Lincoln Democrats reflect on state convention

By the Lincoln delegates and alternates to the Massachusetts Democratic Convention

It’s tough arranging an event with 1,000 people, bills to consider, amendments to write, votes to tally, and numerous speakers to be heard, but it happened. Last Saturday, Massachusetts Democrats held their annual convention — all on Zoom.

While it lacked the customary fervor and excitement generated by many kindred spirits gathered under one roof, it proceeded with near perfect technical implementation, and provided delegates an opportunity to see and hear crisp, often lively, compelling presentations.

Featured keynote speaker highlights:

• Elizabeth Warren, praising the “resisters and persisters” gearing up for the “fierce fight ahead in Washington,” asserted that the door is open just a crack to make a more just nation that works for everyone. We must all join in the fight.
• Ed Markey said the Green New Deal is an intergenerational contract to save the planet and we must be “big and bold,” pursuing not just what is politically possible, but that which is scientifically necessary. We have the choice now: it’s either filibuster or Democracy.
• Attorney General Maura Healey asserted, “This is our moment to bring fundamental change” and noted that the Attorney General’s office is taking on the NRA, the state of Texas on abortion rights, and a variety of issues within Massachusetts around voting rights, systemic racism, and misogyny.
• Secretary of State William Galvin emphasized that the voting rights temporarily expanded in the 2020 election must be made permanent.

Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Thompkins, a member of the Platform Committee, revealed a deft style and wit chairing the presentation of the Massachusetts Democratic Platform for 2021. Young Democrats, many representing communities of color, immigrants, and other disenfranchised groups, presented each of the 15 platform planks.

Unable to enjoy the usual convention chatter and exchange of ideas and viewpoints, Lincoln delegates to the convention have pooled our “takeaway” observations. Here are some of them:

• The next generation of office holders and candidates — their origins, self-direction, and passion — are cause for optimism.
• Climate change is widely regarded as the top issue, but there is lots of energy around voter rights, income inequality, women’s rights, racial disparities, and immigrants’ issues. And they are all interlinked in the Green New Deal.
• Companies such as Uber, Lyft, and Doordash want to work in Massachusetts without obeying the fair labor laws and are putting lots of money ($100 million so far) money into lobbying for changes.
• The filibuster must go now.
• We loved the inclusiveness of the Democratic Party, hearing voices of all of us. 
• Three engaging, thoughtful candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor — Professor Danielle Allen, former State Senator Ben Downing, and State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz — will nevertheless have a tough fight against potential candidate Maura Healey, should she decide to run.
• The broad progressive platform reflects the diverse constituencies currently folding into the party but might benefit from a more focused, less “boil the ocean” approach.
• Hurray for Elizabeth Warren’s energy, optimism, and tough willingness to meet any challenge head on. May we all reflect that in the upcoming months.

Submitted by Lincoln delegates and alternates to the Massachusetts Democratic Convention: Tom Casey, Andrew Glass, Joan Kimball, Travis Roland, Jackey Sasso, Barbara Slayter, Alex Chatfield, Lorraine Fiore, Steve Kropper, and Trish O’Hagan.

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