Author: CI

  • Intimidating voters of color

    Intimidating voters of color

    In our separate-but-unequal criminal “justice” system, Black citizens receive hefty prison sentences for honest voting mistakes while their white counterparts get away with blatant efforts to commit voter fraud.

  • How can we win if we don’t compete?

    How can we win if we don’t compete?

    Contest Every Race is working to end GOP dominance in rural America by making sure that no Republican runs for office unopposed. In states like Oklahoma, Democrats don’t run in up to 75% of local elections. The result is lower turnout, which means that congressional and statewide candidates get crushed – even when there are…

  • Two steps forward, three steps back: Is unchecked hate derailing our democracy?

    Two steps forward, three steps back: Is unchecked hate derailing our democracy?

    During Black History Month, we celebrate the many contributions Black Americans have made to our country. But this year seems more about shoving Blacks to the sidelines — from voting rights and education to the literature our children read.

  • The times they are a-changin’.

    The times they are a-changin’.

    A call to action for an historic moment of crisis Also changing: the times when we could tune out the news, focus on our own lives, and leave politics to other people. The future of American democracy — and critical issues of equity, health care, human rights, and the sustainability of life on Earth —…

  • January 6 rally in Concord drew a crowd for democracy.

    January 6 rally in Concord drew a crowd for democracy.

    On Thursday, January 6, over 200 folks gathered on Monument Square in Concord to celebrate democracy. Unfettered by protestors, heartened by enthusiasts, serenaded by Brad Hubbard-Nelson’s trumpet solos and Bob Lawson’s playlist, we heard three powerful speakers: Professor Danielle Allen, Senator Jamie Eldridge, and keynote speaker Senator Michael Barrett. A coalition of good will—First Parish…

  • Water the grassroots to grow hope for democracy and progressivism.

    Water the grassroots to grow hope for democracy and progressivism.

    Grassroots organizations know the people, culture, and political environment in their areas. They make lasting connections, build trust, educate, and work alongside community members to achieve real change — in both election and non-election years. By backing these organizations, rather than swooping in with our own messaging and tactics, we can target our time and…

  • D is for December, Democracy…and Donation

    D is for December, Democracy…and Donation

    by Barbara Head November elections are over with, but activism can take a different form in December — political donations. There are two reasons for making this your key month for political giving.  1. Giving early in the election cycle does far more good. Candidates running in 2022 are gearing up their campaigns. They need…

  • Fighting disinformation

    Fighting disinformation

    by Anita Saville and Jennifer Hurley-Wales The daily false and misleading stories about everything from vaccine mandates to election outcomes deepen the fault lines between Red and Blue America and threaten to destroy what was once the greatest democracy in the world. While disinformation seeps from many sources, Fox News is the leading disseminator of…

  • Divorcing AT&T

    Divorcing AT&T

    by Jennifer Hurley-Wales Dear friends,  AT&T is abusing democracy, so I’m divorcing AT&T.  I had already felt unhappy about using AT&T as my family’s mobile phone provider because of their contributions to right-wing politicians. During the 2016 cycle two-thirds of the company’s donations went to Republicans, including Donald Trump.  I felt a little better when…

  • It’s all on the line in Virginia.

    It’s all on the line in Virginia.

    by Judith Herman Virginia’s upcoming statewide election on November 2 is critical to the future of both the commonwealth and the country. This election has been quiet so far, and we need to make some noise. Early voting is underway for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and the House of Delegates. But many Virginians don’t…