A Very, Very Busy May 30!

Written by: Paul Eisenman on May 18, 2007 11:52 AM EDT

In progressive movements, we're all busy pursuing our special and particular plans. As a result, it's not unlikely that more than one group will schedule conflicting events. May 30, 2007 may well be as good an example of that as one may ever see.

Exhibit A: At 7pm this day, Garden State Equality is sponsoring the New Jersey premiere of "Freehold: The Laurel Hester Story," the Sundance Award-winning film about (and here I quote Steven Goldstein) "a hero's electrifying fight for justice and heartbreaking fight for life." The evening includes the 38-minute film, a wine-and-food reception with the film's director Cynthia Wade, and a panel discussion among Congressman Frank Pallone, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora and some of those who fought alongside Lieutenant Hester. The site is the George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Street, New Brunswick. The entire evening is free; no RSVP or tickets necessary. For further information, call 973-GSE-LGBT or write Contact@GardenStateEquality.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

A Very, Very Busy May 30!

 Exhibit B: From 4:30 to 6pm this day, rain or shine, members of Bergen Grassroots, Military Families Speak Out (Bergen County), Teaneck Peace and Justice Coalition, and WITS (World Improvement by Tenafly Students) will gather to display a 3,000-foot-long banner with the names of all the US troops, as well as many Iraqi people, who have been killed in the illegal and immoral war in Iraq. There will be speakers and music. Some 250 volunteers are needed to hold the 20-foot-long banner segments. We are eagerly seeking volunteers for this project. To volunteer, please call 201-377-5115 or go to www.teaneckpeace.org. To volunteer through us, call 201-692-9600 or email paul@bergengrassroots.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you're going, please wear your Bergen Grassroots button with pride.

Exhibit C: At or about 3:45pm this day (the time is necessarily flexible because it depends on a Presidential schedule), our 28%-approval-rating Chief Executive is scheduled to arrive in Edison on a fund-raising mission. (Why the New Jersey Republicans may expect succor from such an unpopular non-leader, deponent knoweth not. Perhaps his ratings look impressive to the hangdog GOP incumbents in the State Legislature, compared to their own.) The Republicans are not publicizing this event, but a number of progressive leaders around the state feel we should. Bergen Grassroots is in touch with them and we will keep you up-to-date on plans for a "Welcome to New Jersey, Dubya" reception for President Bush. Recommended dress: Bergen Grassroots button. If you're interested in participating, let us know to keep you apprised of developments. Same contacts: 201-691-9600 or paul@bergengrassroots.org.  

Exhibit D: From noon to 8pm this day, you can support the Real Bergen Democrats candidates who are opposed by Boss Ferriero's hand-picked candidates in the June 5 primary. They are Englewood Council President Charlotte Bennett Schoen; Bergenfield Council incumbent Bruce Carlson, Timothy Driscoll for Mayor and Barry Doll for Council, and County Sheriff candidate Allen Gailes, Jr. All have the endorsement of Bergen Grassroots. They need help from now until Primary Day, June 5. To sign up for any time period, call Brenda Allen at 201-503-1115.

There are your choices. It's not an easy decision. The one promise you should make right now is that you will observe Memorial Day by showing up for at least one of these events.

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Location: NJ