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

Criminal Justice Reform

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Debra29

Inform Restoration of Voting Rights for Felons It has been common practice in the United States to make felons ineligible to vote. In 16 states and the District of Columbia felons lose their voting rights only when incarcerated, and receive … Continue reading →

Posted in Amy Klobucher, Andrew Yang, Bernie Sanders, Criminal Justice Reform, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Michael Bloomberg, Peter Buttigieg, Tom Steyer, Uncategorized, Voting | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Criminal Justice Reform

Income Inequality in America

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Debra29

Inform Income Inequality Have we become a tale of two cities? The richest 10% of households now represents 70% of all U.S. wealth.    A booming economy means that people who have higher income and own capital are able to … Continue reading →

Posted in Amy Klobucher, Andrew Yang, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Income Inequality, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Michael Bloomberg, Peter Buttigieg, The Economy, Tom Steyer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Income Inequality in America

Climate Change, COP25 and The Green New Deal

Posted on December 8, 2019 by Debra29

“The point of no return is no longer over the horizon. It is in sight and hurtling toward us.” Inform U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ speech addressed delegates at this week’s 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25), and cited recent … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020 Democratic Primaries, Amy Klobucher, Andrew Yang, Bernie Sanders, Climate Change, COP25, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Environment, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Michael Bloomberg, Paris Climate Accord, Peter Buttigieg, presidential candidates, The Green New Deal, Tom Steyer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Climate Change, COP25 and The Green New Deal

Health Care & Medicare For All

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Debra29

Inform The State of Health Care Today The cost and quality of the U.S. healthcare system is one of the most prominent issues facing everyday Americans. It is a top policy concern for voters, a key indicator of economic efficiency, … Continue reading →

Posted in Amy Klobucher, Andrew Yang, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Health Care, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Medicare for All, Michael Bloomberg, Peter Buttigieg, presidential candidates, Tom Steyer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Health Care & Medicare For All

November 2019: Where We Are, The Presidential Primaries, and The Future

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Debra29

It is you, the individual citizen, who stays informed, attends meetings, makes financial contributions, votes, canvasses, demonstrates, phone banks, volunteers and does all you can to make a difference. And it does. On the local, state and national level. This political … Continue reading →

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November 2018: The Future Of This Republic

Posted on November 4, 2018 by Debra29

We are now on the eve of the 2018 Midterm Elections, the culmination of endless months, weeks and hours of volunteering, canvassing, phone banking and donations. Many motivated by the spirit expressed within: Where you see wrong or inequality or … Continue reading →

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New York, My Hometown’s State Elections (Updated Nov 15 2018)

Posted on October 28, 2018 by Debra29

“The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Local and State Elections, Midterm Elections, State Elections, The House Race, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off on New York, My Hometown’s State Elections (Updated Nov 15 2018)

How States Can, and Will, Suppress The Vote

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Debra29

Voter suppression is the discouragement or prevention of citizens from voting and is a strategy often used to influence the outcome of an election. Inform One of the root causes of low turnout for midterm and general elections is the … Continue reading →

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Vote Now – Absentee, Vote by Mail, Early Voting and Voter Registration

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Debra29

“Our collective self-rule is established and fostered through free, fair, accessible, and secure elections through which the voice of every eligible American is heard.” Election Day Tuesday November 6  Inform The structure and complexity of voting in America varies widely. … Continue reading →

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The New York State Primary Perfecta

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Debra29

New York “There is no place like it, no place with an atom of its glory, pride, and exultancy.” – Walt Whitman   We are on the eve of the New York State Primary elections, Thursday September 13, 6am – … Continue reading →

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