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.
Ask the School Superintendent
Come ask questions of Cincinnati School Superintendent Rosa Blackwell. This is a unique way for parents and other concerned citizens to directly address the school superintendent with questions, concerns and suggestions. Forums run 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Pleasant Hill School in College Hill, Feb. 23 at Riverview East Academy in the East End and March 28 at Roll Hill School in North Fairmount.
City Council Works Nights, Sort of
Cincinnati City Council will meet at least three nights in 2006. Council has scheduled meetings at 6 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 25, May 10 and Sept. 20. Citizen forums begin at 5:30 p.m. Those wishing to address council must fill out a request card prior to the beginning of each Citizen Forum.
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 [email protected].
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.
