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Obama fundraiser
Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.
Teleconference with Michael Robertson, Obama for America
Director of Congressional Relations. $100 contribution.
At the home of Constance Borde, 240 bis Boulevard Saint-Germain,
75007 Paris. Other hosts Deborah and Marshall Wais. RSVP
required at http://my.barackobama.com/ParisApril23
For more information and to request a donor information
sheet, contact: ddozier@barackobama.com
Obama meetup
Thursday, April 24
Barack Obama for America 2008 Meetup. Home of John Morris
- (ring Morris), 56, rue des Tournelles 75003, Paris (Metro
Bastille or Chemin Vert). RSVP to zacharyjames@hotmail.co
Women's caucus
Wednesday, April 2
Do women make the world go round? According to the OECD
they do. The Women's Caucus of Democrats Abroad France hears
Candice Stevens talk about her OECD report Gender and
Sustainable Development, maximizing the economic, social
and environmental role of women. At the home of Sheila
Malovany-Chevallier, 24 rue des Carmes 75005 Paris.
Studies underway
Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.
The Riviera Chapter is preparing a resolution on congressional
responsibility and a report on the Supreme Court during
the last two administrations (comparing Clinton and Bush
records).
You are invited to add your opinions, concerns, knowledge
and research. Please contact Samantha Timmerman at pisatimm@mac.com
for details on where the meeting will take place.
Campaign
ads
Wednesday, February 27, 8:30 p.m.
See commercials you don't see as an expat—the latest
from Hillary's and Obama's campaigns as well as what McCain,
Huckabee and Romney put forth. Perspective will be provided
with ads such as Johnson's Daisy from 1964, Reagan's
Morning in America from 1984 and Bush's Willie
Horton from 1988, which arguably changed the outcome
of that year's election.
Democratic
primaries & America's political future
Thursday, February 28 6 p.m.
Bob Mulholland, campaign advisor to the California Democratic
Party and prominent force in Democratic politics, will share
insights. Delegate to eight Democratic National Conventions,
DNC member, instrumental in nine presidential campaigns,
advisor to the British Labour party, manager of dozens of
major political campaigns and workshops in Moscow, Hanoi
and Phnom Penh. At the home of Connie Borde, 240 bis Bd
St-Germain, 75007
Darfour exhibit
Thursday, February 14 5:30-10:30
DAF is invited to the opening of "Les Plus Petits
Temoins: la crise du Darfour à travers les yeux des
enfants" at the Cinéma Verité institute,
5 rue Jules César, 12th arr. Metro Bastille. Sponsored
by Human Rights Watch, the exhibit features drawings by
children in Darfour and photos by Paolo Pellegrin, a documentor
of crises all over the world.
Political Pub
Monday, February 11, 8 p.m.
Continuing examination of this fascinating and nail-biting
presidential campaign. Nonpartisan discussion group (in
English) at the Highlander 8 rue Nevers, 75006 (across from
the Pont Neuf).
Global primary
in-person voting
PARIS: Tuesday, February
5 & 12, noon to 10 p.m.
At the American Church, 65, Quai d'Orsay, Paris, 7th. Contact:
Louise Meyers louiseparis@free.fr
-+33 6 16 10 29 70
After voting Feb.5, walk to Le SixSeven, 67 rue de Pierre
Charron in the 8th, for an after-voting party hosted by
the Young Democrats and DAF. Starting at 7 p.m., it will
go all night. Big screen televisions will show election
returns starting at 2 a.m. Even if you didn't vote, you
are still welcome. By all means, invite your friends and
even... Republicans.
TOULOUSE: Tuesday, February 5, noon-8 p.m.
Ecole Supérieure de Commerce, 20 blvd Lascrosse -
+33 5 61 29 49 58. - Meredith Wheeler Meredith.wheeler@free.fr
BORDEAUX: Thursday, February 7, 2 - 6 p.m.
Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Bordeaux – Salle
E112, 11, Allée Ausone (Domaine Universitaire), 33607
Pessac
05 56 84 42 52 Trudy Bolter trudygertrude@orange.fr
+33 6 19 11 72 62 or +33 5 56 52 77 50
NICE: Friday, February 8, noon to 9 p.m.
Hôtel West-End, 31 promenade des Anglais. pisatimm@mac.com
+33 4 93 61 67 25
STRASBOURG: Friday,
February 8, 2:30 - 10 p.m.
Strasbourg Maison des Associations, Rue des Orphelins. Susan
Vaillant svaillant@evc.net
- +33 6 83 37 93 89 or +33 3 88 20 54 83
Why vote in
the global primary?
Democrats Abroad is instituting a new system for overseas
voters—a global primary.
This new system allows individuals to vote by email, regular
mail, fax and in-person. Democrats Abroad global primaries
will be held across the world February 5-12. Even if traveling
or away from home, as long as an American registers on the
Democrats Abroad website, s/he will still be able to vote
by email.
In Paris voting in person will take place noon to 10 p.m.
at the American Church, 65 Quai d'Orsay, 75007 Paris.
Democrats who haven't updated their registration or simply
prefer to vote as an international community member (and
do not vote directly in state primaries) can take part.
The victorious candidate will receive the votes from the
Democrats Abroad delegates at the party convention next
August in Denver.
Democrats Abroad is treated like a state by the Democratic
National
Committee and sends a delegation of 22 people, equal to
a small state. Enfranchising Americans abroad is and has
been an ongoing goal.
Republicans Abroad are not running a similar election,
nor will they have delegates at their convention. Legal
counselors and volunteers of Democrats Abroad have spent
thousands of hours to make this system fair, accessible
and available to every American in the world who wishes
to participate in the Democratic primary this year.
For help registering to vote, go to http://www.VoteFromAbroad.org
For more information, contact DAF@demsfrance.com
or call Louise Meyers 08 71 75 01 62
From rust belt
to green belt
Friday, February 1, 8:45
a.m.
Luke Ravenstahl, the youngest mayor of a major American
city (27 and a Democrat), will speak about the transformation
of Pittsburgh, designated America's Most Livable City by
Places Rated Almanac. He is invited by the French-American
Foundation and U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Services to
speak at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine
7, avenue Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris. Métro Iéna
- Ligne 9. No admission, but first come, first served.
Women's caucus
- Afghanistan and its women
Sunday, February 3, 5 p.m.
The plight of Afghanistan's women – a direct result
of the terrorism that became the focus of world attention
after September 11 - is central and crucial to women all
over the world. A previous speaker to the Women's Caucus,
Nasrine Gross is an Afghan-American who lived in Washington
D.C. her entire adult life. She returned to Kabul three
years ago to work with Afghan women and is well-known and
respected in her country. She teaches at Kabul University
and is President of Kabultec; her work involves women’s
rights. She is active in helping women assume their newfound
freedom and exercise their right to equality in Afghan society.
At the home of Connie Borde , 240 bis Bd St-Germain, 75007,
Paris- no code, metro Bac. (Men welcome, please come!)
Flock to the mock debate- Riviera
chapter
Sunday, January 27, 2-5 p.m.
at the home of founding member Jeanne Oliver in Nice.
Local members have volunteered to represent their supported
candidates to the Democratic Primary to answer questions
and convince you of their superior merit in obtaining the
party nomination. Feel free to email Ms. Oliver with specific
questions for directions and/or parking. jeanne.oliver@numericable.fr
Our own Carole Labrousse will be on hand as the sharpest
of mediators to keep both the house and the speakers ON
TOPIC.
There will be a 5- euro/pp cover. Contact Samantha
Timmerman.
(P.S. We are still looking for six more members to man the
Voting Center at time convenient to them Friday, February
8, between 11:00 and 22:00.)
Women's caucus
- resolutions meeting
Sunday, January 27, 5 p.m.
At the home of Sheila Malovany-Chevallier.
Obama meetup
Tuesday, January 29, 7 p.m.
At the home of John Morris - (ring Morris),
56, rue des Tournelles 75003, Paris (Metro Bastille or Chemin
Vert).
Story of a child
soldier in Sierra Leone
Sunday, January 20, 7 p.m.
