Progressive Watertown: “Stewart Udall and the Politics of Beauty”

by Susan Falkoff, Progressive Watertown

Progressive Watertown was proud to sponsor a screening of the film “Stewart Udall and the Politics of Beauty” on October 10. This film tells the inspiring story of Stewart Udall (1920-2010), Interior Secretary under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and his legacy as an advocate of social and environmental justice.

Udall was a pioneer in environmentalism. The film reveals a time when big ideas could still capture bipartisan attention, and when America awakened to the unfolding destruction of paradise and determined to stop it. He was the first public official to speak out about global warming. In addition, he worked collaboratively with Native communities and fought to win compensation for Navajo Indians and “downwinders” who got cancer from their exposure to radiation during the Cold War without being warned of the dangers. His brother, Senator Mo Udall, was an early critic of the Vietnam War, and Stewart faced the agonizing choice of speaking out and losing his role in the Johnson administration or keeping quiet about the war and continuing his important work as Interior Secretary, an extreme of the kind of heartbreaking moral dilemma that is familiar to anyone who has served as a public official.

Thirty people attended the screening and participated in a lively discussion afterwards. Watertown Faces Climate Change and Race Reels, a local program that shows films related to diversity and social justice, cosponsored. It was a timely event, celebrating both Udall’s work with Indigenous people and why it matters to elect progressive politicians who will facilitate social justice and environmental protection. Those of us who lived through these turbulent years recalled our history of activism but know that striving for environmental justice is ongoing. We want to make the film available to younger audiences as well and will donate the DVD to Watertown High School for future showings.

This November, VOTE YES

After polling our members, we are proud to endorse a YES vote on all five questions. Each question received over 85% support from our members.

VOTE YES on Question 1 to clarify that the State Auditor has the authority to audit the Legislature. Such audits have occurred in the past, and efforts to increase transparency of the MA Legislature are critical as our state often ranks last in state rankings of open government (and, indeed, remains the only state where all three branches of government claim full exemption from public records law). 

VOTE YES on Question 2 to replace the use of the standardized MCAS test as a high school graduation requirement with a requirement based on successful mastery of coursework. Putting so much emphasis on a single test — as opposed to the regular, ongoing assessments teachers do in the classroom — forces teachers to teach test-taking skills instead of infusing critical thinking and individualized learning into classrooms. High-stakes standardized testing is notorious for biases against English Language Learners, students with special needs, and students of color, and all students suffer from the increased anxiety that high stakes impose. 

VOTE YES on Question 3 to give Uber and Lyft drivers the option to form a union to collectively bargain for better pay, working conditions, and job protections. Drivers have faced high costs, low take-home pay, and unexplained deactivations. Although the recent settlement between Uber and Lyft and the Attorney General secured wins for drivers, greater driver voice and workplace power is essential to protecting and building upon such wins. 

VOTE YES on Question 4 to enable therapeutic access to natural psychedelic medicines (such as psilocybin) that show promise in treating mental health conditions. It creates a regulatory framework to govern their use and decriminalizes limited personal use. Recent research has shown their value in helping individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, or alcohol/substance abuse, and states like Oregon and Colorado have taken the lead on establishing a regulated, therapeutic framework for their use.

VOTE YES on Question 5 to ensure that tipped workers receive the full minimum wage, with tips on top. Currently, the tipped wage in MA is $6.75 per hour, with an expectation that employers ensure that all workers get a full minimum wage after tips. However, wage theft in the restaurant industry is common, and the power imbalance of a heavy reliance on tipping leads to high rates of sexual harassment. In states that have moved toward a One Fair Wage model, workers end up with greater take-home pay, strong tipping rates continue, and the restaurant industry thrives.

Let us know how you want to get involved this fall!