Being Recognized by The Arc Mid-South for My Work with the Disabled
Dear Friend,
Last Saturday night, I was recognized by The Arc Mid-South with its Distinguished Public Service Award for my lifetime of advocacy for the intellectually and developmentally disabled. This week, I talked with former Russian world chess champion Garry Kasparov, a leading opponent of President Vladimir Putin, about the genocide being perpetrated in Ukraine, recognized the third anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel, received an “A” on the Defend the Vote Action Fund scorecard, invited students to apply for the Congressional App Challenge, and offered a mental health tip, a Friday Flashback and a Bill Day cartoon. I also watched as Donald Trump continued to defy norms and embrace corruption and bizarre priorities as he travelled the country. Keep reading and follow me on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens.
Being Recognized by The Arc Mid-South for My Work with the Disabled
Discussing Putin’s Genocide in Ukraine with Russian Chess Grand Master Garry Kasparov
Commemorating the Third Anniversary of the Hamas Attack on Israel
Receiving an “A” from Defend the Vote Action Fund
Being Recognized by The Arc Mid-South for My Work with the Disabled
Credit: Leland Burress with Suite 901 Marketing
Last Saturday evening, I was recognized by the Arc Mid-South at its 31st annual benefit gala with its Distinguished Public Service Award for my work advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout my career in public life, I have been a staunch supporter of programs to advance the civil rights of the disabled. In recent years I have been the principal sponsor of the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act, legislation assuring that the Supreme Court’s Olmstead ruling, giving the disabled the qualified right to receive the services they need in a setting of their choice, is honored. Latonya Reeves had to leave Memphis to escape life in a nursing home. No one should have to choose between being institutionalized or moving thousands of miles away to have access to the services and supports they need to lead independent lives in their own homes. I appreciate The Arc’s recognition of my efforts. This was the second time this month I have gotten recognized for my life’s work after the Black Chamber of Memphis honored me last Friday.
Discussing Putin’s Genocide in Ukraine with Russian Chess Grand Master Garry Kasparov
On Thursday, I participated in a members-only virtual discussion with Russian chess grand master Garry Kasparov, the leader of a coalition opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kasparov, now a Croatian citizen, was recently warned that his life has been threatened but continues to speak out against the genocidal war Russia is waging against Ukraine. He is an inspiration.
Commemorating the Third Anniversary of the Hamas Attack on Israel
As Special Representative on Political Prisoners for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, I released a statement this week in advance of the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks and hostage taking:
“The horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, resulted in unspeakable murder and mayhem but also in extended hostage taking under absolutely inhumane conditions. I was particularly moved by the case of 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, wounded while being abducted from the Nova Music Festival and held for 11 months in underground Gaza caves until he was killed by Hamas thugs. I met several times with his parents and felt he was family. I will continue to work for the release of political prisoners and make their cases widely known because, as those who are released tell me, the worst thing that can happen is to be forgotten.”
Receiving an “A” from Defend the Vote Action Fund
On Thursday, I announced that Defend the Vote Action Fund has given me an “A,” the top score possible, on its legislative scorecard for my support for bills that will crack down on corruption and protect the voice and vote of Tennesseans and all Americans. See my release on the recognition here.
Inviting Students to Register for the Congressional App Challenge
Registration for the prestigious Congressional App Challenge is now under way with a Monday, October 26, at 11 a.m. Central Time, deadline. The computer science coding competition for middle and high school students has grown exponentially since its inception in 2013. Students living in or going to school in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District are eligible and can use any platform or programming language. Winners will be invited to the U.S. Capitol to demonstrate their projects in Spring 2027. See details and register here.
Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day. Taking care of your mental health should never be something to hide or be ashamed of. On World Mental Health Day, and every day, let’s continue building communities where asking for help is met with compassion and support, not judgment.
This is me with Jackson Browne and Ted Donaldson at the Orpheum on March 28, 2019
“The logic of profit at all costs and the manipulation of information risk exerting undue pressure on people to conform to a lifestyle centered on the consumption of material goods, but our hearts are made to look upwards” -- Pope Leo on Wednesday at his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square.
“Take it easy, take it easy
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don’t even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand and take it easy” – “Take It Easy” by Jackson Browne, born on this day in 1948
“You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one” – “Imagine” by John Lennon (1940- 1980), born on this day
As always, I remain
Sincerely,
 |
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress