Happy Thanksgiving! Obituary Tributes & Newsletter/Blog Archives

RIP First Lady Rosalynn Carter and former MA Democratic Party Chair John Walsh.

For many families, this week has been one of loss. And on this Thanksgiving weekend, it is time to honor just some of those who recently passed away (nice tribute from Salzillo’s Two Cents page as well).

Condolences first and foremost to the Carter family, who lost a real matriarch and devoted spouse in former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The 77-year love story between her and former President Jimmy Carter is and should be an inspiration to many. Yet it is their public service legacies that should provide a greater lesson to us all.

First Lady Carter may have only had 4 years to make an impact in the White House, but she was a trailblazer. No First Lady made their mark on modern U.S. presidencies like she did. Besides taking the lead on major policy initiatives, like housing, she often collaborated with President Carter behind the scenes. Whether she attended presidential meetings, greeted world leaders, or simply provided advice, she was one of the most important players on the world stage during the Carter Presidency. She was the model for all later First Ladies. Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden owe a great debt to her (as I am sure they would admit themselves).

First Lady Carter will be most fondly remembered for her mental health advocacy work. In those days, it was a politically tough issue few dared to confront. For some, it may even have meant putting their careers on the line. And even though Rosalynn was not in office at the time, she undoubtedly had a lot to lose. Yet it was a cause she proudly championed. If the Carter family thought something was the morally right thing to do, they did it. Without any hesitations. Now that’s what religion is supposed to be about.

Many millions of Americans today are better off because of her work trying to expand treatment and reduce stigma. Thank you First Lady for your work and service. We will miss you.

We also have to keep the Walsh family in mind. Massachusetts political strategist and state party leader John Walsh passed away at the age of 65. He was a political titan, a pioneer, and a dreamer in his own right.

His innovative campaign approaches not only propelled Governor Deval Patrick and Lt. Governor Tim Murray to victory in 2006, but also formulated a blueprint for progressive grassroots campaigning and organizing for the Obama-Biden ticket nationally in 2008. He remained active in Massachusetts politics from then onwards, and was indeed a crucial figure behind progressive Democratic Senator Ed Markey’s 2020 reelection victory against the formidable U.S. Congressman Joe Kennedy III.

Just going off this overview alone, it is not surprising to hear the level of praise and tribute Walsh has since received from all corners of the Commonwealth, and indeed from many corners of this country. You deserve it, Mr. Walsh.

We shall not forget these people and the empty chairs they and others leave on this Thanksgiving. More importantly, we shall remember and honor the legacies they have made to a better society on this special American feast day.

Rest in Peace. And thank you.

In the meantime, feel free to look over the Substack and Medium archives on matters like policy discussions, electorate outreach, diversity in government, and much more. Though I could write about many other issues on my radar this week, I will instead encourage you to use the Thanksgiving holidays as both a work reprieve and an opportunity to commemorate the progress the United States has made so far. There’s still much work to be done, but our history shows us that we can do much when we stick together.

And to all the readers out there, have a Happy Thanksgiving!