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View the photo gallery. 

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Ground Zero Mosque

Trying to get a grip on the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque" issue? Popular DAA member, Mike Waltner, has just published an article about how this topic came about and why it is being used as a political tool right now. Check the article, “Americanization of Islam” or the “Islamization of America”? on our website: www.democratsabroad.at. Mike Waltner holds a BA in Religious Studies from Penn State University, and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University in New York City. He is formerly Director of Operations at the Interfaith Center of New York and was a Democratic Candidate for US Congress.

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Josephine Scianna Art Exhibition — “WE HAVE OVERCOME”

The subject of this exhibition is the election of Barack Obama, a milestone in the history of our nation and a moment many of us thought we would never see. Most of the paintings depict the very moment he was elected, the tears of joy, the excitement, the overwhelming celebration, not just in our country but around the world. This was an event that brought us all together to hope for a better future. So, come and join me for the opening. You won't forget it.

Tuesday, 18 May, from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Galerie Frey
Gluckgasse 3, A-1010 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 (1) 513 8283
Regular opening hours:
Monday – Friday 11:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
www.josephinescianna.com/news.htm
Opening Tuesday May 18, from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. 

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Twelve Reasons Why Obama Should Take Note of Small States
by Michael Platzer

Almost overlooked by the world media, President Obama made a trip to Trinidad in April to attend the Summit of the Americas . In his official speech, he stressed an "equal partnership with the nations of the Western Hemisphere based on mutual respect, common interests, and shared values." He met separately with the leaders of the Caribbean and listened to their concerns - gun trafficking from the United States, the unregulated deportation of Caribbean citizens, decreased assistance, the attacks on their financial services, and general neglect over the past decade.

 

From 4-6 June, academics, diplomats, and policy analysts met in Port of Spain, under the auspices of the Academic Council on the United Nations System to discuss "Small, Middle and Emerging Powers in the UN System."

Amongst the discussions of the increasing role played by Brazil, China, India, and Russia on the world stage, Dr. Michael Platzer and others argued that the small states in Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia not to be ignored. For the simple reasons that they are a majority in the General Assembly, have proven that they have good ideas, and can act as mediators. As Austria and Croatia are now on the Security Council, Mr. Platzer argues that the President not just concentrate on France, Germany, and the United Kingdom .

Twelve Reasons

1.  Over half the membership of the United Nations is made up of Small States— countries with a population of under 10 million people—new initiatives cannot move unless the cooperation of certain regional groupings is secured; many important endeavors have come from smaller states in the United Nations (International Criminal Court, Anti-Personnel Mine Campaign, Law of the Sea Convention).

2.  One-third of the membership of the Security Council currently and traditionally consists of small states: today, they are Austria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Burkino Faso, and Libya . In 2007 it was Belgium, Panama, Qatar, and Slovakia, and prior to that, Benin, Bulgaria and Denmark . For a resolution to pass the Security Council, it requires not only all the P-5 (permanent members) but also an overall majority in the Security Council, which means at least some of the smaller states.

3.  In assessed contributions to the work of the United Nations, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Singapore, and Switzerland all contribute more individually than Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines, or Venezuela —much larger and in some cases oil rich countries.

4.  Among the top troop-contributing countries to peacekeeping operations are Jordon, Uruguay, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Fiji, Gambia, Guatemala, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Greece . In fact, Rwanda, Jordon, Uruguay, and Senegal are currently ahead of France with 2,431 soldiers and police, 2,150 from China, and 346 from Russia, 290 from the UK, and 96 from the USA . The largest contingents still come from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Nepal, and Ghana . Since admission to the UN, Austria has provided over 60,000 troops.

5. The top donors to UNICEF regular resources, after the USA and UK, are Norway (no.3), Sweden (no.4), Denmark (no.10), Ireland (no.11), Finland (no.14), Switzerland (no.20) – followed shortly by UAE and Luxembourg. Norway with a population of 8 million contributes $170 million in total resources to UNICEF while the USA contributes only $301 million and the UK , $213 million.

6. The top donors to UNHCR, after the USA, are Sweden ($99 million), Norway ($56 million), Denmark ($45 million), Germany ($48 million) and the United Kingdom ($57 million), Netherlands and Japan do contribute more than these small states: $85 million and $108 million, respectively. It must also be remembered that the European Commission gives $45 million

7. Among the top 20 contributors to UNDP are seven small countries: Norway (no.2), Sweden (no.7), Switzerland (no.9), Finland (no.13), Ireland (no.15), Austria (no.17) and New Zealand (no. 20), ahead of India, China, Saudi Arabia, Korea . Moreover, Luxembourg is in this last league.

