March Newsletter
- LWV SouthCoast
- 6 minutes ago
- 14 min read
Dear Members & Friends,
Congratulations! We experienced one of the most memorable storms in history when the powerful February 2026 Blizzard buried the region under an astonishing thirty-six inches of snow. Communities across the South Coast and nearby towns were transformed overnight into landscapes of towering snowbanks, silent streets, and frozen harbors. For many residents, the storm was both a challenge and a reminder of the resilience that defines life in New England.
The blizzard arrived with fierce winds, heavy snowfall, and near-total whiteout conditions. Snow fell relentlessly for two days, piling up on rooftops, cars, and roads faster than plows could clear them. Coastal towns in southeastern Massachusetts, such as Acushnet, Fairhaven, Fall River, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, Westport, and Wareham, saw streets disappear beneath drifts that sometimes reached several feet high. Travel became impossible, and state officials ordered residents to stay off the roads. Schools across the region closed for the week, and numerous businesses suspended their operations. The vibrant pulse of daily life came to a striking halt, enveloping the area in an unusual stillness.
Despite the disruption, we quickly adapted. Neighbors helped neighbors dig out cars and clear driveways, often working together for hours in the cold.
Snowblowers hummed throughout the neighborhoods while shovels scraped against packed snow. In many areas, we checked on elderly neighbors to ensure they had heat, food, and safe walkways. Community spirit was evident as families shared supplies and offered warm drinks to those braving the storm outside.
Children, of course, saw opportunity where adults saw work. Once the snowfall eased, they rushed outside to build snow forts, sled down hills, and carve tunnels through the towering drifts. Local parks and backyards became winter playgrounds, bringing laughter and energy to otherwise quiet neighborhoods.
The aftermath required patience. Clearing roads and parking lots took days, and residents had to watch for hazards such as roof collapses and icy sidewalks. Still, the storm left behind a striking beauty: sunlight glistening on pristine snowfields and tree branches coated in white.
In the end, the blizzard tested southeastern Massachusetts but also highlighted the strength of its communities. Through cooperation, preparedness, and a bit of winter humor, we managed not only to endure the storm but to find moments of connection and joy within it.
Eileen J. Marum
Chair, League of Women Voters SouthCoast
Letter to the House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security from Eileen Marum
Chair Daniel Cahill
House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Attn: Schuyler Hogan
24 Beacon St, Room 527A
Boston, MA 02133
House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Dear Chair Daniel Cahill and Members of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security,
My name is Eileen J. Marum, and I am writing to express my strong support for The Protect Act (HD.5608), “An Act to Protect the Civil Rights and Safety of All Massachusetts Residents.” This legislation, sponsored by Andres X. Vargas and Judith A. Garcia, has been referred to your Committee for consideration.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has both a moral and legal obligation to safeguard its residents from federal overreach and enforcement practices that undermine civil rights, erode community trust, and jeopardize public safety. The Protect Act represents a thoughtful and necessary step toward fulfilling that obligation by establishing clearer limits on federal immigration enforcement activity within the Commonwealth.
A compelling example of the real-world impact of unchecked immigration enforcement occurred in New Bedford in April 2025. Federal immigration agents encountered a local family during a routine trip to a dental appointment and, without presenting a judicial warrant, smashed the vehicle window with a tool to detain a Massachusetts resident who had no criminal history and was actively pursuing an asylum adjustment. The video captured by the man’s wife quickly drew significant attention, highlighting the deeply troubling effects that such enforcement actions can have on families, children, and the overall trust that communities have in public institutions. This episode underscores why clear statutory guardrails are necessary to protect civil liberties and maintain public safety.
By limiting civil ICE enforcement in state facilities, restricting participation in 287(g) agreements, and clarifying statutory prohibitions on collaboration between state and local entities and federal immigration enforcement, The Protect Act would establish meaningful safeguards that ensure state and local resources are used in a manner that promotes, rather than undermines, public safety.
