.

2012-01-26T05:27:00.000-08:00

Pray don't forget our "political junkies" book club!

In February we'll be discussing Washington Post Columnist, E.J. Dionne Jr's "Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics after the Religious Right"

"This book offers an insightful look into the intersection between religion and politics, coming from a self-described 'progressive Catholic.' While he doesn't mince words in his criticism of the Religious Right, it is clear that he believes that people of faith still have a part to play in directing the moral compass of our society." ~Ann Fetters, The Wichita Eagle

Holliston DTC hosts these gathering, but all are welcome! Holliston's own Coffee Haven stocks "Political Junkie Book Club" books or you can purchase them on Amazon.com (use this link and a portion of the purchase goes to benefit Holliston Public Library).

Our February meeting will be held at the home of Judy and Bob Gagnon at 960 Washington Street, Wednesday, February 29th at 7:00 pm. Please call Judy with questions. 508-429- 9852 or email judygagnon39@gmail.com.

2012-01-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

Protecting Holliston's Environment Brings People Out
More than forty people came out during Saturday's snow storm to talk to and listen to our community leaders talk about the rolls and process of environmental protection in our community. The Q and A was lively and many made connections with others in our town who are like minded and action oriented. Thank you to Representative Carolyn Dykema, Allen Rutberg and Ann Marie Pilch for their time and leadership.

2012-01-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

Are you one, too?

"I belong to no organized political party. I am a Democrat."

~ Will Rogers

Every one has heard that quote, a little piece of self deprecating humor dating back to the 1930's, to a time not so unlike the present when the country faced economic hard times and the world seemed suddenly small and dangerous. Rogers was a humorist of those times. He used to play up his down-to-earth cowboy persona for comic effect, sharing sardonic observation about politics and society, and the occasional rope trick. With that quip about his own party affiliation Rogers no doubt remarked upon the fact that there were Democrats with different ideas about what to do in the face of challenge.

But remembering Rogers' remark, it's also worth remembering what we managed to accomplish with that "no organized political party." Let's see, there was the small matter of The New Deal... the formation of Social Secuty, the FDIC and SEC, the votes to create a federal minimum wage, guarantee overtime compensation and ban child labor. There was working our way out of the Great Depression and facing world wide armed conflict of a scale never before or since seen.

Not bad for a bunch of disorganized Democrats.

And that was just the Democrats Will Rogers was complaining about. Come to think of it, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and The Voting Rights Act of 1965 were both the products of "no organized party" —of Democratic majorities in Congress and Democratic presidents in the White House. So was The GI Bill, the formation of Medicare and Medicaid and The Fair Housing Act. Then there's the affordable Care Act of 2010.

You see it turns out, there's actually some worthwhile stuff that comes of bringing people with different ideas together. 2012 seems like it might be a really good time to do so again.

The first important step in that process comes soon with us calling on all local Democrats to attend The Holliston Democratic Caucus, where we will elect our community's delegates to the state's Democratic Party Convention, June 2nd in Springfield. There are a total of eight delegate positions to be filled, as well as alternate seats and information about special at large delegate participation we will be sharing.

The date and time for the Caucus is 10 AM, Saturday, February 11th at Holliston Town Hall's Selectmen's Meeting Room. Please arrive early, we need to close the doors at 10:15 to commence voting. All registered Democrats are invited to participate, be they organized or not. The event is handicapped accessible.

Join us.

2011-12-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

2011-12-19T07:52:00.000-08:00

Holliston Democrats Thank the Community

“159 families rely on our Food Pantry, Please help” read the bold sign that members of the Holliston Democratic Town Committee held every weekend since Thanksgiving. “We wanted to draw attention to a need in our community and believed that if people knew that the number of families was that big that they would be generous”, says Bill Dooling, the DTC coordinator for the collection.

And generous they were! In four weeks of collecting the DTC was proud to present $3,154. to the Food Pantry.

Good Work!

2011-12-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

Leave the Cold Behind and Laugh!

Come on out for an evening of fast-paced improvisation and slapstick by the Boston Improv's Groaners for Donors. It will be a fun way to meet some of Holliston's finest and have a great night out while supporting local grassroots efforts in the 2012 elections.
A $25 tickets gets you admission, coffee and homemade deserts and a cash bar.

Saturday, January 28th at 7:00 at the Fairview Restaurant at the Pinecrest Golf Club, 212 Prentice Street, Holliston

Tickets available in advance or at the door. Call Beth Greely, 508-429-3965 or Lisa Kaplan 508-429-6354 for tickets or info.

"Fun is good." Dr. Suess

2011-12-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

The Holliston DTC is collecting for the Holliston Food pantry every weekend until Christmas. 159 families rely on the Pantry and we want people to be aware of this great resource and to help out any way they can. To date we have raised over $1,200 for the pantry.