8.  General Assembly leadership has long been in the hands of the small states. Among the recent Presidents of the General Assembly have been Father Miguel d’Escoto of Nicaragua (2008), Srgian Kerim of Macedonia (2007), Ms Sheika Hava Rashed Ali Khalifa of Bahrain (2006), Jan Eliasson of Sweden (2005), Jean Ping of Gabon (2004), Julian Robert Hunte of Saint Lucia (2003). Other noteworthy Presidents have been Samuel Insanally of Guyana (1993), Guido de Marco of Malta (1990), Prime Minister Harri Holkeri of Finland (2000), Paul Lusaka of Zambia (1984), Theo-Ben Gurirab of Namibia,(1999), Jan Kavan of Czech Republic, Stoyan Ganev of Bulgaria, Didier Opertti of Uruguay (1998), Gaston Thorn Prime Minister of Luxeumbourg, Edvard Hambro of Norway, Annie Brooks of Liberia, Charles Malik of Lebanon, Sir Leslie Munro of New Zealand, and Paul Henri Spaak of Belgium

9.  Many recent efforts responding to climate change, advancing United Nations reform, following up the Millennium Development Goals, financing development ( Doha ), and the current UN conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis come from small states. The Alliance of Small Island States has proven particularly effective in connection with the climate change negotiations, ever since the first UN Global Conference on Sustainable Development for Small Island Development States (1994 Barbados Plan of Action)

10.  Small States have provided solutions for deadlocks, suggested compromises, mediated between groups, and facilitated face-saving measures. Through ideas, hard work, reliability, professionalism, and creativity they have proven indispensable for negotiating the language of declarations and resolutions, securing budget agreements, as well as providing neutral chairmanship of intergovernmental committees and working groups. For this reason, countries like Liechtenstein have assumed responsibilities beyond their size. Permanent Representative, Christian, has been President of the State Parties to the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court, chair of the working group on the crime of aggression, vice-chair of the open-ended working group on Security Council reform, chair of Third Committee of the General Assembly, and President of the Parties of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

11.  Small States often have more flexibility than medium or large states. Their foreign service bureaucracies are small—often a telephone call home will secure approval for a statement, vote, or proposed course of action. In many cases, the Permanent Representatives in New York enjoy the complete trust of the Head of State or foreign minister. Ambassador Vanu Gopala Menon from Singapore, his predecessor Ambassador Kishore Mahbuhani and their staff have been able to speak on UN reforms, disarmament, non-proliferation and security issues, human rights, advancement of women, drug control, economic and financial issues, peacekeeping, decolonization, globalization, environment, sustainable development, the Internet, global governance, results-based budgeting, scale of assessments, and Security Council Reform, almost without reference back to their capital because of the confidence they enjoy.

12.  Small States often receive direct advice from academics and think tanks. The University of Iceland has established a Centre for Small States, which provides policy advice. The Herbert Batliner-Europainstitut in Salzburg has recently held a symposium on small states in Europe .

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Touched by Obama

It took me a while to realize where I was, when my phone alarm went off at 4:30 in the morning, on Sunday, April 5th. Czech Inn in Prague!! Yes, I had come up from Salzburg to see Obama! After quickly showering and getting dressed, I grabbed my copy of Obama’s book, The Audacity of Hope and proceeded to the lobby to wait for the others to come down.

We were on the tram by 6 a.m. and when we finally reached the area where the gates would open up at 7, I remember feeling a twinge of disappointment at the number of people already waiting to get in. However, I did not have to worry because after going through security, I walked down to the stage area clutching my book and found a spot at the barricade just left of the stage. Sonia joined me and we talked and talked until the President and the First Lady Michelle arrived. What a beautiful couple!

