Newsletter – May 2023
What's Inside?
- 1. President’s Message
- 2. President’s Message in Spanish
- 3. Blue Wave Brunch Recap
- 4. May Meeting/Community Event
- 5. Coronado 4th of July Parade
- 6. Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month
- 7. Equal Justice Under Law
- 8. Challenges Facing American Women Today
- 9. A Letter of Gratitude From Our 2020 SWC Scholar
- 10. Banned Aid Project
- 11. Your Representatives
- 12. Save the Dates!
People first, not guns!
Hello Democratic Colleagues,
Last year, after a bullet was found in the Coronado High School Football field, many of us could not help but wonder – could it happen here? Certainly not in our community. The Coronado Police Department did a thorough investigation without concerns, calming fears for many. But not for all, especially those most vulnerable: students. Indeed, the Coronado High School Young Dems students told us that gun violence was one of their main concerns.
While we applaud California for having strong gun safety laws, they do not shield us from the targeted acts of violence tearing our nation apart. According to the Gun Violence Archive, as of April 17, 2023, there have been 165 mass shootings throughout the country, 14 of which took place in California, with one here in San Diego.
How do you feel knowing that public areas have become common targets of these horrific crimes? Ever wonder how children feel about ongoing school lockdown drills? Ask them. Do they feel safe or worried? How do your neighbors feel? Neighbor-to-neighbor, parent-to-parent, parent-to-child, we must start conversations about how to work together to stop the horror of gun violence, protect our kids and ease their anxieties, and protect our families and our communities.
And in these times of increased political polarization, do any of us feel any safer? Protecting the Second Amendment rights of responsible gun owners is not completely at odds with reasonable public safety policies – but our differences will never be understood until we start the conversation.
I urge you to learn about and join State and Local Organizations and Program Resources. Become part of the solution, have conversations, and advocate for firearm safety. The ongoing bloodshed staining the democratic fabric of our nation must stop by putting people first, not guns!
Onward together, Marely Ramirez
She/Her/Hers
Blue Wave Brunch Recap
Saturday, April 22 was a gorgeous blue sky day when 116 Coronado Democratic Club members and guests celebrated Earth Day at Feast and Fareway. The setting was enhanced by a delicious buffet brunch, beautiful centerpieces of succulents designed and donated by Denise Lyon, and the wonderful guitar music of Keith Prentiss that welcomed guests as they arrived.
The event began with the CoSA Tour Group singing three songs, including John Lennon’s “Imagine.” This talented group of high school students, filled with hopes and dreams, represents the generation most likely to be impacted by climate change.
Dr. Adam Aron, UCSD Professor and author of The Climate Crisis, gave the keynote address, sharing his insights on the social and psychological dynamics of addressing the consequences of global heating, how to shift scepticism about it, and how to take collective action. Amy Steward (Emerald Keepers), Serge Dedina (Wild Coast), and Laura Wilkinson (certified master composter) each provided guidance on earth-protecting actions available to individuals and groups.
Despite the sobering message about climate change, the event provided a great deal of fun and camaraderie. Club members and guests mingled, enjoyed brunch and the outstanding program, which concluded with a rousing “Call to Action” — a solo sung by Mary Munger Taylor, with special lyrics by Jenna McIntosh, and lively audience participation.
Kudos to the 2023 Blue Wave Brunch Committee: Jo Antrim, Judy Bambace, Edry Goot, Patricia Leahy, Susan Marrinan, Jenna McIntosh, Dawn Richards, Jill Rooney, Mary Munger Taylor, Peggy Thayer, and Laura Wilkinson.
A special thanks to the Blue Wave Sponsors who made the event possible: Judy Bambace, Edry Goot, Stephanie and Sandor Kaupp, Rebecca King, Mercy and Ron Mandelbaum, Susan and Mike Marrinan, Jacquelyn McCoy, Sheila McKnight, Marely Ramirez, Howard and Jean Somers, Carol Stanford, and Maureen Steiner.
The 2023 Blue Wave Brunch was an unforgettable experience and a reminder that NOW is the time for ACTION to save our planet, Mother Earth. It also demonstrated that the Coronado Democratic Club is motivated to take action on this and other issues of local and national importance.
