The First Amendment belongs to the people — not the powerful.
As Democrats, we know that the First Amendment is not just words on parchment — it is the backbone of our democracy. When government actions silence dissent, intimidate the press, or penalize peaceful protest, every American's freedom is diminished.
Our club stands firmly in defense of free expression, a free press, and the right of all people to petition their government. These rights are not partisan — they are fundamental. But today, they are under threat, and it is up to us to speak out, organize, and ensure they endure.
This is why we continue our work: registering voters, writing postcards, canvassing, and electing leaders who will protect the Constitution and uphold democratic values. Together, we are the guardians of freedom.
In solidarity, Cheryl Hays — President, Democratic Club of Greater Tracy
The First Amendment Under Attack
A recent article by Krebs on Security outlines how each of the five core freedoms protected by the First Amendment — religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition — are being challenged today:
- Petition: FOIA requests face growing backlogs, while officials use disappearing-message apps to avoid records.
- Assembly: Students and universities face threats of funding cuts or deportation for protest activity.
- Press: Lawsuits and FCC probes are used to intimidate major outlets, while access is restricted.
- Speech: Agencies have been ordered not to use certain terms, and large datasets have disappeared from public sites.
- Religion: New enforcement policies risk chilling participation; "anti-Christian bias" initiatives are criticized as discriminatory.
Taken together, these actions amount to a broad erosion of the First Amendment.
Read the full piece on Krebs on Security
No Kings II — Rally for Democracy
Dr. Powers Park · 900 W Lowell Ave, Tracy, CA 95376
Date/Time: Saturday, October 18 · 9:00–12:30 PM
Bring family, friends, and signs — and make your voice heard: "No thrones. No crowns. No kings in America."
Volunteer: Tracy Pride Fest (Oct 12)
Club Booth · Giveaways · Voter Registration · Community Outreach
We need enthusiastic volunteers to staff our table, register new voters, and answer questions. It's fun, high-impact, and a great way to show up for our community.
Volunteer for Tracy Pride Fest
Fall BBQ Social — After the Rally
Dr. Powers Park · Immediately after Honk & Wave / Hands Across Tracy
Date/Time: Saturday, October 18 · 12:00–3:00 PM · Price: $20 per person
Good food · Good people · Good conversation. Non-members welcome — bring a friend!
Stop MAGA Election Rigging — Vote YES on Prop 50
Republicans are manipulating congressional maps across the country. Prop 50 is California's fair, proportional response — a way to counter gerrymanders elsewhere and protect representation here at home.
Special Election: Tuesday, November 4. Mail ballots arrive in early October. Talk to voters — conversations win elections.
Summary adapted from Robin Cole, President Emerita, Democratic Club of Greater Tracy.
Help Write Postcards for Prop 50
Handwritten postcards cut through the noise and boost turnout — research shows they work. If you'd like to help, we'd love to have you on the team.
RSVP to join the postcard team
Your Ideas Shape Our Work
Have resources, a perspective, or an event to share? We want to hear from you.
president@greatertracydems.org · facebook.com/greatertracydems