Hey there, Liberal Drinkers and Listeners! Come join us this evening after 7:00pm for a special Third [Thirsty] Thursday edition of Drinking Liberally!

As you all know, I normally don’t push too hard on topics for the evening’s discussion. But I’ve just finished reading through the Times’ live-blogging of President Obama’s speech, and former Vice-President Cheney’s immediate rebuttal, and I’m guessing that DL folks and Liberadio(!) listeners alike will have some things to say about them.

In a way, it’s kind of nice that the speeches laid out, in perfectly clear terms, the debate at hand: Constitution or Terror? And I’m glad to see that the President has resoundingly addressed the ‘weakness’ charge, that our justice and prison systems simply can’t handle terrorists, despite ample evidence to the contrary. But like the President said, this really is the hardest issue we must face: balancing our national security and the security of our values.

So come join us this evening and let us know what you thought! New faces are ALWAYS welcome, and hey: on a Third Thursday, you’re liable to be one of several new folks, so jump right in!

*Liberadio(!) and Drinking Liberally remind you to always drink responsibly and make liberal use of designated drivers. Drinking and driving is reckless and irresponsible, like listening to Phil Valentine and trickle-down economics. Liberals, don’t do it.

Starting tonight — and until either Tennessee turns blue or the beer at the Flying Saucer runs out — Liberadio(!) will host Drinking Liberally on the third Thursday of every month – and we’re calling it Thirsty Third Thursdays!

For those not familiar with the national organization, Drinking Liberally is an informal, inclusive progressive social group that gives like-minded, left-leaning peeps a place to talk politics, vent frustrations (Oh, sure, there’s a competent Democrat in the White House, but did you noticed what happened in the the State of Tennessee last November? Dude, we’re fighting the last gasps of the culture wars over here…), and hang out.

In the words of the lovely Amie:

Drinking Liberally and Liberadio! are so right together, just like chocolate and (safely made, tightly regulated) peanut butter, so we figured we’d host a monthly get-together. I know DL-ers are fans of Liberadio!, and I’m guessing that quite a few Liberadio! listeners might cotton on to Drinking Liberally!

Yes, indeedy! Hope to see you tonight – and every third Thursday of the month – at 6:30 PM at the Flying Saucer, (111 10th Ave S – entrance to the beer garden)!

Coming soon: DL swag for lucky Liberadio(!) listeners…

*Liberadio(!) and Drinking Liberally remind you to always drink responsibly and make liberal use of designated drivers. Drinking and driving is reckless and irresponsible, like listening to Phil Valentine and trickle-down economics. Liberals, don’t do it.

Last year we came together to watch the State of the Union to commiserate. This year we come together to celebrate! That’s right, it’s the last time we’ll have to watch a Bush report on the status of the country (at least until the 2037 candidacy of Jenna or Barbara. Or both. Can you say Co-Presidents? So awesome!).

We’ll also be playing Bush Bingo, which is like traditional Bingo except the squares are filled with words or phrases the President might use during his speech. For example, “Tax Relief” or “war on terror” or “Steroids.” Feel free to leave your own Bush Bingo word ideas in the comments section.

7:00 – 8:00 pm – Eat, drink, make merry, eye the prizes you can win playing Bush Bingo, and make predictions about the state of the union (strong? very strong? Magnus Ver Magnusson strong?)

8:00 – 9:00 pm – Watch the State of the Union and Democratic response, eat, drink, make merry, & play Bush Bingo for fun and prizes. (Please refrain from throwing things at the TV as it is not our TV. And besides, this is a celebration!)

Email feedback@liberadio.com if you have any questions and feel free to spread this invite around. See you tonight!