Voices of Democracy: Our Efforts, Our Stories

On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the birth of our country, ClassACT HR73 has chosen an overall focus for the year’s activities: Democracy @250. In addition to planned democracy-themed events and activities, we are featuring a new section of our monthly newsletter, “Voices of Democracy.” We want to hear from you, whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, about your efforts to promote democratic values, ideas and actions during these challenging times.

Many of our classmates and friends are working locally in their neighborhoods, communities, and volunteer organizations. Others are working on a state or national scale. Some write, some march, some speak, some create. All contribute.

Each month we will tell the stories of one or two of these efforts through video and other visual arts along with written articles. So please share with us how you are channeling your energies and actions to promote democracy and the continuing formation of a “more perfect union.”

Please click below to fill out an informational form and we will be in touch with you.

*Please note: The views and opinions expressed by classmates in our Voices of Democracy Series are those of the individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ClassACT HR73.

This month we feature two classmates, Peter Olney and Ryan O’Connell. Read Ryan’s description of his newsletter on Substack.

The Wall Street Democrat by Ryan O’Connell '73

I launched my Wall Street Democrat newsletter in 2015 to fill a gap that I saw in the media. I offer an alternative “take” on key political events and trends, as a counterpoint to voices on the left and the right that often dominate press coverage. I provide a moderate Democratic perspective, often criticizing politicians from both parties. I spent my career on Wall Street, as a lawyer and then an analyst, so I frequently comment on economic and market trends as well as politics. You can subscribe to my articles free of charge on Substack (wallstreetdemocrat.substack.com).

Peter Olney '73

Click on the image below to hear Peter’s thoughts on the current political climate and his long involvement with the labor movement in this country. Video created by Rick Brotman '73.