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President Biden on the January 6^th Attack on Democracy

"A former President of the United States of America has created and spread a web of lies about the 2020 election. He's done so because he values power over principle, because he sees his own interest as more important than his country's interest and America's interest," Biden said.

"For the first time in our history, a President had not just lost an election. He tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power as a violent mob reached the Capitol," Biden said in a speech from the US Capitol that lasted just under 30 minutes. "But they failed. They failed. And on this day of remembrance, we must make sure that such an attack never, never happens again."

In a direct shot at Trump, Biden added, "His bruised ego matters more to him than our democracy or our Constitution, he can't accept he lost."

"A former President of the United States of America has created and spread a web of lies about the 2020 election. He's done so because he values power over principle, because he sees his own interest as more important than his country's interest and America's interest," Biden said.

The President warned democracy and the "promise of America" is at risk and called on the American public to "stand for the rule of law, to preserve the flame of democracy."

He called for protecting voting rights across the nation and blasted Trump and his supporters for attempting to "suppress your vote and subvert our elections."

"It's wrong. It's undemocratic. And frankly it's un-American," Biden said.

"Now let's step up, write the next chapter in American history, for January 6 marks not the end of democracy, but the beginning of a renaissance of liberty and fair play," Biden said.

"You've got to face it. That's what great nations do. They face the truth, deal with it and move on," Biden said.

Office Hours

Our regular office hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Our address is 2345 14^th Ave., Suite 7, Downtown Vero Beach.

Newsletter Highlights

TEXTERS Needed! See the Get Involved Section
Precinct Captains Needed! See the Democrats of Indian River Section
MLK Parade See the Get Involved Section

GET INVOLVED

Texters Needed

We have purchased a new texting program to reach out to voters in Indian River County. We are looking for volunteers who can send texts. It’s very easy and can be done from your couch or dining room table. All you need is a computer, no phones needed! If you are interested, email Stacey at [email protected] and she can send you more information about how the program works.

Parade

The Democrats of Indian River will be participating in the MLK parade on January 17^th. We need walkers and help with decorating the float. If you would like to participate, please email Stacey at [email protected]

DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER

Democratic Executive Committee

Do you want to be part of the team that votes DeSantis out? Do you want to meet your like-minded neighbors? Are you tired of sitting by while Republicans get elected over and over?

Consider signing up to be a precinct captain for your local area. Precinct captains create relationships with their neighbors, help lead up Get Out the Vote efforts, and work with a fun team.

If you live in the following Precincts, we could use your help:

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 14, 15, 20, 22, 24, 28, 29, 32

Contact Stacey at: [email protected] if you want to participate.

Democratic Women’s Club

The next DWC Book Group meeting will be at 2:00 p.m. on January 28^th on Zoom. Midnight in Washington: How We Almost Lost our Democracy and Still Could by Representative Adam Schiff will be discussed. If you are not a Book Group member and would like to attend please contact Rita Milelli at [email protected]

Democratic Club of Indian River

The slate of nominees for the Democratic Club election in March will be announced at the Club meeting January 13^th. If you are interested in running for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Director, please contact Claudia Martino, the Nominating Committee Chair, at [email protected] by Monday, January 10^th. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the January 13^th meeting.

Our next Club Member meeting will be Thursday, January 13th, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. We will shift our meetings to Zoom while monitoring Omicron. We will keep you informed of changes in venue as this very fluid situation develops.

Our speaker will be Joanne Terry. Joanne, who resides in Brevard, is the first person to throw her hat into the ring to run against, and hopefully unseat, Bill Posey as our next US Congressperson from FL 8.

A brief bio on Joanne:

Joanne Terry of Satellite Beach is preparing to formally announce her candidacy for our Congressional district. She has 27 years of experience in the space industry as a satellite systems engineer, leading diverse teams to solve complex problems. Joanne knows how to bring people together! Focusing on local issues that affect all of us, regardless of our politics, she is confident that by coming together on our common issues, we can break through the fear and anger that keeps us divided. Joanne's top priorities will be the Indian River Lagoon, Infrastructure, our Economic Recovery from COVID, restoring civility to our politics and Bridging Our Divide. More about Joanne's background is on her website at joanneterry.com.

If you are not a member but wish to receive a Zoom link please email our Secretary, Wendy McDaniel at [email protected] to request a link which will be sent the day of the meeting.

Hope to see you via Zoom!

Treasure Coast Young Dems

The January meeting will be Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom.