Human Rights Watch has invited Dems France
to hear Ishmael Beah tell about his years as a child soldier
in Sierra Leone. Excerpts from his book, A Long Way
Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, will be read by Muriel
Mayette, general admintrator of the Comédie-Française
and Pierre Notte, secretary general of the Comédie-Française.
At the Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier, 21 rue du
Vieux-Colombier.
Women's caucus
- Focus: Ivory Coast
Monday, January 21, 6:45
p.m.
Jean-Marie Fradeau, Paris Director of Human Rights Watch,
will present the HRW report (in English) on violence and
rape used against women as a weapon of warin the Ivory Coast.
Miriam Traoré, a rape victim who escaped with her
life and today works with HRW and directs ADA (Aide et Democracie
pour l’Afrique). At the home of Connie Borde, 240bis
Bd St-Germain, 75007 Paris, Metro Bac.
Young Democrats
global primary kickoff party
Wednesday, January 16, 7
p.m.
Ready to vote a Democrat into the White House? Register
for the primaries! Meet like-minded people and discuss the
current state of political affairs. Whether you are for
Hillary, Obama, Edwards, Biden, Dodd, Kucinich, Gravel or
Richardson – join us to find out how Americans abroad
can elect a Democratic president. At the home of Brian Lang,
43, rue de Lisbonne - 8ème arr. - Code 98A02- Apartment
4D - Metro Monceau. Participation fee: 5 euros. Due to U.S.
election laws, financial contributions during this event
may be received only from U.S. citizens or permanent Green
Card holders.
Obama meetup
& voter registration
Wednesday, January 16, 7
p.m.
On the agenda: Providing information and registering
Americans to vote in the Global Presidential Primary Feb
5 from abroad or vote in a home state primary. Also, information
on how to vote in the general election. At the home of John
Morris - (ring Morris), 56, rue des Tournelles 75003, Paris
(Metro Bastille or Chemin Vert).
Hillary Clinton
meetup
Tuesday, January 15, 7 p.m.
What's happening after Iowa and New Hampshire? Find out
from Hillary campaign heavyweights Terry McAuliffe, Harold
Ickes or Ann Lewis, scheduled to call in. Further instruction
about voting in the Global Primary will be available. At
the home of Kathleen de Carbuccia, 83 avenue Foch, Paris
16e. Métro Porte Dauphine. HillaryClintonforPresident2008@wanadoo.fr
Obama meetup
Wednesday, December 19, 7
p.m.
Obama meetings take place the third Wednesday
of every month at the home of John Morris - (ring Morris),
56, rue des Tournelles 75003, Paris (Metro Bastille or Chemin
Vert). General discussion, information sharing, campaign
activities and video clips of Sen. Barack Obama.
Middle East
issues
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Democrats and Republicans Abroad are sponsoring an informative
evening about the current situation in the Middle East.
Will Owen, career member of the U.S. Foreign Service, will
share his analysis of non-proliferation issues, particularly
regarding Iran. Having also served in Latin America and
North Africa during a 20-year Foreign Service career, he
follows French domestic political developments at the U.S.
Embassy in Paris.
American Cathedral in Paris, 23, Avenue George V, 75008
Doors open at 6:30 for a light cocktail reception with Mr.
Owen’s comments at 7 p.m. 10-euro cover charge.
Hillary Clinton
backers
Thursday, December 13, 7 p.m.
Get updated on the campaign as well as help signing
up for the global primary. Where? 83 avenue Foch 75016.
RSVP at HillaryforPresident2008@wanadoo.fr
for door code and details.
The U.S. through
the prism of New Orleans
Monday, December 17, 6 p.m.
Seminar: Broken Levees, Broken Promises: New Orleans
and the Crisis in American Democracy. Speakers will
discuss the criminal justice system, workers’ rights,
religion and the failure of the US government to meet and
match the heroic efforts of small but courageous grassroots
organizations struggling to rebuild a just New Orleans.
Robin Templeton’s talk is entitled So-Called Free:
New Orleans and the New Prison Economy based on her
Nation Magazine article, Locked Up in New Orleans.
Reverend Osagyefo Sekou will address What meaneth Black
Suffering? Race, Meaning-Making and Democracy in Post-Katrina
America, based on his article in The Fellowship
Magazine.
At the Sorbonne University, sponsored by Democrats Abroad
France in association with The Center for Urban Studies
in the English-Speaking World. Entrance free.
Obama meetup
Saturday, December 8, 7:30 p.m.
featuring a conference call with Barack Obama’s
sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, who is actively campaigning in
Iowa and New Hampshire. The call is scheduled for 8 p.m.
so please arrive by 7:30 at the home of John Morris, 56
rue des Tournelles, 75003 Paris. There will be no admission
charge, but the event is intended to raise funds from France
for the campaign, no matter what the amount. Even if you
cannot attend, please contribute towards our efforts at
http://my.barackobama.com/Paris
Young Democrats
film & cocktail
Wednesday, December 5, 7 p.m.
featuring the film, redstate at 8:30 p.m. at the
home of Juliet Carter, 9, rue Jean Mermoz 75008 . Metro:
(1/9) Franklin D. Roosevelt
Contribution: 15 euros (5 for students)
French foreign
affairs expert to speak
Monday, December 3, 6 p.m.
Democrats Abroad France invites Hubert Vedrine,
former French Foreign Minister, to speak on Russia and Iran.
Mr. Védrine was chief-of-staff to President François
Mitterrand from 1991 to 1995 and Minister of Foreign Affairs
from 1997 to 2002. He is a managing partner in his consultancy
firm, Hubert Védrine Conseil, and has been President
of the François Mitterrand Institute since 2003.
Mr. Védrine recently submitted a report to the French
President on La France et la Mondialisation (September
2007) and has published a biography of Francois Mitterrand
(2006). Other works are Multilateralism: les reformes
possibles (2004) and Face a l1Hyper-puissance (2003).
Joining M. Vedrine will be Leonid Kadyfhev, First Political
Officer of the Russian Embassy in Paris.
American University of Paris Grand Salon, 31 avenue Bosquet,
75007 Paris.
Bordeaux chapter
Friday, November 30, 14:15h
Lecture in English by Professor Fred
Lazin, head of the Department of Political Science at
Ben Gurion University in Beersheba, Israel: Jews in
American Politics at the Institut d’études
politiques de Bordeaux, Domaine universitaire, Pessac
Tram Line B, stop Montaigne-Montesquieu (map at www.sciencespobordeaux.fr
Author appearance
Tuesday, November 27, 7 p.m.
Former special correspondent for Associated Press and editor
of The International Herald Tribune Mort Rosenblum
will discuss his new book, Escaping Plato’s Cave:
How America’s blindness to the rest of the world threatens
our survival. AP correspondent for 40 years and the
author of 12 books, Rosenblum has been nominated eight times
for a Pulitzer Prize. He will sign 25 books, thanks to The
Village Voice.
Contribution 10 euros. Home of John Morris, 56 rue des Tournelles,
75003.
Political Pub
Monday, November 26 8 p.m.
Health care! Is there a solution? Guest speaker is Peter
Goldfarb, who brings a wide range of ideas and information
from both sides of the American political spectrum. Political
Pub is a nonpartisan discussion group (in English) at the
Highlander 8 rue Nevers, 75006 (across from the Pont Neuf).
Obama meetup
Wednesday, November 21, 7
p.m.
Obama meetings take place the third Wednesday
of every month at the home of John Morris - (ring Morris),
56, rue des Tournelles 75003, Paris (Metro Bastille or Chemin
Vert)
Sign up at
http://barackobama.meetup.com/165/
The U.S. Election
Sunday, November 18 at 6 p.m.
The perspective from Chicago, Paris and London:
Who is most likely to be the Democratic Party candidate?
While Hillary Clinton seems to be widening her lead, the
only polls that really count are on election day. Experts
give you their take on the primaries and discuss which candidate
would stand the best chance to take back the White House
in 2008.
- Don Rose - veteran consultant for various Democrats
including two Chicago mayors and a number of Congressmen.
He writes a weekly column on politics for a new Chicago
daily.
- Christian Malard - senior foreign analyst for France
3 and specialist in U.S. elections.
at the home of John Morris, 56 rue des Tournelles 75003.
