The Young Democrats of America in cooperation with the YDA LGBTQ Caucus and the California Young Democrats strongly applaud the decision of the Ninth U.S. District Court of Appeals. Kristian Cosme, Chair of the YDA LGBTQ Caucus provides the following statement: “The decision of the court today to uphold the original ruling of Judge Walker deeming Proposition 8 as unconstitutional is the right step in the battle for national marriage equality. It was the only ethical decision that could be made as it is the one that is most closely aligned with the spirit of equality and freedom that has laced our Constitution since our forefathers founded it.”

“The California Young Democrats were proud to vote HELL NO on Proposition 8, and we are thrilled that the court today found this deeply discriminatory law unconstitutional,” said Jennifer Longley, President of the California Young Democrats.

The Court in their written decision said Prop 8 “…served no purpose, and had no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationship and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples. The Constitution simply does not allow for “laws of this sort.”

“The Young Democrats of America applauds the ruling of the 9th District Court of Appeals as one that is fundamentally not a political ruling, but one that upholds the basic premise of our Constitution that all who are law abiding citizens of this nation are endowed by our Creator those unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As an organization, we will continue to advocate for fidelity to the Constitution when answering these questions of fairness and of basic human dignity as did President Abraham Lincoln, and continue to believe and offer as warning for those who will deride today’s ruling, that those who deny rights to others deserve it not for themselves,” said YDA Executive Vice President Colmon Elridge.

On behalf of the Young Democrats of America, we want to thank the California Young Democrats for their tireless efforts in fighting for marriage equality. Today’s decision in California helps pave the road to national marriage equality, but the fight will and must continue. Join us as together we continue to fight for equality for all citizens of this great nation.

At the National Prayer Breakfast yesterday, President Obama spoke clearly and compellingly of the values that guide his vision for the future of our nation. Citing the importance of morality in our politics and policy, the President asserted that “We can’t leave our values at the door. If we leave our values at the door, we abandon much of the moral glue that has held our nation together for centuries, and allowed us to become somewhat of a more perfect union.” He proceeded by enumerating the fundamental precepts that drive his policymaking and laid out a foundational framework for thinking about values in the public square. “Treating others as you want to be treated.  Requiring much from those who have been given so much.  Living by the principle that we are our brother’s keeper.  Caring for the poor and those in need…Today, with as many challenges as we face, these are the values I believe we’re going to have to return to in the hopes that God will buttress our efforts.” The President also called on Americans to live out our values “not just with words, but with deeds.”

As young Americans, we stand by President Obama’s words and also his deeds. We stand by his values-based vision for our country which has led to the expansion of healthcare coverage for people who can’t afford it. We stand by his efforts to expand opportunity for all Americans by improving our public schools, increasing access to higher education and job training, and reforming our broken financial and mortgage systems. We are heartened by our President’s willingness to stand by gay and lesbian Americans, undocumented immigrants, and our brothers and sisters caught in the nefarious web of poverty that confines the lives and potential of too many in the richest nation in the world. In trying times, President Obama represents what is right for America and we are confident in his leadership, integrity and resolve to take us into the future better and stronger together.

The President faces an important test, however, in this November’s election. His opponents have significant financial resources and will stop at nothing to defeat him. Unfortunately for our country, they represent an out of touch, individualistic vision for the United States that significantly strays from our core values. Instead of presenting policies and practicing politics that emphasize the “greater together”, e pluribus unum nature that has defined America since its founding, they have each embraced the Paul Ryan budget which takes two-thirds of its cuts from services that help level the opportunity playing field for low-income Americans. Given that Mitt Romney is “not concerned about the very poor” in the toughest time since the Great Depression and New Gingrich’s solution for closing the opportunity gap for African American children is to put them to work as school janitors, this comes as no surprise. Yet it is no less disheartening. We are facing incredible challenges as a nation. We need a leader who puts the American people first rather than winning the next election.

The 2012 election presents us with a choice that will impact us in the short- and long-term and have significant ramifications not only on what gets done in Washington, but what type of country we want to be moving forward. Join us in supporting President Obama and affirming that, as Americans, we will emerge from these difficult times greater together rather than farther apart.

- Rod, Colmon & Josh

Rod Snyder is President of the Young Democrats of America
Colmon Elridge is Executive VP of the Young Democrats of America
Josh Dickson is the Director of the YDA Faith & Values Initiative  

After outspending Newt Gingrich by a margin of 5 to 1, Mitt Romney is showing that if his agenda cannot endear him to the GOP party faithful, he believes his best strategy is to buy the nomination at any expense.

“The vote tonight in the Sunshine state shows a Republican party out of touch with the average Floridian as well as with the majority of Americans”, said YDA Executive Vice President Colmon Elridge. “Governor Romney continues to believe that the path to victory is to throw money at elections and repeat what his pollsters and staff are telling him to say, feel, and think rather than offering a solid vision for America or standing on principle.  Young Americans are focused on how we can work together to build the strongest future for all Americans, not just the few.  Meanwhile, Governor Romney continues to promote cutting access to college education by cutting Pell Grants and encourage cutting Social Security, which more and more of our grandparents have not only earned but depend on.  He continues to disavow the DREAM Act and a defined path to citizenship for young people who have earned it, and he continues to position himself as a fringe candidate for a nomination, not a leader for the United States of America.”

