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.

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 →

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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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Cutting The Federal Safety Net – Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Debra29

“Our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members. ”     … Continue reading →

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This Land Is Your Land – The Power of State Elections (Updated Nov 15)

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Debra29

“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined.  Those which are to remain in State governments are numerous and indefinite.” – James Madison Inform The State’s Power Your governor and state legislature make … Continue reading →

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A State by State Sizzling Hot Season (updated Nov 13)

Posted on July 26, 2018 by Debra29

The crucial Congressional and State races are days away.    Herein lies a succinct list of Democratic Candidates for Senator, Congressional Representative and Governor who need your help in competitive races across our nation. Inform Navigate to the prior updated … Continue reading →

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The Battle For The Senate (updated November 15)

Posted on July 21, 2018 by Debra29

Inform      Republicans currently have a 51-49 majority in the Senate, with two independents caucusing with Democrats. With Vice President Pence as the tie-breaker in the Senate, Democrats need to flip a net of two seats in 2018 to … Continue reading →

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Flipping The House 2018 (Updated Nov 15)

Posted on July 15, 2018 by Debra29

Inform Democrats, who have been sidelined as the House minority party since 2010, need to flip 24 Republican seats while keeping the 194 seats they currently hold. How can we help from afar? Donate. Here is to whom. My friends and … Continue reading →

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Independence Day 2018

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Debra29

I dedicate this blog to my mom, Mariet Sagrestano Varban, who passed this past year. She gave my sisters and I the courage, spirit, and strength to advocate, defend, and support human rights. This political blog was created as a … Continue reading →

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