Friday morning January 5th with wind out of the north and freezing temperatures, my wife Bernice I erected a tent to sell tickets for the February “The Big Apple Sound” show. The Farmers Market typically draws large numbers of residents and venders to the parking lot. When we finished setting up, we were the only vendors present aside from the farmers. We were eventually joined by CDD Amenity Committee, Veterans, the Republican Club who erected a table within a few feet of our exhibit. They were unaware that I am the current president of the Solivita Democratic Club; they were rather loud and vociferous about being republicans. They said that many of their new members are disaffected former Democrats, who have become disenchanted with the party; many of whom are from our club. Their current membership is 547 and growing. A substantial number are so called Dixiecrats (George Wallace-Alabama, Lester Maddox-Georgia). He said that their new members feel that they cannot identify with Democrats anymore, and that the party has gotten away from mainstream values. The club consistently has a presence at the market most weeks in both oppressing heat and freezing cold. This probably explains their growth. However, our club has plans to end their political monopoly of public in Solivita very soon. Patrick Coleman has been tasked to lead a team to develop materials that emphasize the theme “Why Vote Democratic”, which would be distributed at various venues including the Farmers Market. Len Guminski proposed going one step further by sponsoring an essay contest for students at Valencia College, to attract young people and potential voters to the Democratic party. The Board agreed on a prize of $350 for the winner. The contest would also be a real-life introduction to civics and our system of government
The republican representative boasted about being the party of conservative values that demonized Liberals, a label that many Democrats have run away from by calling themselves Progressives. We as a party have let the GOP define us. The following is a copy of a letter to the editor reprinted from the Philadelphia Inquirer entitled “Defining Liberal” which I have carried in my wallet for over 35 years:
“When did liberal become a four-letter word? A day doesn’t go by when one doesn’t hear ad hominin attacks by the right using the word liberal to describe its opponents as if it meant some sort of abomination of humanity. The dictionary definition is: ‘favoring progress or reform, as in politics or religion; not intolerant or prejudice; generous; lavish in giving; giving freely or in large quantity; ample: not literal or strict.’ How then can the right honestly justify the nefarious use of this word if they really do represent the truth as they claim to?” Joseph John Hrvnack- Stratford PA
Lastly, it’s time to elect new Board Members. The board is not s clique and is open to all members who wish to participate, and following positions will need to be filled for 2018 and 2019:
Membership Chair:
Responsible for all areas connected to Membership.
Develop ideas that will increase Membership
Maintain database that keeps track of Members’ names, addresses, phone numbers, email address, payment of dues, meeting attendance for members and guests, guest speaker and refreshments served
Develop ideas that enhance membership appreciation and camaraderie
Reflections Writer:
Position is under the direction of the Publicity Committee.
Responsible for development and submission of articles and pictures, placed in our Reflections magazine. Articles must be written and submitted on a timely basis advising of time and place of each meeting, as well as anything that may be of interest to our readers
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Secretary & Webmaster:
Campaigns/Special Events:
Looking forward to seeing you Wednesday, January 10th in Mosaics.
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Regards,
Stanley P. Dillard, Sr. President
Solivita Democratic Club