“Romney, Gingrich and their allies spent money hand over fist to buy the support of the voters in our fair sunshine state”, said Florida Young Democrats President Justin Spiller. “At the same time, state Republicans are trying to make sure that the voter suppression law recently enacted remains in place to restrict the vote of not just the youth of Florida but seniors, blacks and Hispanics. The Florida Young Democrats and Democrats period will continue to work in the best interest of all Floridians, and re-electing our President is essential to that cause.”

Florida native Alexander Lewy who serves as YDA Jewish Caucus Chair also added, “Jewish Americans don’t look favorably on candidates who treat Israeli security like a political football.  Romney and Gingrich have lied to Floridians about President Obama’s ironclad commitment to Israel’s security. President Obama provided funding and support for Israel’s latest defense projects and condemned Palestinian rocket attacks against the Jewish State of Israel. Our President has also supported funding for Jewish community services while in 2003 Mitt Romney vetoed Kosher food funding for Jewish nursing homes.”

The Young Democrats of America continue to support President Obama’s Blueprint for an “America Built to Last” and look forward to working with young leaders and allied organizations in Florida and throughout the nation to support the President.  We will register young Americans to vote, mobilize young leaders in support of an agenda that empowers our generation to attain the American dream, and educate young voters on the stark contract between the Democratic and Republican agendas in 2012.

“The 70 million young people of the Millennial Generation are becoming an important political force across the United States, but it’s up to us to make sure we have a strong and coordinated voice in this election. We will take steps in the coming months that position us to make sure the voices of young people are heard,” said Sussman.  “We will mobilize a multi-million dollar campaign targeted directly at our members and supporters in schools and community centers in all 50 states.”

Sussman’s first priority will be to assess the organization’s national 2012 campaign plan while also establishing bold fundraising goals to ensure the continued long term sustainability of the organization, which marks its 80^th anniversary this year.

“YDA is thrilled to have Emily play such a major part in shaping the future of not only our organization, but the entire youth political movement.  There is no doubt that young voters will once again be critical to Democratic victories in 2012, and Emily’s leadership skills and political acumen will be central to our success,” said Rod Snyder, President of the Young Democrats of America.  “Few people understand the power of the Millennial Generation as well as Emily.  Her experience with galvanizing young people for the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and her work to establish Think Blue are a testament to her ability to develop a national strategy to engage youth.”

For nearly three years, Sussman worked on the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” serving as co-government affairs director for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.  In August 2010, Sussman designed an online campaign urging young people to call their U.S. Senators and demand they vote for repeal.  The online campaign, kicked off by Lady Gaga, drove nearly 600,000 new visitors to the repeal website and successfully urged countless college students to create their own videos telling their friends to call the U.S. Senate switchboard.

A New York City native and graduate of Skidmore College and Cardozo Law School, Sussman founded and served as president of Think Blue while still in school.  The unique model allowed young New Yorkers the chance to have a voice in the political process by encouraging political candidates to meet and spend time with young people at affordable events.  In the 2008 election cycle, the New Leaders Council recognized Sussman as a “40 under 40 Emerging Leader in Politics.”  She was also recently honored by Cardozo Law School with the Nathaniel Gates award, and the Truman National Security Project recognized her for “extraordinary contributions toward advancing the Truman Democratic world view.”  Sussman is admitted to the New York State Bar.

RSVP here for the 2012 High School Kick-Off Call

High school students, even those who aren’t old enough to vote yet, can make a big difference in 2012 as we work for Democratic candidates across the country and help re-elect President Obama.  If you plan to be involved in Democratic politics throughout this year, you don’t want to miss tomorrow night’s call.

The High School Caucus of the Young Democrats of America is working every day to establish YDA chapters in schools across the country.  If you are a high school student who would like more information about tomorrow night’s call or about getting involved in YDA throughout 2012, please feel free to send me an email.

Thanks,

Samina Hydery
Chair, High School Caucus
Young Democrats of America

“From her first entry into elective politics, Congresswoman Giffords has been a champion for issues which affect young Americans throughout our nation,” said YDA Executive Vice President Colmon Elridge. “She has invested in our country’s future leadership by empowering young people through her campaigns, her congressional offices, and her outreach to her constitutients and any American whose voice needed to be heard. Congresswoman Gifford’s example that leadership with integrity and honesty should be the rule rather than the exception will continue to occupy the halls of Congress long after she has returned home to Arizona.”

“Congresswoman Giffords’ leadership has resulted in job creation, increasing our energy independence, and increased opportunities for all working Americans,” said YDA Communications Director Nick DeCenzo of Ohio. “We must continue the push to strengthen America, not for Gabby, but for the country she has devoted her life to serving.”

