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 Please note that views expressed are my own and do not represent those of the Columbia Street Waterfront Association.

Keeping Your Eyes on The House

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Debra29

“If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost” Aristotle The U.S. House of Representatives As per … Continue reading →

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Crucial U.S. Senate Seats

Posted on September 3, 2020 by Debra29

Republicans now hold a majority of Senate seats while only representing a minority of Americans. The parties have reorganized themselves along urban-rural lines, and there is now a clear and pronounced partisan small-state bias in the Senate thanks to mostly … Continue reading →

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The War on Voting in America

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Debra29

“The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have.”  Former U.S. Congressman John Lewis The right to vote is the bedrock of this Democracy. The goal of restrictive voting laws is to prevent marginalized communities from voting. Many fail … Continue reading →

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George Floyd: The Turning Point

Posted on June 10, 2020 by Debra29

Black.Lives.Matter. “If, going forward, we can channel our justifiable anger into peaceful, sustained, and effective action, then this moment can be a real turning point in our nation’s long journey to live up to our highest ideals. Former President Barack … Continue reading →

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Education

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Debra29

While education is primarily a state and local responsibility in the United States, it has become a crucial top tier issue in national elections. It is on the minds of Democratic voters,  specifically policies concerning  charter schools, early childhood education, free … Continue reading →

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Immigration – I lift my lamp

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Debra29

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift … Continue reading →

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Grief, Carnage, and Gun Control

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Debra29

“So this is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American — regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation — is an attack on all of us and on the fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us … Continue reading →

Posted in Amy Klobucher, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Gun Control, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Peter Buttigieg, Tom Steyer, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off on Grief, Carnage, and Gun Control

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 →

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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 →

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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