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ICE’s cold-blooded shootings of Americans in Minneapolis who were exercising their constitutional rights are a stark reminder of how far the Trump Administration has taken our country down the path of autocracy. If these murders by federal officers weren’t so shocking, we might be tempted to just list them among the long and ever-growing catalog of Trump’s violations of the rule of law. A government that murders its own people cannot be legitimate.
Fortunately, we are now witnessing a massive backlash—from ordinary people, civic leaders, corporate leaders, and even some Republicans. Thanks to the courage of those who have stood up and spoken out, we are beginning to see signs of retreat. Greg Bovino, who has led ICE’s operations in the Twin Cities, is “retiring”; Republicans are joining calls for investigations, and there are reports that ICE may be disengaging from the Twin Cities.
Despite these heartening developments, the call remains for all of us to sustain and build this wave of outrage and demand for change—whether in Minnesota or wherever ICE operates. As Robert Hubbell wrote in a recent post, “The only question that matters [is] What will we do?” The question applies not just to ICE but to the entire catalog of Trump violations, domestically and overseas.
There is plenty for everyone to do. This newsletter includes suggestions, but the point is simple: everyone has a role to play. Whether it’s joining local protests, donating to organizations that are fighting to protect democracy, working with groups that defend immigrant rights, or protecting voting rights in battleground states, the key is to find something you can do—and do it consistently. This is not just an event. It's a movement.
If you have already taken up this challenge, thank you. Now multiply your impact by enlisting your friends and family to join you in the movement to protect our democracy.
With Confidence in Our Collective Power,
Your Faithful Editor
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In This Issue
- We Show Up. We Stand Up
- Caucus Results
- Adopt A State: Wisconsin
- Jane Kellner Honored for Outstanding Service
- Maria Horn's Campaign Reaches Fundraising Goal
- Help Still Wanted
- Upcoming Events
- Get These Other Sources For Action
- In Case You Missed It
- Support Our Work
- Did You Miss A Newsletter?
- Share Your News
- Tell Us What You Think
- Spread The Word
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Salisbury may be one of the coldest towns in Connecticut, but that hasn’t stopped us from gathering—every Saturday morning—to stand up for democracy. Week after week, neighbors turn out to protest the Trump administration’s ongoing abuses of power and the growing threat to our democratic institutions. The recent, deeply troubling actions by ICE in Minnesota and elsewhere are only the latest warning signs in a long and dangerous pattern. This crisis did not begin with ICE, and it will not end when ICE retreats. What we are facing is an existential challenge to the rule of law—and silence is not an option.
Yesterday was no exception. An energetic, determined crowd showed up to make our voices heard—forcefully and peacefully. We have been assembling for a long time now, because showing up matters. It sends a message: even small towns will not look away while fundamental rights are under attack.
Our weekly gatherings now draw participants not only from Salisbury, but from across the Northwest Corner of Connecticut—and even from neighboring communities in Massachusetts and New York. That growing presence reflects a shared understanding: democracy depends on ordinary people willing to stand up, together.
Everyone is welcome. Bundle up and join us every Saturday from 11:00am to noon. We will keep showing up—week after week—until this national emergency is over.
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CAUCUS RESULTS
The Salisbury Democratic Town Committee held its biennial caucus on January 13 and elected its 30 governing members for the next two-year term. Click to see the list of members.
The SDTC works to promote good government and democratic principles at every level of civic life. One of our core responsibilities is recruiting qualified candidates for municipal elective offices and supporting their election. We also support Democratic candidates in state and national elections. The SDTC monthly meetings are open to the public. Meetings are a great opportunity to find out what's going on and to get involved at this crucial time. See the UPCOMING EVENTS section below for meeting dates and details.
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ADOPT A STATE: WISCONSIN
Democracy starts at home—but sometimes our friends in other states need a hand. It’s no secret that a small group of battleground states now plays an outsized role in presidential elections, often decided by razor-thin margins—sometimes just a handful of votes per precinct. Those same states also host crucial down-ballot races that determine control of state legislatures and state courts.
Wisconsin is one of those states. In 2020, Joe Biden narrowly carried Wisconsin; in 2024, Kamala Harris narrowly lost it. In 2023, however, a progressive candidate won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, flipping the court to a progressive majority—with major implications for voting rights and reproductive freedom statewide.