In addition to enhancing public safety and civil rights, there is evidence that policies limiting local engagement with federal immigration enforcement are associated with positive economic outcomes. A systematic analysis comparing counties that adopt sanctuary-type policies with those that do not found that jurisdictions with such policies tend to have:
Higher median household incomes: On average, more than $4,300 higher annually compared to comparable counties without sanctuary policies. (Center for American Progress)
Lower poverty rates: Approximately 2.3 percentage points lower than in non-sanctuary counties. (Center for American Progress)
Lower unemployment rates: An average decrease of about 1.1 percentage points. (Center for American Progress)
Higher labor force participation and employment-to-population ratios indicate stronger local labor markets and greater economic engagement among residents. (Center for American Progress)
These findings suggest that when all residents, including immigrants, feel safe participating in economic and community life without fear of enforcement actions, the broader local economy benefits. Fear of deportation and entanglement with federal enforcement has been shown to reduce economic participation and human capital utilization, whereas inclusive and protective policies help individuals contribute more fully to the local economy. (appliedecon.oregonstate.edu)
Massachusetts has an opportunity to build on this evidence and reinforce its commitment to public safety, civil rights, and economic vitality. By adopting The Protect Act, this Committee can help ensure that our policies reflect the Commonwealth’s values and protect all residents from the unintended consequences of federal immigration enforcement practices.
I respectfully request that you support HD.5608 and help advance this important legislation.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Respectfully,
Eileen J. Marum
Hearing Scheduled for H.5158 on March 18
The hearing of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security will occur on March 18, at 9 AM, in room A-2.
Online Testimony will be accepted until Friday, March 13 at 5:00 PM.
To submit testimony online you need to first create an account for MyLegislature and follow these instructions. If you already have an account click here.
Online sign up to Testify Orally will be available until Friday, March 13 at 5:00 PM.
To sign up to testify you need to first create an account for MyLegislature and follow these instructions. To sign up to give testimony and you already have an account, click here .
protection, preparation, and presence
Given the current situation in the U.S., one wonders what would help the League of Women Voters feel more equipped for the November 2026 and 2028 elections:
For the League to feel equipped for 2026 and 2028, we should focus on three areas: protection, preparation, and presence.
Protection: Train members on election law, voter intimidation response, and poll observer best practices. Coordinate with local officials and resources from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to ensure accurate guidance.
Preparation: Invest in digital literacy and disinformation response training. Develop rapid-response teams to counter false narratives and clarify voting procedures in real time.
Presence: Strengthen community partnerships by engaging with schools, faith organizations, and libraries. Focus on boosting voter education and registration efforts, and organize candidate forums that highlight civil discourse and clear, transparent guidelines.
Additionally, scenario-plan for legal challenges, ballot access issues, and turnout fluctuations. A clear communications plan, strong volunteer pipeline, and visible nonpartisan leadership will strengthen confidence and resilience heading into both election cycles.
More about the Current Political Situation
The current landscape is marked by aggressive executive action and a focus on domestic realignment:
Unified Governance: Republicans currently control the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives. This has opened the door for important legislation like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which emphasizes tax reform and deregulation that primarily benefits the ultra-wealthy.
Executive Dominance: The President has utilized executive orders at a record pace, nearly 200 since the start of his term, to implement policies on immigration, trade, and federal reform.
Institutional Tension: Major conflicts have emerged between the executive branch and other institutions. The Department of Homeland Security recently faced a partial government shutdown, and the Federal Reserve is under significant pressure from the White House to cut interest rates.
Policy Priorities:
Immigration: Intense enforcement and deportation efforts are underway, with some cities implementing “sand in the gears” tactics to resist federal agents.
Health (MAHA): The “Make America Healthy Again” initiative is a central pillar, focusing on chronic disease prevention and removing synthetic dyes from the food supply.
Energy: A pivot back toward fossil fuels and nuclear power is being prioritized as a matter of “energy dominance.”
Where the U.S. is Headed
The future trajectory of the U.S. in 2026 and beyond will be shaped by several key events:
2026 Midterm Elections: Analysts predict a potential split in power, with Democrats well-positioned to flip the House while Republicans are favored to retain the Senate.
