5 - 7 PM, Sammy's BBQ, 2126 Leonard St., Dallas)
  
• Honduras Panel Discussion Moderator Lon Burnham, panelists are Dallas peace activist Gene Lantz, and Margarita Alvarez and Ricard Ventura, Central American activists. (7 - 8:30 PM, Progressive Center of Texas, Southside on Lamar, Suite 1021, 1409 S. Lamar, Dallas)
  
• Dallas Democrats Meetup (7 PM, La Madeleine, 3072 Mockingbird Ln off Central, Dallas)
  
• Richardson / North Dallas Democrats (7 PM, Marrakesh Cafe, 7989 Belt Line Rd, Dallas)
  
• VAN 301: Expert level webinar from the Texas Democratic Party, for county parties and campaigns. For more information contact Texas Democratic Party's Political Director, Sondra Haltom, by email to shaltom AT txdemocrats DOT org. (7 PM, on-line)
  
• Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats (7:30 PM, Bengal Coast, Centrum Building, 3102 Oak Lawn Ave. at Cedar Springs, Dallas)

Wednesday, July 29:

• Judge Peggy Hoffman Campaign Kick-off and Fundraiser (5 - 7 PM, Capitol Pub, 2401 North Henderson at Capitol, Dallas)
  
• Dallas County East Democrats Speaker will be Molly Hanchey of the Progressive Center. (7 PM, Martinez restaurant, 901 Gross Rd., Mesquite)

Thursday, July 30:

• Judge Carlos Cortez Re-election Fundraiser Please RSVP to Michelle at 214/468-9000 or by email to carlos AT judgecarloscortez DOT com. (5:30 - 7:30 PM, 10300 Gaywood Road, Dallas)

Friday, July 31:

• Urban Environmentalism: Sharing Sustainable Progress discussion with Houston Mayor Bill White and Laura Aune, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate General-Dallas. Sign up on-line at this page. (6:30 PM, Progressive Center of Texas, 1409 S. Lamar St., Dallas)

Saturday, August 1:

• Mayor Bill White For Senator Precinct Meetings The Houston Mayor and candidate for U.S. Senate will be at a series of local precinct meetings all day and on Sunday.
  (8:00-9:30 AM, Norma's Cafe, 1123 West Davis Street, Dallas;
  10:00-11:15 AM, Eban Village Community Center, 3023 Park Row Ave, Dallas;
  12:45-2:00 PM, La Madeleine French Bakery, 3906 Lemmon Ave #110, Dallas;
  2:30-3:45 PM, Martinez Restaurant, 901 Gross Road, Mesquite;
  4:00-5:15 PM, Paloma Garland, 3545 West Walnut, Garland;
  5:45-7:00 PM, Paloma Carrollton, 2717 E Belt Line Road, Carrollton)
  
• Park Cities / Central Dallas Democrats (11 AM, Desperados Restaurant, 4818 Greenville, just north of University Blvd., Dallas)

Sunday, August 2:

• Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats Pool Party Food, drinks, swimming, paddle boat on the lake, volleyball, margarita machine, and fun! $20 donation to help send delegates to Young Dems convention in Chicago. (3 - 7 PM, 7044 Royal Lane, Dallas)
  
• Mayor Bill White For Senator Precinct Meeting (2:00-4:00 PM, South Dallas Cafe, 7035 Marvin D. Love Freeway, Dallas)

Wednesday, August 5:

• Judge David Hanschen Campaign Kickoff Reception (4:30 - 7:30 PM, Hyatt Terrace Balcony, Suite 388, Hyatt Regency Hotel, 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas)
  
• Re-elect John R. Ames Tax Assessor/Collector Reception/Fundraiser Free parking. (5 - 7 PM, El Fenix Restaurant - Upstairs Room, 1601 McKinney Ave, Dallas)

Thursday, August 6:

• Judge Andy Chatham Re-election Fundraiser (5:30 - 7:30 PM, Vickery Park, 2810 N. Henderson, Dallas)
  