Riviera
chapter
November 18
Member Laurent Delanney spoke about his 25-year
friendship with Barack Obama, allowing us to see a more
personal side of the Senator. DAF Chair Joe Smallhoover
talked about the benefits of the newly created Global Democratic
Primary for all Democrats voting outside of the United States.
(More to come). Nominations for a new Executive Committe
were called (chair, vice-chair, secretary, treasurer), due
every two years.
Obama fundraiser
Saturday, November 10, 8:30
p.m.
Featuring folk rocker Darden Smith from Austin,
Texas, on acoustic guitar and special guest with a lifetime
in foreign service, Ambassador Frederick Vreeland. He will
speak about Why Obama Will Change American Foreign Policy
for the Better.
At the home of Katharine Harkins and David Finn, Paris 8ème
Given by: David Finn, Katharine Harkins, Catherine Schram
Grava, Jeffrey Grava, Lisa Immordino Vreeland and Alexander
Vreeland.
To RSVP and donate please go to: my.barackobama.com/paris.
Online donations can be made using the link to the Obama
campaign in the invitation. The Obama campaign will send
us the guest list based on replies to this website. We are
limited to 60 people. Your contribution will be counted
as your personal donation to the Barack Obama campaign.
Email questions.
DAF Excomm Meeting
Monday, November 12 at 7 p.m.
Joe Smallhoover's office: Dechert Price, 32 rue de Monceau
75008 Paris
First
Tuesday dinner: Election strategy
Tuesday, November 6, 7:30
p.m.
Democratic Party strategy for winning (or losing) in 2008.
Can we win “purple” America? What is the point
of the early “frontloaded” primaries? Will they
be a boon or a bust for our candidates? Michigan, Florida
and California: Will we win or lose them?
MARK BREWER, Chair of the Association of State Democratic
Committees, Vice chair, DNC, Chair of Michigan State Democrats,
joining us by phone from Michigan.
MEREDITH GOWAN LEGOFF, Regional Vice Chair, Democrats Abroad,
discussing why states want early primaries.
JOE SMALLHOOVER, Chair of Dems Abroad France, Counsel, Democratic
Party Committee Abroad, explaining complex ins and outs
of the 2008 primaries: Why are they being held so early?
Will the winning candidate be chosen by February, or could
we have a surprise?
CHIP SEWARD, former Chair of Dems Abroad France, moderating.
Les Noces de Jeanette, 14 rue Favart, 75002 Paris (near
the Opéra Comique).
Forum on U.S.
health care
Monday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m.
The DAF Health Care and Social Security
Policy Study Group discusses approaches to curing our
ailing health care system. This meeting is in preparation
for drafting the Dems Abroad platform for 2008. Open to
the public, the event will feature a summary of health care
positions of major candidates for president with other information
helpful in framing the discussion. A panel of knowledgeables
will respond comments of the audience at the American University
of Paris, Grand Salon, 31 avenue Bosquet, 75007 Paris.
Foreign policy
study group (more)
Thursday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Israel and Palestine: Two States or One?
In 1948 historical Palestine was divided, and the state
of Israel was created on one part. Palestinians and their
supporters have long hoped to see a Palestinian state alongside
Israel. But the accumulation of "facts on the ground"
are causing some to re-examine this hope and to consider
another alternative.
We would like to hear your opinions during the open discusion.
It is also a chance to hear and learn more about a complex
issue that merits examination. Among those present will
be Richard Wagman, Honorary President of Union juive française
pour la paix and Rafe al-Jabari, member of Echange culturel
Hébron-France, doctoral candidate, Sciences Po, President
of the association Adal Sciences Po.
Suggested contribution at the door: 5 euros at the home
of John Morris, 56 rue des Tournelles, 75003 (Metros: Bastille
or Chemin Vert)
Hillary Clinton
meetup
Wednesday October 24, 7:30 p.m.
The next Hillary Clinton for President Paris meetup will
take place at the home of Joy Chezaud, 38 bd Courcelles
Paris 17th
Code 8945 - Interphone Chezaud - 5th floor
Metro Monceau or Villiers - bus n° 30 and 94
please RSVP to hillaryforpresident2008@wanadoo.fr
New Bordeaux
chapter
Saturday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.
All Democrats living in the area should attend
the first fall meeting at Brasserie Tourny, Place Tourny,
33000 Bordeaux (Tram stop : Gambetta, Grand Théâtre
or Quinconces)
Please bring ideas for speakers, events, films, venues to
ensure that the stunning victory predicted for Dems in November
2008 really does occur. Regular meetings start in November.
Email Trudy Bolter
or contact her at 0619117262.
Reproductive
health in conflict settings
Sunday, October 21 at 5 p.m.
The DAF Women's Caucus invites you to meet and
hear
Carolyn Makison, executive director of The Women’s
Commission for Refugee Women and Children, speaking on Women's
reproductive health in conflict-affected settings and the
prevention and response to violence against women
at the home of Connie Borde, 240 bis Bd St-Germain, 75007
Paris. Please RSVP.
Barack Obama
meetup
Wednesday, October 17 at 7 p.m.
Home of John Morris, 56 rue des Tournelles - 75003, Paris
(Metro Bastille or Chemin Vert)
Go to this link
for more information and to sign up for the meetup.
i am not a tourist
Sunday, October 14 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
EXPATICA's
welcome to France
Carrousel du Louvre, Paris
Visit Democrats Abroad at stand 86
DAF Excomm Meeting
Monday, October 8 at 7 p.m.
Joe Smallhoover's office: Dechert Price, 32 rue de Monceau
75008 Paris
Bloom
Where You're Planted
Tuesday, October 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
at the American Church, Quai d’Orsay, 75007.
Visit our Democrats Abroad France stand and others.
First
Tuesday
October 2 at 7:30 p.m.
AFGHANISTAN, INSIDE AND OUT: Experts probe the inner workings
of a country still not well understood by many, despite
its crucial position on the world stage.
Chekeba Hachemi, first woman diplomat appointed by Hamid
Karzaï (at age 28), an important part of the transition
government (Afghan Embassy Secretary to the European Commission,
2002), and is today Plenipotentiary Minister to France.
Ms. Hachemi created Afghanistan Libre in 1996, to bring
relief to her war-torn country through micro projects in
education and rural development. She just returned to France
from six months in Afghanistan.
Patricia Lalonde, managing director of MEWA (Mobilization
for Elected Women of Afghanistan), author of Paris-Kaboul,
Journal d’une Femme Revoltée and long-time
activist for the liberation of the Afghan people.
In English at Les Noces de Jeanette, 14 rue Favart, 75002
Hillary Clinton
meetup
Thursday, September 20 at 8 p.m.
Le Carrousel Café, 194 rue de Rivoli
Metros Tuileries or Palais Royal
(attention: this is NOT at the Carrousel du Louvre)
RSVP at hillaryforpresident2008@wanadoo.fr
Debate
on LGBT issues
Sunday, September 16 at 7:15 p.m. - FULL
2nd showing Thursday, September 20 at 8 p.m.
THE LGBT caucus of Democrats Abroad France is showing the
first presidential debate devoted to LGBT issues. The debate,
held among the leading Democratic candidates, took place
August 9 and was broadcast on gay network LOGO as well as
on its website.
Participating candidates include Barack Obama, John Edwards,
Dennis Kucinich, Mike Gravel, Bill Richardson, and Hillary
Clinton. On the questioning panel were Human Rights Campaign
president Joe Solmonese, singer Melissa Etheridge and Washington
Post journalist, Jonathan Capehart.
The debate covered a range of issues including relationship
recognition, marriage equality, workplace fairness, the
military, hate crimes, HIV/AIDS and other important issues.
7 boulevard Sébastopol, 3rd floor
between metro stations Réaumur Sébastopol
and Strasbourg-St Denis
RSVP: edwin.lau@noos.fr
Barack
Obama meetup
Wednesday, September 19 at 7 p.m.
Home of John Morris
56, rue des Tournelles - 75003, Paris
(Metro Bastille or Chemin Vert)
Go to this link
for more information and to sign up for the meetup.
