News to Use

The Politics of the Human Rights Campaign

A greater local presence for the Human Rights Campaign in the Greater Cincinnati area -- including Northern Kentucky and Dayton, Ohio -- is being formed to support the work being done for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality across the country. The political subcommittee is getting organized for 2006 activities. The first meeting is at 7 p.m.Dec 14 in Edgewood, Ky. To attend, e-mail hrcpolitical@fuse.net. For more information, go to http://www.hrc.org/index.html

Block the Patriot Act

The effort to renew the Patriot Act is not going according to the White House script, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

A bi-partisan coalition thwarted the White House's effort to force through a reauthorization bill that would make most provisions of the law permanent. The ACLU is asking citizens to keep the pressure on by continuing to call and e-mail national representatives.For talking points, letter templates and links to contact information for elected officials, visit http://action.aclu.org.

Drink for Better Politics

Drinking Liberally, an informal, inclusive Democratic drinking club, meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. You don't have to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club; just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. After roaming the first Tuesday of every month, the group regularly settles back into The Comet in Northside. For more info, contact Chris Berger at cberger4@cinci.rr.com.

Wear Black for Peace

Ever since the Bush regime launched its unprovoked invasion of Iraq more than two years ago, the Women in Black have maintained a vigil calling for peace. Participants -- men and children are welcome, too -- are encouraged to wear black or dark clothes. The weekly peace protest is from 5-6 p.m. Mondays on the grassy island at the corner of Vine Street and Central Parkway.