"There's a real risk that we think of the attack on democracy as basically being Donald Trump. I think that may be kind of convenient but really misleads ourselves on what's really happening." David Peppers, author, Saving Democracy: A User Manual for Every American ___________________________________________________

By the Numbers: It's All Biden
As the Trump indictment continues to suck the oxygen out of every news cycle, we thought we'd hit pause and celebrate the country's booming economy - thanks to President Joe Biden. The GOP has created a false narrative and lots of distractions with culture wars, so it's worth reviewing the facts - and sharing them with those around us whenever we can. By the numbers (courtesy of Simon Rosenberg):
Under Biden, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown over 3%, 3 times what it was under Trump,
Almost 7 times as many jobs created under Biden as the number created under the last 3 GOP presidents combined,
The lowest unemployment rate in peacetime economy since WWII,
The lowest poverty/uninsured rates ever,
Real earnings up in 2022,
The deficit went up every year under Trump and has come down every year under Biden, and
The Biden administration has made historic investments in our future prosperity - infrastructure, climate, health care. If you are curious about the impact of Biden's economic legislation on Jacksonville, check out this new investment tracker developed by the Center for American Progress.
Plus, we can add cooling inflation, preventing default and growing union membership to the list. The bottom line: Biden is delivering, the GOP did not. This should be our drumbeat as we head into 2024!
Celebrate Juneteenth with Stay Woke Rolling Protest
The Stay Woke Rolling Protest kicks off a 15-city tour on Monday, June 19th in Jacksonville.

Organized by the Transformative Justice Coalition, FL NAACP, FL League of Women Voters, and other partners, the tour aims to focus attention on the assault on democracy that is occurring in the state and the importance of voting. The rolling protest will be led by the John L. Lewis Make Good Trouble bus. Cars are encouraged to join a procession following the bus and make noise as it travels through each city on the route. The tour wraps up on June 23 in St. Augustine. RSVP here and join the launch at 9 a.m. at the IBEW Union Hall, 966 Liberty Street.
Beaches Dems Meeting Features Jimmy Peluso
Newly elected Jax City Council member Jimmy Peluso will share insights on his successful campaign at the Beaches Democratic Club meeting June 20th at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Adele Grage Cultural Center on Ocean Boulevard in Atlantic Beach. Peluso bested GOP candidate Joseph Hogan 65% - 35% in the contest to represent District 7, which stretches from San Marco downtown through Springfield. RSVP for the meeting here.
Mayoral Inauguration, Other Investitures Set

Mayor-elect Donna Deegan will be sworn in on Saturday, July 1st at the Jacoby Symphony Hall on Water Street at the Center for Performing Arts. Proceedings kick off at 11:30 am and the ceremony is open to the public. For tickets, RSVP here. It would be great to have a large contingent from the Beach! Email us if you need a ride! Joyce Morgan, the Property Appraiser-elect, will be sworn into office along with newly elected City Council members, and the Supervisor of Elections-elect on Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m. in an investiture ceremony at the Jacoby Symphony Hall. RSVP to attend the event.
One-Year Anniversary of Dobbs Decision - Help Get Access to Repro Care on the Ballot in 2024
June 24 marks the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade which guaranteed access to abortion for more than 50 years. Over the last year, access to comprehensive reproductive health care has been restricted or outright eliminated across the country. In Florida, a bill banning abortions after 6 weeks of pregnancy with few exceptions was passed by the 2023 state legislature and signed into law by the governor. It will take effect 30 days after an expected ruling this summer by the state Supreme Court upholding a previously passed 15-week ban.
Plain and simple: a majority of Floridians oppose restrictions on access to abortion. We have a chance to fight back by getting a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2024. Help get the 1 million+ signed petitions needed to make this happen! We have copies of the petition and a convenient drop-off site at the Beach. If you'd like to get involved in collecting petitions at events this summer, contact Jax NOW.
Happy Father's Day!
One of my fondest childhood memories is going to vote with my father. It is triggered every election when I see dads and their kids at the polls. That's how we raise voters! Happy Father's Day!
A Few Interesting Weekend Reads
Saving democracy from the ground up: David Pepper on how to fight the GOP and win ‘DeSantismander’ deserves a legal challenge 4 questions the city should ask before paying for stadium upgrades Your guide to the nonsense about Trump's federal indictment
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