Our first anniversary. HILLARY CLINTON, ONWARD TOGETHER.

David, it’s been a big month for Democrats. Half of the women running in House primaries have won their races so far, thanks in no small part to the work of our friends at Emerge America. Young, diverse candidates endorsed by Run for Something have continued to win at nearly five times the usual rate for first-time candidates. At least six Swing Left candidates have come out on top, and two District Attorney candidates in North Carolina won after Color of Change mobilized tens of thousands of voters. Meanwhile, Collective PAC, the Arena, and the rest of the groups that Onward Together partners with have worked tirelessly to get progressive voters inspired and engaged. And I’m just as thrilled as anyone that, thanks in part to our partner groups and thousands of passionate volunteers, Stacey Abrams won her primary earlier this month -- and became the first black woman to be a major party nominee for governor in the history of our country. This month, Onward Together celebrated our first anniversary. I can’t believe how much we’ve accomplished together in just one year, and I’m looking forward to another year of fighting for our progressive values alongside you. Thank you. I hope you’re as proud as I am. Hillary

June 1 is the deadline to submit a paper for the 2019 Central Division meeting. AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL ASSOCIATION.

Dear DAVID, Paper submissions for the 2019 APA Central Division meeting in Denver, Colorado, opened on May 1, and will close on Friday, June 1, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. All current APA members are eligible to submit a paper. Submission guidelines and information about graduate student stipends can be found on the APA website. Submit a paper today. Only current members of the APA can submit a paper. If you are not a current member, you can join or renew your membership, and then submit your paper. Volunteers to chair sessions or comment on papers are welcome. Please bear in mind that there are many more volunteers than there are slots in the program, so volunteering does not guarantee that you will be asked to comment or chair. If you have questions or run into any difficulties in the submission process, please contact me and I'll be happy to assist. We encourage authors to submit papers as soon as possible in order to avoid a rush in the final hours of submissions—APA staff will not be available to answer questions after 4 p.m. Central time on June 1. Thank you, Mike Morris Deputy Director

GOOD NEWS FROM VIRGINIA...

VIRGINIA HOUSE DEMOCRATS.

Medicaid expansion has PASSED in both the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia. The budget that is on its way to Governor Northam's desk will give nearly 400,000 Virginians access to affordable healthcare, and teachers will get a much-deserved raise!




MARK HERRING.
VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL.

You made Medicaid expansion happen!

So I want to say thank you...

Thousands of Virginians...have organized, advocated, and made the case for Medicaid expansion...re-elected me as Attorney General, elected Governor Northam and Lieutenant Governor Fairfax, and flipped 15 seats in the House of Delegates, and that message was heard loud and clear in Richmond.

Because of dedication...Medicaid expansion is now a reality, and with today's historic vote comes a new era in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Thank you!

Mark

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE JENNIFER WEXTON.

BREAKING: Virginia General Assembly passes budget that expands Medicaid and gives teachers a raise!

I’m really proud of this news, David. My colleagues and I set our differences aside and worked together to truly put Virginians first. Thanks to this bipartisan work, we were able to expand healthcare access to more than 300,000 Virginians who fall in the coverage gap.

I’m overjoyed to be a part of the General Assembly that passed this historic budget. And now that we’ve seen that Medicaid can be achieved here in our Commonwealth, it’s time we take the next step at the federal level.

Thank you,
Jennifer Wexton

A REMINDER ABOUT FREEDOM OF SPEECH: ROSEANNE AND DUCK DYNASTY, TWO OF A KIND.

DO YOU REMEMBER...BLAST FROM THE PAST.

I AM NOT GOING TO ADDRESS ROSEANNE BARRS TWITTER POST THAT LED TO HER BEING CANCELLED BY ABC. IT WAS DISTURBING ENOUGH THAT IT DESERVES ITS OWN ARTICLE. THIS POST ADDRESSES "FREEDOM OF SPEECH," AS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT. 

                                                       REMEMBER...

