THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY: Locally and Nationally INCLUSIVE
By Alan Pacek
Okaloosa Democrats have long been the minority party in our county. However, that may change amidst all of the controversial executive actions being enacted by the new President. Here are some important facts that might give you comfort. Locally, Democrats are seeing a steady flow of new members. People seeking membership in the Democratic Party include former immigrants, new residents relocating here from northern states, and minority populations of every persuasion.
In contrast to the aggressive mean-spirited tone of the new White House’s executive orders directly targeting Muslims and Hispanic immigrants, the Democratic Party on February 25th, just elected Thomas Edward Perez as leader of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Mr. Perez was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, to parents Grace (née Altagracia Brache Bernard) and Rafael Antonio de Jesús Pérez Lara, who were both first-generation Dominican immigrants. Mr. Perez is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Law School. He is the epitome of living the American Dream: serving as a politician, consumer advocate, and civil rights lawyer, culminating by the Obama administration appointing him as United States Secretary of Labor from 2013 to 2017.
Equally amazing is the story of the DNC’s new Vice-Chairman! Congressman Ellison is the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district and now will serve as the Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Ellison was the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Congress, and along with André Carson of Indiana, is one of two Muslims now serving in Congress. He is also the first African American to have been elected to the U.S. House from Minnesota. Ellison’s youth was influenced by his family’s active involvement in the civil rights movement, including his grandfather’s NAACP membership.
Locally, Okaloosa Democrats work hard to represent a balanced fair and humane approach to complex issues. Democratic Organizations are in stark contrast to the Trump Organization, and more recently our federal government, which is seemingly run by a single authoritarian leader – who believes he’s never wrong – nor ever feels the need to correct or adjust his actions which are causing more harm than good in communities across America and around the world.
The Okaloosa Democrats Organization consists of people powered committees, clubs, and caucuses. The main ones are: 1) The Okaloosa Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) which is responsible for the overall direction, activities, and campaigns within Okaloosa County. Be on the lookout for its members are reaching out in neighborhoods (voting precincts) across the county looking for volunteers, activists, and voters who support Democratic ideals to strengthen our community. 2) The Okaloosa Democratic Black Caucus (DBC) is a champion of civil rights issues, and is a fierce opponent to Republican policies that restrict the rights of minorities. Inspired by the teachings and actions of Martin Luther King, Jr., this group’s membership seeks to expand opportunities for all minorities regardless of skin color, religious beliefs, or the country of origin. 3) The Okaloosa Democratic Women’s Club (DWC) supports quality health care for all, public education that is adequately funded and accessible, the protection and conservation of our environment, and the rights and protection of law abiding citizens – especially programs that protect women and children.
While functioning separately, each of the above Okaloosa organizations meets monthly, yet collectively as Okaloosa Democrats they work together to advance Democratic Ideals – working hard to fight against the authoritarian autocratic tone that has taken over the Republican Party, locally and nationally. For more information, find us, join us at okaloosademocrats.org or call and leave a message at 850-888-3321.
Alan is new to Fort Walton Beach, arriving via Knoxville, TN and Carolina Beach, NC, after having spent most of his life in Pittsburgh, PA. His calling card is Community Building, combining ideas, actions, and people to support, strengthen, and sustain worthwhile things – be they a business, organization, event, or noteworthy property. An attorney by education, a developer and manager in past lives, now Alan’s energy is spent helping to refocus necessary Democratic ideals amidst a sea of red-herrings.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
March 6 – 10 – Early Voting in Municipal Elections
March 13 – Democratic Black Caucus – 6:30pm – 8:30pm
March 14 – VOTE – Municipal Elections Day
March 21 – Democratic Executive Committee Meeting – 6:30pm – 8:30pm – DEC meetings will be the 3rd Tuesday of every month, at various locations – this meeting will be in Fort Walton Beach, tentatively at Magnolia Manor.
