Author Archives: Debra29

Unknown's avatar

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.

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 →

Posted in Criminal Justice Reform, Police Reform, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on George Floyd: The Turning Point

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 →

Posted in Bernie Sanders, Education, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, The House Race, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Education

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 →

Posted in Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Immigration - I Raise My Lamp, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Michael Bloomberg, Super Tuesday Eve, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Immigration – I lift my lamp

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 →

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 →

Posted in 2020 Democratic Primaries, Debates, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off on November 2019: Where We Are, The Presidential Primaries, and The Future

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on November 2018: The Future Of This Republic