Chair Talk...
Hello, dear Democrats. I was privileged to meet the Democratic National Chair, Ken Martin, on September 11 in Boerne. He was in Texas for James Talarico’s kick-off and had time to visit one group of County Chairs. The Hill Country was selected because it had recently emerged from a flood disaster. I was very impressed with Mr. Martin and especially his empathy. It was the day after Charlie Kirk was killed, and he said that no one should die for their political beliefs, their religious beliefs, or the color of their skin. He was asked if he thought the 2028 election would be rigged. He answered that he is more concerned about the possibility of a civil war. “We are already in a fight for the 'soul of our nation.” It was moving that he became emotional and said,” We must fight for our country but not tear it apart in the process”. The fight is “not with bullets, but at the ballot box”.
He was very motivational and gave us good advice that “if we organize everywhere, we can win anywhere”. Recently, Democrats have not communicated with the people in their community until right before the election. Then all they say is, “Vote Democratic.” People are tired of Democrats only showing up to ask for their vote.
“One way to get folks back to voting Democratic is to establish a relationship with the voter. Democrats need to understand 1) the issues important to the voter, 2) the voter’s hopes and dreams, 3) where the Democratic Party has shared values with the voter, and 4) the final step is to get the voter to vote Democrat.”
He pointed out that the Democratic Party is a “big tent” Party, with conservative democrats, centrist moderates, progressives, and leftists; that it’s ok to have differing voices, not everyone has to agree. “There’s more than one way to be a Democrat.”
Let me close with a few words from Heather Booth, who’s been a civil rights activist since she was 13 years old (she’s now 80). She was part of Freedom Summer. They acted despite fear; despite the very real threats to their safety; despite hopelessness; even though what they were doing felt inconsequential compared to the need; even though people were literally dying around them. Yet, they led with courage, and they kept going. A year later, the Voting Rights Act was passed! As Heather always says, when we take courageous action “with love at the center,” we can and do win.”
I want to start a group to engage in conversations with people in our community, as Ted Martin mentioned. If you’re interested or have ideas on how to get started, email me HERE and let’s see how we can win!
Thanks for all you do. Take care of yourselves. Let me know what you do to stay sane and centered.
Thanks for all you do!
Maggie
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