"DUCK DYNASTY" CONTROVERSY, AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH. PT 1.

( FIRST PUBLISHED ON 12/22/2013.)

This past week the A&E network announced that it was suspending Phil Robertson, star of their reality T.V show "DUCK DYNASTY", indefinitely. This action was in response to statements made by Robertson in a GQ MAGAZINE interview to be published in January. Quotes taken from the interview, which indicate he believes Homosexuality to be "Sinful" and not "Logical", were reported in different media outlets to have offended Same-Sex rights activists and groups.

What is written in the above paragraph is considered to be factually accurate, and neither Robertson or GQ has claimed any inaccuracy in the words or quotes reported to be in the body of the interview, or that certain statements were taken out of context. So where is the controversy?

It is amazing that no matter how apparent the flawed reasoning of certain individuals can be, there are those who will seek to justify it. The following is a prime example;

ACCUSATION- BY SUSPENDING ROBERTSON, A&E HAS VIOLATED HIS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

Question- Did Robertson make these statements?

Answer- Yes, that is not in dispute.

Question-- Are Robertsons comments protected by the 1st amendment,

in that he cannot be prosecuted or punished criminally?

Answer- Yes, his words are protected.

Question- Because A&E suspended Robertson, his Constitutional Right to

Freedom of Speech has been violated.

Answer- Absolutely not.

To even have to address this issue is silly, for it has been covered and ruled upon (Judicially), many times.

However, certain political pundits and commentators are trying to score points with the public at large by claiming that the "DUCK DYNASTY" star has been punished contrary to Constitutional Law.

The simple answer to this claim is the following; TO HAVE YOUR RIGHT OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH OR EXPRESSION VIOLATED, IT MUST DONE BY AN ENTITY OF THE GOVERNMENT. PRIVATE CITIZENS OR GROUPS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THIS PART OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT.

Legally, there are restrictions on how an individual may exercise their right to freedom of speech. Slanderous or Libelous statements can lead to legal sanctions, but that is because the truth of these claims are called into question. Time, Place and Location is also a factor when judging whether or not one has the right to speak or act freely, but that is because such acts may infringe upon the rights of other individuals.

ROSEANNE BARR, LIKE EVERY OTHER PERSON, REPRESENTS THEIR EMPLOYER BOTH ON AND OFF THE JOB. WHILE RACIST SPEECH, (ALONG WITH SPEECH THAT ENDORSES  XENOPHOBIA, HOMOPHOBIA, RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY etc.,) MAY BE PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE TO DONALD TRUMP AND THE "NEW" REPUBLICAN PARTY, MOST AMERICANS ARE NOT HAPPY WITH PUTTING MONEY IN THE POCKETS OF THOSE EMPLOYING THE INTOLERENT, THE IGNORANT, AND THE STUPID. GUESS WHAT? NEITHER ARE THE SPONSORS.

BREAKING: Welle for Congress Earns Endorsement of College Democrats.

Hi David,

Team Welle is excited to announce the endorsement from The College Democrats of New Jersey. This is their first Congressional endorsement in the state before the June 5th Primary Election.

 President, Megan Coyne, announced the endorsement at a Welle Get Out the Vote Rally in Hamilton last night: “With Congressional District 4 being competitive for the first time in years, it is crucial that the party is united behind the strongest candidate possible - Josh Welle is that candidate. He has continuously put public service above self. As a millennial himself, Josh understands the issues that are most important to young people. In Congress, he will vigorously advocate on behalf of this generation whose concerns are often ignored in Washington.”

 

 

The College Democrats of New Jersey encourage and develop the participation of young Americans in the political process and promote the principles of equality, opportunity, social justice, and freedom within a just and strong society. It is so crucial that we listen to and engage with the next generation of leaders in order to address issues of affordable housing, affordable college education, and accessible training for 21st century jobs.

We’re excited to welcome a  coalition of young voters to this campaign.

Service First,

Team Welle

Gibbs the Ghost. CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE KEN HARBAUGH.

