A post election post mortem: Where Does the Left Go from Here?

A forum and discussion at the HotHouse, 31 E. Balbo, Chicago
Tuesday, January 23, 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

The ascendance of a political mediocrity and a conservative Republican administration to the American presidency in the wake of the Florida debacle and without a clear popular mandate presents progressive movements and constituencies with both perils and opportunities in the next four years.

While the Democratic and Republican politicians mouth phrases about "bipartisanship" and "national unity," how will left activists, environmentalists, community/labor organizers, and others working for a more just and equitable world be able to come together to defeat right wing initiatives and build more effective campaigns and struggles?

This forum, a sequel to the well attended debate over Nader vs. Gore held at the Hothouse last October, will address questions such as:

• What can be done now to organize for genuine electoral reform in Illinois and across the U.S.?
• What state and local electoral opportunities present themselves in the period ahead for possible progressive coalitions and campaigns?
• What is the future of the Greens after the Nader campaign?
• What sort of non electoral campaigns and actions are necessary and feasible in the months ahead?
• How can progressives and the left work beyond past divisions and disunity toward improved dialogue, communication and common strategies?

Speakers from a variety of left and progressive points of view will give brief presentations at the beginning of the evening, followed by discussion with the audience.

Organizations participating in the forum include local Greens, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, the Socialist Party of Chicago, Solidarity, Democratic Socialists of America, and others.

Co sponsored by Chicago area Greens, the HotHouse, Democratic Socialists of America Chicago chapter, and Open University of the Left.

Admission is free; a collection will be taken to defray meeting expenses.
For more information, call 773 486 1823.