If you're a Democrat or progressive-leaning person under 40 (or feel under 40) and live in Indian River, St. Lucie, or Martin Counties, join the Treasure Coast Young Dems for our January meeting! Due to Omicron, we will be holding this meeting virtually on Zoom.
We had a great time at our November interest meeting at Islamorada Brewing Company and we're starting to get a good sense of what you all want in a chapter. We will be opening nominations for board positions and action groups on Tuesday, so be sure to log in! If you are not a member but wish to receive a Zoom link please email Wendy McDaniel at [email protected] to request a link which will be sent the day of the meeting.

FEDERAL

CNN

On Sunday at 9:00 p.m. CNN will air a Special Report called the Fight to Save American Democracy. In this special, Fareed Zakaria looks at the evidence that this country is turning away from Democracy, even as the entire world follows a similar trend. Democracy in America is in danger. Could it die out completely?

STATE

Florida Democratic Party Chair Releases Statement On The One Year Anniversary Of The January 6 Attack On The Capitol

On this day, one year ago, a violent mob instigated by Donald Trump and his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol seeking to stop the peaceful transfer of power in our democracy. Their cold-blooded efforts led to the deaths and injuries of their fellow Americans, including several police officers. In the months since, Republican leaders across Florida and the country, many of whom initially condemned this most un-American lawlessness, have now doubled down on the same lies that led to the attempted insurrection in the first place.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the attack:

"A year ago today, our nation witnessed a despicable attack on our democracy. A mob that was fed lies about the 2020 election stormed the U.S. Capitol, the people’s house, to stop the peaceful transfer of power, overturn a presidential election, and physically attack our representatives; even the Vice President was a target. They beat police officers with flags, ransacked the House and Senate chambers, and caused the deaths of several fellow Americans.

For many like myself, who came to the United States from other shores, seeking refuge and sanctuary from totalitarianism, the events of January 6 are especially worrisome.

I never thought I would live to revisit that experience here in America. Americans physically attacking other Americans. Americans seeking to overthrow their government instigated by the President of our own country, motivated not by love of country or some public good, but by an insatiable greediness for power and self-interest.

On this first year anniversary of this dark day, I pray for our country and for our fellow Americans.

I pray that our elected leaders stand up to the hate, the lies and the extremism that led to the vicious attack on our Capitol.

I pray that we move on from the violence and anger of the Trump era that resulted in this unprecedented attack on our Capitol.

I pray that our system of justice not shy away from holding those responsible accountable for their ruthless acts, the grief they caused the families of the Capitol Police, including those that survived, and the lasting damage to our principles of our democracy.

I pray that all of us work together - Democrats, Republicans, and Independents - on behalf of the common good to restore decency, honor and respect for the rule of law.

I pray that we be guided by this message: regardless of our differences, we are one people. We are Americans. United we stand, divided we fall.

I pray that we emerge from this sad episode more united and more committed to preserve, protect, and defend our government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

And I pray that I, my children, and their children will never have to relive another January 6."

Florida State Legislature

The Florida State Legislative Session starts next Tuesday, January 11^th. As usual, there are a lot of disturbing bills and information coming out of Tallahassee. Below are various links for those of you who want to stay involved and learn more about how the State Legislature works.

Here is a rundown of some of the big agenda items for the session:
https://www.wlrn.org/news/2022-01-05/florida-lawmakers-face-big-issues-as-the-2022-legislative-session-gets-underway

For a calendar of 2022 Session Dates click here:
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Calendar/2022/Session%20Dates%202021-05-26%20115359.PDF
A link to the Florida House of Representatives:
https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/

A link to the Florida Senate:
https://www.flsenate.gov/

LOCAL

The Gifford Historical Museum and Cultural Center invites you to the opening reception of the "After This! Before, During, and Beyond" Art Exhibition of Mixed Media Works by Angela Corbett, Friday, January 7th from 5:30 - 7:00 pm. at the Raw Space Gallery, 1795 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach.

Please see the flyer below with details. Please share with your colleagues and contacts.

Faces of Eve – Fundraiser for Gifford Cultural Center

The fundraiser for the new Gifford Cultural Center is called the Faces of Eve Collaboration. To raise money for the Center, you can purchase the Faces of Eve coffee table art book. Please order your copy today in the link below! They also welcome sponsorships, the various levels are listed on the Rally-Up fundraising page.

https://go.rallyup.com/giffordculturalcenter/Campaign/Details

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Each week we feature a letter that was written to the TC Palm in opposition to Democrats or our ideals. We then ask that you write a response back. It’s time we start speaking out as a collective and correcting the disinformation printed in newspapers. Staying silent is accepting, and we must fight for our democracy.

Here is the letter we ask you to respond to:

Which people are we talking about with the For the People Act?

