Marco Dems Welcome David Silverberg

During the October meeting, the Democratic Women’s Club of Marco heard from David Silverberg, the founder of The Paradise Progressive Blog. The meeting was held at Mackle Park and had 35 members and guests. 

The Club also prepared mailings for the 196 new Democrats in Marco Island and East Naples to introduce them to the Club and provide them the Floridians Protecting Freedom petition to amend the Florida Constitution to protect the right to abortion.

David Silverberg described his 32-year career as a political, military, and security news reporter and editor. He started living full-time in Naples in 2013 and didn’t think that Southwest Florida politics were getting enough attention from the local media. He started The Paradise Progressive Blog to provide the political news that the local media wasn’t covering.

The Paradise Progressive focuses its coverage on regional governance, representation, and elections, as well as the role of the federal government in SWFL.

David’s most significant article to date on SWFL politics is “Bananas Republican, How Alfie Oaks made himself a MAGA Magnate.” The article was published in the July/Aug 2022 issue of Mother Jones. It was based on multiple in-person interviews with Mr. Oaks and covers his rise as a smart, successful businessman and retailer while also becoming an extremely, some might say excessively, influential Collier County Republican. 

In an October 2, 2023, article he wrote about Marco Island’s Representative to the U.S. House of Representatives, Byron Donalds. The Donalds Dossier: Cowardice and consequences” is David’s commentary on Mr. Donalds being one of only seven U.S. Representatives who did not vote on the September 30 Continuing Resolution to keep the federal government open. The other 426 U.S. Representatives all voted one way or the other.

David explained in his article that the Continuing Resolution included funding for the “National Disaster Relief Fund and [to] keep the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) functioning. FEMA is playing an outsized role in the region given the ravages of Hurricane Ian last year. FEMA funding is also essential to all of Florida in the wake of this year’s Hurricane Idalia.”

He notes that in the days following the vote, “Donalds has offered several explanations for his failure to vote.” It’s David’s position that “Donalds’ explanation simply does not hold water.” 

He also responded to questions and comments raised by an interested and engaged audience.

DWCMarco continues to be actively involved in the Marco Island community. This is our first in-person meeting since May and we are again collecting food for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry. The Pantry requested and our members donated dried pasta, canned tuna, and crackers.

DWCMarco also congratulated and thanked its First Vice President, Deb Henry, who was recently named one of Naples Daily News’ “Hurricane Ian Heroes” because of the incredible work and support to the community during and after Hurricane Ian.

DWC Marco’s monthly meetings are open to members and guests. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, November 14 at 5:00 PM at Mackle Park Community Center. Next month our speakers are Linda Cullen, Melodee Hardy, and Paul Koch. They will provide facts and information that can help Democrats have constructive conversations with family and friends about President Biden’s accomplishments and his age. 

For more information about meetings, membership, or supporting our charitable efforts, go to dwcmarco.org or contact us at info@dwcmarco.org.