Once again our city's activists play host to the State of the Union address. There's more than ample opportunity to protest, watch and talk about this year's speech. The CodePink action alert puts it best:

"The President is still lying...
Troops are still dying...
Now the Pentagon is spying..."

Each action listed below is on Tuesday, Jan 31.

World Can't Wait: State of the Union Emergency, Bring the Noise!
Where: West Side of the Capitol, on the National Mall

The rally begins at 8 p.m. with speeches by Cindy Sheehan, Ann Wright, Doug Nelson (Vets for Peace), the Rev. Lennox Yearwood (HipHop Caucus) and others. At 9 p.m. the 50-minute main event will begin: Picture a marching band/brass ensemble, a drum circle, a choir, tap dancers, a rock ensemble, hip hop poetry, other spoken word, hootenanny, African, Asian, Irish, glorious, soaring, rhythmic, each beginning and doing a few minutes in sequence, followed by overlapping moments, followed by at least 30 minutes of jazz-like improv, call and response, followed by one fully stunning long-held harmonious wall of sound that rises to the heavens. Performers will include Chris Chandler, Joe Jencks, Guerilla Poets, Rhythm Workers Union, Rabbi David Schneyer and more. Bring warm clothes, instruments, noisemakers and flashlights to illuminate truth over lies!

Virginia Grassroots Coalition
Where: Capitol City Brewing (2700 S. Quincy St., Shirlington, Va.), from 8 to 10:30 p.m.
More info: info@vagrassroots.org

Join your fellow Virginians in watching Bush tiptoe around the truth again. Virginia's freshly-minted Gov. Tim Kaine has been selected to deliver the Democratic Party response to the speech, so that makes the evening doubly interesting. Come out and bring a thirst for change and a hunger for impeachment.

CODEPINK
Where: Busboys and Poets (14th and V Streets, NW)
More info: dc@codepinkalert.org

You can be sure that President Bush's speech writers are working in overdrive to prepare for his upcoming State of the Union Address. But there's no fooling the people. With his approval ratings low and sinking, it's clear the lame promises of success in Iraq just don't cut it. Instead of sitting home alone shouting at your TV in anger and frustration, watch with Cindy Sheehan, Ann Wright and many others as CodePink women and Gold Star Families host open mic night, full of games and prizes. After watching Bush's address, make a night of commiserating, laughing, and making plans to take action. This event is free and open to the public, and starts at 8 p.m.

The Democratic Party

The Democratic National Committee has organized watch parties all over the country. For a list of the ones here in the DC metro area, click here.

Drink Till it Doesn't Matter

Thanks to Drinking Liberally for pointing us to The State of the Union Drinking Game 2006.