Written by Barbara A. Smith,
Concerned Hamilton Citizen and Activist Blogger for transparency in government.. at Hamilton Wenham Liberals for Democracy
Twenty-three years ago a friendly and personable young man knocked on my door in Hamilton asking for my support as he ran for his first term as state representative. I asked Mr. Hill his thoughts about my top priority which is that women maintain control over their own bodies and reproductive health care. He hemmed and hawed and admitted that since he was adopted he has concerns about unfettered access to abortion services. He lost my vote. He has proven over the years to be a responsive and caring representative. However, our district deserves to be represented by a person who is not only hard working but representative of American 2021 social, economic and environmental values. As Mr. Hill leaves office- door has opened to elect a Democrat with these these values…..
Protecting Women’s Reproductive Health Rights
I did my best to help elect Alliston Gustavson in 2018. She was courageous, authentic, caring and shared my values that women must be in control of their reproductive decisions- women of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and regardless of the trimester. Medical decisions are private between the patient and doctor.
Fortunately, the Roe Act passed despite Republican vetoes. However, we need a representative who understands why it was so critical to protect women’s rights both at home and at the national level. Please read more here…..
DEMOCRATS SAVE LIVES!
Democrats are extremely interested in life-the lives of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who died because Republicans allowed “the former guy” to spread lies about the Covid pandemic, the importance of vaccinations, masks and even suggesting that they drink Lysol!
The Essex 4th district must elect a Democrat that has the courage to call out lies including “The Big Lie” that the 2020 election was stolen. That lie resulted in domestic terrorism. We need courageous leadership at the local level during upcoming, unexpected crises. I want a leader who will keep us safe. Please Read more here….
PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS!
“The Big Lie” was manufactured by the former guy and his ilk who didn’t like the results of the election. They figured if they say that there was voter fraud often enough they can justify voter suppression tactics such as throwing away legitamate ballots from Democratic strongholds, eliminating vote by mail and hours to vote in person and making it illegal to give people waiting on long voting lines food and water.
State Republican Party Chair Jim Lyons would like to not only get rid of hugely popular and successful Vote By Mail, he wants a ballot initiative to require voter ID. He is looking for a problem that doesn’t exist with a solution that suppresses the vote. Read more here….
DEMOCRATS CARE ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE
Democrats care about the toll of emotional and physical violence against the LGBTQ community that sometimes leads to murder and suicide. On election day- November, 2018, I stood in the rain with my Allison Gustavson sign. Brad Hill and a Big Guy whose name I do not know (I will call him BG) were across the street holding their huge signs. The friendly BG joined me to chat and share his umbrella. Brad Hill and his supporters seem to be very nice people but not to consitutuents who happen to be transgender. Repeal of the “bathroom bill” was being voted on that day so I had this short exchange…..
Me: I really want transgender people to be safe when they use the bathroom that matches their identified gender (as opposed to the XX or XY chromosomes they were born with) .
BG: I agree that trans people need to use the bathroom. Im not saying they can’t but we need to protect children from predators.
Me: So…. Are you saying that it is ok for trans people to use the bathroom of their identified gender, in other words a trans women should be able to use the public women’s room?
BG: Yes, but not if there are predators out there waiting to harm children. We can’t allow children to be exposed to men dressed up as women.
Me: I’m confused by your logic, but thanks for trying…..
BG returns to his side of the street as I scratch my head.
Essex 4th needs to elect a Democrat with an understanding of social justice issues and then vociferously defend ALL constitutent’s rights regardless of sexual orientation, race, religion, age, gender, disabilities, ethnicity or immigration status. Read more about social justice here….
THE MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS PARTY PLATFORM
I recently attended my first Massachusetts Democrat Platform meeting where Democrats across the state expressed their concerns and priorities. I am so proud to belong to the party that cares about the environment, affordable housing, food insecurity, voting access, government transparency and more. Please read about Democratic values here…..
Barbara’s wish list:
Our elected leaders should……
- refuse to take donations from the NRA or any other organization that values profits over life
- NOT deny climate change and vocally demand creative and widespread solutions to save the planet for our children’s future. https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/2021/03/11/senate-republicans-block-vote-climate-bill-say-process-rushed/4654936001/
- priortize preventing evictions, homelessness and putting families on the street during a pandemic. https://www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2020/7/16/partisan-battle-lines-on-housing-are-clear
- Recognize that health care, including reproductive services for all is A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEDGE.
- Fight for equality and social justice
THANK YOU FOR READING, NOW LETS ELECT DEMOCRATS!