by Maggie Micklo '21
Monday, October 1st 2019
Note: And That's The Way It Is will publish monthly this year.
what are the dems up to?
we’ve been busy writing letters, meeting new members, and even volunteering at the massachusetts democratic convention! do you want to be involved in these incredible opportunities? join us sundays at 8pm in blanch 227!
We teamed up with Every Voice MA to write letters for two great bills to reduce sexual assault on college campuses. The next week, we worked with Swing Left to write letters to unregistered voters in Pennsylvania about the importance of voting.
Thanks for those who joined us at our debate watch party and who volunteered with us at the democratic convention! It was a blast and we can’t wait for more events like this in the future. Join us for the College Democrats of MA Western Regional Kickoff this Saturday, October 5th! Fill out this quick form to attend with us.📷
in the pioneer valley
Hampshire College will admit a class of new and transfer students for the spring of 2020. The new president, Ed Wingenbach, said, “in four years, our goal is to have four full classes again and enrollment of over 1,000.” The college, which previously had been searching for a strategic partner, now intends to remain independent.
Representative Richard E. Neal (MA-01), Mount Holyoke’s congressman and the chair of the important House Ways and Means Committee, will lead one of five committees tasked with gathering evidence during the impeachment inquiries into President Donald Trump’s misdeeds. Neal, who had previously been against impeachment, said “I believe we have now reached a tipping point.”
state-wide
Last week, Rep. Joe Kennedy (MA-04) announced he will challenge Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) for his seat in the 2020 primary election. Both men are similar ideologically, instead Kennedy’s campaign aims to focus the election on generational differences between Markey, who is 78, and Kennedy, who is 38.
Governor Charlie Baker declared a public health emergency in late September, issuing an executive order which bans the sale of e-cigarettes and marijuana-infused vape products for the next four months. MA health care providers have reported at least 61 cases of a lung illness possibly linked to vaping.
national news
In case you haven’t heard, President Donald Trump has been implicated in a whistleblower complaint so corrupt, it could lead to his impeachment. Turns out, that wasn’t the only time the president was corrupt! Unfortunately, we don’t have time to link every crime.
But don’t forget while the news cycle is consumed by this, lots of other important things are happening. Migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border continue to face mounting barriers to entry as new immigration policies push them to risker, and deadlier, paths into the United States.
take action!
Here 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 week
From Elena: "I Was A Low-Income College Student. Classes Weren't the Hard Part."From Maggie: "How Climate Change in Iowa is Changing U.S. Politics"
If you read an interesting story, send it along to mickl22m@mtholyoke.edu to have them featured in next month's newsletter!