In This Issue

• Upcoming Meetings
• Chair's Corner: Exemplary Democrats
• Candidate Forums Continue
• February Meeting Highlights
• 2006-2007 Club Officers
• Berkley Democrats Recommend...
• History of the Berkley Democratic Club

Upcoming Meetings

The Berkley Democratic Club (BDC) meets on Thursdays at 7:30pm with the following schedule:

• March 30, 2006 with Rhonda Ross
• April 27, 2006 with Nancy Skinner
• May 18, 2006 with Frank Cona

As with the February gathering with John Ashcraft, our next three meetings feature candidates for the 9th Congressional District. Please be sure to attend!

Each meeting is held at Anderson Middle School in the Media Center, 3205 Catalpa, Berkley, Michigan. All are welcome to attend, and we look forward to seeing you!

- Steve Baker

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Chair's Corner

Exemplary Democrats

The passing years frequently remind us of life's brevity; its hurried pace insists that we make every day count. The higher values of our nature bid us to leave the world better than we found it. In recent weeks two great Berkley Democrats took their leave, passing on to their eternal reward. Their transition affords us the chance to mark their passing with a heart-felt thank you!

During the recent city elections I visited with Bill Tonkin and his wife. Her failing health coupled with the weight of years made it impossible for them to attend our club meetings for some time. I recall with great fondness Bill’s tearful wish that Marilyn and myself would be elected. The sincerity of his support came from his toenails. Then he steeled himself and said: "I like reading the Berkley Dem newsletter; make sure you keep that going..." I assured him that we would do that, as I went to place my sign in his lawn.

Despite the rush of an election campaign I pondered the words: "We the people..." as I walked to the next house humbled and empowered. Bill’s frailty did not prevent him from using that teachable moment to underline the value of public service. The abuses in Washington only lent greater honor to fighting back, a view he held with spectacular clarity. Our club is poorer for his passing.

Neil Jordan's service to our city was more public and well known. He was a member of City Council and virtually every other City Commission. He sought nothing for himself and spent countless hours of service at personal cost. Neil was an exemplary public servant: tolerant, fair-minded and guided by the goal of improving Berkley. He had the special talent of understanding an opponent's point of view, respecting it, and yet holding his ground if it protected our community from an errand plan.

His raspy voice and sturdy cane could not obscure his kind and gentle disposition. The residents of Berkley are indebted to him for a lifetime dedicated to education and public service. His support of our club and our candidates will be missed.

They have both gone to join Jim Mirk, Henry Graham, and a list of Berkley Dems who have done their part through the years to make our club a strong Democratic presence in Berkley. We are grateful for what they have done. We can express that gratitude by fighting to recapture our country and its constitution from those who have debased public service, devastated our economy, and diminished our reputation in the world.

- Phil O'Dwyer, Chair

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Candidate Forums Continue

The Berkley Democratic Club is proud to host a series of open, informative, and interactive "Meet the Candidate" forums. Each month we host a community leader who is committed to representing the needs of our community and our district at the federal level. Join us in engaging conversation with leading candidates for the 9th Congressional District.

At our February meeting, John Ashcraft met club members and other residents in an hour-long roundtable discussion. Mr. Ashcraft discussed his diverse background and his motivation for entering the race for U.S. Congress. He shared with us his vision for our district, state, and country, and his plans to achieve that vision. Mr. Ashcraft answered our questions with humor and grace. The BDC extents its gratitude to John Ashcraft for meeting with us, for sharing his valuable time, and for the spirited and open discussion!

On March 30, we welcome Rhonda Ross to share her thoughts and insights. Ms. Ross believes in an honest and fiscally responsible government to build a strong economy so we can fund our schools and maintain a safe, healthy, and clean environment.

At our April 27 meeting, we welcome Nancy Skinner. Ms. Skinner has spent her professional life as a Democratic radio and TV host, businessperson, and environmentalist advocating for progressive change.

And on May 18, we welcome Frank Cona who wants to put the government back in the hands of everyday Americans. Mr. Cona advocates for lower health care costs, an exit strategy in Iraq, and that promised retirement and pensions be there when we retire.

Mark your calendars for these important events! Each starts at 7:30pm and is free and open to the public at the Anderson Middle School Media Center.

- Steve Baker

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February Meeting Highlights

We had an action-packed agenda for our February 16, 2006 club meeting. Highlights of the discussion topics include:

1. Meet the Candidate - John Ashcraft, 9th Congressional District Candidate, spoke and answered questions. For more information, see Candidate Forums Continue (above).
2. Election of Club Officers - We elected our club officers for the annual cycle. For more information, see 2006-2007 Club Officers (below).
3. Treasurer's Report - Ralph provided the club with an update on our budget and the membership drive. Thanks to everyone who has renewed their membership, and a warm welcome to all who joined the club!
4. Remembering Neil Jordan and Bill Tonkin - Phil led a brief memorial of two exemplary Democrats. For more information, see Chair's Corner (above).
5. Upcoming Meeting Schedule - We are thrilled to continue our Candidate Forums in the coming months. For more information, see Upcoming Meetings (above).

- Steve Baker

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2006-2007 Club Officers

At our Annual Meeting held on February 16, 2006, the Berkley Democratic Club elected the Officers for 2006-2007. The Club Officers are:

• Chair - Phil O'Dwyer
• Vice-Chair - Marilyn Stephan
• Treasurer - Ralph Conklin
• Secretary - Steve Baker
• Club Trustees - Laura Gogola and Chris Riley

The Berkley Democratic Club extends congratulations and thanks to all Officers for their continued energy and ongoing commitment!

