In this Newsletter
- Chair’s Message
- Upcoming Events
- ICYMI
- Volunteer Opportunities
- DAGR News and Views
- On our RADAR - DA Priorities
Friends,
Have we reached Peak Trump? There are signs that President Donald Trump has lost his mojo: his approval ratings are tanking, Republican legislators are pushing back, his cabinet secretaries are facing legal jeopardy. And ahead there’re economic headwinds, another budget showdown, the vicissitudes of age and the release (or not) of the Epstein files.
President Trump will soon be a lame duck, either because of developments in the next few months, or with November’s midterm elections if the Democrats take back control of the House of Representatives.
So, the time is coming for Democrats to set a new agenda for America. You, as members of the Democratic Party, have a vital role to play. Starting in March, the 50 plus U.S. states and territories will hold their primaries. The Democratic candidates we choose – you choose – will define the party going into next year’s midterms. And those midterms may be the most important ever in U.S. history.
We at DAGR need your help. That means registering and voting next year but also helping others to register and vote, too. We are looking for volunteers to help Get Out The Vote. Because next year will be a vital year like no other. But before you sign up, come join us for a little year-end cheer at our Athens Happy Holiday Hour or our regular Thessaloniki Happy Hour. Because it’s also important for us to come together when we can.
Thank you for staying engaged.
Best,
Alkman Granitsas
Chair, Democrats Abroad Greece
Wednesday, DEC 03 - 19:00 - 21:00 TONIGHT!
Ensuring Access for All: Global Day of Persons with Disabilities
In conversation with former Congressman Tony Coelho, author and chief sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Sara Minkara, the former U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights, appointed by President Joe Biden. It’s a look back at life for people with disabilities before the ADA and the hard-fought efforts that led to its passage in 1990. RSVP for the Zoom link.
Thursday, DEC 04 - 21:00 - 22:30
Undue Influence, Capacity, and Judges’ Determinations in Cases Involving Older Adults
Judges are increasingly called upon to decide cases where older adults appear to have consented to transactions later revealed to be exploitative. This academic session by FuturesWithoutViolence equips the judiciary to recognize the hallmarks of undue influence across legal contexts, apply clear, functional standards for incapacity, and craft orders that protect rights while minimizing unnecessary loss of autonomy. RSVP to join.
Tuesday, DEC 09 - 18:00 - 21:00 EET
Happy Holiday Hour … Athens Winter Party at En Aithria
It’s the regular happy hour day, time and friendly venue, but this one is special. Full finger-foods menu, drinks, dessert, plus fun, some games, merch, and camaraderie as always. Menu and pre-pay info on the DAGR Events Page. RSVP, pay by Dec 5, and get ready to join the celebration!
Tuesday, DEC 09 - 19:00-21:00 EET
Happy Hour in Thessaloniki
Let’s swap some holiday cheer! It's our last happy hour of the year, and we're doing a White Elephant Gift Exchange! Participation is not required, but if you’d like to join the exchange, bring one wrapped gift (€10-€20 value). You'll then get to choose and unwrap a mysterious present for yourself! Something fun, funny, or fabulous - Get creative! Venue: Cafe Bazaar, Papamarkou 34.
Tuesday, DEC 16 - 19:30 EET
DAGR ExCom Meeting
The Dems Abroad Greece board, aka ExCom, meets every month. Members are welcome to sit in and come up to speed on the many things your board has to handle. Get a leg up on upcoming events in planning, and much more. Reply on this email for the WebEx link.
Saturday, DEC 27 - 11:00 EET
Saturday Coffee in Thessaloniki
Between the holidays and the New Year, feeling a little... adrift? Whether you're far from family, taking a break from the festivities, or just craving some good conversation, we've got your spot. Join Dems Abroad this Saturday, December 27th for a relaxed morning coffee. It's the perfect chance to decompress, connect with fellow Americans abroad, and share stories from the year— politics-optional, but great company guaranteed! Venue: Zarchakos Cafe Bar, Parko Xanthi.
And that’s not all …
See what other country committees and global caucuses are doing, on the DA website Events page.
Freedom Under Fire: Carrie Baker on Reproductive Rights
Dems Abroad Global Women’s Caucus hosted Dr. Carrie Baker, lawyer, professor, activist and author, with special expertise in women’s reproductive rights. Much is shared re the state-of-play across the country since “Dobbs,” including the very well-heeled anti-rights industry, reproductive-care criminalization, and the resistance. 1 hr video.