• Dallas Peace Center Summer Lecture Series: Dr. Juan Cole Highly respected professor, author and blogger about the Middle East. Tickets $65. To purchase online see this page. (Reception 6 PM, Dinner and program 7 PM, FunAsia, 1210 E Belt Line Rd., Richardson)

Saturday, August 8:

• Grand Prairie Democrats (10 AM, Avion Village Clubhouse, 800 Skyline Rd., Grand Prairie)

Monday, August 10:

• Metrocrest Democrats Two speakers from Aids Interfaith Network. (7 PM, New New Buffet, 3822 Belt Line Rd., Addison)

Tuesday, August 11:

• Judge David Lopez Reception and Fundraiser (5:30 - 7:30 PM, Las Ranitas Restaurant, 325 E. Jefferson Blvd. at Crawford, Dallas)

Wednesday, August 12:

• Davey Lamb for Judge Kickoff and Fundraiser (5:30 - 7:30 PM, Fearing's Restaurant, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 2121 McKinney Avenue, Dallas)

Thursday, August 13:

• Judge Angela M. King Re-election Campaign Kickoff (5 - 7 PM, Sammy's Bar B Que, 2126 Leonard St, Dallas)

Saturday, August 15:

• Ann Richards Dinner and Silent Auction by the Democratic Party of Collin County. Keynote Speaker Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins. Tickets $60. Sponsorships available. Purchase online at this
  page. (6:30 PM Cash Bar and Silent Auction, 7: 15 PM Dinner, Hilton Gardens Inn, 705 Central Express at Bethany Drive, Allen)

Tuesday, September 1:

• Dallas County Democratic Party Executive Committee 3rd Quarter Meeting (6 PM, CWA Hall, 1408 N. Washington, Dallas)

Monday, September 7:

• DCDP Annual Labor Day Picnic The DCDP will provide fried chicken and hot dogs as long as they last. Picnic attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite side dish or dessert. Free! (Noon - 4 PM, Catholic Czech Club, 4930 Military Parkway, Dallas)

Watching The Web 090727

Politico profiles Dallas' State Representative Rafael Anchia.

Video with Rachel Maddow on how "Gov. Rick 'Great Hair' Perry Says Texas Will Secede from Government Health Care".

The Backfire Effect: a study shows refuting conservatives with facts only makes them believe nonsense even more strongly.

A perfect example of the above: a blogger dissects bizarreness from Pat Boone at Torture Isn’t Torture. Health Care Is Torture!.

And this week's blogger roundup from the Texas Progressive Alliance.

Tonight: Telephone Town Hall On Health Care

This is for those in Congressional District 30. Our U. S. Representative, Eddie Bernice Johnson, will hold a telephone townhall with her district on health care. At 7:10 PM CST, constituents' phones will ring; to participate, constituents simply have to stay on the line. The townhall can also be accessed using the participant dial-in number (877) 229-8493 and the PIN 12854.

Parties, Parades, Picnics, Panels, And A Fish Fry

June is going to be a month of merriment. Besides the many campaign kickoffs this month (most of which are pretty fun themselves), many Democratic groups are hosting other celebrations and events. There's something fun for whatever your taste.

This Friday evening the Collin and Denton County Democratic Parties are holding their First Annual Fish Fry (imitating the Dallas County party's successful fall event). This Saturday starts with the Grand Prairie Democrats taking part in a Juneteenth Parade, continues with the always delightful Annual Picnic of the Lake Highland White Rock Democrats, and winds up with the Young Democrats 2nd Annual "Summer in the City" Roof Top Pool Party just south of downtown Dallas. (That's not counting the Tarrant County Democratic Party's welcome home party for their state legislators that same afternoon.)

Next weekend the Stonewall Democrats of Denton County will kick off a weekend of pride with a mixer on Friday the 26th, then a ceremony, film and panel discussion Saturday afternoon, leading up to the Dallas parade of the Million Gay March For Equality on Sunday morning. That Saturday evening the North Dallas Texas Democratic Women will host their annual party, which is likely to be a delight again.

Finally, on Tuesday evening, June 30, there will be a major Health Care Panel Discussion, sponsored by several different Democratic groups, at least two of which are doing this instead of their regular monthly meeting, as one more sign of how hot this issue is now in Washington. For more details on all of these, see the Upcoming Events below.