David,

 

Congress is out-of-session this week, which means our representatives should be getting out in the community, talking to constituents, and holding public events.

Have you seen my representative, Bob Gibbs?

Nope. Me neither.

As we travel around the district, folks have lots of questions for Gibbs:

• Why did you vote to take health care away from 30,000 Ohioans?
• Why did you support a bill that gave large tax cuts to wealthy corporations instead of working families?
• Our roads and bridges are in disrepair. Where are those infrastructure jobs?

But nobody can ask Bob Gibbs anything.

We haven't seen Bob Gibbs advertise any public events in months. He skips the meet-the-candidates nights we attend. He has not agreed to debate. True to form, he’s just not showing up.

Ken Harbaugh is running for Congress because he believes that our representatives have a responsibility to talk to the folks they represent.

We have this old-fashioned idea that our elected officials should be accountable to the people who elect them.

If Gibbs wants to hide from Ohio voters, that is his business. We just don’t think he should hide in the United States Congress.

In service,

Esosa Osa

Chief of Staff

Meeting Malokhat. Joanna Ewart-James, Freedom United.

Dear David, Just two weeks ago I was sitting outside under the warm Uzbek sun with the stylishly dressed Malokhat Eshonkoulova, hearing about her continuing struggles. Well-regarded for her journalism, previously employed by state television, due to her monitoring and reporting of forced labor in cotton fields, she is still feeling persecuted. She faces ongoing hurdles get her legal registrations in order. Call on the Uzbek government to end the harassment and drop the charges. The President and Prime Minister of Uzbekistan have both made strong statementsregarding their wish to see an end to the systematic use of forced labor in cotton production. Both have acknowledged the role of civil society in the solution. However, Malokhat, between taking calls on her cellphone, explained to me that she is still enduring a protracted legal process in the court system to secure the documentation required to travel, which she believes is in retaliation for her human rights work. She was prevented at the airport from attending a regional seminar earlier this year. Malokhat confirmed that the legal advice, paid for by Freedom United supporters, has been invaluable. What’s particularly heartbreaking for Malokhat is that her daughter, in whose home she is currently living, is also suffering. Court bailiffs have come to her apartment six times. During an extended 11-hour search, one bailiff pressed her daughter to turn in her mother’s phone and notebook, which contained information from her monitoring of forced labor. Now after several applications,  her daughter is being denied an exit visa on the basis that she allegedly previously traveled abroad, committed an offense, and was deported back to Uzbekistan. This is not true— her daughter has never traveled abroad or received an exit visa. ...show Malokhat your support. Whilst in Uzbekistan with the Cotton Campaign, I heard senior government officials declare their aim for a cotton harvest without forced labor. They invited civil society to roundtable discussions and encouraging them to report cases, but Malokhat told me that she is yet to feel optimistic about the situation on the ground.   Malokhat said: “Whilst in the 2017 harvest there were positive changes with the end of the systematic use of students, despite the high-level government decree to allow us to monitor the cotton fields, in at least two places Elena and I were harassed and searched. It was clear that the local authorities didn’t want us there… We don’t have the structures in place to eradicate forced labor.” There is still a long way to go. As part of the Cotton Campaign’s recommendations,Freedom United is pushing for the government to engage with civil society. We are asking them to allow unfettered access to fields for local, independent civil society monitors to document forced labor during this year’s cotton harvest and drop all remaining charges against human rights defenders.[1] Show the government of Uzbekistan that we stand strong with Malokhat.

In solidarity,

Joanna and the team at Freedom United

Tonight's debate is at 7pm. GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE ALEC ROSS.

David, We’ve got another debate tonight, and we’re excited for folks to be able to see why Alec is a different kind of candidate. Most Democratic primaries have candidates indistinguishable from each other, repeating the same talking points, like they are just checking off the boxes. Some of the other candidates are running their campaign following the same playbook. Time and time again, Alec has proven he’s not going to be that kind of candidate and he’s not going to be that kind of Governor—but instead someone who has bold ideas, listens and responds to voters and their very real concerns, and is ready to lead. See it for yourself, tonight at 7pm on News Channel 8 in the Washington DC area and CW54 in Baltimore. Thank you, Julie Verratti

Call for Nominations: Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Philosophy Programs.

