Volume 26. Issue 7. July 2024 | |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Susan Dollar
Yes, I know. I know. I watched the debate too. Disappointing... discouraging, damaging. Every day - no, every hour - I vacillate between "he needs to drop out" and "we need to get behind him". I don't know which way will help us win in November.
But I do know that as voters, we have to stay focused. And we can never give up.
We have to remember to compare issues, policies, substance, past records. We need to promote Democrats and their values, what we stand for, what we are fighting for. We also have to take seriously the consequences of another Trump presidency.
Here are some perspectives to consider:
Frank Bruni recently wrote: "Trump has made a career of evasion. No, he has made a legend of it. And while there’s a kind of smarts and a sort of skill in that, it owes more to luck than to brilliance. It owes the most to the perverse freedom that comes with a total lack of conscience — with the readiness to stoke people’s darkest fears and cruelest impulses, to shrug at the damage done, to bilk charities, to run a sham university, to tell little lies, to tell big ones, to place self-promotion and self-preservation so far above everything else that they’re not so much his guiding values as his only ones."
Michael Moore has written: "Do not mistake my criticisms of Biden spending 9 months in the loving embrace of Bibi Netanyahu as meaning that I do not deeply appreciate his 3 years of being the most progressive President of my lifetime. That’s right, my friends, there has been more action taken, through executive orders and legislation, to protect the environment, more government officials appointed who are, in their heart of hearts, Democratic Socialists, more serious funding to lift millions out of poverty, more support for labor unions, libraries, single mothers and college students deep in debt. And he has had this fervent, almost religious zeal to fight greed and obscene profits due to a true compassion he has for those dealt a bad hand in life — and he has had more of all of that than all the good presidents like Kennedy, Obama, and Carter were able to muster."
This election is bigger than Trump vs. Biden. It's about principles and values. It's about the choice between the a democracy based on the rule of law and our constitution or an authoritarian dictatorship.
I have no words of reassurance. I just know that we must do everything we can to help people understand what is at stake in this election and that they must get out and vote. The next few days/weeks will most likely be unsettling but we cannot lose sight of our goal: to win in November and save our country. Keep the faith and never give up!
Watch this:
Our country will suffer: King Trump' and Project 2025’s promise of violence
https://www.msnbc.com/reidout
(listed on the right side menu between July 2 and July 3)
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JULY BAD MEETING
Thursday, July 11, 2024
12:00 p.m.
Longhorn Cafe, 369 S. Esser, Boerne (upstairs)
Guest Speaker: Roy Quillian
Roy Quillian is a seasoned courtroom lawyer and has practiced personal injury law for most of the fifty years in which he has been licensed. He is now semi-retired and enjoys investing, reading, writing, playing pickleball, fine dining and traveling.
He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1969, with a degree in Government and International Studies and continued on to graduate from the University of Texas School of Law in 1972 and was licensed in 1973.
He is deeply interested and well-versed in politics and the preservation of democracy in the United States and currently writes opinion pieces for the Comfort News. He does not currently claim to be a member of any political party.
He has been happily residing with his significant other in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, since 2009. They have adult children from separate marriages and share a mutual addiction to pickleball.
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NEXT BAD MEETING
Thursday, August 8
12:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Hector Garcia
Check out his Ted Talks and videos here: https://www.hector-garcia.com/
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LAURA BRAY
Kendall County Democratic Party Chair
Resolute
What you’re reading is rewrite #3. News has galloped right along this week. And the situation may change yet again by the time you read this.
Realistically, we can’t do much of anything about the US Supreme Court or what the President decides or Republican lies.
Or, more accurately—there are TWO THINGS we CAN do. #1: VOTE in November, and #2: make sure everyone we know and meet votes too, in the only way that will keep our Democracy intact.
One thing we CANNOT do is quit or throw up our hands. That’s what they want. So we have to keep going, no matter what.
We must be RESOLUTE.
· Resolute that Trump never again occupies the Oval Office.
· Resolute that we do everything we can to get voters to the polls to ensure that result.
· Resolute that all voters know about the evils of the overarching Republican plan, Project 2025 (more details here), which will destroy our democracy and put our country in the hands of oligarchs.
My main job when I attend the Democratic National Convention in Chicago: to represent your interests and those of other CD21 Democrats with my votes. Please feel free to share your thoughts at chair@kendalltxdemocrats.org.
I. Dissent. We all Dissent. Turn that anger into action and get to work. Email me at chair@kendalltxdemocrats.org if you need ideas on how.
