Promoting democracy, one pint at a time.
This is not the newest catchphrase among students on the liberally charged UW-Madison campus, but rather the proclaimed motto coined by the relatively new-to-Madison social club Drinking Liberally.
Drinking Liberally was formed in New York City in 2003 as a support group for frustrated liberal thinkers to speak their minds. Since its inception, the group has exploded across the nation, boasting sites in 53 different locations from Fairbanks, Alaska to Houston, Texas.
The concept is a simple one: provide an informal environment for politically like-minded individuals to socialize under comfortable circumstances. One cannot find a more informal or comfortable place to do so than in a bar.
The Madison chapter of Drinking Liberally was formed by Dory Owen as the November presidential election approached. The group's initial discussions centered around politically motivated issues and agenda, but has since transformed into a weekly social gathering of people who simply enjoy each other's company.
\I started the group during the election, but since then it has been more of a social get-together,"" Owen said.
Although the group has remained relatively small, with each meeting averaging around six members, those in attendance express satisfaction in being able to openly discuss whatever it is they feel like, whether there is political motivation or not.
Shelley Pederson, a regular attendee said, ""It's more a matter of drinking with liberal people than having any political agenda.""
Computer programmer Bill Blondeau noted that Drinking Liberally, despite its conditions and inclusive nature, draws a particular crowd.
""The people who show up here do tend to be interesting, well-spoken, thoughtful and entertaining,"" he said.
Drinking Liberally does not just yield general political converation, as some weeks there are specific issues to discuss while other times call for simple conversation.
""Some people who have shown up have been surprised that we don't talk about politics all night,"" Pederson added.
Blondeau also agreed that the group achieves a positive level of social interaction even though its members may have little in common aside from their political affiliation.
""It is like a political comfort zone within a group of people,"" he said.
Even though the participants of Drinking Liberally have a tendency to be liberal, each member observed that anyone is encouraged to join them for a drink or two.
""The event tends to be more toward the social than the political,"" Blondeau said.
Drinking Liberally meets every Tuesday night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Caf?? Montmarte, 127 E. Mifflin St.