Dear DAVID, The American Philosophical Association (APA) and the Philosophy Documentation Center (PDC) invite nominations for the 2018 Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Philosophy Programs. The deadline to submit nominations is June 30. The APA and the PDC established this annual prize in 1999 to recognize philosophy departments, research centers, institutes, societies, publishers, and other organizations for creating programs that risk undertaking new initiatives in philosophy and do so with excellence and success. It honors the success of these programs so they may inspire and influence others to follow their lead. Any APA member may nominate a program, and the nomination must be supported by at least three statements. For more details about this prize—including the benefit to the winner, a list of previous winners, and the nomination form—please visit the APA’s Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Philosophy Programs page. For questions, contact prizes@apaonline.org. We look forward to receiving your nominations. Best, Sven Bernecker Chair, APA Committee on Lectures, Publications, and Research George Leaman Director, Philosophy Documentation Center

Was just on CNN this weekend! CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE PAT RYAN.

Hi David -- At a meet and greet a woman told me over the last few elections, she's felt like she's voting against someone, but after seeing our first ad, she said that I'm someone she feels like she can vote for. This is what my campaign is all about -- being a candidate who folks can be proud to stand with. Our first TV commercial has gotten a lot of attention since we released it -- it's now been viewed over 1/2 million times and folks have been stopping me on the street to talk about it. Momentum is building. Because of that attention, over the weekend, CNN invited me on New Day with Alisyn Camerota to talk about my views on gun violence prevention. Now, THAT clip has been viewed over 580k times! If you missed it, here's the link.

Talk soon, 

Pat

 

P.S. For those of you who have been following us from early on, we hit another milestone! We got our first Breitbart attack article against us! That’s how you know you’re doing something right!

 

THIS WEEK: Community Conversations in Smithfield & North Providence. CONGRESSMAN DAVID CICILLINE.

Dear David,

As the Congressman for Rhode Island’s First District, it’s important to me that my constituents in every city and town have an opportunity to meet with me and discuss my work to create jobs, raise wages and secure a better future.

That's why I wanted to invite you to upcoming Community Conversations in Smithfield and North Providence. Full details are below and on Facebook - click here for Smithfield, or here for North Providence. Please feel free to spread the word - click here for the Smithfield flyer or here for the North Providence flyer.

Smithfield  Tuesday, May 29th 6:30pm Smithfield Senior Center 1 William J. Hawkins Jr. Trail Greenville, RI 02828

North Providence  Thursday, May 31st 6:30pm North Providence High School 1828 Mineral Spring Ave. North Providence, RI 02904

I hope to see you there! 

Warm Regards,

 
David Cicilline
Member of Congress

I couldn't have won without this community. U.S. SENATOR MAGGIE HASSAN.

David,

My 2016 Senate election came down to 1,017 votes.

It remains a powerful reminder that everything you do in a campaign matters: every door knocked, every phone call made, every speech given...

I would not have won in 2016 and turned a critical Senate seat blue without this community.

And now, even more women need that same level of tireless support — including Jacky Rosen and Kyrsten Sinema, who are our best chances to turn the Senate blue. Their races are shaping up to be as close as mine was.

EMILY's List has been there for me at every step of my political career.

When I ran for the New Hampshire state Senate, EMILY's List was there.

When I ran for governor, EMILY's List was there.

And when I ran for the U.S. Senate, EMILY's List was there.

In every fight, EMILY's List has been the difference for me just as it has been for so many other candidates.

And I am so inspired to see you step up and help more women win in 2018.

Thank you.

With every good wish,

Maggie Hassan
U.S. Senator, New Hampshire

Two days left in May. Jennifer Boysko, Run Everywhere.