The Wisconsin Democratic Party (WisDems) runs year-round voter protection programs that offer great opportunities for activists from out of state to get involved. Right now, remote volunteers can help recruit poll observers for the upcoming April spring elections. Volunteers can also participate in get-out-the-vote efforts, staff the Voter Protection Hotline, and help cure absentee ballots throughout the election cycle.
The best part? This isn’t just one-off volunteering. By plugging in with WisDems, you become part of an ongoing movement. You’ll get to know fellow activists, learn the political landscape of the state, and build relationships that make the work more meaningful—and more fun.
Interested in learning more? Contact Lee Greenhouse at LRGreenhouse@gmail.com at (917) 701-5739, or sign up directly at https://www.mobilize.us/wisdems/event/751168/.
| | JANE KELLNER HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE | | |
Longtime SDTC member Jane Kellner was recognized at the January meeting for her countless hours of skillful and selfless work over many years on behalf of the SDTC, designing and creating campaign literature, and enabling candidates to communicate with voters throughout the town.
An official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly, signed by Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, was presented by our State Rep, Maria Horn. Bravo, Jane!
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MARIA HORN'S CAMPAIGN REACHES FUNDRAISING GOAL | |
Our phenomenal state rep, Maria Horn, reports that her 2026 re-election campaign has already reached its fundraising target in order to qualify for public financing. Under the Connecticut Citizens' Election Program, she needed to raise a total of $5,800 in contributions gathered from at least 150 donors in the district. Thank you, everyone who contributed so quickly to helping Maria reach this goal so she can now focus on the campaign itself.
You can stay in touch with the campaign by following Maria on social media or visiting the campaign website. You can always reach Maria at mariahornfor64@gmail.com with any questions or feedback related to the campaign.
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HELP STILL WANTED
Seeking Deputy Registrar of Voters/Elections Administrator (part-time)
Salisbury's Democratic Registrar of Voters is seeking a deputy to assist and eventually take over the Registrar's activities. (Under Salisbury's electoral system, there is also a counterpart Republican Registrar.)
For this position, applicants must be registered Democrats in the town of Salisbury (Unaffiliated voters may change their registration to Democrat.)
This is a paid, part-time administrative position for someone interested in doing important work for their community. Candidates should be able to multitask and work collaboratively with their Republican counterparts in a supportive, nonpartisan manner. Politics play no role in the job and are never discussed. A flexible schedule is essential. This position is ideal for someone seeking part-time work, including individuals with flexible work arrangements or stay-at-home parents who have support at home during election season.
The start date is flexible, but ideally the candidate should be able to learn the role of Deputy and transition into the position of Registrar beginning in January 2027.
To request more information or arrange a phone call about the position, please call or text Democratic Registrar, Jenny Law, at (860) 491-6906.
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Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 3pm: What’s the Plan? Weekly Call with Indivisible’s Founders. The chaos coming out of the White House is a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote? Coming together as a community to cut through the noise and unite around strategies for resistance. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week for an hour to discuss what’s happening—and, more importantly, what's the plan. These calls can be very uplifting! Click for details and registration.
BE BOLD IN THE COLD! Saturdays, February 7, 14, 21 & 28 at 11am-noon: Protest in Salisbury. Join your friends and neighbors every Saturday in standing up for democracy and against Trump's destructive policies and corruption. The event is at the Salisbury Town Green, 15 Undermountain Road, Salisbury. Bring your own signs or borrow one from the organizers. American flags are highly encouraged. We stand alongside the long-time activists of the Peace and Justice Rally, who have held vigil on the green for 40 years. Please remember: The organizers strongly encourage participants not to engage with the occasional heckler. Doing so could jeopardize everyone’s safety. Instead, simply ignore them.
Saturdays, February 7, 14, 21 & 21 at 12pm: Protest in Cornwall. Come to the Triangle at the intersection of Routes 4 & 7 in Cornwall Bridge. Bring your American flag and join in every Saturday to stand tall in defense of our democracy! If you can, bring a sign as well as your family and friends.
Saturdays, February 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 12pm: Protest in New Milford. Join Indivisible Act Local NWCT for their weekly peaceful rally to protect democracy. The event is at Old East Street School, 50 East Street, New Milford (next to CVS). A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. All participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. Always welcome: flags, chants, outside voices, freedom songs, and signs.
Saturdays, February 7, 14, 21 at 2pm: Protest in Kent. Join fellow patriots every Saturday afternoon in Kent at 50 Main Street (north of the Welcome Center) to stand up and speak out. Democracy is under attack now and you can do your part to defend it. Bring a sign or borrow one of ours. Dogs are welcome.
