PAA Minutes Thursday, June 14, 2007
Minutes of Progressive Action Alliance
June 14, 2007
The Havens Center, 1827 W. Alabama
Convened 7 p.m.
Attending:
Bill Crosier
Willie Simmons
Bob Carter
Alix Dunn
Bart Boyce
CLT
Jon Axford
Lee Demers
David Courtney
Don Cook
CLT late:
Discussion about freeway blogging. Impeachment and end the Iraq occupation continue to receive positive response. Discussion about need to act quickly about imminent Iran invasion especially since “nuclear option” still bandied about. Discussion about moving some of the blogging to other freeways. Discussion about where all the impeachment signs are. Discussion about issuing press releases to all local media. CLT to call June re: press releases; Bart to send draft to CLT; Discussion about notifying local neighborhood papers about activities/events; CLT to send Houston Community Newspapers info to all
Impeachment Hearing Meeting Saturday, June 2: 30 folk attended meeting; Alex, Bart, Bob, Bill, Jon were present; broke into 5 groups; 1. Suzette M with CodePink wants to promote an event at downtown UH; 2. group on signage/graphic novel/media - Christine M and others were especially interested; 3. group discussed contacting Congress and agreed needed to contact; discussion about meeting with Gene Green – asked him to vote no on funding, and to support impeachment (which he seemed disinclined to support); 4. Intercommunication group about communicating amongst activists; 5. Impeachment group propose issuing press releases each week, follow grand jury format with an opening statement listing articles of impeachment Don moves we explore bringing Elizabeth De La Vega, fee $1030, author of US vs. Bush;
Gay Pride Parade Saturday, June 23 evening: If weather good, can expect 100,000 plus folk attending and perfect place to flier/petition; David C might be available to carry impeachment banner;
Political Cinema; Iron Wall screened last week on 40th anniversary – 35 people attended plan to screen Ripples Cross (young filmmaker who joined ISM; Michael Moore’s Sicko opening soon; A Mighty Heart screening Wednesday, June 20 (film on Daniel Perl murder); Boulos to find out when/where Sicko’s playing in Houston and coordinating a group to go ensemble
Discussion about coordinating disparate groups/activists
PAA website has “Links” section with well-over a 100 groups listed as does Janice Blue’s Go Vegan Texas; Peace groups, political groups, environmental groups,
Create PAA MySpace – Boulos to help set up; coordinate several represenatives from various groups to meet with Jack Sweeney, editor
Marx in SoHo Howard Zinn’s play – $250 and $50 for travel and place for actor to sleep; last 2 weekends in August proposed; motion to so-sponsor play either here or UH;
Motion to endorse HPJC press release calling for end to death penalty; motion passed
4% of registered voters voted in last election; 1-2% registered voters expected for run-off; all of us are encouraged to vote this Saturday, June 16, no incumbent so whoever wins likely to remain for next 6 years
Reminder: Kathleen Kain elected as co-chair of PAA (in Yemen right now);
Green Party meeting Monday, June 18 at Central Market
Adjourned 9:16 p.m.