Judicial Battles: The Supreme Court is expected to deliver landmark rulings on the legality of emergency-based tariffs and the president’s authority to remove federal employees.
Economic Outlook: The Congressional Budget Office projects a federal deficit of $1.9 trillion for fiscal year 2026. While the stock market remains a point of public optimism, most Americans expect a challenging year ahead regarding inflation and unemployment.
Foreign Policy Realignment: The U.S. is intensifying its “America First” stance, renegotiating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by July 2026 and increasing trade pressure on China through new export controls and tariffs.
Upcoming Advocacy Days
Mass Freedom to Read Day, Tuesday, March 10
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, educators, librarians, authors, students, publishers, booksellers, and civil rights advocates from across Massachusetts will gather at the State House in Boston and online for the Mass Freedom to Read Advocacy Day.
1️⃣ MA residents: Your state legislators must hear from you about your support for H. 3594 and students’ right to read in Massachusetts. Click here to send a message to your legislators today and help pass this vital bill.
2️⃣ On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 12:30 pm, go to @nosycrowus to watch MFTR's press briefing on Instagram Live from the State House! Nosy Crow is an award-winning children's publisher based in Massachusetts and is a member of the Mass Freedom to Read Coalition. Thanks to Nosy Crow for hosting our Instagram Live!
3️⃣ Follow along on Mass Freedom to Read's Instagram page all day and share their posts with your community and representatives!
Join us for the 30th annual Immigrants at the State House on Wednesday, March 18, at 9:30 AM, sponsored by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). Register HERE. Together, we will help shape policies that reflect the needs, dignity, and humanity of our immigrant communities.
Legislators need to hear from their own constituents and advocates—now more than ever—about the issues that matter most and the bills required to address them.
No Kings 3: March for the People
Distress Signals: Are We Headed Toward a Socio-Political Crisis?
Over recent years, the United States has exhibited a cluster of distress signals suggesting a mounting risk of a socio-political crisis. These signals are not isolated events but mutually reinforcing trends spanning political institutions, social cohesion, economic security, and the information environment. Together, they point toward a system under strain, struggling to reconcile democratic ideals with rapidly changing realities.
One of the most visible warning signs is deep political polarization. Ideological divisions have hardened into identity-based camps, where partisan affiliation increasingly shapes trust, social relationships, and perceptions of reality.
Compromise, once a core democratic practice, is often framed as betrayal. This erosion of cross-partisan legitimacy weakens Congress, paralyzes governance, and fuels public cynicism toward democratic institutions. When large segments of the population view elections, courts, or agencies as illegitimate, the social contract itself begins to fray.
A second signal is declining trust in institutions more broadly. Confidence in government, media, science, and even education has dropped significantly, leaving a vacuum often filled by conspiracy theories and misinformation. The fragmented media ecosystem amplifies outrage and rewards sensationalism, accelerating the spread of false narratives. In such an environment, shared facts, essential for democratic deliberation, become scarce.
Economic insecurity further compounds these pressures. While aggregate economic indicators may appear stable, many Americans experience stagnant wages, rising housing and healthcare costs, and precarious employment. These stresses are unevenly distributed, intensifying perceptions of injustice and abandonment. Economic anxiety can be readily politicized, especially when cultural or racial grievances are offered as explanations for structural problems.
Social fragmentation is another red flag. Declining participation in civic organizations, weakening community ties, and increased social isolation reduce society’s capacity to manage conflict peacefully. At the same time, episodic political violence and the normalization of extreme rhetoric signal a growing willingness among some groups to challenge outcomes through force rather than law.
If these trends converge into a full socio-political crisis, it may not resemble a single dramatic rupture but rather a series of cascading failures. Governance could become increasingly dysfunctional, with frequent standoffs, contested elections, and state–federal conflicts. Protests and counter-protests may grow more volatile, and political violence could become more common at the margins.
