David Yamada says, “I think it is fair to claim that the social, economic, and political forces unleashed by the 1980 election led us to the Capitol steps on January 6. Those of us who came of age during the decade of Reagan have spent our entire adult lives in this civic space. To the extent that my own political journey and reflections on that era may give some perspective on our current situation, I share them here.”
Politics & Government
ADA on the Ground: An Interview with Rebecca Griffin, Director of Field Organizing
This interview with Rebecca Griffin, Director of Field Organizing for Americans for Democratic Action, was conducted by David Jacobs in two parts, the first part in 2021 and the second just a few weeks before press time. The latter conversation includes references to ADA’s voter education and organizing plans for targeted states in the 2022 election cycle and beyond.
The Biographer and the Politician: Remembering Jim Jontz
Ray E. Boomhower
Against the backdrop of today’s divisive political atmosphere, we asked historian Ray Boomhower, author of The People’s Choice: Congressman Jim Jontz of Indiana (2012), to write a personal remembrance of the late Jim Jontz’s years as a liberal Member of Congress and state representative in conservative Indiana. Many long-time ADA members are familiar with Jim’s service as ADA President and as the founding director of ADA’s organizing project in the nation’s heartland, Working Families Win.
The Commentator Interviews Jamie Raskin
David Jacobs
In early June 2019, I had an opportunity to speak with ADA National Board member and Member of Congress Jamie Raskin, D-MD. Jamie is one of the most creative activists for democracy I have ever encountered. Doubtless, you have seen him arguing for the impeachment of President Trump in the House and against authoritarianism in the media.
In the following transcription of our chat, Jamie makes clear how he regards past “civilizing” movements as his inspiration.