One of the great things about politics, is that it gives many young people the opportunity to make a difference. Morgan Jameson is doing just that as a new Vice Chair of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. One of the key counties for Democrats in Virginia, the FCDC serves to help promote the principles of the Democratic Party and elect Democratic Candidates to offices at the County, State and National level. Much of the work of FCDC is carried out through the Standing Committees and the Supervisor District Committees, which provide the volunteer organization and activities necessary to elect Democratic candidates.
Morgan W. Jameson was born in Morgantown West Virginia. He was raised by his parents, Carol and Paul Jameson in Fairfax County, Virginia where he currently resides. He has one sister, Nora who lives in Portland, Oregon. He attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia where he studied Education, served as a Senator for the Student Government Association, and was very involved with the Marshall Maniacs. He currently works for Delegate Marcus B. Simon who represents the 53rd house district of Virginia. We asked him a few questions:
1.) Tell us about what work you’ve done organizing the Democratic Party.
I am a Democrat who has been volunteering for nearly two decades. When I was eight years old, I knocked on my first door for Don Beyer (for Virginia Governor). I have grown up volunteering for, and now working for, many candidates and elected officials. I joined the Fairfax Young Democrats, and worked my way up first to Political Director and then to President. Now I am the Immediate Past President. With the Virginia Young Democrats, I have been the Treasurer, and I am now the National Committeeman. In Young Democrats of America, I was the national Finance Director, and I am currently the Deputy Treasurer.
2.) What first got you interested in public service?
My parents’ passion for community and development. My mother is a social worker who instilled in me the importance of community and helping others help themselves. My father took me to my first campaign function where I was exposed to the world of volunteering for candidates. From there I have continued to serve in ways that impact the greater community.
3.) How does your perspective as an Irish American influence your work as a party leader?
The Jamesons emigrated from Scotland to Ireland centuries ago, and my Jamesons emigrated to New Hampshire around 1735. They were constantly seeking a better life for their families. As Protestants in a majority Catholic country in Ireland, they had to assimilate. We can appreciate the issues that Catholic Irish had in America trying to assimilate and be treated equally, and they have successfully done so. Now there are other groups trying to do what the Irish did before, and the Democratic Party must be the Party that makes it possible for everyone to be treated equally regardless of their origin. I have always wanted to visit Ireland. I’m interested in learning more about my ancestors and to gain a better understanding of the struggles they went though. Especially, since 2016 is the 100 year Anniversary of the Easter Rising.
4.) What do you think the best issue facing our country is today?
The middle class is being hollowed out. Many in the middle class who have seen their standards of living decline have been led to blame immigrants, poor people, etc., for their problems. They became Trump followers. We need to put forth a positive vision that seeks to unite rather than divide the middle class, and advocate policies that will benefit the majority of Americans and oppose policies that merely seek to keep some groups down.
5.) What advice would you give to young people looking to get involved in the party?
People will say that you are the future of the party. That is wrong. You are the now of the party. Whenever you make the choice to get involved remember you are involved right there and then. Work within the systems that you wish to change.