Drinking Liberally Tucson has been meeting for quite a while on Sundays at 6 p.m. at The Shanty, 401 E. 9th St., NE corner of N. 4th Avenue and E. 9th Street.

Starting Wednesday March 28 they are moving these weekly meetings to Wednesdays, same time, same place. The change is due to membership request, especially from those who disliked Sunday nights out. So no Drinking Liberally on Sunday March 25.

The group usually invites “liberal” speakers (Democrats, Greens, Independents) but has upon occasion invited Republicans. A few weeks ago my husband and I, along with about 20 people waited for Republican CD 8 House candidate Martha McSally to show, but her campaign cancelled due to miscommunications.

Last August I attended a debate there at Drinking Liberally between Green Mayoral candidates Dave Croteau & Mary DeCamp.

Local chapter website: www.livingliberallytucson.org. Living Liberally national website: www.livingliberally.org.

Drinking Liberally is a place for citizens to indulge in the pleasures of democracy: conversation, debate, socializing, networking, rabble-rousing, and just enjoying the company of your fellow citizens. The idea of an American Republic was born in the taverns of the American colonies. We strongly believe that the dreams that shape tomorrow’s America will also be born in our taverns, among everyday folks like you and me.

These meetings usually feature a speaker, then a Q & A period, and end by 9 p.m. (or so), and they do not encourage driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Six chapters of Drinking Liberally exist in Arizona– in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sierra Vista, Tempe and Tucson. Drop by the Tucson one, every Thursday at 7 p.m. at The Shanty, 401 E. 9th Street (at 4th Avenue), to join in with this group which advertises itself as “promoting democracy one pint at a time.”

Drinking Liberally is (paraphrased from their websites):”An informal, inclusive progressive social group” of “like-minded, left-leaning individuals” who need a place to discuss political issues. They encourage all to “just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it’s not taboo to talk politics.” They also believe that “the idea of an American Republic was born in the taverns of the American colonies. The dreams that shape tomorrow’s America will also be born in our taverns, among everyday folks.” Hence, the locales, in taverns across America.

This week’s topic is focusing on your opinions on local, state and national issues. Sometimes they have guest speakers, mostly politicians or community leaders. Although the group does meet in a bar/restaurant, they do not encourage drunk driving by any means.

Drinking Liberally is a project of Living Liberally, “an organization which builds progressive communities through social networks and events. Living Liberally also runs Laughing Liberally, the political comedy project; Screening Liberally, a series of socially-conscious films; Eating Liberally, events with good gab and great grub; and Reading Liberally, book tours for progressive authors. (Living Liberally is a New York-based LLC, led by a team in NYC and fueled by the energy of hundreds of volunteers and partners around the country.)”

Whew, that’s a lot of liberals and progressives isn’t it? Check out the website for this community of liberal thinkers: www.livingliberally.org.

Whatever your political bias may be, consider a visit with these folks who do welcome all viewpoints. I’ve dropped by on occasion to drink my cranberry juice and talk politics, being as I used to be a legislative aide to a powerful U.S. Senator on Capitol Hill in my younger days. Remind me to tell you about the time in D.C.when I spoke with actor John Denver on the phone….
but not sure how liberal he was.