Ordinary Citizens - June 3, 2024
- beachesactivistmov
- Jun 11, 2024
- 4 min read
The Verdict of Ordinary Citizens
Wading through all the comments and analyses by pundits and prognosticators following the felony conviction of former President Donald J. Trump, we were reminded by NYT columnist Jamelle Bouie who holds the power in this democracy. "The guilty verdict is yet another instance of a fundamental truth of the Trump era: It has not been the institutions or the guardrails that have restrained the former president; it’s been ordinary American citizens who, when given the opportunity, have not hesitated to hold him accountable." It is easy to lose sight of this fact amid the constant negative din of polls, social media, and endless talking heads. Ordinary American voters rejected the presumptive GOP nominee in 2020 and most candidates reflecting his MAGA extremism in 2022. We have a sane presidential candidate who has delivered on the economy, wages and jobs, advanced climate action, restored our international standing, offered fair immigration solutions, and is committed to restoring reproductive and voting rights. The MAGA-dominated Republican party has a convicted felon and fraud who has assailed our rights and basic democratic principles --- and is pledging more of the same in his second (and third?) term.
Twelve ordinary citizens listened to the facts and unanimously decided on the verdict. Voters will do the same on November 5th. It is up to us to make sure our family, friends, and neighbors are engaged, informed, and turn out to vote. This election is too important to stay on the sidelines. Let us know how you'd like to get involved! Here are just a few upcoming opportunities:
Help narrow the current Republican advantage in registered voters. The Florida Democratic Party (FDP) is hosting a weekly voter registration phone bank on Tuesday nights from 6 - 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Get more information and register here.
Reach out to the voters you can likely influence most --- your own neighbors. Sign up for Neighbor 2 Neighbor, our new relationship-based voter outreach effort. You'll get a list of 10 left-leaning neighbors and material to give them about the election.
Send someone who shares your values to Tallahassee. Join us for the kick-off of Rachel Grage's campaign for Florida House District 16 representing the Beaches on Wednesday, June 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.! Rachel is committed to serving our community with integrity, compassion, and a dedication to progress. RSVP here.
Remind like-minded voters about the importance of voting in the upcoming elections. Text out the Vote on Wednesday, June 19 from 6 - 7 p.m. The Duval Dems will provide training and you can reach hundreds of Duval voters from the comfort of your own home. Register here to participate.
2024 Legislative Session: Missed Opportunities& More
This year’s legislative session is widely viewed as a missed opportunity for the people of Florida whose top priorities were not addressed by Governor Ron DeSantis and his legislative allies. Many communities, including Jacksonville, are seeing the consequences of extremist policies previously passed by the legislature, including vouchers and school defunding, as well as the six-weeks abortion ban.
Veteran lobbyist and social justice advocate Pamela Burch Fort will give us her take on the 2024 Legislative Session on Wednesday, June 5th at 7 p.m. The virtual wrap-up is co-sponsored by BAM and Indivisible Mandarin.
RSVP for the ZOOM link and join the conversation on June 5th as Fort discusses what the legislature did, undid, and didn't do in its spring session and her views on how these actions will impact the 2024 election.
June is Pride Month
With LGBTQ+ rights under assault in Florida, Pride Month is an opportunity to come together and demonstrate community support. Find a list of events and observances in Jacksonville and surrounding areas on the First Coast here. DUUUVAL Means All! Acosta Bridge Pride March caps off the month on June 29th. Unlike previous years, the bridge will not be lighted in rainbow colors during June, thanks to a ban imposed by the state Department of Transportation.
Peace March to End Gun Violence June 7th
Join Moms Demand Action, the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville and other local organizations working to end gun violence for a Peace March on Friday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Northside Riverwalk under the Fuller Warren Bridge. The march will honor victims and survivors of gun violence as part of the 10th anniversary of Gun Violence Awareness Day & Wear Orange Weekend. Find more information here.
Fight Book Bans!
Equality Florida's #BringBackBooks campaign aims to stop book-banning and censorship in Florida schools. Their Spring Into Action 2024 School Board Toolkit, has resources for parents, educators, and community members who want to resist state and local efforts to ban books in Florida. Here's a link to FFTRP's statewide database of challenged books.
Speak out at Upcoming School Board Meetings:
• Duval County (Tuesday, June 4 at 6:00 pm)
• Clay County (Thursdays at 6:00 pm - June 6 & June 27)
• Nassau County (Thursdays at 6:30 pm - June 13 & June 27)
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