Democrats claim that their H.R. 1 is an improvement to the coup that President Trump almost pulled off a year ago. Not the coup at the Capitol, but the coup in election shenanigans. The Republicans tried hard to suppress the vote, but Joe Biden overcame all the finagling to win. So what are they crying about? I still can’t find out how the Republicans stole “the steal,” only to lose.

The Democrats want to maintain the pandemic emergency tools like unsolicited registrations, if not ballots, voting from Teslas or yachts after same-day registration. Drop boxes forever. Democrats are worried that there may be fewer of them around after 2022, so better plant those seeds now. Do you really have to be American to vote here? The mayors of some major cities don’t think so. If you’ve got credit at Walmart or a cable bill, you’re good. In any language. Way before Election Day.

But the Republicans have galvanized dozens of states, including Florida, to make elections more secure.

Republicans want secure elections with only living American citizens voting. We don’t want a coup, but we don’t want coo-coo.

Norman Grant, Vero Beach

To respond to Norman with a letter of your own, you can do so here:
https://static.tcpalm.com/forms/?wid=q1jkscld1v7h87e

CALENDAR

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

9:00 a.m. - IRC County Commission
For agenda and meeting information go to
https://ircgov.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Treasure Coast Young Dems via Zoom. If you wish to attend, please email Wendy McDaniel at [email protected] to request a link which will be sent the day of the meeting.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

5:00 p.m. – Democrats of Indian River, DEC Steering Committee Meeting
Meeting via Zoom. Contact Stacey at [email protected] for meeting link.

6:00 p.m. - Sebastian City Council
For agenda and meeting information go to https://www.cityofsebastian.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=343&month=2&year=2021&day=17&calType=0

Thursday, January 13, 2022

6:00 p.m. – Democratic Club of Indian River Monthly Meeting. If you wish to attend, please email Wendy McDaniel at [email protected] for the Zoom link.

7:00 p.m. - Fellsmere City Council
For agenda and meeting information go to www.cityoffellsmere.org/citycouncil

COVID TESTING, STATISTICS AND VACCINATIONS

Our current Risk Level in Indian River County is “Very High”. Please be careful out there and stay safe.

Testing

If you are looking for a testing site, which is becoming harder to find, you can see a list of locations here:

http://indianriver.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/COVID-19/irc-covid-testing-sites/index.html

Statistics

A great place to check statistics for Indian River County is on Covid Act Now. You can access it here:
https://covidactnow.org/us/florida-fl/county/indian_river_county/?s=21821108

Vaccinations

3rd shots are now available from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson.

You can search for vaccination locations and details by clicking here:

https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/?utm_source=floridahealth.gov&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=covid-19&utm_term=information+covid-19+vaccine+&utm_content=011921-vaccine-locater.redirect.html_in_article_link

TIDBITS

In honor of our Democracy and the buildings that represent it, please take the 3 minutes to watch this visual timeline of the construction of Capitol Hill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os1djKfl7ZU

That's all Democrats!
Stay Safe out There!

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White House Diversity Strategic Plan

The Biden administration has unveiled its strategic plan to improve diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the federal government. This is just another plan by President Biden to create a more inclusive government for all.

https://www.govexec.com/management/2021/11/white-house-diversity-strategic-plan-focuses-equity-hiring-and-pay/187104/

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All Men

As we begin the Christmas season, we sadly have learned of yet another deadly school shooting in Michigan with a firearm bought at a “Black Friday” Christmas sale.

It is disgraceful that Americans have accepted massacres as inevitable — Tuesday’s school shooting was the 28th this year and the deadliest — to the point that students spend so much of their time in active shooter drills rather than enjoying what school should be about — learning, socializing and growing.

While Giving Tuesday is past, this holiday season you might consider contributing to a gun safety charity like March for Our lives:

https://marchforourlives.com/press/where-does-the-march-for-our-lives-in-d-c-start-this-is-what-you-need-to-know-2-2-2-3-32/attachment/david-hogg/

STATE

What will Florida Democrats’ Message Be for 2022?

This weekend Democrats will meet in Orlando to discuss moving forward towards 2022, the Governor race and the obstacles ahead.
TC Palm writes:

“They (Democrats) recently learned that for the first time ever, Republicans have surpassed them in the number of active registered voters. Florida's Legislature and Governor's Office has been controlled by the GOP for going on three decades. And two of the top Republican contenders for president in 2024, former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis, call Florida home, assuring the political spotlight on the state will continue for the foreseeable future.”

