Jan. 22, 2025
Dear Congresswoman Bynum,
  I would like to take a moment to draw your attention to the Laken Riley Act which will soon be presented to the US House of Representatives. This law would eliminate due process and judicial oversight in legal matters, requiring detention of individuals who are simply accused of committing non-violent crimes. This is a flagrant violation the American concept of justice, that of being treated as innocent until proven guilty. On behalf of the Linn County Democrats, I strongly urge you to vote no on the Laken Riley Act and support due process rights for all.
  Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ben Watts
Chair, Linn County Democrats

Feb. 8, 2025 
Dear Congresswoman Bynum,
    I would like to take a moment to address House Resolution (H.R.) 32, the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act, which has recently been introduced in the US House of Representatives. This Act will restrict federal funding to any “Sanctuary Jurisdiction” which would include the entirety of Oregon according to our state law.
  The Act specifically identifies funding for “the provision of food, shelter, healthcare services, legal services, and transportation.” In our community we believe in feeding the hungry, housing the unhoused and caring for the sick and injured - without demanding proof of status.
​  On behalf of the Linn County Democrats, I urge you to vote NO on the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act to ensure our cities and state continue receiving federal funds that support essential services for those in need.
  Thank you for you time and consideration.
  Sincerely,
  Ben Watts
  Chair, Linn County Democrats

By Pam Keller
Feb. 12, 2025
The Civil Service Act (1883!) mandates that most positions within the federal government should be awarded on the basis of merit instead of political patronage. It was passed because government positions were being handed out to family and loyalists. Sound familiar? The merit-based, non-partisan Civil Service was attacked under Trump 1 and is even more threatened now. Many federal workers will "bail" under Trump 2. Who can blame them? Who will then fill these important jobs? You guessed it.
The following refers to Federal Civil Service employment (excludes Military and Postal Service).
Myth: There are millions of federal workers.
Fact: There are about 2 million, making up less than 2% of the total US workforce. Walmart has 1.6 million employees.
Myth: Non-elected federal employees are running the country, and they have their own agenda.
Fact: The vast majority of workers do not make policy. They implement the policy set by the executive branch (President, cabinet, and agency heads) and funded by Congress.
Myth: Most federal workers are in Washington D.C. and out-of-touch with the rest of the country, especially rural America.
Fact: Only 20% of federal workers are located in Washington D.C. Federal workers are all across the country, in every state and county, contributing to local economies and providing critical services.
Myth: Federal workers are free-loaders.
Fact: Civil service merit-based employment means that workers are not given jobs based on who they know or who owes them a favor. They must meet standardized education and skills requirements. They must pass a criminal background check. Many of Trump and Musk’s minions have few relevant qualifications and undergo no background checks or financial disclosures. They must not be given the keys to the kingdom.
Myth: Many federal workers have do-nothing jobs.
Fact: Federal traffic controllers keep our airways safe. Federal food inspectors keep our food supply safe. Most federal jobs are not political. They are the important nuts-and-bolts work that keeps our country functioning.
Myth: Federal workers are paid too much.
Fact: In general, federal workers are paid less, sometimes far less, than people doing the same work outside of government.
Myth: Federal management should be replaced by state or county management.
Fact: We live in a mobile society. For public protection and interstate commerce there must be regulatory consistency across state boundaries.
Myth: Privatizing federal jobs makes them more efficient and saves money.
Fact: This has been tried many times resulting in less efficiency, far less customer service, and more money.

 Plans are finalized for our in-person get together at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. (For the meeting location, please contact Nancy Greenman. Now, we're even more eager to be with you all!  
  It will be 90 minutes of fun, facts, and the chance to interact in person as more than the heads & shoulders we see on zoom. We'll have tea, coffee, cookies and fruit, as well as good company.
  One thing we'll talk about is the upcoming school board elections in May, so we're hoping North Albany Neighborhood Leaders will join us, as well.
   Thanks to you all for the ways you are supporting democracy every day.  As long as we stay together and stay engaged, we will prevail!
   — Susan, Linda, Mark, Carrie, Steve, Carol, Brenda and Nancy
       Linn Benton Neighborhood Leader Team

  Presidents Day protests against the Trump Administration's actions are scheduled around the country Monday, Feb. 17, including one at noon in front the Linn County Courthouse, 300 Fourth Ave. S.W. in Albany.
  "We saw the 50501 ("50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement") announcement about a nationwide day of protest. We thought we should have one in Albany," said Cheryl French, an Albany resident and Democrat. She encourages people to bring signs to the protest. Anyone who doesn't have a sign can make one when they arrive at the protest, as French and her husband John planned to buy sign-making materials for the event.
  Why did French decide to step up? "Because our democracy is at risk, and they’re trampling on every single rule there is in order to do what they want," she said.
  50501 protests are also scheduled for noon Monday at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem and at the Benton County Courthouse in Corvallis.
​    For more about 50501, click here.

​