by Paul McNamara, EDC President

Greetings Fellow EDC Democrats!

Paul McNamara

April demonstrated that the pace is quickening not only for the upcoming primary but also the issues that concern us.  Just when we thought Health Care was won and we could move on to other issues with some deliberation, we see in the local and national news the old “villain” of immigration is now once again in the forefront.  So this month I want to appeal to you to engage in two areas – Elections and Immigration.

We have all heard that the mid cycle elections are usually not well supported.  The voting statistics bear that out. But it doesn’t have to be that way.  In fact it could be to our advantage.  While the other side assumes a status quo, we could as the President has encouraged us to do, reenergize those 2008 voters to come out this year and make a difference once again.  The GO team is back, OFA is still running, the candidates all have infrastructures that need your support.  I challenge you to find something that fits into your busy schedule and help make a difference.   Together we can make the change that is so necessary.  One of the easiest things you can do is attend the next meeting and make your voice heard on proposed endorsements and recommendations for the June ballot.

The news is full of Immigration related issues ranging from our own checkpoints to the new law in Arizona.  We believe in legal immigration but we also recognize that the situation we find ourselves in is complex and will be hard to resolve.  No slogan or catch phrase will describe the solution.  Let’s not fall into the trap of simplifying the complex for the sake of expediency.  Or allow the vilification and fear of immigrants as a way to distract from other issues or raise money for political campaigns.  We as a community, both local and extended, need to determine how we want to live and more importantly how we want to treat our fellow man.   We cannot have a double standard.  History demonstrates it never works.   I encourage you to engage in this issue and make your voice be heard.   Our website is a great first step.

Finally, the Roosevelt Dinner was well attended and a successful event.  It was a great honor to represent the club and receive the club of the year award.  The EDC attendees received quite a number of compliments about our club and we all felt proud to represent  the EDC.   Additionally, one of the high points of the dinner was watching one of our own, Rick Moore, receive the Volunteer of the Year award.   Rick truly serves as a model for us all in not only selfless action but also how impactful a volunteer can be.   We are very lucky to have him with us.

Let’s continue to turn North County from red to blue.