As I move through America and share my stories with you as an openly gay man of color, I have the great fortune to learn and grow from the many reader comments I receive. It has been both cathartic and inspiring to see messages telling me that these chronicles are helping some people learn, while … Continue reading Chronicles of an Outsider: Volume 4
Knute is anti-vaccination. He's anti-immigrant. He earned an 'F' from the League of Conservation Voters. He won't share his complete tax returns. Just Say NO to Knute. Republican Knute Buehler, a physician and two-term state representative, is running against Oregon’s current Governor, Kate Brown. Brown and Buehler offer a stark contrast for Oregon’s future. Buehler … Continue reading The Top 10 Reasons to Just Say No to Knute Buehler for Oregon Governor
Contributor J.L. Whitehead ponders a scenario where Democrats lose this November.
Trump doesn't like protests outside the White House, so the admin is trying to impede our right to peaceably assemble. There are 3 days left to comment. Do it. While you still can.
Anita Hill. Murphy Brown. The "Year of the Woman". Is it 1992? It feels like it. But there are some important differences.
The Mercers & Steve Bannon formed Cambridge Analytica in June 2014, the exact same month that the Internet Research Agency changed their US influence campaign to include interfering in the US presidential election. In May 2014, Kremlin-backed troll farm, the Internet Research Agency, discussed efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and began … Continue reading The Mercers, Cambridge Analytica, and Putin’s Internet Research Agency: A Timeline
In the era of #MeToo, Brett Kavanaugh needs to submit to a lie detector test along with new Senate questioning. Christine Blasey Ford, a college professor at Palo Alto University, has mounted a damning accusation against Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh. She alleges that in the early 1980's, Nominee Kavanaugh pinned her to a bed … Continue reading With Kavanaugh, We Have a Chance to Learn from Our Mistakes
From coast to coast, Republicans are refusing to debate their Democratic opponents. A race-by-race rundown of the most egregious cases of debate-dodging.
Russia doesn't really have a distinct ideology, instead appealing to base human feelings and instincts to evoke an emotional reaction and control the masses. Sound familiar? This piece was originally published in The Kyiv Post When speaking about modern Russian ideology, most experts agree that it, as such, simply does not exist. I have already noted … Continue reading Putin’s Information Operations Spread Discordant Ideologies Abroad
Your Action Call your Senators and tell them to insist a vote on the Kavanaugh nomination by the Senate Judiciary Committee be postponed until the sexual assault allegation can be fully evaluated. Background Everyone knew Brent Kavanaugh was an extremely conservative judge when he was nominated, raising serious questions about the future of Roe v. … Continue reading Call Senators & Tell Them to Postpone the Kavanaugh Vote
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
In this Labor Day Op-Ed, CA-39 Democratic nominee Gil Cisneros lays out his priorities intended to lift up the American worker. “It is one of the characteristics of a free and democratic modern nation that it have free and independent labor unions. . . When union workers assemble with freedom and independence in a convention like this, … Continue reading How We Start Supporting Workers, Again
Analyzing Moscow's efforts to undermine Western democracies, we can identify its several main channels of influence. Among them are propaganda (both broadcasting their own media to foreign audiences and bribing the local media), bribing officials and politicians, building corrupt ties through business lobbies, and working with various segments of the population to exacerbate friction, dissatisfaction … Continue reading Why Russian “Soft Power” is Much More Dangerous Than Western “Soft Power”
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
What can YOU do to impact the Special Counsel Investigation? Not much. What can YOU do to ensure that an opposition party gets elected to provide a check on Trump? Everything. Use your time wisely. Over the next 70 days, there will undoubtedly be a firestorm of news. Indictments. Denials. Disinformation. Indignation. Firings. Litigation. Subpoenas. … Continue reading Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose: It’s Time to Focus on the Midterms
Throughout our history as a nation, when Americans realize the laws of our country and the values of our country do not coincide, we make our dissatisfaction known. This was true of the men and women who rebelled against the British Crown and remains a part of our cultural heritage to this day. Since the … Continue reading Dissent as a Patriotic Act of Faith
Your Action Call your Republican representative and tell them to vote NO on Rosenstein contempt. Background Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) never expected their July threat to impeach Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein to succeed. It was a procedural move that didn’t require Speaker Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) consent. … Continue reading Urgent CTA: Protect Mueller – Reps Must Vote No on Rosenstein Contempt
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
Russian journalist Kseniya Kirillova explores how vulnerabilities in the American resistance movement are similar to - and different than - those in Russia's opposition movement. This piece was originally published in The Loyal Opposition In 2015, I wrote an article in which I explored the primary methods that Russian propaganda uses to try to discredit the Russian opposition, … Continue reading Resistance Movements in Russia & the U.S.: Similarities and Differences
Studies, real-life experience show that more women in power equals better leadership, better policy, better outcomes. The numbers are nigh unto astonishing. Women, reported FiveThirtyEight.com on Aug. 10, are competing in 69 percent of open Democratic Congressional primaries this year (races in which there’s no incumbent Democrat). As of that date, women had won 65 … Continue reading Want Better Government? Survey Says: Vote for Women.
