Americans for Democratic Action
Fighting for progress and resisting reaction since 1947
ADA: Updates (via Facebook)
The 2020 elections were milestone elections in many ways including the fact that, at the beginning of 2021, five Native Americans were serving in Congress. Sadly, of those, three were Republicans and one of the Democrats – Deb Haaland – resigned to become Secretary of the Interior. Now, the lone remaining Democrat, Sharice Davids (KS-03) could be in danger so this week’s Spotlight shines on her.![]()
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Congresswoman Davids stands out in many ways. She is the first LGBTQ Native American to serve in Congress. She is the only Democrat in the Kansas delegation. She is the first Democrat to represent a Kansas Congressional district in a decade. She is the only member of the Kansas delegation who voted to impeach the former President. She is a professional in Mixed Martial Arts who left that to live on Native American reservations and work on economic and community development. And, she has an 85 percent ADA voting record! She won her first election in 2018 with 53.3 percent of the vote; in 2020, she garnered 53.5 percent. She is an obvious GOP target.![]()
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Davids serves on the House Committees on Small Business and Transportation and Infrastructure. She believes that, in the face of a clear and present climate crisis, we need to grow our investment in clean energy and increase the speed with which we shift to renewable energy. She is working to lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs while striving to strengthen the Affordable Care Act to ensure, among other things, that health care includes mental health care. She believes the minimum wage should be increased, that equal pay for equal work must be ensured along with the rights of workers to organize. In short, she is a ray of sanity in the Kansas delegation and deserves our support.![]()
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Fill out this form to get involved in ADA's efforts in the 2022 midterm elections! act.myngp.com/Forms/4517674475717656576
As we enter ADA’s 75th year, we can think of no more fitting subject for our next book discussion than founder John Kenneth Galbraith. And, there are no more fitting people to lead this discussion than his son, himself a noted economist and ADA vice president, James K. Galbraith and the author of the definitive biography of Galbraith, former ADA president Richard Parker. Both bring special skills and insights to the discussion about Galbraith and the vision that still shapes so very much of what Americans for Democratic Action stands for.![]()
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This is certain to be a dynamic, information discussion. So, please do mark your calendars now and plan to join us on October 26 at 8 p.m. via Zoom. The event is free but you do have to register to participate. We look forward to seeing you then.![]()
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If you choose to buy the book via Amazon, please do so by going to smile.amazon.com, register Americans for Democratic Action Education Fund as your charity of choice. Purchases![]()
result in a donation to support ADA’s liberal values.![]()
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You must register in order to get the Zoom login information so please Register now. act.myngp.com/Forms/410391615555764224
It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of our friend Tim Black. He never stopped speaking out and standing up for justice. RIP Tim.
Timuel Black, Civil Rights Champion And Historian, Dies At 102: 'Tim Gave His All To All Of Us'
blockclubchicago.org
The Civil Rights icon, who moved to Chicago in 1919 as one of the earliest participants in the Great Migration, died Wednesday at his Drexel Boulevard home. It’s not often we look to Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) for advice but, for once, he gave some which we take to heart. He recently said if we don’t like the way things are going we should “elect more liberals.” We couldn’t agree more and that’s precisely why we are so laser-focused on the 2022 mid-term elections.![]()
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We know as well that in order to build a more liberal majority in the House and Senate, we must secure the seats of the strong liberals already fighting for our values every day of the week. That is why today’s Spotlight focuses on New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District Representative Tom Malinowski. ![]()
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With an ADA voting record of 90 percent, he is a prime example of what we would hope from all Members of Congress. This former Rhodes’ Scholar, among other accomplishments, served as the Washington Director for Human Rights Watch and as the second term Obama Administration State Department’s Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Following his service, he criticized the Trump Administration’s “obscene fondness” for dictators and tyrants. ![]()
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In Congress, he has supported the Affordable Care Act, increasing the minimum wage to $15/hour and stronger collective bargaining rights for workers. He opposed construction of the PennEast Pipeline and is committed to working for a clean energy future. He is working to ensure full access to reproductive health care, including unfettered abortion rights, and for increased funding for global distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine. He serves on the House Committees on Foreign Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security. He has done all this with an unwavering commitment to human rights and in the face of death threats resulting from QAnon targeting him.![]()
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He won his 2018 campaign with 51.7 percent of the vote and saw that percentage shrink to 50.6 percent in 2020. This makes him an obvious GOP target and someone ADA needs to support wholeheartedly. ![]()
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Follow the ADA Spotlight on the 2022 Midterm Elections page to stay updated on ADA's electoral activity. act.myngp.com/Forms/2932407406883241984
BOOK DISCUSSION![]()
OCTOBER 26![]()
8 P.M.![]()
