Letter from the Chair - August 22, 2022
Yesterday’s “We Won’t go Back” march went off without a hitch! It was hot, but there were planned water stations along the way, electric cars for those who could not walk and a police escort. We had great music before we stepped off and we ended up at the Truman Waterfront overlooking the harbor. We had some brief speeches by local activists and more cold water. This event was planned by pissed off young women who had never done anything like this before. Kudos to Kathryn, Jessica and Vanessa! Well done!!!
Now, make sure everyone you know has voted. No excuses! If you think your vote doesn’t count, eventually you and the things YOU care about won’t count to the folks making the rules.
Now for a little good news from President Biden’s Chief of Staff – Ron Klain: "We now have a presidency where the president has delivered the largest economic recovery plan since Roosevelt, the largest infrastructure plan since Eisenhower,... the most judges confirmed since Kennedy, the second largest health care bill since Johnson, and the largest climate change bill in history."…. "The first time we've done gun control since President Clinton was here, the first time ever an African-American woman has been put on the U.S. Supreme Court ...I think it's a record to take to the American people."
I think it’s a record we should all be talking about!!!
There is a distinctly different philosophy about the role of Government between the GOP and the DEMS. Especially now since the GOP has devolved into a fascist cult.
GOP – cut taxes to the rich, eliminate Social Security, Medicare, and destroy public education. (The better to con the little guy) Make the USA a White Christian Nation! (prove me wrong) Encourage violence towards anyone who does not agree with the Cult leader. (!)
DEMs – use government to level the playing field for all citizens, provide a robust Public Education system (remember when we were first in the world?) which allows them to thrive and succeed, and ultimately buoys the economy!
Vote Responsibly!
Here are the Keys Dems endorsements for August 23:
- Key West Mayor – Teri Johnston
- Key West City Comm. Dist. 5 – Kim Highsmith
- Monroe County School Board Dist. 5 – Sue Woltanski
- Yes on all the ballot initiatives.
Government Meetings This Week
Wednesday, August 24 - The Utility Board of the City of Key West (Keys Energy) will meet at 5pm in the Board Room, 1001 James St. Key West. For agenda and details click here.
Thursday, August 25 - The Key Colony Beach City Commission will meet at 9:30am in their Temporary City Hall. For details and agenda, click here.
Thursday, August 25 - The Islamorada Village Council will meet at 5:30pm in the Community Center at Founders Park, 87000 Overseas Hwy., Plantation Key. For details and agenda click here.
Activist Events This Week
Tuesday, August 23 - ELECTION DAY! There is something for everyone on this ballot so, if you have not done it yet, DO IT NOW! If you are not sure of your polling place you can look it up here, https://www.keyselections.org/Polling-Location/Find-Your-Precinct and then find your polling place
You can watch the election results come in from home on Comcast channel 76 or AT&T channel 99 starting at 7pm. OR, you can join a bunch of Democrats in the back room at Sally O’Brien’s in Key West. The polls close at 7pm and that’s when the local broadcast will start.
Wednesday, August 24 - Key West NOW will hold their Monthly meeting at 5:30pm in the Back Room at Sally O’Brien’s. Ladies now is the time to join. We will not go BACK! There is another protest to plan!
Thursday, August 25 - The Keys Dems will meet at 5:30pm in the Community Room at the Marathon Public Library, 3490 Overseas Hwy., Marathon. We will celebrate our wins and talk to some new candidates in Local Municipal Elections! This will be a hybrid in-person/zoom meeting. I will publish the link Weds morning.
Friday, August 26 - Women’s Equality Day! HA! There will be small protests everywhere! Check out Key West NOW FB page or hold your own!
If you would like to hold signs for your favorite candidate on Election Day, please reach out to them:
- Mayor Teri Johnston – 305-797-0862
- Kim Highsmith – 954-249-4078
- Sue Woltanski – 305-240-1565
- Adam Gentle – 305-709-9881
- Dan Horton-Diaz – 678-698-8180
Just remember, if you hold signs near a polling location, you must be 150 ft away from the building.
VOTE !!!
See you soon!
Bert Sise/Chair
KeysDems