You can read more here:

https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/state/2021/12/01/florida-democrats-attempt-recalibrate-orlando-weekend-conference/8794317002/

LOCAL

Storm Grove Middle School and Beachland Elementary Science Fair Judges Needed

Storm Grove Middle School is looking for volunteers to help at their annual Science Fair. If you could spare even an hour of your time, it would be a huge help. You will have to be available to come to Storm Grove Middle School on Tuesday, December 7 from 8:10 a.m. and the fair ends at 11 a.m. If you are interested, please contact Joseph Refsland at [email protected]

Beachland Elementary is looking for judges for their fair on December 9^th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you are willing and able to volunteer, please contact [email protected].

Volunteering is easy, fun, and minimal on your time. Volunteer today!

Special Equestrians

Do you like horses and kids with disabilities? There is an amazing organization in Vero Beach that utilizes horse back riding to benefit children with disabilities. They are looking for volunteers. You can find out more and apply to be on a volunteer on their website at:

https://www.specialequestrianstreasurecoast.org/

DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER

Democratic Executive Committee

Want to be more involved in your neighborhood and community? Consider signing up to be a precinct captain for your local area. Precinct captains lead up Get Out the Vote efforts.

We need Captains in the following Precincts:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 14, 15, 20, 22, 24, 28, 29, 32

Contact Stacey at: [email protected] if you want to participate!

Democratic Women’s Club

Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong- and the New Research That's Re-Writing the Story by Angela Saini is the next Book Group selection. The virtual meeting will start at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 3. If you are not a Book Group member and would like to attend please contact Rita Milelli at [email protected]

Democratic Club of Indian River

We are planning a Democratic Club Holiday Party that will include members of the Democratic Women’s Club and the Democratic Executive Committee (DEC), at the Irish American Club on Thursday, December 9th at 6:00 p.m. Attendees will be asked to bring appetizers, hors d' oeuvres, or desserts to share. We request that attendees bring an unwrapped toy to donate to "Toys for Tots". The local band, “Friends and Neighbors,” will be providing the music. Masks and social distancing will be required as we monitor the diminishing COVID situation.

Democratic Club President Featured as Guest Columnist in TC Palm

Al Griffiths, Democratic Club President, was featured as a Guest Columnist writing on the power of single district voting on representative democracy. In Indian River County, we have at-large voting that waters down the wants and desires of neighborhoods and communities. You can read it here: https://democratsofindianriver.org/tcpalm-features-al-griffiths-guest-editorial-on-at-large-voting/

By the way, Commissioner Peter O’Bryan argued for at-large voting in the same edition of the TCPalm.

TRAININGS

Leadership Blue

The Florida Democratic Party is excited to share that our annual Leadership Blue Weekend has been re-scheduled for December 3-5, 2021 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel* in Orlando, FL with the signature Leadership Blue Gala taking place on Saturday, December 4th at the Orange County Convention Center.

We are excited to finally be able to get together in-person for a safe, fun and productive weekend of events. You can visit www.LeadershipBlue.com for the most up to date information about the weekend, including hotel accommodations, schedules and speakers.

*Rosen Plaza implements measures to ensure that guest-rooms, amenities, and services are accessible to all guests regardless of abilities and disabilities. Should you require ADA-compliant accommodations, please reach out to [email protected]

GET INVOLVED

Volunteer Coordinator Needed

2022 will require a lot of work to register voters, text voters, canvass, participate in events, send out mailings and conduct literature drops. To do this work we will need volunteers – lots of volunteers! We are looking for a couple of volunteers who would like to help manage those volunteers. If you are interested email Stacey at [email protected]

CALENDAR

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

8:30 a.m. – Vero Beach City Council
For agenda and meeting information go to https://covb.org/AgendaCenter

9:00 a.m. – IRC County Commission
For agenda and meeting information go to
https://ircgov.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

5:00 p.m. - Democrats of Indian River, DEC Steering Committee Meeting via Zoom. Contact Stacey at [email protected] for meeting link.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

6:00 p.m. - Sebastian City Council
For agenda and meeting information go to https://www.cityofsebastian.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=343&month=2&year=2021&day=17&calType=0

COVID TESTING, STATISTICS AND VACCINATIONS

Testing

If you are looking for a testing site, which is becoming harder to find, you can see a list of locations here:

http://indianriver.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/COVID-19/irc-covid-testing-sites/index.html

Statistics

A great place to check statistics for Indian River County is on Covid Act Now. You can access it here:
https://covidactnow.org/us/florida-fl/county/indian_river_county/?s=21821108

Vaccinations

3rd shots are now available from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson.

You can search for vaccination locations and details by clicking here:

https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/?utm_source=floridahealth.gov&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=covid-19&utm_term=information+covid-19+vaccine+&utm_content=011921-vaccine-locater.redirect.html_in_article_link