David,

Recent developments in the Virginia legislature have underscored the importance of electing as many progressive candidates as possible to statewide office.

In November we came within one vote of leveling the playing field in the House of Delegates.

Just three months later, the HOD wrapped up a bipartisan budget compromise that included the previously unthinkable -- Medicaid expansion and long-overdue wage increases for teachers.

Now that we’ve seen what bipartisan compromise looks like in the VA HOD, contrast that with the Senate, where the Republican majority has yet to so much as vote on a budget.

You don't suppose the delay has anything to do with the fact that Virginia's state senators don’t face re-election worries until 2019...

Instead, following the example of majority leader and Finance Committee Co-Chair Thomas Norment, they’re playing the obstruction game. Delay and deny has become the Virginia Republican mantra.

The Senate’s next opportunity to pass the HOD’s bipartisan budget is today.

Thanks for your continued support,

Jennifer Boysko
Finance Chair, Virginia Democratic House Caucus
Chair of Run Everywhere

EMILY's LIST. BIGGEST PRIMARY ELECTION DAY OF THE YEAR...

David,

Super Tuesday 2018 is ONE WEEK away.

It's our single biggest primary Election Day of the year. We have 46 women with primaries from coast to coast. Plus there's a special election to turn a Missouri state Senate district blue.

We've had some tremendous wins in May, when there were elections three weeks in a row.

Two of our House candidates in Texas runoffs won. Now they have to defeat incumbent Republicans in November. And our two House candidates in Georgia advanced to runoffs.

We helped Stacey Abrams — who could be the first black woman governor — win her primary election, too, and helped all five of our state and local candidates in Georgia advance.

We can keep going.

To support our 47 candidates on the ballot on Super Tuesday, it'll take everyone stepping up...


Thanks — and go team!

Emily Cain
Executive Director, EMILY's List

Honoring Our Veterans. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DAVID CICILLINE.

On Saturday, I had the privilege of hosting more than 200 Rhode Island veterans at a Barbecue and Community Conversation in honor of their extraordinary service on behalf of our nation. 

During our discussion, I heard about many of the challenges facing our veteran community – from difficulty finding good-paying work to trouble accessing health care and other benefits. It’s clear that we are still not doing enough to support the heroic individuals who serve our nation in uniform.

This Memorial Day, we must all join together to recommit ourselves to fight for those who have risked everything for us. Our veterans exemplify the finest values our state and our nation have to offer, and we owe them so much.

Veterans and their family members should all consider my office a resource. Whether you’re having troubling accessing housing, health care, VA benefits, or any other services, please give my office a call at 729-5600.

On behalf of the people of the First Congressional District of Rhode Island, I wish all of our veterans a peaceful Memorial Day among family and friends. May God bless you and our brave men and women now serving. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Warm Regards,
 
David Cicilline
Member of Congress  

[D-28] For those we’ve lost. CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE PAT RYAN.

David -- As flags are lowered to half-staff around the country today, I recall the names and faces of those I know who've made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Names like Howard, Flint, Danpier, Wilwerth...and far too many others.

 

Later this afternoon, I’m hosting a BBQ with our volunteers. We’ll come together to remember what this day is about, and to ready ourselves for the final sprint towards our primary election. I’ll thank them for helping to fight for the values that matter most.

 

The folks I know, and the millions of others who have given their lives to protect our freedoms, were on my mind today as I marched in the Kingston Memorial Day parade. We must remember their spirit and honor their willingness to selflessly serve the greater good. When I look around, I see how divided our country has become. To honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, we must come together again. We must focus on finding common ground based on our shared American values. That’s how we’ll get our country back on track. That's what motivates me every day.

 

I hope you'll join me in taking a few minutes today to remember those we've lost.

 

Pat

Honoring our fallen heroes. CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE JENNIFER WEXTON.

Dear David,

Today we honor those who have served our country and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

Thank you to all who have served our nation in uniform and the families who have supported them.

