Politics & Government

Drinking Liberally [VIDEO]

A monthly meet-up to discuss issues of the day with left-leaning people.

Once a month this spirited group of liberal-minded Nashuans own the back room at Thousand Crane. It's a comfortable gathering where politics is always the main course, but side dishes vary, depending on the crowd.

This week's meeting coincided with President Obama's televised address to the nation from Afghanistan.

As Obama wrapped up his speech about his plan to "wind down" the war, the dozen or so Democrats listened closely.

Find out what's happening in Nashuawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Amen, Brother," Mike Pedersen said, when it was over. "About time."

Ending the war was on Obama's priority list when he campaigned for office. Four years later, it's difficult for some Democrats to understand why the war persists. If nothing else, it's fodder for conversation, as is the status of organized labor, etiquette at the Statehouse and the laws of supply and demand, all discussed over sushi and spirits.

Find out what's happening in Nashuawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The group meets the first Tuesday of every month, one of four Drinking Liberally groups in New Hampshire of the 233 national chapters located around the country.

According to the Drinking Liberally website, the idea is to create  an informal, inclusive social atmosphere where Democrats can get together to "raise your spirits while you raise your glass," and share ideas while you share a pitcher.

Although getting together for drinks over politics is nothing new no matter which side of the issues you are on, this particular movement began in New York City in May of 2003 to counter the conservative momentum that had carried George W. Bush back to the White House for a second term.

Drinking Liberally is a project of Living Liberally, the mothership organization which also runs Laughing Liberally, a political comedy project; Screening Liberally, a series of socially-conscious films; Eating Liberally a dinner out version of the group; and Reading Liberally, which plans book tours for progressive authors.


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