Southwest chapter at jazz
festival
Thursday, August 2
The Southwest Chapter of DA France attended the Marciac
Jazz Festival in the Gers (www.jazzinmarciac.com),
celebrating its 30th anniversary with an all-American program
featuring one of its guiding lights, Wynton Marsalis and
the fabulous black female a cappella ensemble, Sweet Honey
in the Rock (www.sweethoney.com)
(gospel, spirituals, music with a political consciousness).
Contact Meredith Wheeler at: meredith.wheeler@free.fr
Jazz and thespians
raise funds
Friday, July 13
New York cellist Annabel Gordon returns to the
Tarn for another benefit concert for Democrats Abroad PLUS
a special theatrical spectacle by the Not-Yet-Ready-for-Prime-Time
players & ex-Royal Shakespeare Company thespians. The
event takes place in the same remarkable venue as last year:
the medieval palace in the heart of Cordes-sur-Ciel, the
bastide & art colony north of Albi.
Cordes' famous medieval festival starts the next day—so
consider booking a B&B to stay. Albert Camus found Cordes
so stunning he later wrote: “In Cordes, everything
is beautiful, even regret.”
Tickets are 10 euros, with reduced rates for seniors, students,
unemployed with all profits going to Democrats Abroad France.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with a cash bar featuring Meredith's
famous margaritas in the medieval courtyard of Maison Gaugiron
on the Grand Rue Rayimond VII almost opposite Le Grand Ecuyer
restaurant. A special theatrical reading launches the event
at about 6:30—followed by a cello concert by Annabel
Gordon--who enchanted everyone at last summer's concert
with music ranging from Bach to Celtic folk music.
For more information: Contact Meredith Wheeler: meredith.wheeler@free.fr
DAF Southwest Book
Club
Sunday,
June 10, 2 p.m.
Making Globalization Work by Nobel
Prize winner Joseph E. Stiglitz is the topic at the home
of Arlette Fougeras in Toulouse.
Forum on race, inequality
and poverty
Wednesday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Forty Years after the Kerner Commission and 25 Years
after the Scarman Report: Where Do We Stand Now? Poverty,
Inequality and Race" is the subject of an all-day forum
by the Sorbonne-Paris IV University with the participation
of Democrats Abroad France.
9 a.m.-1 p.m., Salle des Actes, 54 rue St-Jacques 75005
Paris
2-5 p.m., Amphi Quinet, 46 rue St Jacques
The Kerner Commission was the popular name given to the
National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, chaired
by Illinois Governor Otto Kerner, Jr. It was also known
as the riot commission. The 11-member commission was created
in July 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate
the causes of the 1967 race riots in the United States.
The Kerner Report, released February 29, 1968,
found that the riots resulted from black frustration at
lack of economic opportunity. Quote: "Our nation is
moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate
and unequal."
The forum will hear from those directly or closely associated
with the Kerner Commission and as well those close to Lord
Scarman who wrote a report for the United Kingdom after
the Brixton disorders of 1981. It aims to confront issues
central in the reports (poverty, inequality and race) with
current ones. Speakers: Alan Curtis, president and CEO of
the Washington, D.C.-based Eisenhower Foundation, coauthor
of a task force report of the National Violence Commission;
Fred Harris, former Senator, Arizona, member of the Eisenhower
Foundation Board of Trustees, participant of the Kerner
Commission, Editor of Quiet Riots: Race and Poverty
in the United States-the Kerner Report Twenty Years Later;
Jeffrey Fagan, Professor at Columbia University Law School,
New York, Comparing US 1960s - 2000 with France 1995-2006;
Shelley Bradford-Bell, former counsellor to the mayor of
San Francisco; John Benyon, professor of political studies
at the University of Leicester, UK, author of Scarman
and After; Anne Power, professor at the London School
of Economics, Inter-ethnic experiences at community-level
- a bittersweet history from a UK perspective; Romain
Garbaye, (CEUMA) Sorbonne-Paris IV, Velma Bury and others
to be announced.
Participation: 10 euros/students: 5 euros.
First Tuesday dinner & speaker:
Latin America
on 2nd Monday June 11, 7:30 p.m.
El lunes latinoamericano: The changing face of Latin America
Is Latin America going independent? Are the left-leaning
governments in Latin America - Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina,
Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Chile - inventing
a new model of development? Do these changes represent a
threat to U.S. interests, and how do we define those in
the first place? How should U.S. foreign policy adapt to
these developments? Are there discernible differences between
the Republican and Democratic approaches to Latin America
today? Is immigration a foreign policy issue? How will the
growing influence of the Latino electorate affect U.S.-Latin
American relations?
- Jim Cohen, Poltical Science professor at the University
of Paris VIII and the Institut des hautes etudes de l’Amérique
Latine (IHEAL, Paris). Author of Spanglish America
: les enjeux de la latinisation des Etats-Unis and
co-editor of Amérique Latine: démocratie
et exclusion.
- Rodolfo de la Garza, Professor at Columbia University
and Vice President of the Tomàs Rivera Policy Institute,
a leading think tank on Latino affairs in the U.S. He
has edited and co-authored numerous books which include
The Future of the Voting Rights Act and Muted Voices:
Latinos and the 2000 Elections.
- Peter Goldfarb, former Regional Executive for Ernst
& Young covering Latin America including Mexico, Central
and South America, focusing on the business environment
in the region: energy (oil and gas), mining, telecom,
banking, manufacturing, public utilities, as well as emerging
industries such as alternative fuel development and computer
technology.
Les Noces de Jeanette
14 rue Favart, 75002 Paris (near the Opéra Comique)
DAF Excomm Meeting
Wednesday, June13 at 7:15 p.m.
Joe Smallhoover's office, Dechert, 7 pl d'Iena, 75016 -
Metro Iena
The EU and US
social safety nets—how do they compare?
Sunday, June 3
Ex-New York Times journalist and author Ann
Crittenden http://www.anncrittenden.com/
speaks in a private home in Lisle-sur-Tarn. Contact Meredith
Wheeler for more
info.
Bill Richardson meetup
Wednesday, May 30, 7 p.m.
Downstairs at TORO, 74
rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, 75001 PARIS.
tapas at 5 euros each, plus wine; metro Les Halles.
Please RSVP to meredithgowanlegoff@gmail.com
- Reservation is in the name of Meredith Gowan Le Goff for
a Bill Richardson meetup.
www.richardsonforpresident.com
Hear about the California
State Convention
Wednesday, May 16, 7 p.m., Strasbourg
Kitty Stokes is just back from the recent California
Democratic State Convention where all candidates spoke—this
could feel like a sneak-preview of DA's own primaries early
next year.
Join us for a drink (and a light meal - there's no obligation
to dine, but light meals are available) at the Café
Hirondelle, rue Marais Vert, Strasbourg - next door to the
Bookworm.
You're welcome too to drop off any greeting cards or other
small donations for the Landstuhl soldiers (wounded in action)
at that time.
Obama Meetup
Wednesday, May 16, 7 p.m.
Home of John Morris - 56, rue des Tournelles 75003, Paris
(Metro Bastille or Chemin Vert)
The organizer will present information on Sen. Obama for
all interested, including those who have not decided on
a candidate. All attending will be invited to introduce
themselves to the group and speak or ask questions regarding
Sen. Obama. In the second half of the meeting those who
have committed to the candidate will organize into groups
and committees that can further our goals in promoting Sen.
Obama for President.
View updates at http://barackobama.meetup.com/165/calendar/5591293
DAF ExComm Meeting
Monday, May 14 at 7:15 p.m.
Joe Smallhoover's office,
Dechert, 7 pl d'Iena, 75016 - Metro Iena
Documentary: The Shame of a City
Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m.
Tigre Hill's film presented in person. To learn more
about it, go to http://www.shameofacity.com/trailer
at Joe Allen's Bar & Restaurant
30, rue Pierre Lescot 75001 (Metro: Les Halles or Etienne
Marcel)
Contribution: 5 euros (food/drinks extra)
Monday, April 16 (Paris) 7:30 p.m.
First Tuesday (but on a Monday) If
not oil, what?