2011-12-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

Please Join us in our new Political Junkie book group. We will meet once a month at someone's home to talk about books that get us thinking about politics, society and issues. Good conversation is absolutely a must! All are welcome! The Coffee Haven will stock our books or check them out on Amazon.

Our first meeting will be held at the home of Judy and Bob Gagnon at 960 Washington Street, Thursday, January 26th at 7:00 pm. Please call Judy with questions. 508-429- 9852 or email judygagnon39@gmail.com.

January Book...
That Used to Be Us, How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back, Thomas Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum

February Book..
Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics after the Religious Right E>J>Dionne Jr.

2011-11-26T06:23:00.001-08:00

Giving Thanks
Members of the Holliston DTC got together Wednesday evening and the apples and flour were flying. We made 9 pies of all assorted sizes and flavors. Then Thursday, Thanksgiving, a small group of us drove to Boston to give them to the protesters at Occupy Boston as a Thanksgiving gift. Members stayed and talked with the Occupy people and discussed the importance of their message and protest.

2011-10-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

A Great Time Was Had By All!

A hundred plus Holliston neighbors got together at the True Blue Blues and Bar-B-Q Saturday night and they talked, dined and boogied the night away. We were happy to meet so many new faces and hear what was on people's minds. There is a community of Democrats here in town who are looking for ways to connect in and make a difference in the 2012 election.

Senate Candidates Tom Conroy and Herb Robinson and a spokeswoman for Elizabeth Warren chatted with attendees about their issues. Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Carolyn Dykema were also here for the fun. Fat Lotta Good, a local Holliston blues band provided a great beat and kept things moving.

2011-10-16T13:23:00.001-07:00

The True Blue Blues and Bar-B-Q

It’s been a long time since the Holliston Democrats have thrown a party. But that is about to change. The Holliston Democratic Town Committee is newly invigorated and reaching out to the people of Holliston who are interested in political action and the 2012 elections.

The Committee is holding its first fundraiser “The True Blue Blues and Bar-B-Q” Saturday October 22nd at the home of chairperson Beth Greely. The evening will include Fat Lotta Good, a local Blues band, and a sizzling bar-b-q.“We are hoping that people will come out for a good time and find that they love the energy of this group and want to get involved.”
says Greely.

“The response has been so positive to our event. I think that people are looking for a way to connect with like-minded people and just enjoy themselves. It’s all about community!” says Megan O’Brien, DTC event organizer.

“Our Bar-B-Q will be fun and just as political or non-political as each attendee wants to make it. Just interested, engaged people sharing a beer, a rib, a conversation and who knows, maybe even the dance floor!” says Lisa Kaplan, DTC event organizer.

Tickets for the True Blue Bar-B-Q are $30. and are available from Beth, 508-429-3965, from Lisa 508-429-6354 and from Megan 508-429-9091. Tickets are also available at the door. The menu includes, pulled pork, bar-b-q chicken, veggie burgers, assorted salads, baked beans and grilled veggies, cold beer and soft drinks and sweets. October 22nd, at 5:00 pm, at 1038 Washington Street, Holliston. All proceeds will support local Democratic grassroots efforts in the 2012 election.

2011-10-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

2011-10-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Holliston was a great day of talking to our neighbors. We connected with so many people who are concerned and ready to work to re-elect our President and replace Scott Brown with a strong Democratic Senator in Washington. Candidates, Herb Robinson and Tom Conroy showed up to meet Holliston citizens. A good time was had by all.

2011-07-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

2011-06-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Holliston Democratic Committee took up a collection at our June meeting of food and paper goods to donate to the Holliston Food Panty's SOS Collection. Pictured here are Lisa Kaplan, Neil Osterweil and Judy Gagnon of the DTC with the pantry volunteers.

2011-06-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Holliston Democratic Town Committee recently donated a copy of "The United States Constitution: A graphic adaptation" to the Holliston Public Library, The Middle School Library and the High School Library. This novel tells the story of the Constitution in a popular graphic novel form and the committee hopes to encourage local young people to take an interest in government and civic responsibility. Pictured here are Ellen George(DTC), Leslie McDonnell, Town Library Director and Elaine Doyle(DTC)

Are you in?

2011-05-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

The choices we make matter

2010-06-09T04:47:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the new leadership team

2010-04-13T04:34:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Tony Damigella, Vice-Chair; Beth Greely, Chair; Lee DeSorgher, Treasurer and Linda Vincent, Secretary

"what each of us must do ...who each of us must be"

2010-02-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Governor Patrick concluded his recent State of the Commonwealth Address with a story about young people in Brockton coming together in their schools, with compassion and invention, to meet the basic human needs of their fellow students —students with special needs. What the Governor recognized in those young people was a model for behavior we all might follow in our communities.

