From the desk of
LWV Solano President
"Peace cannot exist without justice, justice cannot exist without fairness, fairness cannot exist without development, development cannot exist without democracy, democracy cannot exist without respect for the identity and worth of cultures and peoples."
Rigoberta Menchu Tum is a K'iche' Guatemalan human rights activist, feminist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
On February 14th the League of Women Voters Solano County hosted Senator Chris Cabaladon at a Lunch and Learn Event at the Vallejo Training Center in the JFK Library in Vallejo. He shared his insights about the recent flurry of Executive Orders coming from Washington D.C. and the impact this is having on the State of California and Solano County. He thoughtfully answered questions from the audience on a wide range of topics and offered his insights on actions people could take in response to the current situation.
As we reflect on this event, we are reminded that February 14th marks the anniversary of the founding of the League of Women Voters. It was on this day, 105 ago, that a group of visionary women stood up with a clear purpose: to make democracy work for everyone. Their courage, resilience, and dedication continue to inspire us as we work to ensure that every voice is heard, every vote is counted, and our rights are defended.
This is particularly significant in the current climate, where the defense of democracy is more critical than ever. As we continue to navigate the challenges we face on a national and local level, the current actions of the president and their impact on both the state and local governments cannot be ignored. We see firsthand how decisions made in Washington ripple out and influence our communities in shaping policies that directly affect policies regarding immigration, humanitarian support, education, healthcare, and even the ability for local governments to function effectively.
Senator Cabaladon reminded us that defending democracy requires more than just words... it demands action. His unwavering support for transparent governance, accountable leadership, and the protection of voting rights is a beacon of hope for all of us. As we stand at the crossroads of a rapidly changing political landscape, it is clear that we need leaders like him who will fight not just for the future of our state, but for the very principles that make our democracy strong.
I urge you to take Senator Cabaldon's message to heart: We must remain vigilant in our commitment to defend democracy. We must be nimble. Each of us has a role to play in shaping the future, whether it's by voting, advocating for change, or supporting those who champion our rights. At times it may feel like we are powerless, but we are not. Congress has reported that the deluge of phone calls has overloaded the phone lines in Washington. We must not stop but rather redouble our efforts to ensure that ours is a country the embraces all of us, regardless of gender, race or political affiliation. Our diversity is our strength. We are a nation of laws and that our allegiance must be to the Constitution and the rule of law. This is what binds us together as a nation.
Let us honor the League of Women Voters' legacy, which has spanned over a century, by continuing the fight for justice, equality, and democracy in every corner of our nation. We thank Senator Cabaladon for his time, his leadership, and his unwavering dedication to our shared values. Together we will continue to build a more just and democratic future for everyone.
In Solidarity,