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If you haven’t already done so, please mark your calendars now for Americans for Democratic Action’s October 26 book discussion featuring Richard Parker discussing his biography of ADA founder John Kenneth Galbraith. We were already excited but we are now even more excited because the discussion will be opened by Professor James K. Galbraith -- professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and at the Department of Government, University of Texas at Austin. He also heads up the University of Texas Inequality Project (UTIP). He is also an ADA vice president and, oh yes, one of John Kenneth Galbraith’s sons. His insights, as ADA enters our 75th year and our country faces severe economic dilemmas, are certain to be thought-provoking. ![]()
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So, please do mark your calendars now and plan to join us on October 26 at 8 p.m. via Zoom. The event is free but you do have to register to participate. We look forward to seeing you then. We look forward to seeing you there![]()
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If you choose to buy the book via Amazon, please do so by going to smile.amazon.com, register Americans for Democratic Action Education Fund as your charity of choice. Purchases result in a donation to support ADA’s liberal values.![]()
You must register in order to get the Zoom login information so please Register now. act.myngp.com/Forms/410391615555764224
Redistricting and a potential mid-term hazard are twin challenges we will face in 2022. Nowhere is that more true than in Michigan and nowhere is that more true than in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District in which a Democrat has never won a third term. ![]()
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Haley Stevens has provided us with one of the closest races in the entire country for two election cycles. In 2018, she won with 51.8 percent of the vote; in 2020, her victory was cut to 50.2 percent. This one promises to be just as difficult and is a clear Republican target as they seek to take back the majority in the House. We can’t afford to let that happen.![]()
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Stevens’ ADA voting record is 85 percent. She is an expert on manufacturing having served as the chief of staff for the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry and worked for the Digital Manufacturing and Design Institute in Chicago before returning to her native Michigan.![]()
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In Congress, she serves on the Committees on Education and Labor and Science, Space and Technology. She works diligently to prevent violence against women and in support of sensible gun control laws, eager to make gun violence prevention a priority for our nation. She worked for passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the For the People Act. She wants to make health care and prescription drugs more affordable for all and is working to expand paid family and medical leave. She has voted to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour and supports the PRO Act, Protecting Workers’ Right to Organize Act, while supporting opportunities for minority owned businesses. She is a founding member of the Congressional Women in STEM Caucus. ![]()
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Despite being a relatively young Member of Congress, she is already leaving her mark. Retaining and expanding a liberal majority in the House of Representatives could well depend on her victory. This is, indeed, a race on which ADA needs to shine a Spotlight.![]()
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Follow the ADA Spotlight on the 2022 Midterm Elections page to stay updated on ADA's electoral activity. Thank you, once again, for your on-going support. act.myngp.com/Forms/770679585745403904
Americans for Democratic Action Iowa was out on the streets in full force today defending reproductive freedom for women, trans, and non-binary people. They organized a large march from the Waterloo, Iowa offices of Senator Chuck Grassley to that of Congresswoman Ashley Hinson. ADA is out there in the field organizing today in the places where it matters. You can help build this important work with your donation today. ![]()
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adaction.org/donate/
Thanks to our honorees, guests, and speakers for making this a wonderful event. Watch ADA's 2021 Gala below. Art Haywood Peter Galbraith Kirstin Downey Kurt Meyer San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Randi Weingarten Stuart Appelbaum EJ Dionne Eleanor Clift![]()
Jamie Raskin
You are invited to an ADA Book Discussion![]()
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When the liberal values that formed the basis for the founding of Americans for Democratic Action almost 75 years ago are under almost constant challenge, it seems appropriate for us to have an in-depth review of the timeless ideals of our founders.![]()
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We are, therefore, particularly pleased to host one of our periodic book discussions featuring former ADA president Richard Parker talking about his detailed biography of John Kenneth Galbraith. All of us are certain to be entertained and educated – a winning combination, indeed.![]()
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So, please mark your calendars now and plan to join us on October 26 at 8 p.m. via Zoom. The event is free but you do have to register to participate. We look forward to seeing you then. We look forward to seeing you there.![]()
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Register for this event HERE. act.myngp.com/Forms/410391615555764224![]()
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If you choose to buy the book via Amazon, please do so by going to smile.amazon.com, register Americans for Democratic Action Education Fund as your charity of choice. Purchases result in a donation to support ADA’s liberal values.![]()
You must register in order to get the Zoom login information so please Register now.
Today's to-do list:![]()
1️⃣ Pick up the phone![]()
2️⃣ Dial 1-888-516-5820![]()
3️⃣ Tell your representative to pass the Build Back Better Act, funded by making the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share![]()
4️⃣ Tweet using the hashtag #RewardWorkNotWealth![]()
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Pass it on!
