To All PCDC Subscribers:
Democracy is being dismantled before our eyes, and what’s most alarming is that the constitutional checks and balances meant to protect us are failing. With Musk seizing control of the U.S. Treasury’s checkbook, Congress and the courts remain silent, while the press cowers under Trump’s threats. Meanwhile, citizens face growing obstacles to their right to protest—the threat of military force is being positioned against us, dissenters are labeled as “terrorists,” and now there’s even the chilling possibility of deportation to El Salvador, where prisoners are housed alongside MS-13 gang members. This is the reality of losing the election, and we must unite to resist these authoritarian measures before our country begins to resemble North Korea.
After the election, I warned that we couldn’t predict the full scope of challenges ahead, but I knew we had to strengthen the PCDC to fight this rising wave of fascism. Over the past few months, we have set clear objectives, developed a strategic plan, formed committees to tackle key initiatives, held numerous meetings at our headquarters, and organized social events to build stronger working relationships. We have also reached out to Democratic Committees in neighboring counties to coordinate efforts and are working to establish a stronger partnership with the Young Democrats to expand our reach and impact in upcoming elections.
Locally, we are under direct attack. Our only PCDC “Building a Better Community” sign on Rt. 340 has been cited as a zoning violation and ordered to be removed—despite authorities ignoring multiple Trump sign violations. We are actively challenging this ruling but remain in the early stages of that fight. To counter this suppression, we have secured the top ad space on the Page Valley News homepage for the rest of the year and will pursue radio ads, as we did in the last election, in coordination with neighboring Democratic Committees.
Our next PCDC Monthly Meeting will be held this Thursday at 6:30 PM at the Rec Center (630 W. Main St., Luray). The meeting will focus on reviewing progress from our subcommittees—Communications, Outreach, Fundraising, Membership, and more. Additionally, we will hold a Zoom call with Abby Garber from the Young Democrats to discuss strategies for aligning and integrating their movement into our efforts.
Each day brings more infuriating and heartbreaking news as we watch our democracy erode. But I remain encouraged by the unwavering support within our community and the increasing involvement of those who had not previously been active in the PCDC’s efforts. Our best chance to fight back is through collective, organized action. This year, our primary mission is to build and strengthen our organization to take on these challenges head-on. Together, we can resist, push forward, and restore democracy before it’s too late.
MEETING AGENDA
6:30-6:45 – Introductions, discussion/approval of Financial report, Meeting minutes
6:45-7:30 – Sub-Committee status updates and discussion.
Outreach, Communications, Membership, Elections, Inter-County coordination,
7:30-7:45 – Abby Garber, Young Democrats, Zoom call, presentation and Q/A
7:45-8:00 – Fundraising Dinner, Wrap on discussion on what’s next
8:00 – Adjourn