"The point is this. In a city as hard hit as any by the economic crisis, these young people did not sit around wondering and worrying what to do and who was going to do it. They didn’t accept that they were powerless. They saw a need and met it, and found power in service itself. And through that not only have they inspired me and many others, but they have built a better, stronger Commonwealth.

Brick by brick. Block by block. Neighborhood by neighborhood. Town by town. That is what each of us must do. That is who each of us must be."

You can read the Governor's speech here, or watch it through the video above. But most importantly you can take the message to heart. That better community we can build and become... it's built brick by brick —by us.

Get involved. Get informed on the issues, talk (and listen) to your neighbors and friends.

Here in our own community, just like all around the country

—us, Democrats... "we don't quit."

"But a new year has come. A new decade stretches before us. We don't quit."

2010-01-29T20:30:00.001-08:00

That pretty much says it... "We don't quit"

Caucus Feb 13th 10 AM at Holliston Town Hall Selectman's Meeting Room

...and our work goes on

2010-01-20T19:47:00.000-08:00

"Although our campaign ends tonight, we know that our mission continues and our work goes on.

I am heartbroken at the result. And I know that you are also, but I know that we will get up together tomorrow and continue this fight, even with this result tonight, because there will be plenty of Wednesday-morning quarterbacking about what happened and what went right, what went wrong.

And I know that everyone, including me — I am brutally honest on my own performances— we will be honest about the assessment of this race. And, although I am very disappointed, I always respect the voters' choice. And that's what I told to Scott Brown tonight. And, again, we wish him luck in his public service.

Anyone who's been out on the campaign trail, particularly in this race, has seen the anger of folks who are frustrated, concerned. They are angry about health care issues, and they're angry about our two wars, our inability to properly care for those who return home after fighting.

I had hoped, in the best interests of our state and the country, to go to Washington to address these issues. I hope that, as a nation and as a commonwealth, we can do better in the future."

~Martha Coakley

About today and tomorrow

2010-01-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."

~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What with the day being what it is, the national holiday observing Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior's birthday —and tomorrow being what it is, Massachusetts' Special Senate Election Day—I thought the picture might be a nice reminder.

One common theme I've heard from Republican candidates and supporters of late, in this election and others, is that —no matter the flaws of the candidate with the 'R' following his name —a vote for said candidate is a worthy step against the supposedly dreadful prospect of a Democratic Congress. We are told there are dangers involved in a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress —especially with a Democratic President.

It just occurs to me that The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and The Voting Rights Act of 1965 were both the products of just such a dangerous setting. So was The GI Bill and Social Security, the formation of Medicare and Medicaid and The Fair Housing Act. So was the vote to create a federal minimum wage, guarantee overtime compensation and ban child labor. Each of these pieces of legislation, so important to how we define our nation —as a society and as a citizenry—each and every one of them were signed into law by Democratic Presidents working with Democratic majorities in Congress.

Are these are the sort of dire prospects we face?

Pardon the sarcasm, but the bottom line really does come down to something more than the letter after a candidate's name. It does come down to the substance of positions. I'm not arguing in favor of a vote for Martha Coakley just because of the 'D' following her name on the ballot...

But I don't think it necessarily hurts either.

It's her policies and those of her opponent that matter in the end. An empty pose or two and some arbitrary mix of party affiliations won't stir together the makings of a constructive consensus —not in this state's politics, not in Congress and not around the country.

A little more than that is required.

Anyway, enjoy the day today —actually make the best of both of them, today and tomorrow.

VOTE MARTHA COAKLEY THIS TUESDAY

2010-01-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

And between now and then call someone you know to tell them why they should vote Martha Coakley as well.

Mike Dukakis says, get your carcass down to the Democratic caucus! Feb 13th at Holliston Town Hall

2010-01-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

The year in Massachusetts politics ahead promises to be an interesting one. Governor Deval Patrick faces re-election challengers, Treasurer and Auditor seats are open —and we're all hoping we'll be faced with having to fill a vacancy in the Attorney General's office!

So this year's Massachusetts State Democratic Convention,June 4th and 5th at Worcester's DCU Center, will no doubt be an exciting one, deciding upon our candidates and rallying their support —and most importantly calling on all Democrats to advocate for the agenda and the issues that matter so much to our state, to our country —and to our own local communities.

The first important step in that process comes soon with us calling on all local Democrats to attend The Holliston Democratic Caucus, where we will elect our community's delegates to the convention. There are a total of eight delegate slots to be filled, as well as alternate seats and information about special at large delegate participation we will be sharing. The date and time for the Caucus is 10 AM, Saturday, February 13th at Holliston Town Hall's Selectmen's Meeting Room.

