What are the dems up to?
We started off the semester with our first meeting on Jan. 26. Did you miss the meeting? Our next meeting will be our Superbowl Watch Party on Feb. 2! Our regular meetings are Sundays in Blanch 227 at 8 pm.
- Join us for a Superbowl watch party on February 2 at 6:30 pm in Blanchard Great Room. Not registered to vote? We will have a table here to register!
- Come and join us at the College Democrats of Massachusetts summit on February 23 on campus.
- Come to Democratic Debate watch parties on February 7 at 8 pm, February 19, and February 29 all in Cleveland 003L.
- Visit our website to learn more and how to take action. https://collegedemocrat.wixsite.com/mhdems
In the pioneer valley
There was an incident involving two Mount Holyoke College faculty members over the winter break. Professor Rie Hachiyanagi is accused of multiple accounts of assault and attempted murder. Hiachiyanagi was put on administrative leave pending the results of her trial on Feb. 4.
- For students who need resources as a result of the incident, counseling services are available, along with drop-in hours.
Despite the cold, women and allies in the valley gathered in Springfield for this year’s women’s march. They carried messages of empowerment, calls of justice, and criticisms of the Trump Administration. The voices of the pioneer valley are only one of many nationwide.
- Did you attend a march in your area? Message the Dems on our social media for a chance to be featured. We’d love to share what our members are up to!
State-wide
Julia Mejia, a Boston city councilor pushes for ‘sanctuary spaces’ for immigrant students. This is causing a public hearing to occur. These spaces would be a safe space to protect immigrant students from ICE taking them away. Mejia hopes that these spaces will not be limited to schools, but libraries and other youth locations. If these were to be implemented they would provide some security due to the policies from the Trump Administration.
Check out the most recent episode of The Horse Race, a weekly podcast covering Massachusetts politics, policy, and elections. This week’s episode, found here (or wherever you get your podcasts), covers the tensions between Warren and Sanders during the Democratic Debate, democratic push to get independent voters in New Hampshire to vote blue, and thoughts on rank choice voting.
National news
The U.S. was on the brink of war with Iran. Tensions with Iran have been growing over the past few decades. President Trump attacked Iran by killing Qasem Soleimani. Following that Iran shot down a Ukrainian plane. We later learned that this was unintentional. While Nancy Pelosi pushes for a vote to hold back Trump from any further military action, events between the U.S. and Iran seem to have died down for now.
On that note, the 2020 Democratic candidates had their last debate before the Iowa Caucus. Candidates each were given the opportunity to state where they stand on foreign affairs and thoughts on Iran. During and after the debate tensions rose between candidates Warren and Sanders.
- Primary Elections are on their way. Iowa kicks it off Feb. 3 and the rest of the states will follow. Make sure to register to vote or sign up for your absentee ballot in time to cast your vote! Not sure when yours is? Click here [WEBPAGE] for your state’s information.
- Massachusetts Residents: here [WEBPAGE]is the link for registration.
Oh yeah, that whole impeachment thing is still happening. Getting confused by the news cycle? Here’s a guide to the most recent updates [WEBPAGE].
Get involved!
HERE [WEBPAGE] is this week’s Americans of Conscience Checklist. It’s filled with clear actions for members to stay engaged and fight for democracy, equality, voting, and respect.
stories we saw this month
From Samantha: “Why Do Trump Supporters Support Trump?” (NY Times)
Have any stories that you found interesting? Send them along to pittm22s@mtholyoke.edu to have them featured in next month’s newsletter!