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January 30th, 2026

1/30/2026

Comments

 

Letter from the chair
A poem to remind us of who we are

PictureBen Watts
Dear Friends,
  There are times when words fail us. Today, there is so much to say, but none of it feels adequate.  I am reminded of when President Obama, preparing to speak after a mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, instead began singing "Amazing Grace." In that moment, he must have felt this way too, searching for words to convey the depth of his grief. And there was healing in the notes of that song, more than any speech he could have given.  In moments like these, inspiration can come unexpectedly.  It can surprise us. 
  Over the weekend, I was riding bicycles with my family around our neighborhood and someone had written on a wall, “What does it say on the Statue of Liberty?”   
  The answer is twofold.  The first is simple, on the tablet in her hand it reads “July IV MDCCLXXVI”, Roman Numerals for July 4th, 1776, the founding of our nation.
   On a plaque placed in 1903, there is also a poem named "The New Colossus," by Emma Lazarus.  This poem is a statement of ethos.  When paired with our founding date, it forms a guide of foundational principles, reminds us of who we say we are and who we aspire to be. 
  I've read this poem many times.  But this was a moment when I needed it again, to share it with my kids.  And now, if you’ll allow me, I’d like to close by sharing it with you.

"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.


"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Sincerely,
Ben Watts
Chair, Linn County Democrats

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  • HOME
  • News & Updates
    • Letters from Linn Democrats Chair
  • About
    • Officers & Committee Chairs
    • Standing Committees
    • Precinct Committee People
    • Neighborhood Leader Program
    • State Central Committee Delegates, Alternates
    • Congressional Districts 4 and 5 Committee Delegates and Alternates
    • Precinct & District Maps >
      • School District, LBCC, ESD Maps
    • Bylaws >
      • Standing Rules
    • Resolutions
    • County Platform >
      • Legislative Action Items
    • State Platform >
      • Legislative Action Items
  • Oregon Legislature
  • Donate
  • Calendar
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Resistance Resources
  • Contact Us
    • Linktree
  • Archives
    • May 20, 2025, Election >
      • Kristopher Schendel, GAPS Zone 1
      • Stephanie Lunceford, GAPS Zone 2
      • Kris McLaughlin, GAPS At-Large Position 2
      • Brad Longman, LBCC Zone 5
      • Bill Hays, ESD Zone 1
      • Michael Thomson, ESD Zone 3
      • Renewal of Albany Ambulance, Fire and Police Local Option Tax
    • Election 2022
    • Election 2024 >
      • Mayor, Council winners
      • Kamala Harris, Pres. Tim Walz, Vice Pres.
      • Janelle Bynum, CD5
      • Val Hoyle, CD4
      • Tobias Read, Secretary. of State
      • Elizabeth Steiner, State Treasurer
      • Dan Rayfield, Attorney General
      • Mike Ashland, SD9
      • Ivan Maluski, HD11
      • Michelle Emmons, HD12
      • Terrence Virnig, HD 15
      • David W. Beem, HD17
      • David Scranage, Linn Commissioner
      • Michael Thomson, Alb. Council, Ward 1B
      • Carolyn McLeod, Alb. Council, Ward 2B
      • Marilyn Smith, Alb. Council, Ward 3B
      • Ballot Measures
    • Elección 2024 (Espanol) >
      • Kamala Harris, Pres. y Tim Walz, Vicepres.
      • Janelle Bynum, Congreso, Distrito 5
      • Terrence Virnig, Distrito 15 de la Cámara de Representantes
      • Carolyn McLeod, Concejo Municipal de Albany, Distrito 2B
      • Marilyn Smith, Concejo Municipal de Albany, Distrito 3B
  • Resources
    • Resistance Resources