West Side Forum

Democracy in Action: A Beautiful Thing

“This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.” — Thurgood Marshall

 

Last week, at a gathering on Albuquerque’s west side, I had the pleasure of listening to two Democrats talk about current legislation. What brought me pleasure wasn’t their depth of knowledge on one bill or another. It was that they were two average citizens talking about the current state of bills they were following, and referring to each piece of legislation by its bill number. Does that seem normal to you? From vetting candidates, to knocking doors to get them elected, to keeping in touch with them as they represent us, we, the people are creating a new norm. We are investing in and owning our democracy, and it’s a beautiful thing.

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The Life of the Party

…for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:6

 

On March 23, 2019, our local Democratic Party starts its biennial process of electing Party leadership. Two years ago, in 2017, hundreds of people in Bernalillo County participated in the same process. People like you and I attended Ward, County Central Committee, and State Central Committee meetings to elect leaders at every level from Precinct to the State Chair, and all the committees and positions in between. And after those elections, we got to work.

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Democracy is Not for the Few

Fellow Citizens,

Democracy is not for the few; it is for all of us. And this is a day we have worked for.

In 2018 we heard from, worked for, and elected Democrats who represent our values. On the campaign trail, candidates for state public offices talked about issues such as early childhood education, educational reform, criminal justice reform, healthcare, women’s reproductive health and choice, and renewable energy. Over the last two months, they’ve been crafting legislation addressing those and other important issues. Now, as we welcome 2019, our state lawmakers will put forward that legislation, and work on moving us toward a more just and equitable Democracy. Yes, this is a moment of progress.

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Trending Blue

Think not lightly of good, saying, “It will not come to me.” Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good. — Dhammapada 9.122

 

Think for a moment about November 2016, November 2017, and November 2018. From being WOKE in 2016, to electing a progressive Democrat as Albuquerque’s Mayor in 2017, to sweeping New Mexico’s midterm elections with Democrats in 2018, we are in a movement that, drop by drop, shows signs of trending blue. (more…)

We Organized and We Won!

I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change — but in yours. — Barack Obama
 
About a year ago, a few of our fellow residents stepped forward to run for public office. These neighbors trusted us to elect, and in some cases reelect, them to represent our shared Democratic values. They showed up and worked to gain constituents’ votes and confidence and we, my friends, showed up in big ways and small to help with that effort. Together, we organized, we worked, and we won! 

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If We Organize, We Win!

“Where wise actions are the fruit of life, wise discourse is the pollination.”
Bryant H. McGill

Leading up to November 6, voters in neighborhoods/precincts across the nation are forming opinions about candidates and issues and those opinions will be shaped by messaging received between now and then. We do not have much time to help people get accurate information and engage in civil discourse. With less than 30 days to go, the big business of buying opinions is hard at work. One of their tools is telemarketing testing of false and negative messages. (more…)

The Maverick and Queen

“Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.” Ernest Hemingway

We have just witnessed an important moment in history. The passing of two pivotal figures in one week is not, in and of itself, extraordinary but the national climate upon which their ceremonies alighted is stirring uneasily over the rise and normalizing of ignorance, crudeness, and inhumane behavior. Echoes of those eulogizing the great and noble lives of the Maverick and the Queen of Soul reverberate and call us to take heed and accept the challenge of making extraordinary steps to impact this remarkably extraordinary time. As Barack Obama so eloquently stated at John McCain’s ceremony, “…the willingness to get in the arena and fight for this country is not reserved for the few, it is open to all of us.” (more…)

The Good Democrat

“The perfect is the enemy of the good.” Voltaire

Dear Democrat,

Have you noticed that our national sociopolitical system is flawed and seems to be taking us down a dangerous path? Every week, I work alongside people who are concerned about that path. They are working diligently and, thankfully, they are not waiting for the perfect solution; they are simply doing work that they know is good. And that good work is forging new inclusive paths. (more…)

Ours is a monumental task

As increasing sociopolitical tensions pull people to further extremes, the hope for common ground between us fades, creating seemingly unbridgeable chasms. Going back in time is not an option, nor should we want to, but our way forward, our common goal, has yet to be defined. This is where you come in. (more…)

My Happy Canvassing Journey

Adults are happiest when they’re learning. Patricia Boverie

Last year the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County mobilized a massive get out the vote (GOTV) effort for Albuquerque’s municipal runoff election. I helped organize Ward 23A, which meant taking responsibility for connecting a few hundred voters in five precincts with information about our two Democratic candidates, Tim Keller and Cynthia Borrego. Fortunately I had helpers, but I still spent the better part of many days knocking on neighborhood doors that I had never knocked on before. I learned that talking to people about voting often creates space for very meaningful conversation. I discovered what my Democratic mentors have known for years: canvassing is key to building grassroots power. (more…)