Be sure to show up on time, as admission to participate in the caucus must close promptly at 10:15! The event is handicapped accessible and parking (for most vehicles anyway) is conveniently located.

Be there for your community.

Congratulations to Martha Coakley

2009-12-09T16:55:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Martha Coakley and all her supporters on her primary win.

Every Democrat in this state has reason to be proud of the candidate we've advanced to the general election.

Visit her website www.marthacoakley.com if you want to learn more and become involved in the campaign ahead.

A new senator, searching for definition.

2009-10-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

In the next few months something important is going to be decided in Massachusetts. We are to choose a new United States Senator. It's a decision that is going to have meaningful implications —for the country, for the people of this state, and for our own community. We've already seen a field of candidates step forward, and in the short time between now and the December 8th Primary Elections and the January 19th General Election these candidates will be working to find every opportunity to describe their stands on the issues, their different ideas about government, and each their approach to the current problems and future decisions that will ultimately impact on our lives.

Whether "into politics" or not, as citizens it's our job to hear the candidates out and make informed voting booth decisions in the months ahead. But there's another half to that democratic equation. What the candidates have to say matters greatly, but so does their ability to hear us. Their speeches and public statements are supposed to inform our decision, but what we have to say should inform them just as well.

That's why the Holliston Democratic Town Committee is asking this question:

What matters most to you as you consider your choice for a new U.S. Senator?

We are posting this question here on this blog and we want to hear from the people of our community in response. As a committee we are still working on ways we might communicate the responses we get to the senate candidates, ultimately to whoever becomes our next U.S. Senator. Whether it's the policy particulars of healthcare reform or the broader values message of American foreign policy, we thinks it is worthwhile to get people voicing their concerns and convictions from right here at home.

We want to hear from you.

With this as a forum we intend to educate whoever it is who comes to represent the Holliston community in the U.S. Senate —about just what that job entails. We might learn a few things from each other in the process.

So here's what we ask. Share your thoughts on the subject of "What matters most to you as you consider your choice for a new U.S. Senator?" Post it as a comment to this blog. We're not looking for candidate endorsements or campaign talking points so much as your own perspective on the issues we face and how we should face them, what being a Senator who truly represents you in Congress really entails. Keep the comments concise, constructive and respectful (we do reserve the right to take down comments that aren't) We want this to be a useful forum, spread the word, offer your comments here and forward the link to this post to friends you think would (or should) be interested as well.

With this Senate race in mind and this forum as an idea, we hope to arrive on a clear message about our community. How we get there depends on you.

"Go to work"

2009-06-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

Governor Patrick spoke to the Mass Democratic Issues Convention on Saturday, June 6th. We have the speech linked here: Part I and Part II. It's well worth the few minutes it takes to take in the whole message, but you can sum it up with what turned out to be the last line of the speech. It's time for us all to "go to work."

Participate!

2009-03-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder folks. The upcoming state convention will be voting on The Democratic Party Platform.

The platform hearing process will be continuing through March and this year there has been a real effort to open that process to more rank and file participation through local public meetings and online access to the working draft.

You can go online here to review the working draft and offer your own comments and suggestions.

I did.

Yes we can, but still we gotta...

2009-03-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

Remember, as the old saying goes, all politics is local. And this coming week we hope to see some of that in action.

The Holliston Democratic Town Committee will hold a caucus of registered Democrats at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7th, in the Town Hall selectman's meeting room (703 Washington St., Holliston). The purpose of this caucus is to elect delegates to the June 6th State Democratic Party Convention being held this year in Springfield. The business of this year's convention will be to define and refine the party's platform and to workshop on policy issues and political involvement. The scheduled keynote speaker just might have some knowledge on these subjects; from grassroots organizing to progressive activism and political accomplishment: David Plouffe, campaign manager for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, has some demonstrated skills and valuable insight well worth hearing more about.

The theme we keep hearing in politics these days is the notion of what "we" can accomplish when "we" work together. Voting for people with an awareness of this is the first step—the next is participating in the process, and doing the hard work of actually defining agenda and setting priorities. Yes, we can get elected. We've shown that. Now is the time to show that —yes, we can lead, as well.

This summer's convention is open to all Democrats. The caucus on February 7th is to elect voting delegates to the convention. To be eligible, one must be a registered Democrat as of no later than December 31st of last year. The caucus proceedings will begin promptly at 11:00 and interested Democrats are required to arrive at 10:30 for sign in, as this is required by rule to participate.

More information is available on Massdems.org here or by contacting Holliston DTC chairman, Bob Cassidy at rscma@aol.com or (508) 429-5685 .