The speech was wonderful. President Obama left the stage to his left and began shaking hands. Suddenly a gentleman approached me and told me to put away my pen. He said my book would get signed, but I should put away my pen. A minute or two later, he came back, told me to write my name in the back of the book and then he took the book out of my hand saying, “Don’t worry, you’ll get it back signed.” And off he went. Turning to my right, I saw President Obama approaching and then everything happened so quickly. I remember shaking his hand and asking, “Can I give you a hug?” He gave me this big smile and then suddenly, these long thin arms were giving me a hug and I hugged back! Then he went on to the next person and when I turned to my right, there was Michelle, and I got to hold both of her hands before she moved on! Turning to Sonia, I asked her to pinch me, just so I knew that I was awake and not dreaming all of this.

Once the Obamas were gone the gentleman, who had taken my book, returned it to me, signed.

What an amazing day, one that I will never forget!!

-Mary Ann Balko-Koch (DAA Salzburg)

P.S. I am grateful to Katie and Creag for making this possible!! Thank you!!

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Joey Green Concert – 75 Days of Obama

Despite miserable weather outside, it was very hot inside Pickwick's on the 29th of March when Joey Green and his friends played before an enthusiastic crowd celebrating two months and a bit of Barack Obama in the White House. Joey enrolled Umberto Cappellini (saxophone), Roland Stonek (guitar) and Roby Stern (bass guitar) to join him in the celebration. They played Obama's favorite songs and old classics from Billie Holiday ("God Bless the Child"), Billy Joel ("New York State of Mind"), Fats Waller ("Black and Blue"), Hoagey Carmichael ("Georgia on My Mind"), Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and Jacques Prevert.

During the Break, Joey showed a slide show of Barrack Obama growing up in Hawaii, Indonesia, New York, and Boston and previously unseen photographs from the state, senate, and presidential campaigns, which he had compiled from various sources. (Joey has agreed to make available the photo presentation to anyone for other events). Then, Mr. Green and Shay Black on Pickwick's big screen led us in the foot stomping "O'Bama is Irish" tune written by Hardy Drew and the Nancy Boys. Finally, he showed the hilarious Robyn Williams sketches performed in London. It was good to laugh after eight long Bush years.

The good spirits set loose by Joey and his friends were the perfect overture for President Obama's trip to Europe. For those who missed our Democrat activist/musician, Joey Green, at Pickwick’s you can catch him at the Tunnel, Florianigasse 39, Tuesday April 21 singing more Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Haven Gillipsie, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin ("Summertime"). Drummer Kevin McManus from Brooklyn, NY will be joining them

—Michael Platzer

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"Celebrating 75 days of Barack Obama"

DAA member and vocalist/pianist Joey Green cordially invites you to Pickwick's on Sunday, March 29th beginning at 8:00 pm for an evening of relaxing renditions of some of the greatest songs of the 20th century. Not only. Also to a re-screening on Pickwick's big screen of the Barack Obama photo presentation (that was shown at the Tunnel inauguration party on January 20th), alongside a musical soundtrack of President Obama's favorite music! Come and join us as we continue to revel in this truly historic moment for as long as possible!

Gee, doesn’t it feel good?

Sample Joey's latest CD Those Songs by visiting: http://www.myspace.com/joeygreen3rd

For further information, e-mail Joey at: joey.green@gmx.at

 

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Move On Up Party Donations

Were you able to join DA Austria on the Badeschiff to celebrate the Obama/Biden Inauguration? And did you have such a great time that you stayed on for the tremendous Move On Up party from 9:30 P.M. onwards?

The organizers of the Move On Up party collected donations at the door for three very worthy causes. However, if you were already on the Badeschiff for the DA Austria party, you probably were not asked to donate when you stayed on. Please do consider making a contribution NOWto one or more of the following organizations:

 

Refugee Project Ute Bock:

http://www.e-spende.at/fraubock/main.asp

International Fellowship of Reconciliation: http://www.versoehnungsbund.at

Exit (an anti-trafficking group that helps African women who have been trafficked to Austria): http://www.ngo-exit.com

Thank you!

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East Meets West: Salzburg Road Trip

On their way to the DA Germany’s annual general meeting on March 7, Katie Solon, Sonia Kowalzek and Kristin Smeral stopped in Salzburg on Friday, March 6, to meet with a core group of Salzburg members of DA Austria at the English Center.

https://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/default/files/DAA_Salzburg.gif.

The Salzburg group reported on their very successful Inauguration Celebration at the Hotel Stein, including great press coverage, and held a brainstorming about future activities with an eye on the midterm elections in 2010. Mary Ann Balko-Koch received a certificate of appreciation from the Obama campaign

https://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/default/files/DAA_Salzburg_certificate.gif

for her outstanding work in election year 2008.