Environmentalists Brice Lalonde, Everett Wakaii and Laurie
Geller discuss If Not Oil, What? (More
about the environmental study group)
7:30 for drinks and 8:00 dinner at Les Noces de Jeanette,
14 rue Favart, 75002. To RSVP, call Cathy Decavele
at 01 30 52 34 92 or Ellie Schaffer at 01 43 20 78 01. 32
euros at the door, checks made out to Les Noces de Jeanette.
Wednesday, April 18 (Paris) 7 p.m.
Obama Meetup
Joe Allen's Bar & Restaurant -30, rue Peirre Lescot
75001 Paris (metro: Les Halles or Etienne Marcel)
The organizer will present information on the Sen. Obama
for all interested including those who have not decided
on a candidate. All attending will be invited to introduce
themselves to the group and speak or ask questions regarding
Sen. Obama. In the second half of the meeting, those of
us who have committed to the candidate will begin to organize
ourselves into various groups and committees that can further
our goals in promoting Sen. Obama for President.
RSVP to http://barackobama.meetup.com/165/calendar/5591293
Thursday, April 5 (Paris) 6:30 p.m.
Congresswoman Kirsten
Gillibrand (Democrat, NY-20)
Showing her film at the home of John Morris
56 rue des Tournelles 75003, Paris (Metro Bastille)
You can read more about Congresswoman Gillibrand on her
website: http://www.KirstenGillibrand.com
Tuesday, April 10 (Paris) 6:30 p.m.
Center for Constitutional Rights
President Michael Ratner
Michael Ratner is President Center for Constitutional Rights,
a nonprofit human rights litigation organization in New
York City. He was co-counsel in representing the Guantanamo
detainees in the Supreme Court where a major victory was
won in June 2004. He and his office have sued two of the
private contractors in Iraq alleging their employees were
involved in abuses and torture at Abu Gharib. He filed a
criminal complaint in the courts of Germany against Secretary
of Defense Rumsfeld and other U.S. officials seeking the
initiation of criminal prosecutions against them for Abu
Ghraib abuse and torture. The Center for Constitutional
Rights is deeply involved in defending civil liberties in
the United States, post 9/11. This has included a challenge
to the Patriot Act and a lawsuit on behalf of post 9/11
immigration detainees in the U.S. and representation of
Maher Arar, a Canadian citizen, rendered to Syria where
he was tortured.
At the American University of Paris
Wednesday, April 11 (Paris) 7:15 p.m.
Executive Committee Meeting
at the office (Dechert Price) of Joe Smallhoover
7 Place d'Iena, 75016 Paris.
RSVP to daf@demsfrance.com
Sunday, April 1 (Riviera) 4 p.m.
Afternoon with Dr. Katherine Hagen
Dr. Hagen is an expert in comparative labor law and international
relations, international human rights standards and social
accounting, former deputy director general of the International
Labor Organization, vice president of AT&T, North Carolina
state senator.
She spoke about international workers rights and problems
and their impact on the global economy, as well as practical,
immediate solutions available to battle world poverty. Ms.
Hagen, who resides in Grasse, is the Executive Director
of the Geneva Social Observatory, an international organization
dealing with labor relations, among many other things. Ms.
Hagan was a Democratic State Senator from 1974-1979. She
worked as a fundraiser for the Democratic Party in North
Carolina, and also worked on the campaigns of Jimmy Carter,
Walter Mondale and Bill Clinton. She was on the Democratic
Executive Committee in Alexandria, VA, and became Deputy
Director of The International Labor Organization in 1994.
She spok
At the home of Karen and Nakhli Zeidan in Nice, 13 attended
from around the Cote'd'Azur: Nice, Menton, Monaco, Biot,
Peille, Grasse, Cannes and St. Paul-de-Vence. Vice-Chair
Daniel Downing gave a report on the recent elections
in Paris of the new chairperson and spoke of resolutions
created by Democrats Abroad. He urged the Riviera Chapter
to get involved in the policy groups and resolution-making
process. The idea of presenting "First Tuesdays"
(à la Paris) was discussed and tabled.
Daniel Roy reported on the Heidelberg
convention, which he and his wife, Ann Cacciari, attended.
Friday, March 30 (Paris) 6:30 p.m.
CYNTHIA McKINNEY
Congresswoman, 4th Congressional district of Georgia, from
1993-2003 and 2005-2007 presents the award-winning film
American Blackout
to be released in the fall, about voting disenfranchisement
and stolen elections, two presidential and two involving
her.
At the home of John Morris, 56 rue des Tournelles 75003
Paris (Metro Bastille or Chemin Vert). RSVP to daf@demsfrance.com
Places limited. 5 euro contribution suggested
March 21 and 28 (Paris)
Candidate meetups
Democrats Abroad France does not support individual candidates
for the 2008 Presidential election, but supports ALL the
candidates running in the primaries. We will, however, keep
you informed about presidential support groups. Join them
and learn more about the campaigns. If another candidate
interests you, feel free to start a group of your own!
BARACK OBAMA- Wednesday, March 21 at 7 p.m.
Go to our meetup website link
for details and sign up.
Coordinator: Zachary Miller zacharyjames@hotmail.com
BILL RICHARDSON - Wednesday, March 28 at
8 p.m.
at Toro, 74 rue Jean Jacques Rousseau 75001 PARIS (map).
Please RSVP to coordinator Meredith Gowan Legoff meredithgowanlegoff@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 28 (Paris) 7:30 p.m.
Inconvenient Truth
Due to large response for two previous showings
of Al Gore's environment film, a third has been scheduled.
If you have not received a confirmation for the 26th showing,
please sign up for March 28. Arrive around 7 p.m.; the film
will begin at 7:30.
Sponsored by Young Democrats Abroad at Joe Allen's Bar &
Restaurant,
30, rue Pierre Lescot 75001 (metro: Les Halles or Etienne
Marcel)
Contribution: 5 euros (food/drinks extra). The kitchen and
bar will be open before, during, and after the film.
Places limited / Please RSVP to: ydaf.paris@gmail.com
Thursday, March 22 (Paris) 7 p.m.
Annual General Meeting and DAF
Election
Elect your new Executive Committee in person at the home
of John Morris, 56 rue des Tournelles, Paris 75003.
Wednesday,
March 14 (Paris) 7 p.m.
Young Democrats Cocktail and Film
Showing of the Al Gore film,
An Inconvenient Truth, home of Juliet Carter. RSVP
YDAF Paris ydaf.paris@gmail.com
and get more info.
Monday, March 12 (Paris) 6:30
p.m.
Barry Lando on the Iraq Web of
Deceit
Former 60 Minutes producer
Barry Lando Barry Lando will discuss findings from his recent
book, Web of Deceit—the History of Western Complicity
in Iraq from Churchill to Kennedy to G.W. Bush. Topics
will include the role of foreign leaders and businessmen
in the crimes of Saddam Hussein. At the American University
of Paris, 31 Av. Bosquet, 75007, RSVP daf@demsfrance.com.
Presented in conjunction with the Center for the Study of
International Communications.
Sunday, March 11 (Strasbourg) 5 p.m.
The Bush Years, Damage Done and
Lessons Learned
Heather Wokusch, author of The
Progressive’s Handbook will speak at the Hotel
de la Cathédrale, Place de la Cathédrale,
Strasbourg. RSVP Susan
Vaillant
Thursday, March 8 (Paris)
6:30 p.m.
International Women's Day Event:
Empowering Women
Speakers focussing
on breaking down barriers that keep women down– social,
economic & linguistic, among others will be: Christine
de Panafieu, sociologist, consultant and NGO activist in
micro-credit and women's development in Mali, and Jill Ramsey,
professor of socio-linguistics and OECD officer in communications.
At the home of Connie Borde, 240 bis Bd St-Germain, 75007.
Wednesday,
March 7 (Paris) 6:45 p.m.
Executive Committee
Meeting at the
home of Connie Borde, 240 bis Bd St-Germain, 75007
Tuesday, March 6 (Paris)
7:30 p.m.
