ENEWS
DM PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Welcome back! Today we are facing what is one of the most critical political periods in our history. We are confronted not just with threats to our rights and to democracy, but with the knowledge that those threats may already becoming real.
Democracy Matters stands ready to rally students to join with the millions of Americans who reject the MAGA agenda. On our campuses, we will fight discouragement and apathy with hope and optimism. And we will remember and celebrate those who fought for justice and fairness, before us. In the words of Dr. King, “We shall overcome.”
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
“ Money’s control over politics has never been greater.”Michael Waldman, Brennan Center for Justice
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/moneys-control-over-politics-has-never-been-greater
“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy.”President Biden’s farewell address https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/us/politics/biden-farewell-address.html
IDEAS OF THE MONTH
Black History
DM honors Black History Month throughout February. We will join other campus groups to host discussions about the increasing attacks on voting rights of African-American and others. Students will contact their elected officials to demand that they stand against voter suppression at every level of government.
Valentine “Democracy” Day
DM chapters will mark February 14th by tabling with Valentines to send to members of Congress. The valentines’ messages support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and oppose the voter-suppressing Save Act. Send your own Congressional rep. a political Valentine!
RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE
This month, Mandle points out that the declining incomes of American workers have resulted in their increasing support for MAGA. A substantially raised minimum wage could overcome that decline. It could also potentially split Trump’s coalition, as his billionaire influencers oppose any economic help for the working class.
(See also “Facts You Can Use” below)https://www.democracymatters.org/money_on_my_mind/raise-the-minimum-wage
THE STATE OF DEMOCRACY
A large majority of Americans believe that “there is a serious threat to the future of our democracy.” A 2025 Marist poll reported that 86% of Democrats, 74% of Independents, and 61% of Republicans believe that statement.
An earlier Pew Research poll found that 72% agree that “democracy in the U.S. used to be a good example, but has not been in recent years.” Adults below 50 years of age agreed more frequently than older adults. 11% of young respondents believed that “American democracy has never been a good example”.
https://maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/the-state-of-democracy-january-2025/
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/07/10/72-of-americans-say-the-us-used-to-be-a-good-example-of-democracy-but-isnt-anymore/
FACTS YOU CAN USE Billionaires Everwhere
It’s no secret that both Democrats and Republicans have long depended on ultra-rich donors. But in a recent New Yorker interview, Jane Mayer asserts that Trump’s massive dependence on billionaires is a sea-change. Nearly half the money for his campaign was given by only 10 individuals. And Mayer points to the unprecedented hundreds of millions donated to Trump’s inauguration by big businesses (Crypto alone gave over $10 million).
Mayer further laments “the caving to Trump of the moneymen,” citing the flood of business elites rushing to curry favor with the new president. The richest men – Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zukerberg – were prominently seated at Trump’s inauguration. Musk, with his new office adjacent to the White House, will have enormous influence in the new Administration. And Mayer laments “the caving to Trump of the moneymen,” citing the flood of business elites rushing to curry favor with the new president.
(See also “Money on my Mind” above.)
https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/political-scene/big-money-and-trumps-new-cabinet