Message from DA Spain Chair

I'm writing this message between Juneteenth and Independence Day, two days that hold special significance for Americans living outside of the USA. They both represent the power of knowing and exercising your rights, which is fundamental to our country.

Let me explain. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when a Union general took news of the Emancipation Proclamation to slaves in Texas. Although President Lincoln issued the Proclamation on January 1, 1863, deceitful slaveholders withheld this information from those in captivity. However, once the enslaved population learned about their freedom, they began leaving their captors in large numbers. Juneteenth celebrates the awareness of one's rights and the ability to transform one's life accordingly.

Independence Day also played a significant role in informing people about their rights. The Declaration of Independence declared the British colonies in America free from their rulers. Overnight, printers produced 200 copies of the Declaration, which were distributed across the colonies, as well as to Parliament and King George III. The Declaration proclaimed that all individuals possessed certain "inalienable rights," which the British had failed to honor, thereby establishing Americans as a free and independent people.

Of course, it is widely recognized that the tidings of Juneteenth and the publication of the Declaration did not bring an end to the struggle for human rights in the USA. In fact, each document granted freedom only to some, not to everyone. However, on these special days, we celebrate the knowledge of our rights. This, in essence, is what patriotism means to me.

Our work for our flawed but beloved nation continues to this day. In particular, many Americans living abroad are unaware of their right to vote. It is our responsibility at DA Spain to educate our fellow citizens and assist them in exercising this fundamental right. We invite you to join us in our efforts as we celebrate our awareness of what is rightfully ours as Americans. 

Happy holidays!

Kathy Tullos, DA Spain Chair

Message from DA Spain Chair

My spouse and I recently put our aging adrenal glands to the test by spending six hours riding seven different roller coasters and various other rides at the nearest amusement park. I'm pleased to report that they performed well, and we had a blast conquering loops, falls, and twists together. After all, screaming is more fun when you’re doing it with someone.

If you feel like screaming because of the political roller coaster the United States is currently riding on, I encourage you to join us at the Democrats Abroad Spain Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Alicante on May 20. (The fun actually starts on the evening of the 19th and doesn't stop until the 21st). Democrats from around Spain will gather to celebrate, commiserate, strategize, build community, elect new national officers, and vote on proposed changes to our bylaws. Trust me,  there will be plenty of fun activities in the mix.

Details about the AGM and how to register for it appear below, but here’s a piece of information you won’t see anywhere else: the credit for making this meeting happen goes to Alicante Chapter Chair/National Communications Coordinator Daniel Garcia and National Vice-Chair Carlos Colao. Shoutouts to both of them are definitely in order. So, I hope to see you in Alicante in May. We'll be dreaming, scheming, and screaming — all in the name of democracy!

Kathy Tullos, DA Spain Chair

Message from DA Spain Chair

I’m writing to you this month from the great state of Ohio. My husband and I are here to celebrate our granddaughter’s second birthday. Don’t worry, Harriet’s being raised right: she received a “Future President” onesie soon after she was born, and she wore it to a couple of DA Spain Zoom meetings as a newborn. 

I do wonder what the future holds for Harriet and other girls in the USA, though. It’s a good time to do this. March is Women’s History Month, and we celebrate the often-forgotten accomplishments of women in our nation. At the same time, though, women’s rights are under attack in unprecedented ways. One example makes the point: my two daughters have less ability to receive reproductive health care than I did. 

DA Spain is doing its bit to ensure that all American women - including Harriet - enjoy equal rights under the law. Are you interested in joining this work? If so, consider joining the DA Spain Women’s Caucus. The Caucus is participating in several events to mark Women’s History Month and to advance the cause of American women. Please read on in this newsletter for more details.

As Harriet would say when she’s ready to get in the car: “Let’s go!”

Kathy Tullos (Chair)

Message from DA Spain Chair

February is the month for Valentine’s Day, of course, and it’s a big deal around our house. My husband and I had our first date on February 14, 1985.

Full disclosure: this fact is not something to be proud of. We scheduled our date for that night because neither of us had plans. In fact, we didn’t realize that it was Valentine’s Day until we got to the restaurant we’d selected and found happy couples with red roses and chocolate boxes in the waiting area. FYI, we ended up at Chili’s that night. 

But that’s us many years ago, not America now. Our country has gotten its own Valentine early. Want to know what the Biden administration has done for the USA? Here’s a quick summary: 

• Two strongest years of job growth in history
• Manufacturing rebounded at the fastest rate in nearly 40 years
• Two strongest years of small business applications in history
• Lowest unemployment rate in more than 50 years
• Near record low Black and Hispanic unemployment
• Record decrease in deficit
• Fastest gas price decline in eight years
• Annual inflation down for six months

I think that’s a pretty spectacular list. And it has fewer thorns than roses and fewer calories than chocolate. It’s definitely something to be proud of! 

Kathy Tullos (Chair)

PS:  We hope you'll join us for the DAS Meet & Greet on February 28th at 7 PM.  RSVP here