First Tuesday: The French Elections—Sarkozy's
Battle Royal
We are honored to have a prestigious French député
involved in Ségolène Royale’s campaign,
as well as two political scientists and fine election analysts,
as well as, the knowledgeable authority on France and Europe,
Axel Krause. Rarely have the eyes of the world been more
focused on France: Two “new face” candidates—one
a woman, for the first time—who could break the mold
of her country’s politics-as-usual, and a third candidate
who could be the spoiler from the center. This meeting will
give insight into the complex workings of the French presidential
elections. Experts will analyze the April 22 elections (and
likely second round May 6):
- Victorin Lurel - Député PS and president
of the Conseil Régional of Guadeloupe
- Nicolas Jabko - Senior Research Fellow at Sciences Po
and author of Playing the Market: A Political Strategy
for Uniting Europe
- Arun Kipel - professor of political science at the Institut
Catholique de Paris and American University of Paris
- Moderator: Axel Krause - international correspondent
(with Transatlantic Magazine), frequent political
commentator on French TV
and author of Inside the New Europe
At Les Noces de Jeanette, 14 rue Favart, 75002 Paris (near
the Opéra Comique) Tel: 01 42 96 36 89
To comply with the McCain Feingold act, you are invited
to pay for the dinner directly to the restaurant. Please
send your check for 32 euros made out to “Les Noces
de Jeanette" to Cathy Decavèle, 22 Chemin
de la Rousterie, 78460 La Chevreuse. To pay at the door
call for reservations: Cathy Decavele at 01 30 52 34 92
or Ellie Schaffer at 01 43 20 78 01. Please leave your
information clearly and slowly.
Wednesday, March 7 (Paris) 6:45 p.m.
Executive Committee
Meeting at the home of Connie Borde, 240
bis Bd St-Germain, 75007
Thursday, March 8 (Paris) 6:30 p.m.
International Women's Day Event:
Empowering Women
Speakers focussing on breaking down barriers that keep
women down– social, economic & linguistic, among
others will be: Christine de Panafieu, sociologist, consultant
and NGO activist in micro-credit and women's development
in Mali, and Jill Ramsey, professor of socio-linguistics
and OECD officer in communications. At the home of Connie
Borde, 240 bis Bd St-Germain, 75007. RSVP sheilamc@free.fr
Thursday, February 15 (Paris) 7 p.m.
Sorbonne Confidential
Laurel Zuckerman, author of Sorbonne Confidential,
will recount adventures that led to her book, coming out
in French in February (Fayard). This American took on one
of the monstres sacrés of France, the agrégation
exam. She will talk about the French education system and
the subtle, systemic barriers to integration. Join this
Women's Caucus event.
at the home of Connie Borde
240 bis Bd St Germain, 75007
RSVP to Sheila Malovany-Chevallier
February 13 (Paris) 6:45
p.m.
Executive Committee Meeting
at the home of Connie Borde, 240 bis Bd St-Germain, 75007
RSVP to daf@demsfrance.com
February 6 (Paris) 7:30
p.m.
First Tuesday dinner: Out of Iraq:
Sooner or Later?
Speakers:
- Guillaume Parmentier, known to many of
you, is the President of the Centre sur l'Amérique
et les Relations Transatlantiques (CART).
- Wendell Steavenson was born in New York
and grew up in London. She has spent the last five years
living and working in the Middle East, writing for Time
Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Slate.com and Granta,
among others, from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. She
spent more than 12 months in Iraq between 2002 and 2005
and is working on a book about an Iraqi general under
Saddam Hussein.
January 10 (Paris) 6:45
Executive Committee Meeting
at the home of Connie Borde, 240 bis Bd St-Germain, 75007
rsvp to daf@demsfrance.com
December
15, 2006 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Richard Reeves
will speak on a Presidential Candidate for 2008
The victorious Democrats have yet to take
their seats in Congress, the Republicans are scrambling
to re-define their party, and the US (and the world) asks
the same question: who will be each party's chosen one for
2008?
Richard Reeves, political analyst and author of several
best-selling books
on American presidents, will share his insights and his
crystal ball on who is most likely to rise to the occasion
and carry his/her party to victory.
At the American University of Paris, 31 avenue Bosquet,
75007 Paris, Grand Salon. RSVP required for security reasons.
RSVP to daf@demsfrance.com
Sunday, December 10 at 1 PM
Uniting American Families Act
The Women’s Caucus along with the GLBT Caucus of Democrats
Abroad France welcomes Robert Bragar and Martha McDevitt-Pugh
to speak about the United American Families Act.Robert Brager
is a US citizen living in Holland with his partner Rik Kruisdijk,
a Dutch man to whom he is married. He is also an exile because
the so-called Defense of Marriage Act forbids the government
from acknowledging his relationship for visa or other purposes.
Robert has been part of a lobbying group in Washington,
together with Human Rights Watch and Immigration Equality,
to present Congress with a new report entitled “Family,
Unvalued.”
Martha McDevitt-Pugh is the founder of the
Love Exiles Foundation. She moved to the Netherlands from
San Francisco in 2000 to be with her Australian wife, Lin.
Martha and Lin were featured in the Human Rights Watch report
"Families, Unvalued." Martha lives in Amsterdam
and works as a professional writer for a major Dutch financial
institution.
Democrats Abroad enthusiastically passed a resolution in
favor of UAFA at its meeting in Washington earlier this
year in hopes that this will no longer be considered a "divisive"
issue, but rather one to rally around.
At the home of Sheila Malovany-Chevallier
December 7
First Tuesday (Thursday this time) Paris 7:30 PM Drinks
8 PM Dinner
The U.S. mid-term elections
Speakers: Joe Smallhoover, Counsel Democrats Abroad,
Harold Hyman, journalist, and Tom Sancton, former bureau
chief, Time magazine
L’Ami Georges (note new restaurant)
5 rue du 4 Septembre, 75002 Paris
Tel: 01 42 97 48 80 - Metro: Bourse
The victory of two houses of Congress in November will give
our party a greater voice in our country’s national
and foreign affairs agenda. Three speakers will give insight
into how we won and where we go from here. Harold Hyman,
who covered the US election from Pennsylvania, a key state
in our win, will give a firsthand report of the campaign
fever. Joe Smallhoover will discuss inside party strategy
(including impeachment). Tom Sancton is the author of a
soon-to-be released political thriller, The Armageddon
Project, which deals with religion running politics
(sound familiar?). He will give us his take on how serious
the damage done to our government has been and what lies
ahead for the Democratic “clean-up” crew.
At “L’Ami Georges"
Monday, November 27 (Paris)
6:30 pm
Don Rose, veteran political consultant
from Chicago, will share with us his experience
of the recent campaign and his projections for the next
two years. Rose is a consulting strategist in six Democratic
Congressional candidates in the recent election—including
five winners. He has been professionally involved with the
campaigns of liberal politicians in the Midwest for the
past 40 years. Don Rose is personally acquainted with Barack
Obama and is currently working on a piece on Hillary Clinton’s
chances of getting the 2008 nomination. He will happily
take questions and your political IQ will take a bounce
of at least 10 points!
At the home of John Morris, 56 rue des Tournelles
November 17th (Strasbourg) 7 PM
Post-Election Victory Party
Café-restaurant L'Hirondelle (next door to the Bookworm)
rue du Marais Vert, Strasbourg
November 16 (Paris) 7 PM- 9:30
Young Democrats Abroad present The
Millionaire Next Door
Al Herter, sharing 40 years of experience & wisdom as
a highly-successful private investor & philanthropist,
will discusspractical ways to best achieve independence
and financial success.
At the home of Juliet Carter
9, rue Jean Mermoz 75008 Paris
PRICE: 30 euros / REDUCED PRICE: 20 euros* for Young Dems
who sign up early.
November 14 (Paris) 6:45
Executive Committee Meeting
at the home of Connie Borde, 240 bis Bd St-Germain, 75007
rsvp to daf@demsfrance.com
November 12 (Riviera) 15–17:30h
Post-Election Results
And showing of IRAQ FOR SALE—THE WAR PROFITEERS.
This acclaimed film, by progressive filmmaker Robert Greenwald,
exposes how the US governement has contracted with big corporations
like Halliburton to send private « troops »
to Iraq, defrauding the government, wasting billions of
our tax dollars, and underserving our troops in the process.
Plus a full update of the Paris Executive Committee by vice-chair
Daniel "Cisco" Downing.
