Greenwood County Democratic Party

In this Newsletter:

Message from the Chair

Crazy. Just crazy.

Recently, Rep. John McCravy stirred up passions about how critical race theory “must not be allowed to pollute the minds of our children in school”. 

I really wish I could trace backwards how this became the Crisis Du Jour (“crisis of the day”) because Critical Race Theory has been around for 40 years as an advanced subject taught in law and graduate schools. I commented on Rep McCravy’s thread as such and assured all that our children were safe from this invented social concern.

Well, that certainly didn’t go over so well.

I was immediately called a communist, a socialist, and a Marxist by strangers on the internet. I really wish they would get together and make up their minds! But honestly, those attacks are so predictable and boring at this point. None of them know the anything about those terms they tried to insult me with, let alone the first thing about Critical Race Theory. But what it does expose is “white fragility” about coming to honest terms with our country’s past and how it continues to impact the present.

A letter-to-the-editor in the Index Journal recently shows how far we collectively have to go. In this letter, the author made the argument that the replacement of the plaque on the Greenwood War Memorial with one that did not segregate the soldiers names by race was criminal: 

“…the sad part is that the significance of those listed as “colored” has been erased from history.”

The author then went on to decry how Critical Race Theory has been forced into our schools and is enslaving our children! Huh??? I guess history should only be taught through racist monuments and nowhere else.

Oh… did I mention that the letter writer happens to be on the Greenwood County Board of Assessment Appeals? Get involved and run for something! Otherwise, this craziness will continue to spread.

GWCDP News

Floyd’s Fish Fry & Cookout tickets on sale now!
You won’t want to miss this celebration of the legendary servant of Greenwood County, Floyd Nicholson. Tickets can be conveniently purchased online here or you can call the number on the poster below.

July Breakfast Meeting Recap
On the morning of Saturday, Jul 10, we held our first in-person Breakfast Meeting in over a year on the lawn of gracious hosts Robert and Ken Headley Downs. Exceeding all expectations, over 80 were in attendance to hear a slate of amazing speakers and to be informed on what’s happening with the GWCDP. The Index-Journal had a great writeup about it last week.

If you missed it, all of the segments were recorded so that you can watch at your leisure.

In this Newsletter:

Message from the Chair

Happy 4th of July!

Almost 250 years ago, our founding fathers declared this nation’s independence from the oppressive rule of England. The Second Continental Congress of the 13 Colonies publicly stated NO MORE taxation without representation.

Today, that battle cry still rings true. 700,000 residents of Washington, DC pay federal tax and yet have no voting representation in Congress. Same holds true for numerous US territories whose sons and daughters have sacrificed their lives defending our country.

Even in the 50 recognized States, the march towards a representative body that accurately represents the population has been slow. Too slow!

In South Carolina, only a little over half the votes cast were for Donald Trump for President in 2020. The numbers were even tighter for US Senate. Yet thanks to gerrymandering, over 65% of the SC Senate and House are held by Republican legislators. Representation indeed!

While we still struggle to have our voices heard, we will continue to fight for our freedoms and the freedoms of others to pursue our dreams and practice our beliefs, doing so without needing to discriminate or oppress others in the process. And like the founding fathers, we will, through hard work and dedication, succeed!

GWCDP News

Precinct Recruitment Info Session this Saturday
If you’re looking to get involved with the Greenwood Democrats, raising your hand to be a Precinct Leader is a perfect way to do so!

This Saturday (Jul 3) at 9 am, meet virtually with the GWCDP Chair to learn what it means to be a “Precinct Leader”. See our CRAWL-WALK-RUN method that will gradually make your precinct a powerfully active part of the Greenwood County Democratic Party.

• Why is it important?
• What does it involve?
• How much experience is needed?
• How much time commitment will it require?

Click on the image below to sign up and join this 30 minute info session!

In this Newsletter:

Message from the Chair

They say the year after a Presidential Election is the toughest for engaging people in political discussions and community activism. That certainly was NOT the case in 2017 after Trump was elected! But I fear there may be some truth to that here in 2021.

However, I personally cannot seem to get away from it. Even while on a recent vacation at the beach, an anti-Asian hate crime took place just yards from where I sat! Every day, I feel a tremendous sense of urgency to get working towards the 2022 elections. This is the time where we need to be building up strength, getting our organization skills honed, and recruiting strong candidates to run.

I’ve reached the limit of what I can do as an individual. But with YOUR support, as a volunteer or as a financial donor, there’s no limit to the amount of positive change we can enact. Just read below for a number of ways in which you can get involved!

I can assure you of this: The other side is NOT standing still! They are active right now on a number of fronts: From restricting the discussion of race in the classroom to preventing voting rights legislation from getting through with constant filibustering. You have the choice and the ability to fight back. Don’t wait for someone else – it’s got to be you! And you! And you! Together we can!

GWCDP News

In-person Breakfast Meetings to resume in July
We are excited to resume holding in-person Breakfast Meetings! The last 14 months of Virtual Breakfasts were fun, but thanks to the vaccination efforts this year it has been deemed appropriate to hold live gatherings again.

We are thankful to Robert and Ken Headley Downs for offering their spacious lawn for our meeting on July 10 at 9 am. We have an incredible lineup of speakers with US Senate Candidate Angela Geter headlining!

Please RSVP online or call/text (864) 715-2341 as soon as possible so that we can have an accurate headcount. We are also sending out a massive postcard blitz this week, so you are getting the inside scoop today. Reserve your spot now! We can’t wait to see you there!

click the image below to see a larger version of the poster

Volunteer of the Month
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Democratic Party. It’s due to their hard work and dedication that we’re able to speak our message and support our candidates and elected officials.

Dr. Bob Phillips has been a cornerstone member, helping at every event and creating opportunities for the Greenwood Democrats to make a difference. We are thrilled to recognize him as our Volunteer of the Month for June!