Tuesday, February 17 at 7pm: Salisbury Democratic Town Committee. This regular monthly SDTC meeting will be held at Town Hall and via Zoom. Please email chair Al Ginouves to receive a copy of the agenda and the link to the meeting. All are welcome.
Saturday, Feb 21 from 3-4:30pm: Fundraiser for Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz’s Re-election. Come to Warren to meet Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz at a fundraiser for her re-election campaign. A passionate and dedicated public servant, the Lt. Gov. proudly serves alongside Governor Ned Lamont in achieving meaningful progress for the people of CT in these difficult and uncertain times. Click to donate/RSVP. Address in Warren will be provided upon donation/RSVP.
Wednesday, February 25 at 8pm: Greater Litchfield County Young Democrats - Monthly Meeting. Join fellow Democrats for this meeting on Zoom. For more information, please contact Daniela Larsson at nwctyd@gmail.com.
Saturday, February 28 at 9:30am: League of Women Voters of Litchfield County Annual Legislative Breakfast. Event will be at Camp Cochipianee, 291 Beach St, Goshen. Bring a coffee mug and your questions to the annual Legislative Breakfast sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Litchfield County. Invited legislators include State Senator Stephen Harding and State Representative Maria Horn. This event is often well attended, so be sure to register soon. Click here to register.
Monday, March 9 from 5:30-7:30pm: Fundraiser for Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. Various NW Corner leaders are hosting a fundraiser at the Bad Dog Brewing Company in Torrington. The brewery is located in the old Firehouse at 117 Water Street in Torrington. Everyone is welcome to attend. If you want to join other Salisbury Democrats who have joined the host committee, please email Audrey Blondin at audbl@aol.com. As a co-host your name will be on the invitation, and you'll be asked to make a donation of $25 to $250 and to bring a dish to share.
| SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, March 28 - No Kings Day III - NATIONAL PROTEST | |
In 2025, millions of Americans came together in nonviolent protest to oppose the growing authoritarian actions of the Trump administration and affirm that this nation belongs to its people, not to kings. Since then, people across the country have continued to rise up against ongoing authoritarianism and federal abuses, including the administration’s latest escalation in Minnesota. The No Kings Coalition has announced their next mass mobilization on March 28. Watch for details.
| | GET THESE OTHER SOURCES FOR ACTION | | |
Because we publish only once a month, there are many events that never make it into our pages. To keep informed about those events, we strongly suggest that you subscribe to some of the excellent, more frequent sources that are listed below.
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Robert Hubbell's Today's Edition provides daily analysis and commentary on the latest political happenings and practical suggestions for what citizens can do. He started the newsletter in 2017 to provide hope and perspective to his family after the unexpected results of the 2016 election. Over time, his family email was shared among friends and became of community of like-minded citizens devoted to preserving American democracy. Click to read his latest posts and subscribe.
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5 Calls - Elected officials really do care what their constituents think. That's why calls to officials' offices are impactful. Every day staffers compile and report on all the calls that their offices receive. Making a call takes just a minute using the short scripts on key issues and telephone numbers they provide. 5 Calls researches key issues, drafts scripts, and provides contact info for elected officials. Go to the 5 Calls website and choose an issue you care about. Enter your zip code and the system will provide you with the telephone numbers of your senators and representatives along with the relevant scripts. Subscribe to 5 Call’s weekly newsletter for emails with the latest updates.
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Jill Drew’s Today's Action Daily Blast – This twice-a-week email suggests a single, focused calling action to our public officials each day, most often providing carefully-researched sample scripts along with the contact information for calling US Senators and Representatives serving Northwestern Connecticut and the adjoining area of New York’s Hudson Valley. To sign up email jill@jilldrew.com.
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Saving Democracy email - Indefatigable activist Kathy Voldstad provides announcements of actions for people in and around Salisbury and elsewhere. Kathy's emails also provide inspiration that we all need in times like these. To sign up, email kathyvoldstad@gmail.com.
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Jessica Craven's Chop Wood, Carry Water – This is one of our perennial favorites. Activist Jessica Craven provides daily suggestions on easy actions that each of us can take. Read it here and subscribe free for her daily dose of actions.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
One Year of Trump. The Time to Act Is Now, While We Still Can. In this stark and unsettling op-ed, New York Times opinion columnist M. Gessen says that a year into Trump’s second term, the unthinkable has become routine: Concentration camps. Paramilitary raids. Public executions of protesters. Troops in American cities. The greatest danger, Gessen argues, is not just what is happening—but how quickly we are learning to accept it. The piece warns that the US is sliding into electoral authoritarianism and makes a forceful case for why resistance, speech, protest, and civic action are urgently needed now, while there is still space to act. Read the full op-ed in The New York Times.
