Welcome to 2021, which some say is not much different then 2020 so far, especially in light of current events. There is much work to be done.
Smash Hit 100th
In case you missed the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the LWV in December, here is the link to the amazing sizzle reel music video created especially for the event. It will get your League groove on for sure!
Keynote speaker Harvard University Professor Danielle Allen created her own sizzle when she talked about informed voting, citizenship and the challenges we face today. Allen chaired the national Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences’ report on “Our Common Purpose: Democracy for the 21st Century. You may remember our League used this document at our June annual meeting to inform the discussion about our organization’s future.
You can listen to Danielle Allen’s Ted Talk on “An Ethical Plan for Ending the Pandemic and Restarting the Economy” from April, 2020 HERE. She was also interviewed by the Boston Globe (Dec. 14, 2020) where she announced a potential run for governor of Massachusetts in 2022. If successful, she would become the first black female governor in the US.
Call to Remove Trump
In other news, you should know that the League of Women Voters called for the immediate removal of President Donald Trump. The League statement follows in part:
The sitting president was the instigator of Wednesday’s domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol that left five Americans dead and many more injured. He commanded an army of insurrectionists to forcefully overturn our free and fair elections in an effort to maintain power. These are the actions of a tyrannical despot, and they are in direct opposition to American democracy. President Trump continues to present a clear threat to national security as well as the safety and security of the American public.
The League of Women Voters calls on both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to immediately impeach President Trump with disqualification and remove him from office. Should Congress fail to impeach him, we call on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove President Trump from office immediately. LWV-US, Jan. 8, 2020
Our members are encouraged to make your individual views known to our elected officials during this important time.
Inauguration Warning
Yesterday, the League of Women Voters also voiced concern for violence before and on Jan. 20.
In the aftermath of the attacks on the U.S. Capitol last week, the FBI is aware of armed protests being planned at all 50 state capitols and at the U.S. Capitol in the days leading up to and on Inauguration Day.
LWVUS will have no formal role in these gatherings (or counter protests), and we are encouraging all Leagues to avoid any such gatherings in their communities. As an organization, we value political expression and protest – it is core to our mission. However, we want to ensure everyone’s health and safety, which cannot be guaranteed at the protests being predicted in the days ahead. —-LWV-US, Jan. 11, 2020
Steering the Good Ship LWVH
The LWVH steering committee meets this Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The 2021 Civics Cup is one of the topics of discussion. All members are welcome to join and can receive the Zoom link by emailing info@lwvharvard.org. Tell us what you want your League to take on in the coming year. There are plenty of challenges and issues to tackle. Which shall we pick? How can you help?
Stay safe and well,
Your League Co-Conveners,
Jackie Normand and Meg Bagdonas
