Jim Dean, Downtown Seattle Wed 10-25

Written by: Dina Johnson on Oct 23, 2006 11:18 AM EDT

Linked to groups: West Seattle DFA

Hi,
I invite all to attend a reception with Jim Dean, Director of DFA and brother of Howard Dean, Wed at 5:30 pm, downtown Seattle, 615 2nd Avenue, a few blocks from the Federal Building.

If you've never met Jim Dean, he's a great guy, very friendly and unpretentious, a fast talker and tireless organizer.

I'll be there--I'm taking the bus. If you want to go with me, call me: 206-517-8033.

You can see details of the event and RSVP here:
www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=148...

I attended the Democratic party's Annual Maggie Awards dinner the other night. Several of our compatriots from the 34th district were honored!

Our chair, Ivan Weiss, shared the "Democrat of the Year" award, despite pretending to grumble that others deserved it more.

Tanya Aguilar, our Vice-chair got two awards :"Rising Star of the Year" and member of the "Best Organizing Effort," the Latino outreach group that registered 5000 new voters this year. Darcy Burner and Jim McDermott presented these two awards. What a thrilling night for Tanya! I will upload a picture on our DFA webpage for you to see.

Russ Feingold gave the keynote speech. He was very inspiring and an excellent speaker. He's Ivan's top choice for our next Presidential candidate and I agree.

I received copies of the video of "UnCaged Cabaret," our August benefit for Jim McDermott, and it was better quality than I expected.

Last night I attended McDermott's fundraiser with a showing of the film "Iraq in Pieces." I got a chance to slip a copy of the "UnCaged" DVD to Mrs. McDermott. "We'll watch it together," she smiled.

Dina Johnson

DFA meeting postponed til AFTER ELECTION DAY

Written by: Dina Johnson on Oct 20, 2006 3:49 PM EDT

Linked to groups: West Seattle DFA

Hi Everyone,
Tuesday November 7th, is ELECTION Day, so DFA meetup in November is postponed.

On ELECTION DAY, we will be busy with Get Out the Vote, with voting ourselves, and if all goes well, PARTYING TIL DAWN when the Democrats retake the U.S. House and Senate. Find yourself an election-night party!!! In future years, "party like it's twenty-oh-six" will mean something...

I would like to postpone DFA meeup a day following, maybe Friday, and we will meet in an informal location nearby, a pub or restaurant, to be anounced.

Tonight, Friday Oct. 2th, I go to the Dem Party's Maggie Awards banquet, and hope to meet Russ Feingold.

On Sunday, October 22nd, Bob Parker & John Sinno are co-hosting a fundraiser for Jim McDermott, "Artists for Jim McDermott," at the Museum of History & Industry in the Montlake neighborhood. Director James Longley will present parts of his award-winning documentary film "Iraq in Fragments" and this will be followed by a discission with Rep. McDermott.

I'm going, because I'm curious what sort of "Artists for McDermott" event is respectable enough to get the McD people's blessing and sponsorship (unlike ours, "UnCaged Cabaret"). One thing is certain--no bellydancers will be featured!

At that event I would like to give Jim the DVD of "Uncaged Cabaret" as a representative of Citizen Artiste.org. I dropped off the $1500 check last week.

If you want to attend, the link below is for Brown Paper Tickets. The minimum donation is only $35.

www.brownpapertickets.com/event/...

Next time we get together I expect to see a Lot of HAPPY FACES!!

Dina Johnson

Please RSVP to

Written by: Dina Johnson on Sep 20, 2006 9:09 AM EDT

Linked to groups: West Seattle DFA

Dear members,
Another reminder, louder this time:

***I need 15 RSVPs by SUNDAY Sept. 24th***

to get a free DVD from DFA: "Iraq for Sale," a brilliant documentary about war profiteering, by Robert Greenwald of "Outfoxed" fame.

It shouldn't be a big deal to take a minute to RSVP "yes". I (quixotically?) take it upon myself to keep this little group alive since 2004, on top of countless other volunteer activities, and I don't ask for much, do I?

Even if you're not sure you can attend the meeting, DO IT! We will then own the DVD and can hold other screenings, maybe at someone's house with beer and sizzling high-cholesteral snacks to palliate the outrage.

*****************
PLease RSVP to West Seattle DFA on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 6:15 PM. You can RSVP at:

www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=120...

When: Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 6:15 PM
West Seattle Library, 2306 42nd Ave. SW
*****************************

The library has a nice big TV/DVD player. I'll bring the popcorn.

Everyone's busy, but please don't procrastinate, or we will end up with NO MOVIE.

Thanks,
Dina

September meeting report, campaign op, and

Written by: Dina Johnson on Sep 6, 2006 3:38 PM EDT

Linked to groups: West Seattle DFA

Hi Everyone,
FIRST, an important volunteer opportunity:

Volunteer for Darcy Burner Campaign
Saturday, September 9, 10:30 am-1PM
240 Auburn way S, Suite 1A, Auburn, WA 98002
Contact McDermott staffer Kirk Shirley 206-903-0148 (office) 206-795-6979 (cell) or kirk@mcdermottforcongress.com

I plan to be there, to help Darcy Burner oust Dave Reichert. On Nov. 7th, we celebrate! A variety of actions is suggested: doorbelling, phoning or office work. Kirk, McDermott's campaign manager, is a friendly and efficient young man (good-lookin' too) who is helping organize boots for Darcy.

