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In Salt Lake City, a coalition of groups initiated a conference on February 8th and 9th titled the "Progressive Agenda for 2008." There were film events with guest speakers and directors, activist panels, and various workshops from local activists and organizations.

At the conference plenary session we decided to organize a demonstration in Salt Lake City on April 5th to raise the issues listed above. We want to tie this action in with a commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4, the 40th anniversary of his assassination:

At the conference we asked the question: What does "Progressive" mean in 2008?

In the Iowa Caucuses, people called for change. Invading other countries for oil is no longer an option. The US must leave Iraq, and the healthcare crisis and rising inequalities at home must be addressed. Climate change is the biggest issue of all. It requires effective policies rather than corporate stalling maneuvers. We must hold the government responsible to see that environmentally sustainable policies are implemented throughout our economy in everything from fundamental energy policies to production, use and disposal of the goods we use in our daily lives. This is a crucial time and a great opportunity for the U.S. to embrace the new and show leadership in the world.

The following films were shown:

Friday: Meeting Resistance (Utah's Premiere Screening)

We hit maximum capacity at this showing on Friday, February 8th in the OSH auditorium with filmmakers Molly Bingham and Steve Connors. This was Utah's premiere screening in partnership with SLC Film Center. Thank you for attending and asking the filmmakers so many questions!

Synopsis: What would you do if America was invaded? MEETING RESISTANCE raises the veil of anonymity surrounding the Iraqi insurgency by meeting face to face with individuals who are passionately engaged in the struggle, and documenting for the very first time, the sentiments experienced and actions taken by a nation's citizens when their homeland is occupied. Voices that have previously not been heard, male and female, speak candidly about their motivations, hopes and goals, revealing a kaleidoscope of human perspectives. Featuring reflective, yet fervent conversations with active insurgents, MEETING RESISTANCE is the missing puzzle piece in understanding the Iraq war.

Directed by Steve Connors and Molly Bingham, this daring, eye-opening film provides unique insight into the personal narratives of people involved in the resistance exploding myth after myth about the war in Iraq and the Iraqis who participate. Through its unprecedented access to these clandestine groups, MEETING RESISTANCE focuses the spotlight on the "other side", clarifying why the violence in Iraq continues to this day and providing a deeper understanding of both the toll of occupation and the human condition of resistance. Official Site »

Saturday: An Inconvenient Truth

This film showed on Saturday, February 9th in the OSH auditorium. Afterwards, Larry Lohmann, environmental author and activist from the UK and founding member of the Durban Group, gave the environmental keynote address "How to Fight Global Warming: Carbon Trading or Cardon Reduction?".

Synposis: From director Davis Guggenheim comes the Sundance Film Festival hit, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, which offers a passionate and inspirational look at one man's fervent crusade to halt global warming's deadly progress in its tracks by exposing the myths and misconceptions that surround it. That man is former Vice President Al Gore, who, in the wake of defeat in the 2000 election, re-set the course of his life to focus on a last-ditch, all-out effort to help save the planet from irrevocable change. In this eye-opening and poignant portrait of Gore and his "traveling global warming show," Gore also proves himself to be one of the most misunderstood characters in modern American public life. Here he is seen as never before in the media - funny, engaging, open and downright on fire about getting the surprisingly stirring truth about what he calls our "planetary emergency" out to ordinary citizens before it's too late. With wit, smarts and hope, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH ultimately brings home Gore's persuasive argument that we can no longer afford to view global warming as a political issue - rather, it is the biggest moral challenges facing our global civilization. Official Site »

Saturday: SiCKO

This film showed on Saturday, February 9th in the OSH auditorium, as part of the 'Sicko Tour' organized by Healthcare-NOW, California Nurses Association and Physicians for a National Healthcare Program.

Synopsis: The words "health care" and "comedy" aren't usually found in the same sentence, but in Academy Award winning filmmaker Michael Moore's new movie 'SiCKO,' they go together hand in (rubber) glove.

Opening with profiles of several ordinary Americans whose lives have been disrupted, shattered, and—in some cases—ended by health care catastrophe, the film makes clear that the crisis doesn't only affect the 47 million uninsured citizens—millions of others who dutifully pay their premiums often get strangled by bureaucratic red tape as well.

After detailing just how the system got into such a mess (the short answer: profits and Nixon), we are whisked around the world, visiting countries including Canada, Great Britain and France, where all citizens receive free medical benefits. Finally, Moore gathers a group of 9/11 heroes – rescue workers now suffering from debilitating illnesses who have been denied medical attention in the US. He takes them to a most unexpected place, and in addition to finally receiving care, they also engage in some unexpected diplomacy.

In the tradition of Mark Twain or Will Rogers, 'SiCKO' uses humor to tell these compelling stories, leading the audience conclude that an alternative system is the only possible answer. Official Site »