by Maggie Micklo '21
Friday, November 1st 2019
Note: And That's The Way It Is will publish monthly this year.
what are the dems up to?
Despite a week off for fall break, we’ve been busy in October learning about incorporating activism into our daily lives, phone banking for some great candidates in Virginia, and hearing about ranked choice voting in preparation for a weekend of action. missing out on all the fun? it’s not too late to start joining us every Sunday at 8pm!
Join us for our WEEKEND OF ACTION!
Saturday, Nov. 2nd - Petition Gathering for Ranked Choice Voting: Join us at the South Hadley Big Y to gather signatures in an effort to get a ballot question on Ranked Choice Voting in Massachusetts! We are working in coordination with Voter Choice MA. This is a great entry into face-to-face political action - we’re not trying to convince people to vote one way, just to sign for the question to appear on the ballot. We will be petitioning between 1-4pm, please sign up for one or more hour-long shifts using this form. Transportation will be provided!
Sunday, November 3rd - Phone Banking for Taunton Mayoral Race (7-8pm): We will be phone banking for Taunton, MA mayoral candidate Estele Borges, endorsed by the Massachusetts Democratic Party! From MassDems: “Estele has served as a Taunton City Councilor for the past 5 years, and she knows what it takes to work in city government. She’ll be ready on day one.” Estele is running against a Mass GOP-endorsed candidate. Phone banking will take place for the hour before our weekly meeting in Skinner 216.
Sunday, November 3rd - Congressional Candidate Mayor Alex Morse: Join us for a very exciting weekly meeting where we will host Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse. Mayor Morse is running to be Mt. Holyoke’s own Congressional Representative in the Massachusetts First Congressional District. Submit your questions here.
in the pioneer valley
Smith College is investigating the discovery of eight swastikas that were drawn on the walls of academic buildings on its campus. In conjunction with a series of events to support students, faculty, and staff, the President condemned “in the strongest terms this act of hatred and cowardice.”
Anti-semitism is still present in our country and even in the Valley. Fight back against this hate by listening to and supporting the Jewish community on campus and nationally.
In better news on Smith’s campus, the College announced it will no longer make investments in fossil fuel companies and divest from current investments in the industry over the next 15 years. This comes after eight years of activism for the student group Divest Smith. This is a victory to celebrate, but students warn that there is still work to be done.
Do you think Mount Holyoke should join Smith to fight the climate crisis? Support the MHC Climate Justice Coalition!
state-wide
Governor Charlie Baker (R-MA) is under scrutiny for his four-month emergency declaration which bans all vaping products in Massachusetts. Complaints have come from vape retailers who have had to close businesses and from residents using vaping products as an alternative to smoking cigarettes. The Superior Court has thus far upheld the ban as the second Massachusetts resident has died from this mysterious, nationwide lung disease.
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 transportation proposals for Boston and the role of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s endorsements in the 2020 race.
national news
Guess what! Impeachment proceedings are still happening, and it seems like every day more evidence comes out about the corruption present in the Trump Administration. But that’s not all that’s going on in the nation, even if that’s what is in the headlines.
Exxon Mobil went to court last week. The fossil fuel giant is accused of defraudingshareholders and the public with their misrepresentation of their knowledge of the serious threat of climate change. MA Attorney General Maura Healey has been one of the leaders in this fight.
The climate crisis is dire and needs to be addressed by every facet of society. While these lawsuits take place, wildfires burn at record rates across California. Take action in any way you can, both on campus and around the world.
If you have any ideas of ways the Mount Holyoke College Democrats can be more committed to fighting the climate crisis, reach out! We’d love to collaborate and incorporate new actions into our meetings.
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 month
If you read an interesting story, send it along to mickl22m@mtholyoke.edu to have them featured in next month's newsletter!
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