Where do we progressives go from here?  We've won a string of important electoral victories over the last two years, both nationally and here in Massachusetts.  President-elect Obama.  Governor Patrick.  A strongly Democratic Congress.  An increasingly progressive state legislature, including an increasing number of legislators with direct connections to Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts.  Our resounding (70%) victory against Question 1.

Yet, just at the moment that we'd like to start turning these electoral victories into forward movement on a progressive issues agenda, the extraordinary financial crisis poses new obstacles.  Of course, at the very same time, that crisis underscores the urgency of many parts of our agenda, and perhaps opens new opportunities to build the case for progressive change. 

So how do we move forward?  Particularly at the state and local level, what are the key issues and strategies for PDM and the rest of the progressive movement to pursue in the coming weeks and months? 

To start this discussion, the Lexington chapter of Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts has invited our local state legislators to join us for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities we face.  So far, we have received confirmations from Sen. Ken Donnelly and Reps. Jay Kaufman, Tom Stanley, Sean Garballey and Will Brownsberger.  We expect an engaging discussion, and hope to come out of the meeting with some decisions about priorities for Lexington PDM to pursue.

The meeting will take place on Wed., Jan. 21 at 7:30 PM at the Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam St.  Please join us -- and please bring along a friend who might be interested in PDM's work.

Admission to the meeting is free, but, in recognition of President-elect Obama's National Day of Service initiative, participants are encouraged to bring a donation for the Lexington Food Pantry.  The Pantry is particularly seeking donations of 15 oz. cans of chicken broth, 15 oz. cans of whole kernel corn, 16-18 oz. jars of peanut butter, and 18 oz. containers of quick cooking oatmeal.  (Only items with unexpired expiration dates can be accepted.)