Residents Urged to Get Involved in Civic Discourse

To Angela and the Ladies of Margaret’s Village,

I think of you in my home in England and I send love from all who marched in the Women’s March in London. I know there were over 200,000 in Chicago. We expected 20,000 here, but over 100,000 turned up: women from many countries- -all ages, colors and religions, rich and poor – walking so that there might be liberty and justice for all. Their energy and integrity remain with me. And I’m keeping my New Year’s Resolution: every single working day I contact at least one member of Congress. You can do that, too.

Don’t believe that you can’t make a difference. You are a human candle; you each can bring light from darkness. Together you ladies of Margaret’s Village are like a chandelier of beauty, and truth. That light, a chandelier miracle, is needed.

Health care, education, housing: they’re all at risk. Life will be getting harder; there will be more suffering, and that isn’t necessary. Please know that your voice and your vote matter. If every person in Chicago who is struggling contacted a member of Congress three times a week – there would be CHANGE. And though change takes time, it can happen.

Senator Durbin, Senator Duckworth, Congressman Rush: these are our employees, our public servants. If they don’t know what’s needed nothing good will happen! Every day I call, asking that health care be preserved, that the Affordable Care Act be refined, not repealed – and that Medicaid NOT be destroyed.