MESSAGE FROM TRUEMAJORITY -- The Message Below Must Be Shared With Those Who Have Children or Grandchildren Around 18 to 25

Memorial Day is here again and America still occupies Iraq. U.S. Army generals last week admitted that the occupation is going badly, with no end in sight. Many of us are angry and frustrated at our inability to end the quagmire. And every week brings new reports about Pentagon recruiters lying to our nations children to get them to join. Here are three things you can do:

1. FORWARD THE SONG ... Art opens a path to people's hearts. Five-time Grammy Award --winner Robert Cray has just released a powerful song called "Twenty," about a young man who joins the Army after 9/11 to protect his country. But he's sent to Iraq and discovers what the occupation is really about before he's killed in action. Robert is giving the song to TrueMajority for us to share with our members. If the song moves you, share it with friends who need to hear this message too. Use one of the links in the box to the right to play the song, or RIGHT-click here to download it:

http://www.kintera.org/atf/cf/{808DA652-D32D-4CDD-88F4-A3D3DB7866ED}/TWENTY_2MEG.MP3

2. PROTECT YOUR KIDS FROM PENTAGON RECRUITERS ... The so-called No Child Left Behind Act has a little-known provision that mandates schools to provide our children's personal information to the Pentagon so they can be recruited into the armed forces. The law also allows parents and guardians to stop their kids' schools from providing this information to the Pentagon, but few know what is going on or how to stop it. Our friends at Working Assets have built an online tool to make it easy. Just click on the link below to keep the military's hands off your kids:

http://www.leavemychildalone.org/index.cfm?event=showContent&contentid=13&mktcode=tm

3. MAKE THE PENTAGON ASK PERMISSION ... If you don't have children who are vulnerable to Pentagon recruiters, you can still help those of us who do. A bill in Congress would change this law and reverse the process, so parents would need to sign their kids up before their kids' information could be turned over to the Pentagon. It's an opt-in process, rather than the burden of opting out. To urge your congressperson to support this family protection bill, go to:

http://truemajority.kintera.org/LeaveMyChildAlone

And forward this to others so they too can help protect all our kids. The war in Iraq will last longer unless more people demand its end. These tools provide easy ways for you to take action and to let friends and family know what they can do.

If You Live In The NYC Area - Then Join NOT IN OUR NAME and the NYC War Resisters League in protesting FLEET WEEK On Saturday, May 28th
Assemble at Bryant Park, Sixth Ave. and 42nd Street, between 11:30 am and 12:00 pm. Walk in the silent procession from Bryant Park to the Intrepid War Museum at 12:00 pm. Vigil and leaflet across from the Intrepid War Museum, 12th Ave. and 46th Street, until 2:00 pm. NYC Not In Our Name, 212-760-1722

"Progressive Democrats of America" -- Political Report

Monday, May 23rd
Recent Washington D.C. Trip
PDA's most recent trip to the nation's capital bore great fruit as PDA National Director Tim Carpenter, Policy Director Alysia Fischer, and Political Advisor Steve Cobble, were able to solidify relationships with influential members of the Progressive Congressional Caucus and leaders of key peace and justice organizations. Topics discussed included the U.S. occupation of Iraq, opposition to CAFTA, and growing the progressive movement. Click here for details:

http://pdamerica.org/misc/2005-05-20-political-report.php

National Call-In/Write-In Week from May 31-June 3. PDA is pledged to ask our membership to lobby Democratic members of the House to co-sponsor H. Con. Res. 35. ClickÝhere for details:

http://pdamerica.org/misc/2005-05-20-political-report.php

PDA's work on CAFTA -- TheCentral American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is another pressing issue requiring progressive mobilization and action. While in DC, PDA met with Larry Weiss and Susan Ruether of the anti-CAFTA Citizen Trade Campaign. Click here for details:

http://pdamerica.org/misc/2005-05-20-political-report.php

What is a Progressive to do about Gasoline? We have been asked by our members what a Progressive can do about the current gasoline situation. In response, we have a few steps from our PDA friends. Click here for details:

http://pdamerica.org/misc/2005-05-20-political-report.php

STRATEGIC OMISSIONS: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE HEALTH EFFECTS AFTER 9/11
On Sunday, JUNE 12 at 1:00 PM
In Reidy Friendship Hall
Unitarian Church of All Souls
80th & Lexington Avenue
(Screening of a documentary film by Heidi Dehncke-Fisher and Gordon T. Skinner, running time 80 minutes)

Introduction by CONGRESSMAN JERROLD NADLER "STRATEGIC OMISSIONS" investigates impact of 9/11 on the health of rescue workers and lower Manhattan residents and unearths the political cover-up of the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. The collapse of the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center released 2,358 toxins into the air. These toxins are known to cause asthma and upper respiratory allergies and those exposed to them are at heightened risk for numerous cancers. "Strategic Omissions" gives a voice to those heroes of 9/11 who are now sick, due to their exposure to harmful chemicals during the rescue efforts. It looks for the truth behind the National Security Council's manipulation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports, as pressured to do so by the Bush Administration. The White House, seemingly worried about the economic impact of a delay in reopening Wall Street, pressured the EPA to mislead the public by issuing a statement that the air was safe in the downtown area, giving a false sense of security to rescue workers and those living and working there. Panelists include the filmmakers, health professionals, environmental experts, rescue workers and journalists.

Suggested contribution $10, $5 for seniors and students (no one will be turned away). All proceeds will go towards supporting the final editing and production of this important film for its anticipated entry into the IFP Film Festival & Market in September, 2005. (This event is a collaboration of the Peace Task Force, the NION [Not In Our Name] Education Committee and Action for Justice of Community Church).