“We continue to wish Congresswoman Giffords the best of luck in her recovery, and offer a promise to continue the work she now leaves to our generation. We are prepared to help her return to Congress in any way possible, when she is able and ready to do so” said Elridge.

Tonight, President Obama articulated a vision for the future of the United States that is built on a foundation of returning to our founding values of hard work, personal and community responsibility, and the reality that when everyone plays by the same rules, everyone does their fair share.

“The Young Democrats of America thank President Obama for using his State of the Union address to serve as a voice for young Americans, and indeed all Americans, who at this make-or-break moment, need to know that hard work and fairness are still the blueprint for achieving the American dream”, said YDA President Rod Snyder. “Tonight the President led with conviction in envisioning an America where American jobs are not outsourced, America’s children and workforce are invested in as a first thought and not an after thought, and in which we are all called upon to do our part, as past generations have done, to ensure that the American dream is an opportunity available for all who are willing to work for it and play by the rules. That is the kind of America young people believe in and the kind of America we will work everyday to achieve through our advocacy and through our votes.”

“We applaud President Obama tonight for calling on all Americans from all walks of life, to engage in the rebuilding of America”, said YDA Executive Vice-President Colmon Elridge. “Young people have by-and-large played by the rules, become one of the most educated and community minded generations in our nation’s history, yet have been the perpetual victims of an economic collapse caused by a disregard for America’s founding values. The values of hard work, playing by the rules, and being afforded an opportunity to achieve success are values the Republican party have railed against, but as young Americans are keenly aware, those are the values that made America great for our grandparents, “the Greatest Generation”, and will make America great for our generation again.”

In the coming weeks, the Young Democrats of America will join with our state and local chapters as well as allied organizations in educating our membership and young Americans on the President’s Blueprint for an America Built to Last. We will engage our generation on what it will take to build an America in which we renew America’s manufacturing dominance, invest in education and the retraining of America’s workforce, and create an economic environment that works for hard working Americans from all walks of life in every corner of this country.

Having just experienced the re-election of an incumbent in my home state, I can tell you first hand that the stakes are high tomorrow evening. The President will seek to connect with the American people as he lays out a blueprint for our future.  He will articulate a vision of our country where we reward hard work and responsibility, where everyone does their fair share, and where everyone plays by the same set of rules.

There are several ways you can be a part of the President’s State of the Union tomorrow evening. You can:

1)  Host or attend a SOTU Watch Party. For more information visit BarackObama.com.

2)  Log onto WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU and follow the President’s address and learn more key facts about the President’s plan.

3) You can blog about the address yourself, comment on Facebook, or follow YDA Chief of Staff Heather Brown on Twitter as she live tweets throughout the speech: @youngdems.

On a host of issues President Obama has been not only the voice for the majority of Americans, but he has been the voice for our generation. Make sure your friends and family are watching tomorrow night for one of the most important speeches of 2012.

See you online tomorrow night!

On the Victory,

Colmon Elridge
Executive Vice President
Young Democrats of America

Newt Gingrich won the South Carolina primary tonight by practicing the same old politics that ended his tenure as speaker of the House almost two decades ago. While his win in the Palmetto state gives him momentum with the fringe right, middle America will continue to reject his divisive and self-centered politics.

“As a son of the south I am continuously amazed by how out of touch the Republican party is with the faith, values, and work ethic of southerners”, said YDA Executive Vice President Colmon Elridge of Kentucky. “Here we value hard and honest work, fidelity to family and community, and the upholding of the principles that have defined America throughout our history. This Republican field advocates a platform which rewards the rich at the expense of the poor, seeks to undermine families and communities with their do as I say-not as I do rhetoric, and with a straight-face propose policies that fly in the face of our defining principles of liberty and justice for all. America can do better than Romney, Gingrich, Paul, and Santorum, and YDA will continue to stand with and work to re-elect President Obama and Vice President Biden, who have protected American jobs, stood with and for America’s families and communities, and ensured that even-at times- at the expense of our personal comforts, we continue to uphold the principles of our Constitution as realities of our present and future not relics of our past.”

“Our generation understands the importance of this election and refuse to let the failed policies of the Republican party ultimately undo the accomplishments of President Obama and the Democratic Party” said Young Democrats of South Carolina President Ophelia Doe. “The nonstop attack ads and heated exchanges have shown that the Republicans are more interested in attacking the President for political points than offering actual solutions.  They have demonstrated that they are disconnected from the needs of young Americans by calling for a repeal of every legislation that benefits our generation.”

In previous decades, insurance companies refused to cover the services women needed, restricting which kinds of birth control they can afford, refusing to cover contraception altogether and charging women unfair premiums because of their gender.

Between stopping insurance companies from discriminating based on gender, making sure women can get mammograms and other preventive services at no cost, President Obama continues to make strides on women’s health.

“We thank President Obama for standing up for women’s health. The majority of American women use birth control and this ruling had made it easier for more women to have truly affordable access,” said Atima Omara-Alwala, Vice President of the Young Democrats of America.

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