As we continue our quest to meet liberal goals, we must defend endangered liberal seats in both the House and the Senate. But, that is not enough if we are to expand liberal majorities in both bodies. We must also focus on marginal GOP seats with an eye to turning them around.![]()
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For that reason, we turn our attention today to Arizona’s 6th Congressional District represented by David Schweikert (R). Schweikert’s district is home to some of Phoenix’s wealthier suburbs. It includes part of Maricopa County which just finished its umpteenth recount of last year’s Presidential election. In case you hadn’t noticed, Biden won. Apparently Mr. Schweikert didn’t notice because, on January 6th, he voted in Congress against certifying Biden’s victory. ![]()
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Schweikert was first elected to Congress in 2010 representing Arizona’s 5th CD. Following redistricting he ran to represent the 6th and won in 2012 with 61.3 percent of the vote. Each succeeding election has seen a diminished margin of victory. Last year, following a finding of multiple ethics violations resulting in a reprimand and a $50,000 fine, he was re-elected with 52.2 percent of the vote. Changing demographics in the district mean that this has to be considered a marginal race and one which deserves our attention.![]()
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Schweikert masquerades as a moderate but his 4 percent ADA voting record puts the lie to that assertion as do his many egregious votes and positions. A member of the House Freedom Caucus, he consistently supports Right Wing causes and issues. He has voted against the American Rescue Plan and increasing the Federal minimum wage. An adoptee himself, he opposes legalized abortion and supports the Hyde Amendment. He is a skeptic on climate change; calls for cutting spending on Social Security and Medicare and opposes the Affordable Care Act. He supports the continued construction of the former President’s border wall and opposes the Iran nuclear deal. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Joint Economic Committee. Is it any wonder we in ADA hope that he faces a spirited, viable challenge in 2022.![]()
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Follow the ADA Spotlight on the 2022 Midterm Elections page to stay updated on ADA's electoral activity. act.myngp.com/Forms/266276427479908352
ADA 75th Anniversary Book Event: ![]()
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More Exciting News!![]()
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We know you are still reveling in ADA’s spectacular gala from this week, (View on Facebook: www.facebook.com/adactionfan/videos/846333719356586 or Youtube: youtu.be/fKZs1-MyjeI) but we want to alert you today to yet another special ADA presentation. ![]()
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In his introductory remarks, Peter Galbraith, noted ADA’s upcoming 75th anniversary and his father’s role in the founding and shaping of our liberal agenda. Therefore, we couldn’t think of a more fitting topic than his father, ADA Founder John Kenneth Galbraith, for the next of our periodic book discussions.![]()
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On October 26, at 8 p.m. eastern, via Zoom, former ADA president Richard Parker will lead a discussion of his biography of John Kenneth Galbraith. James K. Galbraith will also be participating in the event. The book, like the man, is truly remarkable and provides amazing insight about a liberal giant – in every sense of the word. Please join us for what promises to be an evening of celebration and education. Register below to get the Zoom link. The event is free but you do have to register to participate. We look forward to seeing you there. Register for this event at: act.myngp.com/Forms/410391615555764224![]()
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If you choose to buy the book via Amazon, please do so by going to smile.amazon.com, register Americans for Democratic Action Education Fund as your charity of choice. Purchases result in a donation to support ADA’s liberal values.
ADA: What You Should Know
View ADA Awards Gala
ADA held a virtual 2021 Awards Gala on September 22nd. View via the links below. We honored: Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), progressive ally and champion Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Eleanor Clift, journalist and...
March for Medicare for All #M4M4ALL
Join ADA Saturday, July 24th in a March for Medicare for All action near you or chip in donation to this effort taking places in 53 cities in 31 states and DC. Click HERE to learn more or help out. #M4M4ALL
A New Kind of Filibuster
Check out what ADA is supporting as an alternative to the filibuster. READ HERE.
ADA Vote 2022
Visit ADA's 2022 Election Resources Page.
ADA Mourns the Passing of Joe Duffey, former ADA National Chairperson
Joe was a champion of liberal causes and a loyal ADA member throughout. Take a look at the articles in the NY Times and Washington Post on his passing. RIP Joe.
Expel Rep. Boebert (R-CO)
In light of reports that Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) on January 6 directed domestic terrorists to the location of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and on January 12 forced her way past security and onto the floor of the House of Representatives while carrying a gun, Americans for Democratic Action calls upon the House Ethics Committee to immediately convene an inquiry into her actions with the possibility of expelling her from the House of Representatives.
ADA Convention sets agenda
January 15-17, 2021 ADA activists from around the country gathered via Zoom to share ideas, hear from experts, and set ADA's agenda for progress.
Congrats to President-elect Biden and VP-elect Harris!
PDF HERE November 7. 2020 President-elect Joseph Biden Vice President-elect Kamala Harris Biden Transition Congratulations, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris. Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) was proud to endorse your campaign and...
The American Commentator
Through feature articles, essays, interviews, personal remembrances, and reviews, we seek to promote a stimulating dialogue about liberal ideas and ideals among ADA members and friends.
ADA Awards Gala Video
Enjoy the video and please make a donation to ADA's work to #DitchMitch and #DumpTrump. You can also Text ADA2020 to 202-796-2201.
ADA Voting Record
ADA's Latest Voting Record is online now.
Covid-19 Resources
Check out updates, information, and actions related to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.