By the way, Karl Rove will be in town to campaign for Reichart--that should motivate you...

****************
SECOND, "IRAQ FOR SALE"--don't forget to RSVP HERE. With 15 attendees we get a free DVD from DFA headquarters:
www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=120...
We will screen the Greenwald movie about war profiteering at the October meeting.

***************

SEPTEMBER REPORT
We had a lively meeting last night.

Marcee has been very active with Washington Public Campaigns. She explained the concept and progress at length---this has been accomplished in Maine and Arizona. I have joined WPC, and I'm one of those who will be re-designing the website in the upcoming week or two. We hope to get DFW to endorse the "clean elections" movement.
www.washclean.org/...

Cheryl is knowledgeable in Middle Eastern culture and is active in the peace and justice movement, especially anti-recruitment in schools. We discussed current events related to that, and she reported what she saw at the Veterans for Peace convention at UW last month.
http://www.vfp92.org/
We're both members of West Seattle Neighbors for Peace & Justice:
groups.snowcoalition.org/westsea...

I reported on my participation in a recent action promoting Net Neutrality, a demonstration at the Federal building delivering petitions to Patty Murray via her staffer. Photos:
citizen-artiste.org/demos/netneu...

We weren't allowed to have signs on their property--that's why it doesn't look like much of a demonstration. I stayed on the sidewalk mostly, with my sign. I heard some very effective speechifying relating net neutrality to small business, research, community, and grassroots activism.

I reported my participation in a pro-labor protest in front of a McGavick-Chao fundraiser. citizen-artiste.org/mcg-protest....

I also reported on my successful theatrical benefit for Jim McDermott, though there WERE some...unplanned moments. Buff had attended, and he reported that he was highly entertained. Pictures here:
citizen-artiste.org/1uncaged/pix...
Citizen Artiste will donate $1500 to Jim, plus a video of the highlights of the show. Hope he gets a few chuckles from it...

Fred, who seems to be a realist tending towards the cynical, raised some interesting and tough questions about WHAT will change if and when Democrats get a majority in congress. Here is a diary by David Sirota and discussion on that very subject, "It ain't over even if Dems win". He says:"Let's just cut through the nonsense and the rhetoric and be brutally honest for a moment: Other than a few key exceptions among specific candidates (Brown, Tester, Lamont, etc.), Democrats right now are running a business as usual campaign...."
www.dailykos.com/story/2006/9/5/...

I noted many upcoming events worth attending, including:

Thursday Sept 7th, 7:30pm Bob Watada, father of Lt. Ehran Watada, war protestor speaks: Trinity United Methodist Church, 6512 23rd Ave NW

Thursday Sept 7th, 7:30pm David Korten, Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave "The Great Turning".

Thursday Sept. 7pm "Clean Elections". Short film followed by Washington Public Campaigns speaker and Hong Tran, Candidate for U.S. Senate, 14700 8th Ave. SW, Burien

Mon. September 11, 5:00pm "WITHOUT END", Westlake Plaza, 4th & Pine, Downtown Seattle. Sponsored by Theatersquad~ Visual art, spoken word, music, movement and meditation, observing the fifth anniversary of attacks on the WTC towers and the 100th anniversary of the first nonviolence campaign launched by Gandhi in South Africa, Sept 11, 1906. Free admission; rain or shine. theatersquad@aol.com

Thurs. Sept. 14th, Jim Hightower at Town Hall:
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/...

Right here in West Seattle:
Thursday, September 21, 6PM, David Rovics Concert and Benefit for Military Out of Our Schools Coalition Community of Christ Church in Highland Park, 8611 11th SW. Hear songs from David Rovics' new CD, "Halliburton Boardroom Massacre", and learn about the MOOS Coalition working against military recruitment in Western Washington schools.

Thanks to all who participated, including my ever-supportive husband, Blair.

Your Host,
Dina Johnson

Need 15 RSVPs to

Written by: Dina Johnson on Sep 3, 2006 9:24 AM EDT

Linked to groups: West Seattle DFA

Hi everyone,

Recently I announced the "Iraq for Sale" movie screening on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 6:15 PM--a documentary from an award-winning filmmaker ("Outfoxed") about war profiteering in Iraq. I'm very eager for us to see this!

In order to get this DVD FREE from DFA Headquarters, we must have 15 people signed up by mid-September. So don't forget to RSVP and ask friends if they want to see it too.

I'll announce it at the 34th Dems meeting, and the West Seattle Peace & Justice meeting as well. I'm thinking it shouldn't be that hard to get 15 attendees for this FREE screening.

Thanks!!

You can RSVP at:

www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=120...

What: Free screening of "Iraq for Sale"
When: Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 6:15 PM
Where: West Seattle DFA
2306 42nd Ave. SW
Seattle WA 98106

Attend West Seattle DFA Free Movietime on September 5!