The Hotel Mercure offers our OWN function room and is equipped
with a full bar and restaurant in a beautiful garden environment.
A DONATION OF 10 EUROS/PERSON WILL BE COLLECTED AT THE DOOR
Mercure Sophia Antipolis
Rue Albert Caquot, Les Lucioles - 06560 Valbonne
Tél. : 33 (4) 92 96 04 04 - Fax : 33 (4) 92 96 05
05
NOVEMBER 8 (Southwest) 6pm-8pm
Post election celebration
at Les Coulisses restaurant & bar in Toulouse
(5 Blvd Strasbourg, around the corner from the UGC cinema)
20 euros per person for wine, tapas and LIVE gospel music
Whatever the outcome of this midterm election (and it looks
hopeful),
come celebrate the spirit of the Southwest Chapter of Democrats
Abroad France, the determination of all those Americans
who sent in those absentee ballot and the hard work and
effort of so many great volunteers.
October 30 (Paris) at 7:30
PM
Monday Night at the Movies: IRAQ FOR SALE
–— the War Profiteers
The story of what happens to everyday Americans
when corporations go to war. Acclaimed director Robert Greenwald
(Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, Outfoxed, and Uncovered)
takes you inside the lives of soldiers, truck drivers, widows
and children who have been changed forever as a result of
profiteering in the reconstruction of Iraq. Iraq for Sale
uncovers the connections between private corporations making
a killing in Iraq and the decision makers who allow them
to do so.
At the home of Juliet Carter
9 rue Jean Mermoz
75008 Paris
Code: 37V98/2nd Code: 98B37
Contribution: 5 euros
October 29, 2006 (Paris)
at 7 p.m.
Alexander Cockburn in Paris
Dems Abroad France is posting
the following notice as a point of general interest to Democrats
who might appreciate the opportunity to hear an important
voice of our times, Alexander Cockburn. This event
is not organized or sponsored by DAF, so please do not
respond to us, but rather see the information below.
Alexander Cockburn will be speaking on Sunday, October 29,
at 7 p.m. on the barge Antipodes, located opposite 69 quai
de la Seine in the 19th arrondissement, metros Riquet, Juares.
This event is sponsored by Americans Against the War (France).
For more information, please contact:
Annie McStravick, a.mcstravick@noos.fr, tel: 33 1 45 54
74 52
Karen Sharpe, ksharpe1@aol.com, tel: 33 1 42 77 41 37, 33
6 16 43 06 45
Sunday, October 15 from 11 AM to
6 PM
Stand at the WELCOME TO FRANCE
FAIR
at the Carrousel du Louvre. This is the biggest fair
for the international community in France and includes:
live entertainment, wine tasting, many international groups
and associations, French cooking classes and dozens of free
seminars on living in France. We will be at Stand 36. Come
visit us and register to vote or just talk politics. Pay
at the door, or sign up for free tickets at
www.expatica.com/welcometofrance
Wednesday, October 11 (Paris) 7
PM
Which Way America ?
Republicans and Democrats Debate
27 days before the crucial U.S. Congressional Elections
1st Debate: Young Democrats versus Young Republicans
2nd Debate: George Yates versus Joseph Smallhoover
Moderated with Audience Question and Answer
For the Republicans: George YATES, Chairman
Republicans Abroad France. For the Democrats: Joseph SMALLHOOVER,
International Counsel Democrats Abroad worldwide
Former member of the Democratic National Committee in Washington
and former Chairman of Democrats Abroad France.
At ESCP-EAP - 79 Avenue de la Republique - 75011 Paris -
Metro Saint Maur
A 5-euro contribution will be requested at the door.
Notes from the debate:
In a spirited doubleheader debate between Democrats
and Republicans in Paris on Oct. 10, Joe Smallhoover
and Max Hoffman spelled out Demos hope for Taking Back the
Congress in the Nov. 7 midterm elections.
Hoffman, representing the Young
Demos, took on Jake Tyshow, for the junior
Republicans, in the first round of the political bout at
the ESCP-EAP European School of Management. Opening-round
moderator Paul Pisciotta tossed five questions
as them starting with national security and the role of
Congress. Hoffman affirmed that national security
was a top priority but that we need a Democratic Congress
to ensure that there were adequate checks and balances
against abuse of presidential power. Tyshow said it
was not Congress’s role to enforce administrative
policy, and that the GOP wanted Congressional “assistance,”
not “mindless criticism.” He claimed there
was sufficient oversight of the executive branch by Congress.
Hoffman retorted that under the GOP “no criticism
was allowed.”
Moving to the Mark Foley page
scandal, Tyshow said it was a non-issue. Not so, said Hoffman,
who predicted that it would be a huge issue and that the
election would turn on it because there was much evidence
that the GOP leadership knew more about the salacious phone
calls to Congressional pages by Foley, who resigned after
they were first disclosed, than they have admitted. “It
won’t go away,” he said.
Asked about immigration, Hoffman
said that the current system was very unfair and that new
approach was needed. The Demos want a “fair and balanced”
policy, although he said the Demos are not seeking a complete
amnesty. He denounced the proposed wall along the Mexican
border, which “would probably need a lot of illegal
Mexicans to build.” Tyshow admitted that he
disagreed with the Bush administration on many details of
the GOP proposal, but said he was in favor of “increased
quotas” not “incentives” for to illegal
immigrants to enter the U.S.
Turning to Iraq, Hoffman said
that the recently disclosed, highly critical, National
Intelligence Estimate, representing the considered judgment
of all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies, proved that
the U.S. military presence in Iraq was a “big
red stop sign,” which was producing animosity
to the U.S. throughout the entire Muslim world . Tyshow
conceded that the U.S, troops were like “flypaper,’
attracting terrorists from around the world, but that the
administration would not change course because Saddam’s
alleged murder of two million Iraqis justified the invasion.
Hoffman said that the report proved after the administration’s
repeated failures, we need a new strategy. Tyshow maintained
that the Demos have no solution. Hoffman retorted
that accountability begins at home.
Hoffman said that the other front,
Afghanistan, was also a monumental failure because the administration,
after initial success, let Osama bin Laden slip away when
it was shifted resources to Iraq. He said the U. S. has
to refocus on Afghanistan. Tyshow replied that we
had to draw in more allies in both wars to help shoulder
“our responsibility” to the world. Hoffman
shot back that the administration didn’t lie in Afghanistan,
but it did lie in Iraq.
Financial journalist Axel Krause
took over as moderator for the second round and shifted
back to the effect of the Foley follies. Yates conceded
that the GOP might lose some seats but that there would
be no Demo landslide. National security is the main issue,
he said, predicting that Foley would be forgotten by election
day. He said that the Demos also had their scandals. Smallhoover
replied that Dennis Hastert, the House Speaker, was the
issue, not just Foley He added that the Foley
affair proved that the Demos were the party of American
values, not the Republicans. Shifting topics, Yates said
that the economy was strong and more important and that
people were satisfied. Smallhoover shot back that wages
are at the lowest level in years and that only one percent
of the people benefited from the GOP policies.
Moderator Krause
brought up the subject of polls. Are they reliable? Do they
matter? Or is the role of money more important? Yates said
they were extremely reliable and increasing accurate but
that both parties were spending far too much money on campaigning.
Whatever the polls indicated, Yates said that a sudden,
unexpected event could change voting opinions overnight.
Smallhoover said that while the pools are fairly accurate,
they received far too publicity and often created a bandwagon
effect. As for campaign spending, he favored federally
funded elections, since Republicans can raise twice as much
money as the Democrats. Yates said campaign spending reform
was a “terrible failure,” but constitutional
guarantees of freedom of speech make it imossible
to limit speople from spending as much as they want. Smallhoover
said he favored a constitutional amendment guaranteeing
the right to vote and a system of voting to
ensure that all ballots are accurately counted.