Blue Vote Café: Empowering Voters of Color
Guests this week were Andrea Miller, founder of the Center for Common Ground, and Judith Bolker, DAUK, CCG volunteer, San Francisco voter. Super on-point info here on issues, organizing and volunteering both abroad and at home! Blue Vote is a regular feature out of DA Canada. 1 hour audio podcast.
No Tyrants Day in Greece
Eliana Klathis recalls the joyful determination of the Athens No Tyrants protest, October 18 in Monastiraki Square. It doubled the June turnout and looks like it might be growing even more.
It’s not too late to sign on!
Phone banking to fellow Dems Abroad in Greece starts after the holiday break.
We’re still taking on volunteer callers and passing out info materials. We’ll meet up for a ‘training session’ in January and then hit the phones. If you’re ready to sign up now, OR want to know more details about Phone Banking, click here.
Folks who’ve done it before report that it’s rewarding and even fun. Members are happy to hear from DAGR and they may have a lot to say about how the current state of US affairs is hitting them and theirs.
We’ll have more than one phone campaign next year. You can do one or more. But, as that old Pringles jingle went: Betcha can’t eat just one!
DAGR: A Well-Informed Citizenry
The results of the DAGR Membership Survey “How Do You Want Your News?” are in, assessed and reported here. It looks like we’re pretty well read, but would like more opportunities to talk it over and to advocate for what we think is important. Chair Alkman and VChair Karen rounded up this one.
IMMIGRATION: Studies and Experience - Part 3
Thessaloniki graduate student, Rebecca Fox delves into who’s getting, who’s giving and who’s really raking iun the money from immigration and detention. This is the third of a four-part series.
DAGR’s Weekly Reader: Last Month This Week?
Once again, we’ve collected those mostly longer, outside-sourced items favored by political wonks (like us). We try to keep them off the fast-moving social platforms. Have a look! And do send us articles you think might fit here in the month ahead!
NOV w1 NOV w2 NOV w3 NOV w4
Music to take a stand by
In Memorian: White House East Wing
Can you guess what song seemed to fit here?
DA’s Statement on Senator Moreno’s Unconstitutional Citizenship Proposal
Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) released a proposal this week, S.3283 titled Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, that, if passed, would strip U.S. citizenship from Americans who hold a second passport. … This bill is unconstitutional on its face, misguided in its assumptions, and harmful to the global American community. Congress must reject it outright.
NEWS FLASH!! Democrat Slashes Loss Margin in TN Special Election
State Senator Aftyn Behn has thrown the fear of gods into Tennessee Republicans, who did still win. But … “With 99% of votes counted, Van Epps’ lead was around 9 percentage points. The previous Republican who held the seat won by 21 points last year, and Trump carried the district by 22 points.”
Inside Trump’s Push to Make the White House Ballroom as Big as Possible
Trump’s ever-growing vision has caused tension with contractors. His architect has taken a step back as the president personally manages the project. Here’s a look inside the plans to grow a monument worthy of a [fill in whatever word comes to mind]. NYT gift link.
Luke Broadwater, The New York Times, Dec 2, 2025
The Dumbing Down of America
It’s as easy as G-O-P, says Dan Rather. This one connects the dots between the rightwing ideologues at Heritage Foundation who wrote Project 2025 and the illegal gutting of the Dept. of Education that the Trump administration is carrying out. What’s the point? What’s the end game here?
Dan Rather and Team Steady, Substack, Nov 25, 2025
Trump PANICS After Noem’s Alleged Criminal Admission IGNITES Political Firestorm!
And Noem ends career. Rick Wilson, known for his sharp wit, fearless analysis, and strong opposition to Donald Trump, has become one of the most influential voices in American politics today. For decades, a Republican strategist, he drills down on the Trump corruption.
Rick Wilson, Lincoln Project, Dec 1, 2025
The Buck Don’t Stop HERE! Shoo! Shoo! Get Outta Here, Buck!
The women of “The View” discuss shirky Pete Hegseth blaming the admiral he apparently (pretty sure, say those in a position to know) ordered to kill two defenseless ‘sailors’ in contravention of the UCMJ. But the buck doesn’t stop with Hegseth either.
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Democracy almost got away from us this past 11 months. But, we've also seen what happens with the greedy grifters go too far. We wake up and take it back. It's been win after win when we listened to the people and then put a little elbow grease and sharp thinking into it. So, with a new year on the horizon, it's time to let the despair turn to hope, the rage jell into determination, and the head-scratching disbelief produce a good laugh or two. Then, let's come back in nines and vote the rascals out!
Wishing all a warm and restorative holiday period!
https://www.democratsabroad.org/
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