This post is contributed by Rachel McGonagill, a writer, activist and unexpected immigration wonk, currently living in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three cats, in an amazing neighborhood made up mostly of immigrants. Tomorrow is the last day to offer comments in the federal register on a proposed new rule by the Department … Continue reading URGENT: Comment on this Horrid DOJ Rule by 11:59pm on 8/15
Category: Civil & Human Rights
Take It From A Rape Survivor- These New Abortion Bills are Bullshit.
Abortion bans without exemptions for rape and incest are already being considered or signed into law in over ten states. State legislators, overwhelmingly men, seem to be tripping over themselves to see who can pass the most restrictive laws, claiming respect and sanctity of life while ignoring the pleas of women telling them how they … Continue reading Take It From A Rape Survivor- These New Abortion Bills are Bullshit.
To Protect and Serve? Reflecting on Antwon Rose.
While America was so wrapped up in the injustice of Attorney General Barr hiding the Mueller report, Antwon Rose's mom faced true injustice and despair: she watched her son's murderer - Michael Rosenfeld - go free. Yet again, institutional power eclipsed justice for a black family, and the media barely paid any attention - while … Continue reading To Protect and Serve? Reflecting on Antwon Rose.
The Proposed ‘Dream & Promise Act’ is a Nightmare for Some
The proposed bill to support Dreamers ignores young adults who entered the US legally as children, but are now 'aging out' or finishing college. Talk about a Catch 22. If you’re among the more than two million young adults living in America who were illegally brought into America as children and qualified for President Obama’s … Continue reading The Proposed ‘Dream & Promise Act’ is a Nightmare for Some
Unbought and Unbossed: Long Before Hillary, There was Shirley Chisholm
Ahead of Hillary Clinton, we had Shirley Chisholm trailblazing her way through Congress. So why don't more people know about her or commemorate her importance to the Democratic party and women in politics? Those of us who happen to be blessed enough to know Shirley Chisholm's role in American history, she is an icon and … Continue reading Unbought and Unbossed: Long Before Hillary, There was Shirley Chisholm
US Women Could Use Some Good News. Here’s Some!
While America fixates on the multi-car pileup that is the Trump Regime, it helps to see women making progress somewhere. I’ve just published a book – Ms. Nice Guy Lost – Here’s How Women Can Win – which chronicles the many ways in which Donald Trump and the GOP have rolled back rights and opportunities for … Continue reading US Women Could Use Some Good News. Here’s Some!
Trump’s War On Children
Donnie loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow; black and white. They are precious in his sight. Early in his presidency, some had hope. Donald Trump was incensed that Bashar al-Assad launched a chemical attack on his people, violating international law and killing civilians. “[E]ven beautiful babies were cruelly murdered in … Continue reading Trump’s War On Children
Crossing The Line: The Necessity of Civil Disobedience In The Age of Trump
We are enabling our amoral, unboundaried, aspiring dictator of a President as we go about our daily lives, staying inside the lines, refraining from committing civil disobedience.
It’s Deja Vu All Over Again
Anita Hill. Murphy Brown. The "Year of the Woman". Is it 1992? It feels like it. But there are some important differences.
Why We Kneel
We don't kneel because we hate the flag. We kneel because we believe in what it stands for.
Opioid Pain Medication: Scourge or Miracle? Yes. (It’s complicated.)
Pain patients are among the most vulnerable Americans. Our pre-existing conditions leave us totally disabled, without nuanced policy that takes us into account.
Chronicles of an Outsider: Volume 3
The month of August presented so many topics to discuss. I provide this series as a way to look at these topics from a different set of eyes. My aim is to create an open and insightful dialogue, and remind everyone that in some way or another, we have all been on the outside. CHICAGO … Continue reading Chronicles of an Outsider: Volume 3
PODCAST: Spread the Vote with Kat Calvin (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 121)
Download | iTunes | Spotify Sophy and Kelly speak with Kat Calvin, the founder of a 501c3 nonprofit called Spread the Vote, that helps eligible voters obtain government-issued photo IDs. They discuss the difficulties and expenses that people can face in obtaining photo IDs to vote, how Spread the Vote connects with people who need IDs in five states, … Continue reading PODCAST: Spread the Vote with Kat Calvin (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 121)
Black and White
With high-profile victories by African Americans in the Florida and Georgia Democratic gubernatorial primaries, and as the campaign season heats up – we grit our teeth with the knowledge that this could get ugly. Ron DeSantis and Brian Kemp are Republicans primed to run race-baiting campaigns against Andrew Gillum and Stacey Abrams. Hopefully the elections … Continue reading Black and White
The Intersection of Racism, Climate Change & Environmental Deregulation
Back in April, I had the fortunate opportunity to speak at the 2018 Democratic Gala of DuPage County. The keynote speaker at this event was the mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin Cruz. I was blown away by her poise and ability to captivate the entire room. As she recalled the events of Hurricane Maria, … Continue reading The Intersection of Racism, Climate Change & Environmental Deregulation
Massachusetts: Vote Yes on 3 to Answer the Call of Equality and History
After the 2016 election, my wife and I did a lot of soul-searching, as did many Americans. The election results reminded us of the unpredictability of life and warned us not to take the future for granted. We acted on that and decided to finally move our family to Massachusetts. We wanted our sons to … Continue reading Massachusetts: Vote Yes on 3 to Answer the Call of Equality and History
The Trauma of Parental Separation Can Last a Lifetime
700 children are still separated from their families. The long-term impacts will devastate them. I know, because it happened to me. When I was a baby I was separated from my parents. The details of the story are lost, but I do know that when I was days or weeks old I was left in … Continue reading The Trauma of Parental Separation Can Last a Lifetime
Chronicles of an Outsider, Volume 2
DemWritePress Contributor Ken Mejia-Beal continues his series describing Trump's America from his unique perspective. In this volume of “Chronicles of an Outsider”, I want to touch on some of the issues that came up in July that, left unchecked, will greatly alter our democracy. I write in an attempt to give a voice to the … Continue reading Chronicles of an Outsider, Volume 2
Protect Our Access to Health Insurance: PA State Legislature Needs to Do the Right Thing
Daryl Boling, candidate for PA House District 152, on why his state needs to act to protect its residents with pre-existing conditions, before it's too late. Before now, health insurance access regardless of pre-existing conditions had seemingly bipartisan support. However, in the latest of a long line of disturbing actions, the Trump Administration has unilaterally … Continue reading Protect Our Access to Health Insurance: PA State Legislature Needs to Do the Right Thing
We Haven’t Forgotten: #MeToo #TimesUp
In October 2017 the hashtag #MeToo spread virally on social media, with hundreds of thousands of users all around the world sharing stories of sexual harassment and assault. The movement was quickly followed by a sister hashtag of #TimesUp, which sought to address sexual harassment and assault, more specifically in industries and the workplace. Studies … Continue reading We Haven’t Forgotten: #MeToo #TimesUp
Chronicles of an Outsider
I am Ken Mejia-Beal, a proud member of the LGBT community, a black man, and an American citizen. Although I am a citizen, America has not shown me the kind of love that others might expect. My life, and the life of my people, has been one of constant struggle. I read article after article … Continue reading Chronicles of an Outsider