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On Sunday, June 9, the Center for Refugee Services awarded scholarships to 14 high school graduates from the refugee community. These students will attend higher education institutions such as San Antonio College, Northwest Vista College and the University of Texas at San Antonio. During the ceremony, the scholarship recipients shared their plans for future study. The students have plans to pursue a variety of majors including computer science, nursing, cyber security and pre-med.
Executive Director Margaret Costantino remarked during the scholarship ceremony that the recipients are not just in the top 25% or top 10% of their classes. They are in the very top of their classes despite only having arrived in the US within the past few years. Most of them did not speak English prior to arrival and had no experience with the American educational system. Despite all of these disadvantages, the scholarship recipients have persevered and are now off to continue their education!
Many thanks to the generous BAD members who donated and made possible our $1,500 scholarship for CRS!
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VIRTUAL PHONE BANK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our first VPB is rocking along but we still need more participants. We are targeting folks who are inconsistent voters, particularly 18 - 35 year olds. This is an easy activity that you can do in the comfort of your own home - and it can help motivate people to get out and vote! Please email (khenning@mac.com) or give Kevin a call if you want training (830-331-0672).
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WE NEED POSTCARD STAMPS
The Kendall County Democratic Party has plans to send out hundreds of postcards this fall to encourage people to vote. To do this, we need hundreds of postcard stamps!
If you would like to donate some stamps to this good cause, please bring them to the BAD meetings in July and August.
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WE NEED SCHOOL SUPPLIES
This year, BAD will donate school supplies to both the Hill Country Family Services and the Center for Refugee Services.
If you would like to help students get off to a good start this fall, please bring your school supply donations to the July BAD meeting.
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Wondering about putting political signs in your yard? Some important things to know:
- Signs can only be placed 90 days before an election and must come down 10 days after.
- You are allowed to put up one sign per candidate and one sign per cause.
- Your HOA cannot keep you from placing signs in your yard, as long as they don't' block public walkways or interfere with roads.
Here's a ink to the Texas Election Code that specifies what you can and can't do: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/EL/htm/EL.259.htm
ULTRA
"Sitting members of Congress aiding and abetting a plot to overthrow the government. Insurrectionists criminally charged with plotting to end American democracy for good. Justice Department prosecutors under crushing political pressure. Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra is the all-but-forgotten true story of good, old-fashioned American extremism getting supercharged by proximity to power. When extremist elected officials get caught plotting against America with the violent ultra right, this is the story of the lengths they will go to… to cover their tracks."
Sound familiar? If you haven't listened to or watched Rachel Maddow's podcast, Ultra, you need to do so! It's an excellent historical perspective on our government. You can watch it here: https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-presents-ultra
or stream it for free on Spotify.
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SMART POLITICS
We’re a group of Democrats, liberals, and other Left-leaning types who are trying to save the world by changing how we communicate with people who disagree with us, including Republicans, far-Right extremists, and MAGA supporters.
If you’re having trouble talking to friends and loved ones (or strangers!) about your political views; if you feel nothing will change their minds; if you’re frustrated by the slow pace of progress toward economic, social, and environmental justice, Smart Politics can help. Sign up for their Sunday evening webinars here: https://www.joinsmart.org/
or watch some of their webinars here:
https://www.youtube.com/@smartpoliticsprivate6531/videos
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THERE'S STILL TIME TO GET YOUR NEW T-SHIRT! | |
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Just what you have been waiting for! Hot-off-the-press brand new TAMOUTYT (There Are More Of Us Than You Think) t-shirts for sale!
These shirts are perfect for your summer wardrobe - lightweight cotton blend, regular men and women sizes, and best of all, a real bargain!
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This shirt can be yours for the very low price of only $20!
Shirts are available for purchase at the Dem office, 216 E. Blanco, Suite 201. Don't risk losing out - get yours today!
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The Comfort Area Democrats, Independents, and Others will meet on Tuesday, July 9, at noon at the Comfort Library. Everyone is invited!
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Invite your friends & neighbors to gather in support of our LGBTQIA+ community members
Next meeting: Tuesday, July 16 at 6:30 pm at the Patrick Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main Street, Boerne.
For more information: pflagboerne@gmail.com
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BAD BOOK CLUB
The BAD Book Club will meet on Wednesday, July 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Dem headquarters, 216 E. Blanco, Suite 201.
The book is They Came For Our Schools by Mike Hixenbough
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CIBOLO MOONDANCE CONCERT
Saturday, July 20
Doors open at 7:00
Music begins at 7:30
PRICING
$15/person
Kids 12 & under are free
BYO
Bring a chair
Ice chests are welcome
Food truck on site
Click here to purchase tickets:
https://cibolo.org/moondance/
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THIRSTY THURSDAY
July 25 @ 5:00p.m.