May Meeting and Community Event
On Saturday, May 13 at 4 p.m. in the Coronado Public Library’s Winn Room, the Coronado Democratic Club will present a special program featuring Diane Benscoter, the Founder of Antidote.ngo. Diane will speak about the public health problems caused by the use of dangerous psychological manipulation by many seemingly innocent and even legitimate groups.
Diane has personal experience with one such group, having been a member the Unification Church (a.k.a. the Moonies) in the 1980s. After many years in this group, Diane realized she had been manipulated into believing many things that were simply not true. Since then, Diane has dedicated her life to educating the general population about how people are convinced to “drink the kool-aid” and what their friends, families, and neighbors can do to help extract them from whatever group manipulated them to join.
The event is open to the entire community. Social time is 3:30 to 4 p.m., and the Program is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. It will open your eyes to how and why
Coronado 4th of July Parade
Mark your calendars to join the Coronado Democratic Club as we march in our hometown’s iconic 4th of July Parade. Invite your friends, neighbors and family. This year’s theme is “America’s People.”
Patti Flores-Charter will again have holiday decorations for bikes, cars, and people walking. If you prefer to ride the parade route, we have cars and golf carts available. RSVP to Patti by phone or text (619-206-7450) or e-mail ([email protected]) to let her know you’re in!
You will receive an e-mail sometime in June with the specific meeting time and gathering location on the 4th.
And just like in past years, Patti and husband Chuck will host a “paint-in” party so we can create posters to display in the parade that express our priorities (e.g., voting, the environment, equal justice, diversity and inclusion, etc.). This fun event will take place on Saturday, July 1, starting at 10:00 a.m. Stay tuned for more details.
Remember, we need you to represent our club and the Democratic values and ideals we support, as well as show thousands of parade watchers how “BLUE” Coronado has become!
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebrated in May
During this month, we are focused on how stereotyping of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is both prevalent and hurtful. Please watch these two short videos to hear Asian and Pacific Islander youth speak about what they’d like you to know.
What Pacific Islanders Want You To Know
Asia
Did you know? The label “Asian” is an extremely broad category referring to people originating from the most populated continent in the world. Asia is home to 60% of the world’s population (4.7 billion) and encompasses more than 50 countries with hundreds of ethnic groups and languages. And yet in general, people mistakenly assume Asian
Americans are descendants from only a handful of countries.
Pacific Islanders
Did you know? There are 15 Pacific Island countries that encompass more than 5,000 islands which span millions of square miles of ocean with tremendous cultural variation and traditions. In the Pacific Islands, more than 1,500 languages are spoken, which is 25% of the languages in the world. Indigenous cultural heritage has remained strong on some islands and is vulnerable on others.
How many Asian and Pacific Island countries can you name?
See complete list below.
Equal Justice Under Law
By Susan Marrinan/ Public Policy Committee
These are the words engraved over the main entrance to the United States Supreme Court. This building, also known as the Marble Palace, is a National Historic Landmark.
The words, Equal Justice Under Law, signify the hopes of our Founders that all would be treated equally under the law; no one, regardless of status, position, or wealth, would be above the law.
On April 4, 2023, the former President of our country pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges. He is the first former President to be indicted for crimes. Former President Nixon was pardoned by President Gerald Ford, thus avoiding any criminal charges. It has been debated, ever since, whether that was good for the country, enabling us to heal from the divisiveness of Watergate, or whether it sent a harmful message, i.e., that some people are above the law and will not be treated equally.
During the months ahead, as we venture into these uncharted waters, remember that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
We don’t know what the outcome of People of New York v. Trump will be, but we know that it will impact the 2024 presidential campaign, possibly in ways we have not yet imagined.
We know that even if the defendant Trump is convicted of a felony, he will still be eligible for the office of President unless he is convicted, in another case, of sedition or traitorous behavior.
The U.S. Constitution lists three requirements for the office of President:
- 35 years of age or older
- Natural-born citizen
- U.S. resident for at least 14 years
This list is exclusive. No Congress or State may add or subtract from it.