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Visit to the Democrats Abroad Germany AGM

On March 7, 2009, five members of Democrats Abroad Austria travelled to Munich for the Democrats Abroad Germany (DAG) AGM: Sonia Kowalzek (Member-at-Large), Kristin Smeral (Member-at-Large), Katie Solon (Counsel-Nominee), Kathryn Strachan (Young Democrats Abroad Austria), and Agatha Walczak-Typke (Volunteer Coordinator and Chair-Nominee).

We observed DAG's executive committee election and met like-minded fellow Democrats. We gathered some great ideas for voter registration strategies, events, fundraising, and ways to improve our efficiency. We also admired their rich diversity in chapters, and felt inspired to encourage the formation of chapters in Austria. Our visit directly led to DAG and DAA submitting a joint resolution to the Democratic Party Committee Abroad to honor the efforts of outgoing DNC Chair Dr. Howard Dean. We hope to establish further cooperative links with DAG in the future.

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Move On Up!
Submitted by Harold Otto

Inspired by the Obama inauguration theme, “Be the Change,” a group of loosely linked social activists in Vienna organized the Move on Up! celebration at Badeschiff Wien at 21.30 on Inauguration Day. Those attending the celebration were asked to commit to a day of service or contribute to pre-selected organizations helping asylum seekers, trafficked African women or practical peace and reconciliation projects (Ute Bock Verein, Exit or International Fellowship of Reconciliation). In this spirit of supporting community service, over 20 different musicians and DJs donated their services. These included internationally known stars such as Hubert Tubbs, Iris Camaa, Big John, Kieran Lynn and Kim Cooper of the Rounder girls and Eric Papilaya who represented Austria in the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest.

Throughout the night, in the belly of the Badeschiff, some of Vienna’s most popular DJs (Stereotyp, Alter Uhu, Dj Joe Joe, Dj Direct, b2b and Escudo) maintained an exciting dance atmosphere. The visual jockey team NQ and BREAKVIEW provided visuals. On the Badeschiff’s main deck, Austria’s young independent rock group Inee www.inee.at gave an unplugged concert. Vienna’s well-known diva, Lucy McEvil deejayed chill and world music. At midnight, Vienna’s noted “networker” for independent singer songwriters and world musicians, Dominik Nostitz, organized a jam session that included musicians from the Americas, Africa and the USA. Some of these musicians had volunteered their services after reading about the evening on the Myspace profile of the Move on Up celebration: www.myspace.com/moveonup_obama_vienna.

Volunteer contributions provided all services for the evening (including publicizing via email and printing posters). The three organizations designated to receive contributions at the door reported total donations of 1843 Euro. However, the Move on Up! organizers emphasize that the purpose of the evening was not to raise funds, but to a) organize an inclusive Obama’s inauguration party, b) honor Obama’s rich multi-cultural background; c) raise consciousness about the Obama spirit of taking personal initiative to address social problems, and d) provide an opportunity to celebrate generational change (many of Obama’s key campaign activists were born after 1968). A young Hungarian-Austrian guest, Miklos Nikolics, self-described as an “active clubber,” commented that the Move on Up! celebration was the only time he’s been at a party where scruffy young people with dreadlocks joyfully celebrated along with an older generation in expensive outfits and carefully groomed hair.

One of the co-organizers, Michael Platzer an Austrian-American who has been politically active since the election of John F Kennedy and belongs to the ‘G8 Anti Vietnam War’generation says he can now be proud of having a US passport again. Hubert Tubbs, the internationally famous soul singer said: “The new President makes me feel wonderful and gives me hope that a man won't be judged by the color of its skin. People will look at a black man differently, because of Barack Obama. A black man is President of the United States.”

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2008 and 2009 Election/Inauguration Events
Submitted by Allen Prattis

The primary and election years 2008 and 2009 were a great opportunity for Democrats Abroad Austria to plan events and stage them during the various parts of this election cycle.

We had four debate parties at Pickwick’s Pub that were well attended. We showed each of the debates on a big screen and cheered when Barack Obama and John McCain verbally tussled on stage. After this we prepared for the Election Night Party. This took place at the Lion Rampant Pub and the place was packed. We stayed up late and celebrated the election of Barack Obama to President-elect of the United States of America.