Krause brought up Joe
Lieberman’s primary loss in Connecticut, attributed
to Lieberman’s support for the war in Iraq? What are
the alternatives? Yates admitted that there was no easy
solution but maintained that it would not be a good thing
for the world if America was defeated. “There would
be hell to pay,” he said. Smallhoover if we could.
afford to stay in Iraq, but Yates maintained that a pullout
was the same as “cut and run” and would cause
more chaos. Smallhoover replied that the Demos have a
six-point program to provide real national security,
economic security, better education, a working health-care
system and retirement security. Yates countered that the
GOP will continue their policies. He said that Bush tax
policies have increased tax collections and denounced the
teachers unions as the main problem in education. A small
Democrat majority “wouldn’t change much,”
he said.
A questioner in the audience
brought up gun control in the wake of recent school shootings.
Smallhoover said we need serious gun control but that it
was only a local issue in some jurisdictions and Yates said
there was no apparent solution in sight. “It is not
easy to just ban guns” because American are
wedded to them
As the debate wound up, Connie
Borde, DAF chair, was at the National Assembly for
a VIP preview of Al Gore’s film, “An Inconvenient
Truth,” which has just opened all around France to
much acclaim. The film’s warning that the planet
was in danger from the effects of global warming was welcomed
with much applause and all Americans, not just Democrats,
are urged to see it.
--Barney
Kirchhoff
Tuesday, October 3 (Paris) 7:30 PM
TAKE BACK THE CONGRESS
Dinner! Entertainment! And live call-ins with Congressional
candidates!)
Dems Abroad France gives the delicious dinner and YOU give
a check for a congressional candidate. On that evening,
bring your American dollar checkbook or a credit card for
a dollar contribution (with your American passport), and
Democrats Abroad France will cover dinner.
To RSVP, you agree to make a minimum contribution of $75
for the campaign of the candidate of your choice. We hope
you will give more or support more than one candidate!
At the home of Connie Borde 240 bis Bd St-Germain, 75007
RSVP to: Kathy Chassaing by Oct. 1st (places limited) 06.68.50.19.43
or jechassaing@noos.fr
At the Take Back the Congress event, we will discuss the
candidates and receive live calls from some of them. Contributions
that we collect that evening will be grouped and sent from
you to the candidates directly.
If you are not sure which candidates to support, you may
also make your contribution to the Democratic Senatorial
Campaign Committee (DSCC) and/or the Democratic Congressional
Campaign Committee (DCCC). To learn more about the candidates
and the races, consult www.dscc.org
(for the Senate) or
www. democraticaction.org (for the House).
Tuesday, September 26 (Paris) 7 PM
American writer in Paris, Jake Lamar,
reads from “The Last Integrationist” and “Ghosts
of Saint-Michel”
at the home of Judy Bizot, 217 Bd Raspail, 75014.
Contribution 5 euros.
RSVP daf@demsfrance.com
The DAF Minority Caucus sponsored a book evening by
African-American author Jake Lamar on Sept. 26. Introduced
by Zack Miller, Lamar read an excerpt on racial politics
in America from his novel, “The Last Integrationist,”
which was recently issued in French and won the Cognac prize.
He also read from his new Paris novel, “Ghosts
of Saint Michael,” published this summer in the U.S.
Sunday, June 18, 2006, at 6 PM
SMART GROWTH: A new
approach for the Democratic Party to invest in America's
future
Three members of the DAF Environment and Energy
Policy Committee - Laurie Geller, Everett Wakai and Jim
Christiansen – will discuss Smart Growth as both an exciting
cultural development in the U.S. and a valuable political
opportunity for the Democrats (building upon the Committee
position paper available online at http://www.demsfrance.org/environment.htm
At the home of John Morris, 56 rue des Tournelles, 75003,
5 euros will include wine, soft-drinks and delicious finger
food.
Weather permitting, we will party in John's courtyard.
RSVP daf@demsfrance.com
June 12 (Paris) 6:30 PM
The Women's Caucus of Dems
Abroad France presents
Jennifer Wilks
“I'm not a feminist, but…..”
Is the reluctance of some young women in their
teens and twenties to identify as feminist the result of
another backlash, to borrow from Susan Faludi, or the result
of what seems to be a culture of contentment among members
of Generation Y? Even when tempered by qualification or
hesitation, many of the concerns of this group--equal pay
for equal work, reproductive rights, balanced parenting
and employment options--are issues that were readily identified
as feminist in previous decades. "I'm not a feminist,
but..." hopes to spark a discussion about the language
and lessons of U.S. women's movements and their continued
relevance today.
Jennifer Wilks is Assistant Professor of English and African-American
Studies at the University of Texans , Austen. She
is currently teaching on a faculty exchange at the Université
de Paris X, Nanterre and is working on study of African-American
and Franco-Caribbean women writers from the 20's to the
40's
At the home of Sheila Malovany-Chevallier
24 rue des Carmes, 75005 (code: B5926)
(metro Mutualité-Maubert, 63, 84 etc. buses)
RSVP to sheilamc@free.fr
Summary:
Monday, June 12th, Jennifer Wilks addressed the Women's
Caucus with remarks entitled "I'm not a feminist, but..."
Drawing upon two sources of inspiration--(1) a September
2005 "New York Times" article on young women's attitudes
toward motherhood and work outside the home and (2) a classroom
encounter in which a young woman student severely criticized
Toni Morrison's novel "Sula"--Wilks attributed the apparent
unpopularity of the term "feminist" not only to cultural
conservatism, but also to a lack of historical memory among
high school and college-age women. A lively debtate ensued,
with topics ranging from whether it is possible or desirable
to fix a single definition of what it means to be feminist
to whether different generations (namely Baby Boomer, X,
and Y) have different expectations of or responsibilities
toward individual and collective struggles for gender equality.
Although no consensus was reached on the questions of terminology
or responsibility, those present did seem to agree that
there remained work to be done not only by women, but by
their male peers as well.
June 6 (Paris) 7:30 PM Drinks 8:00 Dinner
First Tuesday - A New American Policy
towards Europe
Speakers : Guillaume Parmentier, William Pfaff, Leroy Woodson,
Moderator, Rey Riemer
The anticipated recovery of at least one of the houses of
Congress in November will give our Party a greater voice
in foreign affairs, and the 2008 elections make a new Democratic
Administration ever more likely. There is no doubt
that the five-plus years of the Bush administration and
its outrageous foreign policies and actions – from Guantanamo
to scorn for international agreements the U.S. had signed
– have brought European mistrust of the United States to
a new low. We will have much to overcome. Yet, this interregnum
also gives the Democratic Party an opportunity to make a
clean break with the policies of our own past as well, from
hostility towards European defense to encirclement of today's
Russia through seemingly unlimited NATO expansion and moves
into ex-Soviet Central Asia. With the aid of our distinguished
speakers, this meeting can be seen as the kick-off to Democrats
Abroad's world-wide reflection on the issue, in Paris and
through our new international policy forum soon to be launched.
Les Noces de Jeanette
14 rue Favart, 75002 Paris
Metros: Richelieu-Druot
Send check for 32 Euros made out to "Les Noces de Jeanette"
or $37* to Cathy Decavèle, 22 Chemin de la Rousterie
, 78460 La Chevreuse. To pay at the door call for reservations
: Cathy Decavele at 01 30 52 34 92, Ellie Schaffer at 01
43 20 78 01 or Janice Mitchell at 01 46 33 32 91.
May 31 (Paris) 6:45 PM
YDAF Strategy Meeting followed by Wednesday
Night at the Movies
at 8:00 PM WAL*MART the high cost of low price
Wal-Mart produces lavish television commercials, but one
could wonder why Wal-Mart spends so much money
convincing people that it cares about family, community,and
even its own employees. What is it hiding? This
film takes you behind glitz and into the real lives of workers
and their families, business owners and their communities,
in an extraordinary journey that will challenge the way
you think, feel... and shop!
at the home
of Juliet Carter
9, rue Jean Mermoz 75008
Code: 37v98, and 98b37 / 2nd floor
(metro° Franklin D. Roosevelt)
Film Contribution: 5 euros
(there will be drinks & snacks)
Places limited / Please RSVP to:
ydaf.paris@gmail.com
May 22 (Paris) 6:30-8:30 PM
The US Health Care System in Crisis:
Can It Be Saved?
Speakers include Paul Horne, Peter Goldfarb, Tom Rose and
Meg Zimbeck. At the American University of Paris. Must
RSVP: daf@demsfrance.com
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