Author Archives: Debra29

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About Debra29

I am a retired public school teacher who believes that a strong democracy rests on the shoulders of its citizens. This blog was created as a central resource of civic engagement. Together, we can make a difference. Follow me on Blue Sky. DetermSpirits.bsky.social

It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Debra29

Frederick Douglass Actions Demonstrations Specific organizations have consistently organized responses on a local, state, and national level. Join and keep track of what is happening where. You can find a demonstration close by to attend. If you are unable to … Continue reading →

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A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Debra29

Martin Luther King Jr. Democrats sweep key elections in NYC, New Jersey & Virginia Updated November 28, 2025 Mamdani wins historic New York City mayoral race Zohran Mamdani won Tuesday’s election for mayor of New York City, leading former New … Continue reading →

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“Unlimited power in the hands of limited people always leads to cruelty,”

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Debra29

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Russian author and dissident . Cuts to Medicaid The administration’s signature legislative achievement, a new budget law, OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) cuts more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, the national health insurance program for the poor … Continue reading →

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Ideas are more powerful than guns. We would not let our enemies have guns, why should we let them have ideas?

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Debra29

Joseph Stalin Targeting higher education is an essential tool in the autocratic playbook. Across the world, authoritarian leaders are targeting universities and professors to silence critical thinking and crush academic freedom.Threats to higher education in the U.S. resemble free speech … Continue reading →

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Discrimination is alive and soaring.

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Debra29

Jonathan Kozol The Republican Party has embraced the Heritage Foundation’s handbook, Project 2025. The Project’s handbook’s DEI recommendations fit into four main categories: (1) Abolishing DEI offices and personnel; (2) Ending the government’s participation in DEI initiatives; (3) Amending laws … Continue reading →

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There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Debra29

Elie Wiesel The Trump Administration has militarized our own government against immigrant communities, fueling a lawless crackdown on people who came to this country seeking peace, safety, and the American dream. And the New York GOP rubber-stamped it, giving Trump … Continue reading →

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Actions 2025

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Debra29

“You do have to steel yourself. You do have to prepare yourself for the next turn of the news cycle, the next development. Every day you see another attack on the rule of law. You see another attack on the … Continue reading →

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Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being.

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Debra29

Eleanor Roosevelt Governor’s Race below Updated June 11 Mikie Sherrill wins the Democratic primaryJack Ciattarelli wins the Republican primary. Sherrill beat out five other Democrats for her party’s nod, pitching herself as the most electable candidate — after her party … Continue reading →

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One can’t paint New York as it is, but rather as it is felt.

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Debra29

Georgia O’Keeffe New York City Primary Day ResultsJune 25, 2025 The New York City Election for MayorMamdani Stuns Cuomo in New York Mayoral Primary Here are 5 Takeaways from the New York City Democratic Primary results for Mayor. 1.Mamdani’s exuberant … Continue reading →

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Determined to be free

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Debra29

“Once people sense their own power, no authoritarian government can stand against the people who are determined to be free. ” Tsakhiaglin Elbegdorj, Journalist and President of Mongolia “The American fascists are most easily recognized by their deliberate perversion of … Continue reading →

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