Progressive Democrats of America's New York City Metro Group is sponsoring an event where people can meet Jonathan and learn how to help get him on the ballot on Monday, June 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Greenwhich House gymnasium on 27 Barrow St. (near 7th Ave.). Accessible by 1/9 subway at Christopher St./Sheridan Square or West 4th St. stop for the A,B,C,D,E or F.

As we near the end of our second week of petitioning I want to thank all of you, from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of Team Tasini. You have worked tirelessly, all over the state, and I can't tell you how much we appreciate it. It's been a very gratifying experience to find so many people willing to give so much time and effort to get Jonathan on the ballot. It's been amazing to witness what can happen when people are working for a cause they believe in.

We've had many volunteers sign up to help us cover the events listed on our calendar (although we could always use more - please call the office at 646-415-8361 if you can help out). We've had groups such as the PDA, DID, DPAC, CBID, DSA, VID, DFA and CoDA out carrying petitions for us days, nights and weekends. We get reports from individual volunteers who are collecting in their neighborhoods and racking up many, many signatures. We find that groups are self-organizing to collect signatures together at different spots around the city. We arrive at events only to find that someone is already there with a clipboard, collecting signatures for Jonathan. Yesterday a supporter came looking for us at Union Square because he wanted to sign the petition, and he picked up a clipboard and stayed with us for hours, collecting signatures. So as you can see, this is quite literally a grassroots effort.

None of this could happen without YOU, your generosity of spirit, your commitment to hard work for a good cause, your willingness to put your beliefs into action, to work for change, not just talk about it. Watching this petitioning process unfold, I know I am truly watching democracy in action. THIS is what democracy looks like! Thanks to you!

Our thanks to the New York PDA for hosting this event! Please join PDA and Team Tasini this Monday at Greenwich House:

Meet U.S. Senate Candidate Jonathan Tasini and Learn How to Help Get Him on the Ballot

Monday, June 19 from 6:30 to 8:30

At Greenwhich House 27 Barrow St. (near 7th Ave.)

Accessible by 1/9 subway at Christopher St/Sheridan Square or West 4th stop for the A,B,C, D, E and F lines.

A BUZZFLASH GUEST CONTRIBUTION
by Norman Solomon

The scheduled speech by Sen. Hillary Clinton at the "Take Back America 2006" conference in Washington on June 13 is likely to intensify discussion about her relationship with the progressive grassroots of the Democratic Party.

Many weeks ago the conference sponsor, the Campaign for America's Future, sent out an email telling prospective attendees: "As in years past, we expect America's most prominent progressive leaders to attend and address the conference. Invited speakers include..." On the list was Hillary Clinton.

In response, I wrote to Campaign for America's Future co-director Roger Hickey and asked what Clinton's name was doing on a list of " progressive leaders." He responded by saying that "I don't think of ALL of our speakers as 'America's most prominent progressive leaders.' In fact, I have been quoted saying very critical things about Hillary -- in the Washington Post and elsewhere. We do, however, want to ask possible presidential candidates to attempt publicly to justify their candidacy to the progressive activists."

We'll be meeting at 10:00 today at the corner of Prospect Park West & 9th Street to collect signatures at the Brooklyn Pride Parade.

We'll be in the Union Square Greenmarket all day, meeting at University and 14th Street at 10:00. We'll be collecting signatures in the Greenmarket until 7:00 tonight.

Check our CALENDAR for events in Ithaca and Albany.

Call the office if you can't find us - 646-415-8361. Thanks!