"When all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free." - Barack Obama
Pride Month - Thinking About a New Governor
If you've missed the controversy about the Pride Month lights on the Acosta Bridge, catch up with Nate Monroe. His excellent piece not only covers the bridge lights, but the larger pattern of the DeSantis administration's attacks on LGBTQ rights.
While we celebrate the community action that turned the lights back on, let's keep this story in mind as we consider our gubernatorial choices in 2022.
America Needs Election Reform Now
This week the US Senate finally turns its attention to the For the People Act. Though we're all sick of writing and calling Senators Rubio & Scott and feeling ignored, this issue is too important to the nation's future as a democracy for us not to try again. While the original For the People Act seems unlikely to pass this particular Senate, it's possible Senator Joe Manchin has reasonable qualms about parts of it - and a plausible alternative to offer. The League of Women Voters, Indivisible, and many other groups are lobbying hard for the original bill. Others are making the case that passing a modified bill with some meaningful reforms is better than no reform at all.
Form your own views and share them with both our Senators - and Senator Manchin - and a letter to the editor here at home. Political deadlock is not inevitable. This vital issue is worth your time.
Senator Marco Rubio - (202) 224-3041
Senator Rick Scott - (202) 224-5274
Senator Joe Manchin - (202) 224-3954
Meetings with Our Local Representatives
Monday, June 21 - 6-7:30 pm. Duval Dems Zoom (Click to RSVP.) State Rep Angie Nixon will discuss the recent Florida Legislative session, her office's achievements, and the upcoming midterms.
Wednesday, June 23 - 6-7 pm. State State Senator Audrey Gibson is hosting a Virtual Town Hall with Riverfront Parks Now "to talk about things we want to see on our riverfront like music and entertainment venues, kids waterpark, walking trails, family picnic area, things that every family in our community can enjoy!" If you missed BAM's Riverfront Parks meeting, click here to RSVP and join this important conversation.
BAM Reunion Coming: Thursday, July 8 - 7 pm.
We're looking forward to our first in-person BAM meeting in 16 months! If you haven't already saved this date, do so today - and plan to bring friends. There's a lot we can do to make sure the midterm elections next year strengthen our democracy and usher in better leaders. The more Activists our Movement has, the more we can achieve.
We're inviting other progressive groups to join us for this belated celebration of all the work we did together in 2020 - and to kick-off our joint efforts to deepen Duval's blue. If you want to help with preparations, food, or cleanup, please email us. Meantime, stay tuned for a formal invitation we hope you'll share widely.
Hurricane Season Is Here - Are You Ready?
As the past week's storms have reminded us, Florida summers are not for sissies. Last year Covid prompted a lot of plans to hunker down at home for anything but an epic storm. If your hurricane preparation muscles are a bit rusty, this useful checklist from Florida's Emergency Management Division will help.
Interesting and Inspiring Links
Brighten your day and meet the Grandmother of Juneteenth.
Finally, a bit of good environmental news for Florida.
With danger rising from the Delta variant of Covid, many are struggling to talk to friends & relatives still reluctant to take the vaccine. A recent study by the University of South Florida offers some useful insight into vaccine hesitancy.
The Supreme Court's surprising decision to once again uphold the Affordable Care Act has prompted some intriguing analysis. Politico suggests instead of a monolithic Conservative court, we may be looking at an evenly divided 3-3-3 roster - with sharp disagreements between conservative justices.
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