Progressive drinkers
They have cause to shed a few tears in their beers, but that's not why these liberals tipple
Politics and barrooms, Humphrey Bogart's Rick Blaine knew, can be a dangerous brew. ''I don't like disturbances in my place," Blaine said in ''Casablanca," breaking up a fight between French and German soldiers. ''Either lay off politics or get out."
But for Drinking Liberally, a weekly gathering of pub-loving progressives in Boston and Cambridge, political debate and drinking go together like gin and tonic or beer and pretzels. Without a dram of teetotaling political correctness, the drinking club proclaims to promote ''democracy one pint at a time" by distilling beer-fueled camaraderie into grass-roots activism.
At a time when many on the left are feeling left out and disillusioned with contemporary politics, Drinking Liberally's heady blend of socializing and strategizing with like-minded 20- and 30-somethings has helped drown out the bitter aftertaste of November's presidential election.
''We're not crying in our beer, but it is definitely comforting to be with people who share your political outlook," said Jorge Miranda, a math teacher at The Media and Technology Charter High School in Boston. ''It brings everyone together, and talking politics makes people eager to get back in the ring."
Conceived in May 2003 in New York City to lift liberals' flagging spirits, Drinking Liberally now has 50 chapters nationally, with more than 30 new groups clinking glasses since Election Day. As a Democratic redoubt, Massachusetts is predictably well-represented, with chapters in Amherst, Boston, Cambridge, Plymouth, and Worcester.
The Boston chapter was founded in September by Shai Sachs, a 24-year-old software developer from Cambridge, who began going out for drinks after work with fellow volunteers for John Kerry's campaign. After reading about Drinking Liberally on some political blogs, Sachs decided to christen the gathering as a new chapter.
Sachs eventually moved the group to his side of the river in Central Square, and two Boston residents, Tristan Snell and Molly Stutzman, launched a replacement Boston chapter, which drew just six people to its mid-January kickoff.
But on a Wednesday evening last month, some 30 young professionals took over the back nook at Bukowski's, a cozy Back Bay pub named for hard-drinking Beat poet Charles Bukowski.
Lively and laid-back, the crowd takes more after Howard Dean than John Kerry. Old friends catch up and make new ones, the beer flows, and a warm buzz of music, laughter, and chit-chat hangs in the air.
There's little sober policy analysis. Talk tends toward the personal, idle banter, and the latest on work and weekends. Still, members also toss around political ideas as they toss back their beers. Topics range from the war in Iraq to Social Security and the State of the Union, and many discuss volunteer efforts for Tim Schofield, a candidate for the upcoming Democratic primary for an open state representative seat covering parts of Allston, Brighton, and Brookline.
''There's too much of a disconnect in American society between politics and socializing," Snell said. ''This is social first and political second, but we're trying to unite the two."
In a particularly polarized political atmosphere, current events can be like a third rail of conversation, members say. So the group seizes the chance to talk openly without fear of causing offense.
''It's great to talk about topics that are usually taboo," said Paola Ferrer, a 32-year-old assistant principal at The Media and Technology Charter High School, sipping a glass of pinot noir. ''A couple glasses of wine and some great discussion. It's a great way to spend an evening."
Still, there are Democrats of all stripes here, from dyed-in-the-wool leftists to centrist Clintonians, and political disagreements crop up, particularly after a round or two of drinks, when tongues loosen and discussions become more animated.
''Throw a few back and talk about anything you want," said Tony Luckett, a 26-year-old math teacher who lives in Cambridge.
''And if you don't agree, just have another round," chimed Miranda.
For the most part, however, political opinions fall on sympathetic ears. Since most members are depressed over the current state of the world, the meeting is a bit like a group therapy session.
''We're surrounded by people who won't shoot down your ideas right away," said Veronique Jurist-Schulman, 27.
Despite its informal appeal, the group harbors an ambitious goal -- forging a broad network of young progressives to fight for social change.
And a night on the town is a persuasive recruiting tool for first-timers.
''This way you don't have to be a policy wonk or versed in everything in D.C.," said Stutzman, 24, between sips of a Woodchuck Cider. ''You can learn more in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere."
Despite the group's name, most members drink moderately, with a few avoiding alcohol altogether. Nearly everyone's heading home by 11, and those who have had a few drinks say they're taking the T or catching a cab home.
One question remains: Are they liberal tippers?
Amber Kersting, who has waited on the group several nights, said yes. Twenty percent, sometimes more, she said.
''But they are pretty conservative with their beer selection," she said. ''They mostly drink PBR and Harpoon."
Even for highly disenchanted liberals, the world looks a sight better after a beer or two. After all, in ''Casablanca," the cynical saloon keeper who said ''the problems of the world are not in my department" had returned to fight for democracy by movie's end.
''You sit home and watch TV and you think the world's gone crazy," said Dan Rossi, putting on his coat as he made his way toward the door. ''This gives me hope for the future."
The Boston chapter now meets at Dillon's at 955 Boylston St. in the Back Bay on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 p.m. For chapter information, visit www.drinkingliberally.org.Peter Schworm, a political independent and bipartisan beer supporter, can be reached at schworm@globe.com.