Wednesday, June 17:

• Garland Democratic Womens Club (11:30 AM, Siciliano's Taste of Italy, 2210 W. Buckingham, Garland)
  
• Judge Dan Patterson Reelection Campaign Kickoff Reception (5 - 7 PM, Adair's, 2624 Commerce Street, Dallas)
  
• Chris Wilmoth for Probate Court 2 Campaign Launch Party Food & Fun (6 - 8 PM, The Angry Dog, 2726 Commerce Street, Dallas)
  
• NW Dallas County Democrats (7:30 PM, Taco Cabana, 11824 Webb Chapel Rd at LBJ, Farmers Branch)

Thursday, June 18:

• Drinking Liberally Addison (6 PM, The Quarter, 15201 Addison Rd, Addison)
  
• Far North Dallas Democrats State Representative Carol Kent will be our speaker. (6:45 PM, Sonny Bryan's Private Dining Room, 1251 W Campbell Rd., Richardson)

Friday, June 19:

• 1st Annual Collin And Denton County Democratic Fish
  Fry A buffet of all you can eat catfish, hush puppies, slaw, and fixins, with ice tea to drink. Speakers include statewide candidates John Sharp and Tom Schieffer. $25 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance, deadline is June 15! More info or tickets online at this page. (6:30 - 9:30 PM, The Landing, Myers Park and Event Center, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney 75071)

Saturday, June 20:

• Grand Prairie Democrats at Juneteenth Parade and
  Picnic (Line up by the Liberty Bell at Grand Prairie City Hall at 8 AM; Parade starts at 10:00 AM at City Hall Plaza; Picnic at Tyre Park; GPD will have a booth there.)
  
• North Oak Cliff Democrats Breakfast (9 AM, Norma's Cafe, 1123 W Davis St at N. Winnetka, Dallas)
  
• Southwest Dallas County Democrats (10 AM, Ranch Steakhouse, Ste 200, 1435 N HWY 67 at Wintergreen exit, Cedar Hill)
  
• Lake Highlands White Rock Democrats Annual Picnic at White Rock Lake [This picnic is the June meeting.] We'll have grilled dogs and all of the fixings. Representatives Allen Vaught, Carol Kent, and Terri Hodge will give us a legislative update on what did and didn't happen in Austin. $5 - kids 12 and under, no charge. (11 AM - 1 PM, The Stone Tables at White Rock, 600 E. Lawther Drive [near Lake Highlands Drive at Buckner Blvd.], Dallas)
  
• Tarrant County Democratic Party Welcome Home Celebration in honor of the Democrats in the Texas Legislature from Tarrant County. Wendy, Lon, Marc, Paula and Chris spent 140 days fighting for us and our Democratic Values. This is your chance to say Thank You! (1 - 4 PM, Veterans Park in Arlington)
  
• Dallas County Young Democrats 2nd Annual "Summer in the City" Roof Top Pool Party Join us for sprightly refreshments, a dip in the pool, and a fantastic sunset. $25 General Admission; $20.00 for DCYD Sustaining Members. (6 - 10 PM, Canton Lofts, 2220 Canton St., Dallas)

Monday, June 22:

• Judge Lori Chrisman Hockett Reelection Campaign Reception (5-7 PM, Dali Cellar & Wine Room, 1722 Routh Street, Dallas)

Tuesday, June 23:

• Judge Tracy Holmes Reception (5 - 7 PM, Sammy's BBQ, 2126 Leonard Street, Dallas)
  
• Judge Dennise Garcia Campaign Kickoff & Birthday Celebration (5:30 - 7:30 PM, Veritas Wine Room, 2323 Henderson Ave, Dallas)
  
• Jamming with Judge Marty Lowy Campaign Kickoff Party (5:30-7:30 PM, Poor David's Pub, 1313 S. Lamar, Dallas)
  
• Hector Garza for County Criminal Court 5 Fundraiser (5:30 - 8 PM, Pepe's & Mito's Mexican Cafe, 2911 Elm St., Dallas)
  
