Newsletter Archive

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July 2, 2010

Democrats Are Taking Action

In Civics Class Again

It is always fulfilling when people reconnect. Ten years ago I was a student in Fadia Halma's 7th grade social studies class at Stroudsburg Junior High School in Stroudsburg, PA. Two years ago, I was a college sophomore in Mary Isenhour’s class on Presidential Elections. This summer I have the pleasure of being their intern at the headquarters for the PA Democratic Party, as Mary transitioned out of her role as Executive Director and Fadia transitions into the Executive Director position. Once again, I am in their classroom---- but now our classroom is our office at the State Party headquarters.

The lesson for today is about civic duty. As we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to reflect on the past, and plan for the future. In the 18th century, our Founders paved the way for us to live in freedom. They taught us that we have to stand up for what we believe in, and for what will improve the lives of future citizens-- even when the fight is difficult. Today, in the 21st century, this imperative is entirely relevant: choices we face today have the potential to have dire implications for the future. A prime example is an issue that I am very passionate about: proper regulation of Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale natural gas formations.

Pennsylvania is incredibly fortunate to have such a valuable energy resource, but we must extract it responsibly. It is our duty as voters to hold policy makers accountable so that the extraction of this resource is not made at the expense of our environment, our health, our infrastructure, or our economies. There are two clear decisions we can make right now, and they are with our vote for the next PA governor and US senator.

Candidate for US Senate, Congressman Pat Toomey, has little regard for the future implications of gas drilling in Pennsylvania. In fact, he has received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Halliburton, a company that invented the hydro-fracking process used for natural gas shale extraction. If we learn anything from the recent BP oil spill in the Gulf, it should be that we should not let corporate influence guide public policy. Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett has also adopted an irresponsible policy platform on Marcellus Shale extraction. Specifically, he opposes the proposed severance tax on gas drilling, despite evidence that local communities need the tax revenue to mitigate the external costs of drilling.

Now that we have this knowledge, we must act on it. Not only should we vote for Congressmen Sestak for Senator and Dan Onorato for governor, but we should get out and volunteer. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from Fadia and Mary (I don’t have to call them “Mrs. Halma” or “Professor Isenhour” anymore!) is that being informed isn’t good enough: we need to share our knowledge with others so that they too can become involved. Let this 4th of July be a reminder for us to honor the past, engage the present, and prepare for the future. Marcellus Shale policy is just one example of how to do this. What is yours?

Written By:
Kelly Rogers
PA Democratic Party, Intern

July 4th Traditions

While my first July 4th was spent in Gettysburg, my most treasured memories of Independence Day always include my grandfather. For as long as I can remember, he played in the Uniontown VFW National Band in honor of those who fought for our country (some of them members of his family). Every year until he passed away he would march in as many as three parades over the course of the weekend. I can still visualize sitting along the parade route, decked out in red, white and blue, with a gigantic patriotic bow in my hair. I would excitedly wait for him to come by with his drum strapped to his chest, keeping steady time. I’d yell for him and proudly wave my little American flag as hard as I could. He’d always give me a wink when he saw me. After many of those parades, my family and I would share a meal, have ice cream and watch fireworks.

I will always hold the memories of those Independence Day parades closely to my heart. The sounds of fanfare and fireworks still manage to bring a twinkle to my eye.

This year, my husband, Victor, and I will start a new July 4th tradition. Early on Sunday morning, we will make our way to Washington Crossing, the place that became home to one of the most pivotal points in the fight for our independence. We’ll be participating in a 10K race called, “The Revolutionary Run”. I am excited to run along the Delaware – with a patriotic bow in my hair – thinking about the sacrifices of our forefathers and the 4th of July memories I’ve had along the way.

As we mark our nation’s independence and rich history, we must also look forward to its future. The road to victory in 2010 will surely be a hard-fought battle.

Between now and race day, we need 50 or more dedicated Democrats (at least one for each star on our flag) to give $10 (one for each kilometer I run) to help us kick start our summer campaigning. Will you help us generate the funds necessary to elect Dan Onorato, Scott Conklin and Joe Sestak? Can we count on you to help us start laying out a path for victory this November?

On this Independence Day let us all remember the great sacrifices that our forefathers made so that we can be free to watch parades, run races and work to elect Democrats each cycle. Thank you for all you do and may God bless America!

Written By:
Rachel Moore
PA Democratic Party, Finance Director