Most dangerously, a persistent loss of faith in democratic processes could lead citizens to disengage or seek authoritarian solutions promising order and certainty.
In sum, the distress signals suggest not an inevitable collapse, but a narrowing window for reform. The future trajectory of the United States, whether toward renewal or crisis, will largely depend on its capacity to rebuild trust, mitigate inequality, and restore the foundational norms necessary for the effective functioning of a pluralistic democracy.
Is the United States on its way to becoming a failed state?
Concerns about whether the United States is on a trajectory toward becoming a “failed state” reflect deep anxieties about polarization, institutional distrust, and social fragmentation. However, while social trust has eroded in recent decades, the evidence does not strongly support the conclusion that the country is nearing state failure.
A “failed state” is typically defined by the inability of a government to maintain a monopoly on the legitimate use of force, provide basic public services, enforce the rule of law, or conduct regular political transitions. Countries often cited in this category, such as Somalia or Haiti, experience chronic governmental collapse, widespread political violence, and severe institutional breakdown. By contrast, despite intense political polarization and episodes of unrest, the United States continues to hold regular elections, maintain functioning courts, field a professional military under civilian control, and sustain a vast administrative state that delivers services across a continental territory.
That said, declining social trust is a serious concern. Surveys over the past half-century show a steady drop in Americans’ trust in government, media, and even one another. Political polarization has deepened, with partisans increasingly viewing opponents not merely as rivals but as threats. Economic inequality, regional disparities, and the disruptive effects of digital media ecosystems have intensified social fragmentation. Events such as the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol underscored vulnerabilities in democratic norms and highlighted the fragility of shared civic commitments.
Yet erosion is not the same as collapse. The American constitutional system was designed to withstand conflict, and it has endured civil war, economic depression, world wars, and social upheaval. Institutional resilience, a diversified economy, strong civil society organizations, and federalism all provide stabilizing buffers. Moreover, public debate about democratic decline, however heated, :can itself be a sign of civic engagement rather than disintegration.
In sum, while the United States faces genuine risks associated with declining social trust and political polarization, labeling it a “failed state in the making” overstates the evidence. The trajectory is not predetermined. The country’s future will depend less on structural inevitability and more on collective political choices, institutional reform, and the renewal of shared democratic norms.
Concern about social trust is not misplaced. To understand whether decline is reversible, it helps to look at three angles: historical comparisons, predictors of state failure, and pathways to rebuilding trust.
Historical Comparisons
The United States has experienced profound internal crises before. The most obvious is the American Civil War, when the country literally fractured, and over 600,000 people died. Later periods—such as the Great Depression and the unrest surrounding the Civil Rights Movement—also featured intense polarization, distrust of institutions, and social upheaval. In each case, democratic institutions were severely strained but ultimately adapted. These episodes suggest that severe internal conflict does not automatically lead to state failure; institutional reform and economic renewal can restore stability.
What Actually Predicts State Failure
Political science research identifies several recurring predictors of state collapse. These include: (1) loss of monopoly over violence, (2) inability to collect revenue or provide basic services, (3) severe economic contraction without safety nets, (4) widespread corruption undermining legitimacy, and (5) factionalized elites who refuse peaceful transfers of power. World organizations such as the Fund for Peace track such indicators globally. Countries often cited as fragile, like Somalia, exhibit multiple structural breakdowns simultaneously. By contrast, while the United States shows elevated polarization and declining trust, it retains strong fiscal capacity, functioning courts, regular elections, and extensive public administration. Warning signs exist, but the structural pillars of statehood remain intact.
Practical Ways Social Trust Can Be Rebuilt
Research suggests that social trust grows when institutions are perceived as fair, transparent, and effective. Three practical pathways stand out:
Institutional Reform and Accountability: Clear enforcement of ethics laws and transparent governance rebuilds legitimacy.
Cross-Partisan Civic Engagement: Programs that foster deliberation across ideological lines reduce affective polarization.
Economic Inclusion: Broad-based growth and reduced inequality strengthen shared stakes in the system.