Why Trump Supports Protesters in Tehran but Not in Minneapolis. In this searing essay, The New Yorker’s Benjamin Wallace-Wells examines the stark double standard in Donald Trump’s response to mass protest—offering rhetorical support to demonstrators in Iran while aggressively suppressing protest at home. The piece traces how principles like self-determination and due process are now deployed opportunistically, revealing how America’s domestic and foreign policies are increasingly converging around raw power rather than democratic norms. Read the full essay in The New Yorker.
How the Murder of Good Changes the Stakes for Good. In this powerful essay, Jonathan Alter argues that the killing of Renee Good may prove to be a turning point in American politics, even if accountability does not come immediately. Drawing parallels to Kent State, Trayvon Martin, and George Floyd, he contends that highly visible acts of state violence create lasting political “force fields” that reshape public debate, constrain power, and ultimately force change. While ICE may expand and repression may intensify in the short term, Alter suggests that the optics, the evidence, and the public’s response will make it increasingly difficult for an authoritarian approach to endure. Read the full essay in Alter's Old Goats Substack.
This Isn’t About Immigration Anymore. After a second fatal federal shooting in Minneapolis, Gen Zers aren’t debating immigration policy — they’re judging whether American government still knows how to restrain its own power. In this urgent essay, John Della Volpe, Harvard Kennedy School polling director and one of the nation’s leading analysts of youth political attitudes, draws on real-time conversations with young Americans across party lines to explain why the ICE funding vote has become a defining test of legitimacy. His reporting shows an unusual convergence: young Democrats see repeated federal violence as a moral failure, while Independents experience it as a loss of safety and control. The shared takeaway is not anger but withdrawal. Della Volpe warns that if Democrats ignore this reaction, they risk something more dangerous than backlash — a generation that simply stops trusting institutions and disengages altogether. Read Della Volpe's full analysis on his Substack.
Democrats Will Lose in 2028 Unless They Change Course Now. Democrats can’t win 2028 on vibes, backlash, or anti-Trump sentiment alone, according to a recent op-ed in The New York Times by veteran strategist David Plouffe. In a blunt assessment, he lays out what the party must actually do to rebuild power: put forward a short, credible plan to cut costs, create specific jobs, regulate AI, clean up corruption, and break from leaders and institutions voters no longer trust. The message is clear: without a sharper economic agenda and real reform, Democrats risk losing the presidency, the Senate, and the courts for a generation. Read the full op-ed.
Federal Cuts Deepening Food Insecurity in CT. Food insecurity is rising in Connecticut, and is likely to continue getting worse amid major cuts to federal food programs, according to a report released recently by CT's Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity. The report noted that CT has the highest rate of food insecurity in New England (14.3%, according to the most recent data from Feeding America) and trails many of its neighbors in spending to combat the problem. Although the state is projected to spend roughly $27.6 million more on food insecurity through fiscal year 2027, those increases are dwarfed by the loss of over $180 million in federal spending over that same period. Read more in CT Mirror.
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SUPPORT OUR WORK - PLEASE DONATE
When democracy is under attack, local action becomes essential. That’s why the Salisbury Democratic Town Committee is stepping up and fighting back — and why your financial support is so critical right now. We’re mobilizing our community to protect democracy.
You can donate by credit card at salisburydemocrats.com/donate or use this QR code.
Please give generously — the stakes couldn’t be higher. The SDTC has no paid staff, so every dollar you contribute goes directly to supporting our critical work. If you have already given, thank you for your generosity.
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DID YOU MISS A NEWSLETTER?
The entire archive of past newsletters is available at the Salisbury Democratic Town Committee website.
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SHARE YOUR NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please send us any news or announcements that you would like us to share with our community. We publish on the first of each month, so please send us any submissions at least one week in advance. Please submit to the editor at salsdemsnews@gmail.com.
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TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
We love hearing from you, our readers. Every edition of our newsletter is created with you in mind — to inform, engage, and inspire. But your feedback helps us do our job better. Drop us a note — even a few lines can make a big difference. Reach us anytime at salsdemsnews@gmail.com.
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