Lost Oak Winery
111 Rosewood, Boerne
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SKILLS FOR DISAGREEING BETTER WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
10:30 AM TO 12:30 PM
PATRICK HEATH PUBLIC LIBRARY
451 NORTH MAIN STREET
BOERNE, TX 78006
In our current political environment, many people avoid or dread political conversations with friends or family members whose politics differ from their own. They worry, rightly so, that any attempts at political discussions will devolve into arguments and acrimony and result in hurt feelings or anger.
This Braver Angels workshop teaches skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of the relationship. It also gives participants a safe environment to practice these skills.
It will also help participants understand the values and concerns of those who differ from them politically, and it teaches essential skills for communicating across differences and finding common ground.
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Workshop Goals:
● More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically
● Better skills for listening in a way the other person feels heard
● Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear even if they disagree
Other Essential Information:
This workshop is interactive and includes opportunities for practice and discussion.
A light lunch will be served from 12:30-1:30PM for those who can stay.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
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Our June 13 BAD meeting featured Dr. Raquel Saenz Ortiz, candidate for Texas State Board of Education. BAD presented her with a $250 campaign donation! | |
Saturday Night Supper Club on June 15 was a big success!
Twenty-two Dems gathered at Fajita Street in Comfort to enjoy good food,
delicious margaritas, and great company!
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We had a small but lively crowd at Thirsty Thursday on June 27. We met at Free Roam Brewing in Boerne and welcomed a couple of newcomers! | |
A good crowd showed up at the Dem office for the
Presidential Debate Watch Party on July 27.
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An energetic and eager group of Dems showed up for the Comfort Independence Day Parade! We got lots of thumbs up and cheers as we made our way along the parade route. A good time was had by all!
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The clean-up, take down, and pack away crew after the parade!
Many, many thanks to Norbert and Monika Schulze for building and transporting the float and to Peg, Kevin, Mary, and Holly and all the other volunteers that decorated our great float!
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PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A RECURRING DONOR!
Now, more than ever, we need your donations to help fund candidates, causes, and the get-out-the-vote effort!
It’s really easy to set up your recurring donation via ActBlue, Simply go to https://secure.actblue.com/ and click on Sign In to enter your information. You can also donate via a credit card, an auto-withdrawal from your bank, or by mailing a check to BAD, P.O. Box 2132, Boerne, TX, 78006.
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If you prefer to pay regular annual dues ($10 for students, $35 for those 60 or over, and $50 for everyone else), you can do so online by clicking here: https://www.boerne-area-democrats.com/membership and by completing the online payment form. You can also mail a check or pay in person at a BAD meeting. | | |
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The office is now open on Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Stop by and visit - or better yet, stop in and help work on getting out the vote!
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Click on any of these icons to be taken to their web pages. | |
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GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
Let your voices be heard by attending these community meetings.
Click on any of the icons for more information.
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Boerne City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 447 N. Main Street, Boerne.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meetings are held on the first Monday of each month in the Ronald C. Bowman Council Chambers at City Hall, 447 N. Main Street, Boerne.
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The Kendall County Commissioner's Court meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday at 9:00 a.m. in the County Courthouse, 201 E. San Antonio Street, 3rd floor. | |
The Fair Oaks City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the FOR City Hall, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Road, FOR. | |
The Comfort ISD Board of Trustees meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the CISD Central Office, 327 High Street, Comfort. | |
The Boerne ISD Board of Trustees meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Administrative Offices, 235 Johns Road.
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The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at 9 Topperwein Road, Boerne.
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BOERNE AREA DEMOCRATS BOARD
President: Susan Dollar
Vice President: Whitney White
Secretary: Robin Prescott
Treasurer: Michele Smith
Membership: Shawn Bonner
Publicity: Gloria Villanueva
Webmaster: Andy Wine
Ex Officio member: Laura Bray, KCDP
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Connect with us!
JOIN THE BOERNE AREA DEMOCRATS
Email: BAD@boerne-area-democrats.com
Web: boerne-area-democrats.org
Facebook: facebook.com/boerne.area.democrats
Notice Regarding Photography and/or Audio/Video Recording
The Boerne Area Democrats captures photographs and/or audio/video recordings during our events.
Such photographs and recordings may be used in BAD's advertising and social media relations to let others
know of our events. In addition, local news organizations may hear of our events, and BAD may allow
them to record events for news reporting. If you do not wish to be in photos/videos,
please let the photographer/videographer know in advance.
This newsletter is intended for people interested in the work of the Boerne Area Democrats and the Democratic Party in general. To be removed from this mailing list, please click on Unsubscribe below
or email us at bad@boerne-area-democrats.com.
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