(cross-posted on Calitics)

Ok, so the attempt to censure Senator Feinstein failed, but the attempt sure changed the conversation. Everyone from the New York Times editorial board to Fox News chimed in. Over 35,000 people and over 40 grassroots groups, clubs and organizations joined in. It really hit a nerve and catalyzed a new discussion about what it means to be a Democrat.

Now it is time to do something positive and continue the conversation.

Next week the Senate will again take up the re-authorization of FISA. Immunity for telecom companies will be a major battle within the larger re-authorization bill. Senator Dodd has promised to put a hold and filibuster the bill to prevent the attempt to let the telecommunications companies off the hook for following Bush's orders to break the law and spy on Americans without a warrant. Heck, the bill as written would not even let us even look into what exactly they did and who they spied on. Senator Feinstein has indicated that he will join this effort. CDP Chair Art Torres said that this issue was "very important" to him and one that he discussed with Senator Feinstein. Two Senators does not a filibuster make. They need some friends. We must hold the line together.

So today the Courage Campaign sent out an email to our members (available below the fold) asking people to sign on to a letter to Chairman Torres requesting that he convey the message to Senator Feinstein to stand strong in opposing retroactive immunity for telecom companies. Will you join us?   Read More »

The call for the California Democratic Party to censure Senator Dianne Feinstein has grown exponentially over the past few days and a huge log was just thrown on the fire. MoveOn.org just sent an email to all of their California members urging them to sign on to the call for censure over at Courage Campaign.

They are now one of 19 grassroots organizations in California who have signed on to the call since Monday. That is absolutely amazing considering how long it takes many Democratic Clubs to pass resolutions given their high barriers for endorsement.

The response by the party structure and the Senator have been well documented here by dday and hekebolos. Needless to say, we stirred up one heck of a hornet's nest and it really could not have been done without you.

Below is the email we just sent out to our list and MoveOn's email. As the email says, join the movement. Hold Senator Feinstein accountable.   Read More »

The Democrats are busy these days.  If there weren't such stubborn resistance from Republicans at every turn, then the White House would be free of Karl Rove and his corruption, our troops would be on the way home, there'd be more college scholarships and loans, and we'd have tougher carbon emissions standards.  Yes, despite some hard work, the Republicans have managed to block a lot of the progressive priorities that the Democrats were elected on in 2006.  There's one thing, though, that all the Republican stonewalling and corruption can't stop: grassroots, local, community action.   So, that's what we're gonna do.

Starting next Saturday, the 28th, proressives across the nation are going to get busy.  We're gonna get together, get to know one another, and help our communities with projects large and small.  We've got plans here in Santa Barbara to help beautify and upgrade a city park.  Find out what's going on in your part of California right here.

After this grassroots action we'll know one another better, and we'll be relying on one another to get more stuff done.  It's pretty simple -- we need to work hard to take back the White House in 2008, and to build a sustainable, progressive majority beyond 2008.  Saturday the 28th is a chance for a fresh start to kick off all-important grassroots action.  If you've ever said anything bad about Bush and the Republicans, great.  But talk isn't enough -- it's time for action.  Let's get to work.  I'll see you next Saturday morning.