The only exception is section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which states that no government office may be held by a person convicted of being “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against the government or giving aid or comfort to the enemies of the government.
The Supreme Court provides equal justice for all litigants and safeguards our Constitution. The statue of Lady Justice, holding her scales, is blindfolded for a reason: your status, wealth, religion, race, gender, or identity should not be a factor in any case. Lady Justice is blind so that she may be neutral and treat everyone equally under the law.
The public policy issue is: Should all people be treated equally under the law regardless of status, or should there be exceptions? In other words, is everyone obligated to follow the law or suffer consequences, or do we want to carve out exceptions?
The arguments on both sides should become more evident during the months ahead.
We need to pay attention. The principle of Equal Justice Under Law is the foundation of our democracy.
American Women Today: No Control Over Their Own Bodies . . . And No Paid Leave to Care for Babies They’re Forced to Have
By Rebecca McFerren King, Public Policy Committee
Tragically, what many of us have feared since the GOP’s adoption of an anti-choice party platform in 1976 has come to pass. After years of waging war on women’s rights, the Republican party under Trump and Senator Mitch McConnell successfully installed a conservative super majority on the United States Supreme Court, which overturned a woman’s constitutional right to safe and legal abortion with its June 2022 Dobbs decision. In the months since, states have divided themselves along party lines: “blue” democratic states trying to safeguard a women’s reproductive freedom, while states controlled by the GOP seek ever stricter laws prohibiting abortion. Ironically, all this is happening in a nation which still does not provide paid family leave or childcare to new parents.
A Letter of Gratitude by Ayona Grace Hudson
Tragically, what many of us have feared since the GOP’s adoption of an anti-choice party platform in 1976 has come to pass. After years of waging war on women’s rights, the Republican party under Trump and Senator Mitch McConnell successfully installed a conservative super majority on the United States Supreme Court, which overturned a woman’s constitutional right to safe and legal abortion with its June 2022 Dobbs decision. In the months since, states have divided themselves along party lines: “blue” democratic states trying to safeguard a women’s reproductive freedom, while states controlled by the GOP seek ever stricter laws prohibiting abortion. Ironically, all this is happening in a nation which still does not provide paid family leave or childcare to new parents.
Banned Aid Project
“If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.” (Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr., in Texas v. Johnson)
We’re all aware of the growing movement throughout the country to ban books in schools and libraries. Among the most frequent targets are books about race, gender and sexuality. Here is an excellent in-depth article on how and why this disturbing trend is happening: https://pen.org/report/banned-usa-growing-movement-to-censor-books-in-schools/
In a show of solidarity with states where book ban efforts are spreading, one easy but effective thing we can do is keep these books in circulation. If you have any books on the “banned” or “censored” list that you are willing to share, bring them to a club meeting to add to our “Banned Aid” library. And take a book or two from this library that you haven’t yet read. In the words of Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, “Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us.”
Your Representatives
You can participate in political life (of our nation, state, county, city, school district) by reaching out to elected officials. Make your voice heard on issues of importance to you. Here’s how:
SAVE THE DATES!
Saturday, May 13: Special Meeting/Club-Sponsored Community Event. Coronado Public Library, Winn Room. Social time is 3:30 to 4 p.m.; Program is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. by Diane Benscoter on public health problems caused by the use of dangerous psychological manipulation by many seemingly innocent and even legitimate groups.
Saturday, June 10: General Meeting. Coronado Public Library, Winn Room. Social time 10:30 a.m.; meeting at 11:00 a.m. Program TBD.
Saturday, July 1: Paint-in party at the home of Patti Flores-Charter and Chuck Charter, 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, July 4: Coronado 4th of July Parade. Join us! Time and meeting place TBD.
2023 - 2024
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
President: Marely Ramirez
Vice President: Bill Seager
Secretary: Lori Doyle
Treasurer: Edry Goot
Member at Large: Susan Marrinan
STANDING COMMITTEES:
Programs: Pro Tempore Brian Trotier
Hospitality: Jenna McIntosh
Membership: Patti Flores-Charter
Public Policy: Susan Marrinan
GO Team: Patti Flores-Charter
Communications: Mali Hinesley
Scholarship: Patti Flores-Charter