• Richardson / North Dallas Democrats (7 PM, Chuck's, Northwest corner of Arapaho and Coit)
  
• Dallas Democrats Meetup (7 PM, La Madeleine, 3072 Mockingbird Ln. off Central, Dallas)

Wednesday, June 24:

• Judge D'metria Benson Reception (5:30 - 7 PM, The Wine Therapist, 1810 Skillman, Dallas)
  
• Judge Tena Callahan Reelection Campaign Reception (5:30 - 7:30 PM, The Original Market Diner, 4434 Harry Hines, Dallas)
  
• Dallas County East Democrats (7 PM, Paula Sue's Diner, 11915 Lake June Road, Balch Springs)

Thursday, June 25:

• Judge Elizabeth Crowder Fundraiser (5 - 7 PM, Sammy's BBQ, 2126 Leonard St., Dallas)
  
• Judge Doug Skemp Reelection Campaign Kickoff (5-7 PM, The Angry Dog, 2726 Commerce St, Dallas)
  
• Judge King Fifer Reelection Campaign Reception (5:30 - 7:30 PM, St. Pete's Dancing Marlin, 2730 Commerce Street, Dallas)
  
• Teresa Hawthorne for Judge Fundraiser for 203rd Criminal Dist. Court. Dinner Provided by Superflies Pies. Entertainment by Grammy Nominee Dr. Larry "T-Byrd" Gordan & The Music People Luv Orchestra/Showband. 214-724-5498. (5:30 - 8 PM, 6015 Stefani Drive, Dallas)

Friday, June 26:

• Stonewall Democrats of Denton County Mixer Wine, cheese and door prizes at "Denton's only gay bar". (7:30 - 9 PM, Mable Peabody's Beauty Shoppe And Chainsaw Repair, 1125 E. University Dr., Denton)

Saturday, June 27:

• Stonewall Democrats of Denton County Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Stonewall riots Presentation by Denton City Council, Documentary "Out Of The Past: The Struggle For Gay And Lesbian Rights In America"; and a panel descussion with former Dallas Mayor ProTem John Loza, PFLAG Denton founder Kathy Massey, and former UNT Professor Edra Bogle. (1 - 4 PM, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2200 N. Bell Ave., Denton)
  
• North Dallas Texas Democratic Women Summer Party Great food, great conversation, and this time we add great music for dancing in the spectacular back yard at Diane McQuarie and Paul Wilson's lovely home. We will provide BBQ Chicken & Brisket and a Vegetarian Entree along with wine, beer, water and soft drinks. Appetizers, salads, sides and desserts will be furnished by those attending. See a list of what you should bring (by the first letter of your last name) at this page. We MUST have your RSVP by June 25th in order to have a head count for food and drinks; contact phone 972-732-7712. (6 PM, 10898 Crooked Creek, Dallas)

Sunday, June 28:

• Million Gay March For Equality March begins at the intersection of Knight and Cedar Springs and will proceed from there to Lee Park to hear speakers and local LGBT entertainment. More info at Stonewall Democrats of Dallas. (2 - 5 PM, Dallas)
  
• Democratic Women of Denton County Speaker Kim Peters, founder of the Prom Shop Project. Free drawing for haircut and style by Sara McRoberts. See this page for more info. (2 -4 PM, Community Room, Lewisville Municipal Annex, 1197 W. Main - west of I-35 between Valley Parkway and Old Orchard, Lewisville)

Monday, June 29:

• Susan Anderson Campaign Kickoff Party (5:30 - 7:30 PM, The Loon, 3531 McKinney, Dallas)

Tuesday, June 30:

• Judge Tina Yoo Campaign Kickoff Celebration & Fundraiser (5 - 6:30 PM, Ojeda's Restaurant, 4617 Maple Ave., Dallas)
  
• Judge Cass Calloway Campaign Launch Party For Court of Criminal Appeals 1. (6:30 - 8:30 PM, Ojeda's Restaurant, 4617 Maple Ave., Dallas)
  
