As I watched U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) make history last week, I was deeply moved. Through his courage and conviction, I saw the spirit of another legendary lawmaker shining through — the late, great Congressman John Lewis (D-GA-5). I heard John Lewis speak at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. He told us then, with unmistakable clarity: “We’re not going back.”
Last week, Senator Booker stood on the Senate floor in peaceful protest for over 25 hours, breaking a record once held by a segregationist who filibustered against the Civil Rights Act of 1957. To see that record shattered by a multicultural Black man — raised by a mother who helped organize the March on Washington — was nothing short of poetic justice. It was a moment of powerful kismet. A milestone in the long, unfinished march toward justice and equality.
Today, our civil rights — our human rights — are under attack. And our democracy is under siege, not from foreign enemies, but from forces within. This is no time for silence or stillness. We must rise up. Stand up. Speak out — just as we did on April 5 at our Hands Off Rally in Ketchum.
Join the Blaine County Democrats as we work to elect leaders who will fight back — in Washington, in Boise, and right here in District 26. Visit our website, come to a meeting or a town hall, and don’t miss the Stennett Social on May 3.
Help us keep moving forward by chipping in $25 or more to the Blaine County Democrats today.
Because we are not going back!
“Hands off” Rally PLANNED FOR HAILEY
Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 2:00–3:30 PM
Location: Hailey (exact location to be announced)Join the Blaine County Democrats for the second event in our “Hands Off” rally series. This rally calls on all community members to unite—not left, not right, but forward together—as we demand government accountability for dismantling vital community programs and services. We stand firm: Hands Off our Democracy, our Diversity, our Rights. More details to come.
Stop doom Scrolling and Feed Your Brain
Fresh picks to nourish your mind and fuel your hope—one book, one podcast at a time.
This Edition’s Picks:
Book: Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson
This brand-new release offers a bold, hopeful vision for America’s future. With clear-eyed analysis and contagious optimism, Klein and Thompson challenge the scarcity mindset dominating our politics and economy. Abundance argues that we can choose to build — more housing, better infrastructure, smarter systems — if we reorient our policies toward progress, inclusion, and growth. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to move beyond gridlock and dream big again.
Podcast: The Ezra Klein Show
Available wherever you get your podcasts, The Ezra Klein Show is a smart, in-depth conversation series that explores big ideas shaping our world. From politics and policy to culture and philosophy, Klein talks with leading thinkers, writers, and policymakers to uncover what’s broken—and how we fix it. It’s thoughtful, challenging, and perfect for anyone who wants to understand more and despair less.
To submit your suggestions for “Feeding Your Brain” email gglukebcd@gmail.comBLUE VOICES: POETRY & PROSE FOR PROGRESS
In challenging times, words have the power to inspire, unite, and ignite action. We want to celebrate the voices within our community—your voices—by sharing original poetry and prose in our newsletter. Our third poem by Nancy Camp is entitled, “Miscellaneous Musings #1, The News”.
I was thinking the other day
about Stories and Headlines that play
in the News day after day after Day
like Gender Rights and Equal Pay.
Defund the Police, an unfortunate Phrase,
intentions buried in Anger and Rage.
Insurrection mires in misguided Praise.
Democracy backslides. Stability sways.
Viral videos stir media Hype,
mass Shootings, wakes by Candlelight.
Voting Rights, Asylum, these words Incite
actions by factions Without oversight.
Black Lives Matter. I know they do.
Yet worrisome Talking Points rule the news.
Murderers acquitted. Bias prevails.
Arguments conveniently omit Details.
Truth and Ethics, fall from the marquee.
Dignity and Empathy have taken a Knee.
Education questions the Value of art,
and Honesty nurses a Wounded heart.
Pro Life protections End at Birth.
Justice hinges on one’s Net Worth.
And will Anyone ever solve the Mystery
of What happens when Vigilantes rewrite History?
That was my thinking the other day.
Do you have a poem that speaks to justice, resilience, democracy, or the spirit of progress? We’d love to feature your work in an upcoming issue! Let’s uplift and inspire each other—one verse at a time. To submit a poem for consideration, email gglukeBCD@gmail.com.
A NOTE FROM OUR CHAIR | DEBORAH SILVER