Written by: Dina Johnson on Aug 31, 2006 10:57 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Washington

Dear members and friends,

I'm hosting a special event at the West Seattle DFA October meeting: "Free Movietime" on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 6:15 PM.

The movie is "Iraq for Sale," by Robert Greenwald, producer of "outfoxed"--a riveting documentary about all aspects of war profiteering in Iraq. We keep the free DVD and can share it with more people at future events.

Thanks~Dina Johnson

You can RSVP at:

www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=120...

What: West Seattle DFA Free Movietime
When: Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 6:15 PM
Where: West Seattle Public Library
2306 42nd Ave. SW
Seattle WA

Photos from UnCaged Cabaret!

Written by: Dina Johnson on Aug 22, 2006 3:48 PM EDT

Linked to groups: West Seattle DFA

Hi everyone,
For those of you who couldn't be at our show, lots of pictures:

citizen-artiste.org/1uncaged/pix...

Thanks for those of you who supported our hard work: THANKS! It was a fabulous night!

Dina Lydia

News from UnCaged Cabaret, Aug. 20

Written by: Dina Johnson on Aug 15, 2006 10:28 AM EDT

Linked to groups: West Seattle DFA

Hi Everyone,
Yet ANOTHER reminder and special deal: my thrilling theatrical show "Uncaged Cabaret" for Jim McDermott: THIS Sunday, August 20th.

Website: citizen-artiste.org/uncaged.htm...

To encourage advance purchase of tickets, I offer my DFA friends a group rate that's NOT on the Brown Paper Tickets website: A block of 10 tickets for only $30 each, instead of $50 (single price) or $40 (couple price). Of course, it's that much less money for Jim, but maybe more applause~

Advance purchases help me figure out how many to expect, and how to set up seating at the theater. Human nature being what it is, people procrastinate and show up at the last minute. Thus the reminders, AKA nagging and prodding!

You must contact me directly to get the tickets, though: dina@citizen-artiste.org or 206-517-8033

To promote the show, I attended the 37th LD meeting/Chili Cookoff last night--where Columbia City Theatre is located. I got a very friendly reception by members.

I got a chance to speak with Hong Tran, who is the progressive antiwar Democrat running against Maria Cantwell in the Primary. She was happy because last week she got a sole endorsement in Maria Cantwell's home district, the 32nd. Quite a validation from those pinko Snohomish residents. I voted for her at the 34th endorsement meeting last week, but we didn't have enough votes.

I've gotta get back to sewing my fingers to the bone, now. Call anytime!


Dina Johnson
517-8033

News and Reminder, friends~UnCaged Cabaret August 20th~

Written by: Dina Johnson on Aug 9, 2006 2:59 PM EDT

Linked to groups: West Seattle DFA

Hi everyone,
I'm working like a demon producing my theatrical fundraiser, "UnCaged Cabaret." citizen-artiste.org/uncaged.htm...

I've added photos of the cast~

There is still time to make a donation to the auction! I know I'm competing with the 34th Garden party auction the follwing weekend--so the answer is to be MORE aggressive than they are.

If you make a nice donation to MY auction, you can get one ticket and see your item promoted on the Columbia City Theater's gorgeous stage, displayed by one of our dazzling bellydancers or fetching chorus boys.

I will be at the 34th Dems meeting at Fauntleroy Hall early tonight, like 6:30, with tickets, if anyone wants to buy on the spot. And I'll be twisting a few arms to see that they do...If you mean to buy a ticket, but have been putting it off, thanks--now is the time. I said: thanks--now is the time...

You can also order online anytime. The Brown Paper Tickets page is linked:
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/...

The couples or group price is lower than the single ticket price. Contact me about the latter, please!
206-517-8033 or dina@citizen-artiste.org

I'm getting involved with WA Public Campaigns
http://washclean.org
but honestly, I can't even think about it until after the show.

I met one of the invisible members last week. One of the several dozen who have been registered with West Seattle DFA for a long time, but never attend a meeting or make a comment. She said they just like to hear what we're up to. Whatever...

Gotta get back to sewing costumes, my finger has stopped bleeding.

See ya,
Dina

Cannot attend Meetup tonight, plus my story on Dkos

Written by: Dina Johnson on Aug 1, 2006 1:28 PM EDT

Linked to groups: West Seattle DFA

Hi Everyone,
I regret that I can't attend DFA meetup tonight. I found out there are TWO block parties tonight in my neighborhood for the national "Take Back Our Neighborhoods" deal or some such. One is on my own block.

I HAVE to go to these events, the networking opportunity is too good to pass up.

1. Because I'm a Dem PCO, and need to meet neighbors in a non-canvassing context.

2. I have to publicize "UnCaged Cabaret".

If your neighborhood has no block parties and you live near mine (Highland Park) you're welcome to meet me here. 9000 block of 13th Ave SW, 6 blocks east of Delridge & Henderson.

Anyone who wants can go to the regular DFA meeting at West Seattle library, of course. the room is free.

ALSO: I wrote a story on Daily Kos about my cbaret, asking for background music ideas. Please go there and recommend, so more people can see it, of the 90 thousand+ users of the site:

www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/1/...

THANKS!!

Dina Johnson