Facing 2025: Stronger Together
The holidays remind us of the importance of family, friends, and community. It was a tough 2024, and 2025 promises to be even more challenging as we embark on Trump 2.0. Our country enters the new year with a strong and growing economy --- thanks to the investments of the Biden administration. His initiatives produced 16 million new jobs, the lowest average unemployment rate in 50 years, 20 million new business applications, the strengthening of American manufacturing, and record highs in the stock market. Unfortunately, MAGA fear tactics and disinformation, coupled with persistent inflation, drowned out these and many more accomplishments.
In the closing weeks of his administration, Biden continued his efforts by appointing a group of more than 200 diverse judges. He also presided over the single biggest day of clemency in history issuing 39 pardons and commuting 1500 sentences of non-violent federal offenders. While his presidency was not perfect, he deserves credit for making good on his promise to focus on the economic security of average Americans while promoting policies that protect our rights and support social justice. Sadly, a slim majority of voters changed the direction of this country.
In 2025, we confront a dangerously unmoored leader and administration that threatens our democracy and democratic values with a very different vision of America. It will be chaotic and exhausting. But if there is one thing we learned in the first Trump term, we are stronger together. In 2025, let's resolve to use our networks, resources, and collective voice to hold them accountable and do what it takes to protect our democracy. You can start by putting January 9th on your calendar and join us for the first BAM meeting of 2025 (see more info below). We'll take a different look at the recent election and its impact, and share our plans for surviving, thriving and resisting Trump 2.0. We are stronger together. Happy New Year!
Remembering Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign was my very first experience volunteering for a candidate. I waved signs, knocked on doors, and phoned voters urging them to elect the man with the big smile from Plains. I wore a "Grits & Fritz" t-shirt! I felt exuberance, joy, and hope with his amazing victory. It was life-changing and I am forever grateful for his inspiration, humility, and service. He left the country --- and the world --- a better place. May all politicians be inspired by his legacy of selflessness. Rest in peace, President Carter.
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