Americans Go Offline, Embrace Neighborhood Democracy Movement 13: Practice corporeal politics Power wants your body softening in your chair & your emotions dissipating on the screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends & march with them. - Timothy Snyder - On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons I believe the … Continue reading #StandOnEveryCorner Launches National Website
Kelly and Sophy talk to John Bonifaz, Co-Founder and President of Free Speech For People, and Co-Author of The Constitution Demands It: The Case for the Impeachment of Donald Trump. In the book, Bonifaz, and co-authors, Ron Fein and Ben Clements, lay out the grounds for impeaching Trump now, and explain why we should not wait for … Continue reading PODCAST – The Constitution Demands It: The Case for Impeachment, w/ John Bonifaz (Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 109)
Equal access to the employment marketplace through educational access would help maximize free-market competition. Very few people ever have the privilege to work for the sake of pleasure or passion. Work is something we pursue in order to sustain society and life, and in most systems this pursuit is considered a virtue. Realistically, this is … Continue reading Free-College-For-All Would Benefit the Capitalist System
One of the more common tropes in modern American politics is the claim that the Republican Party has a monopoly on patriotism. A flag flying in front of a home or a “Support Our Troops” bumper sticker is often assumed to signify the right-wing political affiliation of its owner. However, it’s clear upon deeper reflection … Continue reading Dismantling Republican Faux-Patriotism
Sophy and Kelly speak with activist Bryce Tache, who started the Stand On Every Corner movement to encourage regular American citizens to protest the Trump regime in their home neighborhoods regularly. He has protested in a park near his Minneapolis home every evening 6-7PM for 46 days. At least 40 of these have popped up … Continue reading PODCAST: Bryce Tache & #StandOnEveryCorner – Two Broads Talking Politics, Ep. 105
I am about to say something that will make my campaign manager need an aspirin, but: You should always vote for the candidate who YOU believe is the best choice for the office. Always. Even if it is an alternative-party candidate with little chance of winning the election. Because.... Firstly, I am an idealist who … Continue reading Dear Voters of All Affiliations: Thank You For Participating in Democracy
For too long, the left has allowed the right to own and define our patriotic symbols. But symbols matter. With Trumpism taking hold, the opposition need to fly - and fight for - the American flag. #WeAreThePatriots We’re at a pivot point in American history. The country could either succumb numbly to the expanding darkness, … Continue reading It’s Time to Rescue Old Glory from Trumpism and the un-American GOP
Your Action Call your Senators and urge them pass the Menendez/Graham Russia sanctions bill (S. 3336) Background All of Trump’s senior national security officials, in a joint press conference last week, warned that Russia has undertaken “pervasive” efforts to interfere in the 2018 midterms, with both targeted propaganda and attempted hacking of campaign emails. Trump, however, continues … Continue reading Call Congress! Tell Them To Support the New Russia Sanctions Bill.
The US Public has until 11:59pm EST on Tuesday 8/7 to comment on the proposed addition of a Citizenship question to the 2020 Census. Do it. Here's the link. Background Trump officials pushed Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and the Census Bureau to add a question to the 2020 Census that would ask respondents to share … Continue reading ACT NOW: One Day Left to Oppose 2020 Census “Citizenship Question”
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
Your Action Call your 3 members of Congress and tell them to protect the Mueller investigation and the rule of law by passing the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (S. 2644) (H.R. 5505). Background Trump tweeted today that AG Jeff Sessions should end the Mueller investigation “right now.” The escalation of his attack on the Mueller … Continue reading Tell Congress to Pass Legislation to Protect Robert Mueller’s Investigation
Your Action Call your 3 members of Congress (833-293-9454) and tell them to protect the Mueller investigation and the rule of law by passing the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (S. 2644) (H.R. 5505). Background Trump’s plot to smear the DOJ, the FBI and Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation is in full swing. House Republicans have … Continue reading Friday, July 27th is National Collusion Call-In Day
Democrat Jim Bratnober on why - and how - he's running to flip his State Senate seat blue in deep-red Idaho. I’m a first-time candidate for State Senate in Idaho. I’ve never run for anything – ever. My motivation started as a nebulous urge to give back, after raising a great family and engaging in … Continue reading Run For Your Lives
Dear Fellow Americans: Next week, America may open up a gaping loophole that will allow criminals, terrorists and people suffering from mental illness to easily get their hands on untraceable, deadly firearms. This is truly a game-changer. We have to stop it. If we don't stop the Trump Administration from reversing the U.S. State Department's … Continue reading The Trump Admin is About to Open a Gaping Loophole for Gun Access
When it comes to politics, would you rather feel A) motivated to take action or B) full of despair? I know, dumb question. But which one do you feel more often these days? I was reading a survey and analysis from Navigator that confirmed what I've seen online and with friends, that is, that Democrats are both … Continue reading How Activists Avoid Exhaustion, and Get Recharged
Editor Keith Pochick takes us on a very personal account of his family's journey through the American dream. A couple of months ago, I drove home to Appalachian Virginia to visit my dad. I don’t make it up there as often as I should, and for weeks he had been asking me to come up. … Continue reading Is it Too Late to Save the American Dream?