Freedom isn’t free, and we are eternally in your debt. 

Sincerely,
Jennifer

Barbecues & Freedom. CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE JOSH WELLE.

USS COWPENS (CG-63) deployed in the sea of Japan

Asbury Park Charity Kings Family Day on May 26, 2018

Some things never change...

This weekend, I was invited to speak at Asbury Park Annual Family Day. l had the pleasure of connecting with those in and out of my district, and had the opportunity to learn more about  their challenges and aspirations.

Building relationships and cooking burgers in Asbury Park reminded me of Navy barbecues. I have wonderful memories of serving chow on the foodline--enjoying celebrations on deployment away from NJ family--eating with shipmates who would become brothers and sisters in arms.

To be honest, there was something special about being deployed on Memorial Day. Being on the front lines and standing the watch was a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice others gave for our nation.

As you reflect today remember that our democracy is fragile and must be protected. Freedom in our great society is not free.

We honor all Gold Star families, military families, and veterans for their sacrifices.

Service First,

Josh

Honoring, remembering, and reflecting. CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE STEPHEN SEVIGNY, MD.

Chuck Tyler

Field Director

Dear David,

27 years ago this week, I was flying back to the United States after a year-long deployment in the Middle East for Operation Desert Storm.

 

The sudden squealing of massive rubber tires touching down onto the asphalt let me know we had landed in Bangor, Maine. Even though my watch showed it was 7 in the morning, most of the major restaurants like Red Lobster had opened to offer free meals to returning troops during our layover there.

 

I was tired, dirty, and at first chose to stay on the plane to catch a catnap while we were on the ground. I told myself there were about 300 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who wouldn't get to be seated at the tables that day because I saw the statistics in my mind--the casualties from that conflict numbered 148 U.S. servicemembers killed in action, and 145 non-combat deaths, including 15 women. However, the joy I felt because I was back in my homeland talked me into deplaning and setting my sights on claiming a steak platter.

 

I found myself back in a Red Lobster this week, and it’s interesting what memories whispered in my mind, flashing pictures of a conflict far, far away.

 

Memorial Day is the day to remember our war dead. After the Civil War, and the installation of our country’s first national cemeteries, people began to visit gravesites of loved ones to decorate and recite prayers. Eventually, in 1966, the federal government established a day in late May as Memorial Day.

 

We used to sing a cadence when we were marching or running in formation.

 

“Around her hair she wore a yellow ribbon!

She wore a yellow ribbon in the merry month of May!

Around her hair she wore a yellow ribbon!

She wore it for a paratrooper far, far away!”

 

We remember, because if it weren’t for those who sacrificed before us, I wouldn’t have had the honor to serve my country in uniform.

 

That’s why I celebrate Memorial Day. Not with barbecues or picnics or festivities.

 

I celebrate with revering the memories of those who served, near and far, far away.

 

Yours,

 

Chuck Tyler

Field Director

 

Happy Memorial Day? CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE KEN HARBAUGH.

David,

 

Is it okay to say, Happy Memorial Day?

 

I am the son, grandson, and brother of combat veterans. As a former Navy pilot myself, this holiday has special significance.

 

This is a day set aside to honor those who died serving our country. But for many Americans, it has become little more than a three-day weekend, filled with backyard barbecues and door-buster mattress sales.

 

For those who see this day of remembrance being trivialized, it is easy to take offense at the suggestion that there is anything “happy” about it.

 

Except I do not know a single veteran or first-responder who expects the country to mark this holiday with 24 hours of uninterrupted sadness. A few years ago, I spent Memorial Day at a military cemetery visiting my grandfather’s grave. Though I was there to grieve, I could not help but recall stories that made me laugh—like when his plane’s emergency raft deployed in mid-flight, and his machine gunner nearly shot off the tail trying to deflate it. These days, when I reminisce with my buddies about friends who did not come home from war, of course we share our sadness, but the stories we most often tell are ones that bring us joy.

 

That is how our friends would want it.