Local Community Investment: Trust often begins locally—schools, religious groups, volunteer organizations, and local governments remain comparatively trusted.
Social trust rarely rebounds overnight; it rebuilds through repeated experiences of fairness, competence, and shared purpose. Decline is real, but so is resilience. History suggests that while erosion can be dangerous, it does not make failure inevitable—especially in a country with deep institutional roots and civic capacity.
Whether the United States is truly at risk of becoming a failed state is a question that sparks strong opinions. History shows that nations go through periods of strain, division, and renewal. What matters most is how institutions, leaders, and citizens respond to those pressures. Staying informed and engaged is one small way each of us participates in that story. Thanks for reading.
Eileen J. Marum
Chair, LWVSC
March Meeting
Please join us for our regularly scheduled monthly meeting on March 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Millicent Library in Fairhaven.
LWV SouthCoast Wants to Know
Where do you get your news?
Newspaper
Television
Social Media
Streaming Service
You can vote for more than one answer.
Membership
Thank you to all of our members: new & sustaining. Our Chapter has grown to 54 members!
Did you know that there are tools available to you through the LWV membership portal? There, you can check your membership status, update your profile, access vote411.org, and track your involvement with the league and other organizations you volunteer for. You can even gift a membership or invite someone to join!
From The State League
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Monday, March 9 through Friday, March 13
In-person and Virtual; view the schedule HERE
Please join the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition (MCLC) in celebrating Massachusetts Civic Learning Week next week, March 9th through 13th.
Massachusetts Civic Learning Week offers sessions of interest to students and adults alike. View and register for sessions HERE. Of special note, please see our LWVMA session on March 10th at 10:30AM on Zoom, offered by LWVMA Legislative Action Committee Chair,Jennifer Muroff entitled "Learn the Skills of Advocacy: Understanding and Influencing Your Government."
Vote Yes For A Safe Massachusetts
Defend the 2024 Gun Safety Law, Thursday, March 12 at 7 PM
Join us on Thursday, March 12, at 7:00 PM via Zoom for Yes on 3 for a Safe Massachusetts: Defend the 2024 Gun Safety Law. LWVMA Gun Safety Legislative Specialist Caroline Ellis will brief us on the repeal referendum and how you can get involved. Register HERE.
LWVMA is participating in the Vote Yes for a Safe Massachusetts campaign to defeat the Massachusetts Firearm Regulations Referendum. This is a veto referendum to repeal An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws. LWVMA supported the passage of this law during the previous legislative session. A YES vote upholds the law as is. A NO vote repeals the law. Learn more and take action via the Yes campaign website.
The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office maintains an Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) with ICE to jail ICE detainees–the only one in the Commonwealth. Massachusetts should not participate in federal mass deportations. We can’t stop ICE, but we can shine a spotlight on the Plymouth County Sheriff’s office imprisonment of our neighbors, who are not criminals, and their complicity in federal removal operations.
The Massachusetts Constitution guarantees equal protection under all laws to all people, regardless of nationality, citizenship, or immigration status.When due process is denied to any group, it weakens the rule of law for all of us. The League of Women Voters supports due process for all persons, including the right to a fair hearing, the right to counsel, the right of appeal, and the right to humane treatment, and that no person or group should suffer legal discrimination.
Safety Note:
This is a heavy traffic intersection. We will follow safety protocols to avoid blocking street traffic. Review LWV peaceful protest guidance HERE. We will only be gathering along the sidewalk and grassy areas near the main intersection.
Logistics:
We will have due process rights signs available. You are welcome to bring your own signs focusing on policies and not people.
Due to our nonpartisan policy and to ensure a coordinated effort, we ask that all signs focus on issues related to supporting or advocating for immigrant communities and focus on due process or immigration policies.
Parking is available at the Home Depot parking lot or the shopping plazas off of Long Pond Road in Plymouth. Please do not park at the Sheriff’s office or police station. Amenities are available at the Shell Gas Station and Alltown Fresh Gas Station, both on Long Pond Road. Questions? Contact lwvma@lwvma.org.
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