• Health Care Panel Discussion Sponsored by Park Cities/Central Dallas Democrats, Organizing for North Texas, the Northaven Church in Society Committee, North Dallas Texas Democratic Women, Stonewall Democrats, Old East Dallas Democrats, Dallas Stonewall Young Democrats, Precinct 1234 Democrats, and Preston Hollow Democrats. (7 PM, Northaven United Methodist Church, Preston Road between Royal
  and Forest, Dallas)

Thursday, July 16:

• Judge Jeff Rosenfield Campaign Party For Court of Criminal Appeals 2. (5 - 7 PM, Sammy's Barbecue, 2126 Leonard Street, Dallas)

Found On The Web 090528

Introducing Judge Sonia Sotomayor President Obama video

Rachel Maddow Interviews Dahlia Lithwick On Sotomayor Spin

The Right's leading bigots calling Sonia Sotomayor a 'racist'

Justice Sam Alito on empathy and judging

Republican Party Shrinks to Lowest Level in 30 Years

Why Republicans Make Sore Losers

Cheney's speech contained omissions, misstatements

Countdown on Cheney's Speech -- In the Name of God, Go!

Former military interrogator says torture cost American lives

Mancow Learns that Waterboarding is Torture

Mancow Waterboarded; Hannity Said ‘It’s Still Not Torture’

Remedial Hissy Pelosi flap is a manufactured fit

Texas Progressive Alliance weekly blog roundup

June Is Big Month For Judicial Campaign Receptions

In 2010 dozens of Democratic Judges in Dallas County will be seeking reelection. More Democrats will be seeking to replace the few remaining Republican Judges up that year -- though it looks like none of them may be seeking another term, seeing the political handwriting on the wall after the Democratic sweep in 2006. And some of our Democratic incumbents may even face primary challenges themselves. All of these candidates, even those with no opponents, will have to submit petitions with the signatures of hundreds of voters to get on the primary ballot. On June 2 a petition signing party and candidate forum will be held at 5:30 at Poor David's Pub, 1313 S. Lamar Street in Dallas. This will no doubt be only the first of many such opportunities to sign for candidates between now and the filing deadline at the end of this year.

While many of these candidates have already been out seeking signatures, June will see a huge burst of campaign kickoffs, receptions, and fundraisers for incumbents and new office seekers. So far, it looks like there will be at least twenty such events next month, starting with Judge Jeanine Howard's on June 9. We've only listed the first few in the DCDP's weekly email Roundup, not including at least a couple that still haven't confirmed a location. We'll add more as the dates approach and details are forthcoming. For a look at the delightfully large list up till now, go to the party website and look at the Calendar for June at this page.

Found On The Web 090520

Barton: We Shouldn’t Regulate CO2 Because "It’s In Your Coca-Cola"

Texas Progressive Alliance Weekly Blog Roundup

Badge Engineering Republicans never learn

How Hate Groups Went Mainstream

The Supreme Court’s stealth hard-liner

All About Torture (starting with one of Mad Kane's most hilarious parodies):

The “We Did Nothing Wrong, & Nancy Should Have Stopped Us” Song

Sen. Bob Graham backs up Pelosi and says he was never briefed on waterboarding by the CIA

Another Democrat Says CIA Records On Briefings Were Not Accurate

Rachel Maddow Show: Tracing Torture's Trail

We tortured to justify war

Why Bush’s ‘Enhanced Interrogation’ Program Failed with lots of links

Why isn't THIS memo front and center in the torture debate?

The Coward's Creed

The 13 people who made torture possible

And The Result Of The Republicans' Scare Tactics?:

Survey Reveals Obama Closing Democrats' Historical National Security "Gap"

Which includes this key paragraph:

"Nearly two-thirds of likely voters - 64 percent - approve of the job Obama is doing on national security. That is 6 points higher than his already strong overall job approval rating (at 58 percent, the highest we have yet recorded). On other aspects of national security - from Iraq, to Afghanistan, to terrorism, to the president’s foreign diplomacy - the same is true: higher job approval ratings than on the President’s overall job approval."

Found On The Web 090513

Obama is Spock: It's quite logical

Another Obama/Spock photoshop

Texas is only 6000 years old!

Raped and Dunned: Texas Victims Must Pay for Evidence Gathering

Pete Sessions: Obama wants to wipe out capitalism

Texas Progressive Alliance's weekly blog round-up

The Truth Behind the Social Security and Medicare Alarm Bells Robert Reich

GOP, RNC to rebrand Democrats as 'Socialists'

The GOP's New "Evil Empire"

The Republicans Lost In Space photoshop

Memo to the (Republican) Titanic

Republicans ARE Terrorists hilarious Rachel Maddow video

Satire? Still dead. (Rightist "think" tank thrown under car.)

Wanda Sykes' Offensive Routine "Oh wait. Wanda Sykes didn't say...."

Rachel Maddow deconstructs Rush Limbaugh video

Mr. Cheney, You Did Not Keep Us Safe Paul Begala

Dick Cheney: A Life Pattern of Sabotaging the Security of the United States

Bush Did the Same Thing That Landed Don Siegelman in Prison

Dallas Democratic Forum - Change In Latin America

On Friday, May 15, the Dallas Democratic Forum will present "Change In Latin America -- What It Means For The U.S.", with former Ambassador James Cason. President Obama is turning a new page in the U.S. relationship with Latin America. Come hear distinguished expert and diplomat Ambassador James Cason report to us on what is happening now on trade agreements, border disputes, drug wars, immigration and the flu epidemic. This exciting program will cover not only current developments, but also historical background on the relationships between the U.S. and Mexico, Cuba, Columbia, Brazil, Bolivia and Venezuela. He will also give his suggestions for direction in US policy based on his 36-year career with the U.S. State Department. (He also recorded an album of traditional folk songs in Guarani, the native language of Paraguay while he was Ambassador there.)

Tickets for 2009 Forum Regular Members are $25, and for guests $35. Please RSVP by email to wdgriggs AT yahoo DOT com or by voicemail to 214-855-7151. As usual, the times are 11:30 for Registration / Buffet, and 12:00 Noon for the Program. The location is The Belo Mansion at Ross and Olive Ave., in downtown Dallas.

Found On The Web 090505

ACLU Prevails in Crawford War Protesters Case

Rick Perry Top Beggar for Federal Handout Bucks

Why Is Texas So Psycho? (Jim Hightower on Perry)

Secession? Did I Say Secession? (Mad Kane on Perry)

GOP Know-Nothings Fought Pandemic Preparedness

The GOP: divorced from reality (Bill Maher)

As their power spirals downward, Right's rhetoric gets nuttier

Housing Needed For Summer Interns

Organizing for America is a project of the Democratic National Committee. It will have interns in the Dallas area this summer and is looking for people who could house an intern for 4-8 weeks (no obligation to provide meals, entertainment, or incidentals). If you or someone you know might be able to do this, or would like more information, email to interns AT organizingfornorthtexas DOT org.

Vote Saturday May 9

Early Voting for the Saturday, May 9 local elections ended Tuesday, May 5. If you missed voting early, the actual election date is this coming Saturday, when the polls will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM. On that day you will have to vote in the precinct you are registered in, listed at this page. If you are not sure about your precinct number, you can search for your voter registration on this page.

County-wide there are contests for the Dallas County School Board (which primarily operates the school buses for the ISDs). Dallas has city-wide referendums on two propositions, the first one being the heatedly contested question about a city hotel, and several contested City Council districts. As usual in such contests, the Dallas County Democratic Party has not taken any position on the referendum (and we know of Democrats on each side of the issue), nor has it made endorsements of candidates in any of the (all non-partisan) election contests.

District 30 Telephone Townhall May 6

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson will hold a telephone townhall with constituents from Congressional District 30 on Wednesday, May 6. The townhall will take place from 7:10 to 8:10 PM CST. Constituents' phones will ring at the designated start time; to participate, constituents simply have to stay on the line. The townhall can also be accessed using the participant dial-in number (877) 229-8493 and the PIN 12854. During the telephone townhall, Congresswoman Johnson plans to discuss a wide range of issues of interest to her constituents, including the economy, health care and education