 

When I think about those who died serving in the military, I remember why they joined in the first place. They did it to defend a way of life, one that includes the pursuit of happiness as a founding ideal.

 

To be sure, we could use a bit more reverence this weekend. A moment of silence before we dig into our hamburgers. Fewer shopping sprees. But unrelenting grief? None of my buddies would have wanted that. Pick-up truck discounts, pie-eating contests, and the freedom to be happy are all part of what they fought and died for.

 

So from my family to yours, on this beautiful holiday weekend, have a blessed and happy Memorial Day.

 

In service,

 

Ken

A Better Deal to Protect Our Democracy. CONGRESSMAN DAVID CICILLINE.

Dear David, 

Too many Americans feel that Washington is hopelessly out of touch with their priorities. President Trump promised to fight for the forgotten American, yet Republican-controlled Washington continues business as usual, rewarding the wealthy, privileged and well-connected at the expense of middle class and working families. 

Look no further than Congressional Republicans’ and President Trump’s agenda: billions in tax cuts for the rich, massive giveaways to special interests and the full-frontal corporate assault on workers’ rights and consumers’ protections.

Democrats, on the other hand, have a plan - A Better Deal for Our Democracy - to take power back from the special interests and give it to the American people. With this agenda, we are committing to advancing critical reforms to empower voters at the ballot box, bolster our nation’s ethics laws and overhaul our broken campaign finance system. Specifically, the Better Deal for Our Democracy will:

1. Empower the American Voter to Ensure Responsive Government. We must protect every citizen’s right to vote, safeguard our election infrastructure from hostile actors and put an end to partisan redistricting. 

2. Strengthen Our Nation’s Ethics Laws to Fight Special Interests. We must end the revolving-door in Washington and rein in the influence of high-powered Washington insiders, lobbyists and big-money donors – and the special interests that are driving Washington’s agenda. 

3. Fix Our Broken Campaign Finance System to Combat Big Money Influence. We must break the stranglehold on our democracy by wealthy and well-connected campaign donors by empowering everyday Americans and ending the scourge of unaccountable “dark money” unleashed by Citizens United. 

More information on A Better Deal to Protect Our Democracy is available here . 

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT, THEN MAKE A STAND.

As Donald Trump continues an agenda of Persecution, many Americans are missing the True Dangers that will become a reality if he gets his way.

To Defeat this Assault on the CONSTITUTION, AND COMMON DECENCY, THE FOLLOWING MUST be ACKNOWLEDGED AS TRUE:

1)  Donald Trump is a Symptom of the REAL PROBLEM, NOT THE CAUSE.

2)  Many of his Supporters consider "RIGHTS" TO BE GUARANTEES THAT PROTECT ONLY
THEM.

3)  Often, these same Supporters will claim that anything they do or say must be allowed by
Law, so THEY CAN FULFILL A DIVINE MISSION THAT MUST TAKE PRECEDENCE
OVER EVERYTHING ELSE.

4)  "THE ENDS JUSTIFIES THE MEANS" is an essential part of the Fanaticism that grips many
Americans, when it comes to certain issues.

5)  THERE ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE RELIGIOUS FAITH ALONE IS ENOUGH TO SET LEGAL GUIDELINES THAT MUST BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT QUESTION.

6)  CONTRARY TO WHAT THEY MAY SAY PUBLICLY, SOME AMERICANS WOULD
GLADLY LIVE IN A TOTALITARIAN STATE, AS LONG AS IT IS SET UP TO GIVE THEM
POWER AND PRIVILEGES OVER EVERYONE ELSE.

7)  TO MANY AMERICANS, SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES ARE NEGOTIABLE, AND CAN BE ACCEPTED OR REJECTED REGARDLESS OF THE POTENTIAL OUTCOMES.

8)  History, to some Americans, should BE REWRITTEN OR IGNORED, DEPENDING ON THE
POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE IMAGE IT CREATES.

We will look closer at this list in future posts.