- Steve Baker

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Berkley Democrats Recommend...

"Knowledge is power." We make this expression real by staying "in the loop" with current events, by reading and discussing progressive items of interest, and by sharing our recommendations with each other.

This column, the first in a series, provides our community with a club-inspired list of recommended books, magazines, and articles of interest. Subsequent columns will highlight movies, websites, satellite and terrestrial radio programs, and more.

Have you read, heard, or seen something of interest lately? Do you want to discuss it with others? Would you like to offer a recommendation? Let us know and we will share your thoughts and suggestions with our club and community; see Contact Us to get started!

Books we recommend include:

• The Truth (with Jokes) by Al Franken (2005). Like his previous books, Al covers a variety of current events with both well-researched facts and sharp humor. This time his tone is heavier with a greater sense of urgency. Yet he remains effective in stirring simultaneous emotions (like laughter and anger!).
• Bush's Brain: How Karl Rove Made George W. Bush President by James Moore and Wayne Slater (2003). Two reporters from Texas chronicle Karl Rove’s rise to power, his passion for a permanent Republican-led government, and his close relationship with Bush. The book also sets context on the CIA leak scandal.
• Bush on the Couch: Inside the Mind of the President by Justin A. Frank, M.D. (2004). Although Dr. Frank has not spoken with Bush in person, he has spent many years studying and analyzing Bush's speeches, mannerisms, and family history. This book provides a shocking psychological profile of Bush explaining his upbringing, his motivations, and his character.
• The Official Guide to Fahrenheit 9/11 and Will They Ever Trust Us Again? both by Michael Moore (2004). The former includes the full script and detailed notes of the award-winning film; the latter contains 200 unforgettable pages of letters from soldiers in Iraq, veterans, and family members about the war, the Bush administration, and freedom.
• State of War: The Secret History of the CIA and the Bush Administration by James Risen (2006). This is the book that first revealed Bush's illegal domestic spying and wiretap programs. It explores the secret inner workings of the CIA and critiques the Bush administration's failures with Middle East nations like Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan.
• The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century by Thomas Friedman (2005). This book serves as an urgent, well-researched wake-up call on globalization, education, technology, and the damage inflicted on our society by the Bush administration.

Magazines and articles we recommend include:

• Washington's Invisible Man by David Margolick, Vanity Fair (April 2006). This in-depth article chronicles Jack Abramoff's rise to (and fall from) power based on surprisingly honest interviews. He describes his career, his crimes, and his cohorts including President Bush and Tom DeLay.
• The Week. With its headline "All you need to know about everything that matters," this weekly magazine distills various perspectives of current events including national and world news and politics, society, entertainment, and more. It even-handedly assembles "the best of the U.S. and International media."
• The Nation. In print since 1865, this weekly news magazine features thoughtful progressive editorials and commentary, columns, articles, and reviews of books and the arts. It explores political and social issues through critical eyes and independent voices.
• Mother Jones. This independent, nonprofit bi-monthly magazine focuses on social justice. It informs and educates its readers with in-depth essays on news, commentary, and the arts. Mother Jones provides its readers and subscribers with first-rate investigative reporting.

In subsequent newsletters we will highlight key films, websites, radio shows and hosts, and more. Please contact us with what you have found to be of interest! We look forward to hearing from you. Happy reading!

- Steve Baker

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History of the Berkley Democratic Club

The end of the 1940's saw the completion of the housing stock that is the city of Berkley. However, it was not until the rising tide of enthusiasm that followed the election of John F. Kennedy that the Berkley Democratic Club came into existence. The optimism and turbulence of the 1960's saw the fledgling club nurtured into place by Berkley resident Sandy Levin. Others helped for the next ten years but Sandy provided the drive and inspiration that set the club on a secure footing.

By 1971, Roy Daniel became the club chair and held that role for the next two years. The chairmanship of the club changed hands for the next three years as Bob Sawyer took over the leadership position. From 1975 to 1986 former Berkley Councilman Ralph Conklin steered the ship with diligence and attention to detail. When Conklin was elected to City Council he turned the reins over to Solomon Frusto who served as Chair for the next two years. In 1990, Dr. Phil O'Dwyer was elected club chair, a position he has held for the last 16 years.

A review of club history reveals that several others served in a variety of offices. Among these were James Brennan, Pat Salamanca, Arthur Currivean, Don Oleksinski, Karen White, Jim Mirk, Henry Gram, Judge Bill Sauer, and David Marriott. One servant of the club and party is distinguished by years of service: Dorothy Mirk served as secretary from 1975 to 1997. Her service to the city, county, and state party is truly exemplary.

There were others, too, who worked hard to advance the principles of the Democratic Party. In this respect we are especially proud of our association with Congressman Sandy Levin whose personal service to our country continues to be an inspiration.

Over the years the club has been an active Democratic presence in the community. It has maintained an enthusiastic cadre of dedicated people committed to the principles that made America great. We are confident that those who have gone to their eternal reward have heard the comforting words: "Well done good and faithful servant..." To those who continue to strive to promote a nation of tolerance and respect; a nation that cares for the poor and the elderly; a nation that values and funds education; a nation that seeks to lead in the world and not impose its will on others; a nation that seeks justice and peace we say welcome to our ranks. Your cause is our cause; together let us work to create a secure city, a vibrant state and a tolerant nation. It is what those who went before us worked to implement; let these values not pass from the land on our watch.

- Phil O'Dwyer, Chair

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