While our national politics pull us apart with high-voltage rhetoric, groups of local people are gathering to seek common ground around local issues.
The newly-constituted 82nd Indivisible is a people-powered group of residents from across the 82nd House District – all of Cedar plus rural Muscatine and rural Scott counties. Groups meet locally and decide how they want to educate, engage and empower their neighbors and friends around issues like quality public schools, freedom of speech, healthcare that’s personal not political, decent jobs nearby, government accountability, and healthy natural spaces that attract young families. A district-wide volunteer steering committee helps coordinate efforts and information.
A few of us have been attending listening posts. We bring new information, offer different perspectives and encourage elected leaders to avoid statements like “The federal government can’t do anything right” or “You can leave.” Instead, we ask them to focus on local problems and new solutions.
In its first month, 82nd Indivisible has hosted an MLK Day celebration of volunteers, attended listening posts and distributed Know Your Rights cards to immigrants in our district who are terrified of getting arrested for speaking with an accent.
We believe in progressive American values like fairness and justice. We sat next to you at the listening post and joked with you. We don’t want to overthrow our government or ban books like extremists do. We’re your neighbors. Our kids went to school with yours. Many of us are church members and service veterans. We want better pay and lower prices, safe homes and thriving communities just like everyone else.
But at a time when our federal government has been infected by a deep state of rightwing extremists bent on dismantling the very institutions we rely on every day, we must be more diligent than ever. We will not sacrifice our Constitutional rights, including our right to privacy, free speech, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We don’t trust the billionaire class to have our best interests at heart. They never have and they never will.
People who share these values and concerns are invited to gather under the 82nd Indivisible name anywhere in the district. Learn more at Indivisible.org then introduce yourself.
Public meetings move around based on local interest. Our next gathering is 5 pm. Thursday, Feb. 13 at Mexico Lindo in West Branch. RSVP and send questions to 82nd.Indivisible@gmail.com.
We are a stronger community when we are indivisible.
Joan Blundall
Tipton