The final event in the election cycle was the Inauguration Party on the Badeschiff in downtown Vienna. This was another well-attended event sponsored by Democrats Abroad for US Citizens, Green Card holders and friends of DAA. This was again well attended with everyone from children to adults watching the historic moments as they unveiled in Washington. The buzz on the ship was great with people cheering in the new administration and having a great time.

The events were also a great magnet for the press with representation in most of the major Austrian news outlets. Democrats Abroad Austria was in the news and this increased the awareness of the media concerning what we do and what our values are and it spread the word to the American community that we are here, which helped to increase our membership and also showed that the United States is more than one party and a single idea.

Personally I was asked if I wanted to be in D.C. for the festivities. My reply was “No.” The work that Democrats Abroad Austria has done is just as vital as any grassroots organization in the US and I could not imagine a better group of volunteers, organizers, and party attendees that I would have liked to have spent my time with. Hopefully, when one is asked in the years to come “where were you when Barack Obama was elected President?” the many expat Americans, who attended the events, will share their fond memories of this great election cycle and the events that Democrats Abroad Austria made possible.

In any case all this would be nothing without the many volunteers that helped with the celebrations. People donated their time, the press was informed, volunteers manned the doors and there were endless debates about how to go forward, but in the end this was all worth the great fun at the events and also the memories that we hopefully helped to create for our members, who are in most cases far away from home.

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Urge the new administration to appoint persons who care about the humane treatment of animals to important cabinet positions

As you may know, President-elect Barack Obama is working to fill key positions in his administration. Two cabinet positions in particular will have a major impact on the treatment of animals — the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior. It is essential for President-elect Obama to appoint individuals to these positions who take animal welfare seriously and have a demonstrated track record of support for animal protection policies. Please write to President-elect Obama (https://community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2008_obama_secretaryofag2) to urge him to appoint animal-friendly individuals to these positions.
 
With oversight of the Animal Welfare Act and the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, the Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for enforcing a broad range of laws — including those covering puppy mills, animal slaughter, animal fighting, and food safety. We believe that John Boyd Jr., founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association, and former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, would be excellent choices for this post. However, we strongly object to former Representative Charlie Stenholm, who has been extremely hostile to even the most modest animal protection reforms, and has been a paid lobbyist for the factory farming and horse slaughter industries. It would be a disaster for animals if he were to be appointed to this position or any other position of authority over animal welfare matters.
 
The Secretary of the Interior oversees the enforcement of key wildlife laws, such as the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and wildlife management practices on hundreds of millions of acres of federal land. We think the best candidates for this position are Representatives Raúl Grijalva and Jay Inslee and former Interior Department Deputy Secretary David Hayes. Conversely, we oppose Representative John Salazar, as he has been hostile to a wide range of animal protection policies, including efforts to halt the trophy hunting of polar bears and to protect wild horses from slaughter. Salazar was even aligned with former Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo in an attempt to weaken the Endangered Species Act. Click here (https://community.hsus.org/campaign/HSLF_2008_obama_cabinet/ik3x36b4l7mtnwe3? )  to learn more about these candidates and add your voice to these recommendations.
 
We hope that President-elect Obama will consider the importance of animal protection when appointing these positions, and that you will join us to express your support (https://community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2008_obama_secretaryofag2) for individuals who embrace animal protection as a worthy goal. And don't forget to tell your friends and family to take action, too.
 
Thank you for all you do for animals,
Mike Markarian
President
Humane Society Legislative Fund

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Bike for Obama photos in front page article of Der Standard!!! :

DAA members made the Austrian news! Read all about it and see the photos here:

http://derstandard.at/?url=/?id=1220458790994 

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Obama Bridge Project:  Video - We are the Change:  http://fr.youtube. com/watch? v=EReWYQrtnkc

Video - Yes We Span!:  http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=RbBzEkXyu4o

All Photos: http://www.flickr. com/groups/ bridgesforobama/ pool/

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Ensure the DAA Newletter Reaches You! 

DAA is aware that some monthly newsletters are not reaching some members. This is most often due to your email filter treating it as spam. To enusre that it gets through to you, please add...

da-a-newsletter@democratsabroad.org

...to your email account "Contacts" or "Address Book". Your email software will then see it as safe.

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To contact DAA by email, write to:  

info@democratsabroad.at

By post, write to:

Democrats Abroad Austria
Josefsdorf 20
1190 Vienna

Tel: 0676 362 7082

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