Public Citizen, Common Cause, Move On, March for Truth & other orgs are urging sundown vigils on July 18th, to defend democracy. On Monday, in what could turn out to be a turning point in his presidency, Donald Trump made it clear to the world that he values his special relationship with Vladimir Putin over … Continue reading Confront Corruption! Events Planned for Wednesday 7/18 in Portland & Across US
Your Action Call your senators and House representative at (202) 224-3121 and demand they publicly condemn Trump’s treason. Background At his Helsinki press conference today, Trump sided with Putin against the US intelligence community, the FBI, and the findings of two Congressional committees. He ranted about insane conspiracy theories while standing on stage with a murderous dictator … Continue reading Tell Congress to Loudly Oppose Trump’s Treason in Helsinki
Your Action Call your senators and House representative at (202) 224-3121 and urge them to pass the P.A.V.E. Act to require states to use paper ballots and conduct mandatory audits. Background In 2016, Russia conducted cyberattacks on state and county election infrastructure, breaching at least 39 state systems. Mueller’s most recent indictment highlights the depths of the … Continue reading Protect Our Elections: Call Congress and Tell Them to Pass the P.A.V.E. Act
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
Associate Editor Keith Pochick offers some critical planks for a Dem platform that would frame the party's values. “If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.” -- Thomas Paine. The 2018 midterms are rapidly approaching and Democratic enthusiasm is higher than most of us can ever … Continue reading Creating A Strong, Cohesive Democratic Platform
Medical volunteer Ashtyn Tayler went to the Texas border to offer care for asylum seekers being held in CBP detention. Here is her first-hand account of what she saw. Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to … Continue reading They Came for Refuge, but Received No Mercy: A Report from the US Border
Your Action: Call your senators at (202) 224-3121 and ask them to vote 'NO' on the nomination of Brian Benczkowski to head the Department of Justice's Criminal Division. Background Brian Benczkowski is the most dangerous Trump nomination you've never heard of. The Senate is expected to vote next week on his nomination to head the … Continue reading Urgent: Protect Mueller’s TrumpRussia Probe Today
Democrats have to thread the needle by both acknowledging past failures and unifying to preserve and protect American democracy from Trumpism. A debate has been unfolding in the Resistance. It's a debate we’ve avoided, but one we've needed for a while, because wave elections, like the one we need to put this country back on … Continue reading The Party of Inclusion
Kirsten Kennedy, Democratic nominee in Minnesota's 8th District, shares her thoughts on America's winding path, and the promise of tomorrow. The Fourth of July is always a special time in our home. Not only is it a day to celebrate our nation, but also a day to celebrate our youngest son’s birth (born during a … Continue reading 4th of July Reflection: We Can Do Better
Russian journalist Kseniya Kirillova draws direct comparisons between the behaviors and propaganda strategies of Trump and Putin. This piece was originally published in Euromaiden Press, and reprinted with permission of the author. While analyzing all that is happening today in the United States, I’ve often noticed the striking similarity between the behavior and propaganda of … Continue reading The Propaganda Schemes of TrumpPutinism
On our nation’s birthday, I openly pledge my intention to engage in an enduring fight for the ideals that our country was founded on, in support of future generations of Americans. As was the case for many Americans, the election of Donald J Trump transformed my understanding of this country. I was brought up in … Continue reading My Pledge of Allegiance to the America of Tomorrow
Today, on our nation's birthday, I’m releasing my plan and priorities for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District It’s never easy to pick the primary concerns you’re going to work on in Congress, and we certainly aren’t dismissing any other important issues. But all roads to a better district, state, and nation have to start somewhere, and … Continue reading My Priorities for Minnesota’s 8th District and America
America is a majestic ship, constructed in the late 1700s ― worn-in, but still seaworthy. We (the passengers) co-own the vessel and hire the crew. For the most part, we agree on certain things: people should have a right to live peacefully; we should come together in times of distress and when our values are … Continue reading Our Sinking Ship of State: A Metaphor
But do postcards motivate voters? And how do ‘postcarders’ stay on the right side of FEC rules? DWP writer Marcy Miroff Rothenberg explores... It began modestly in early 2017, when Americans who were opposed to the nominations of Jeff Sessions as U.S. Attorney General and Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education answered a plea from … Continue reading Old is New Again, as Activists Use Handwritten Postcards For Voter Outreach
