GILPIN COUNTY — A little beer, a little banter, and a lot of politics were on tap at this month’s Liberal Drinking with the Dems, the Gilpin County Democrats' regular social gathering.
On the evening of Feb. 12, local Democrats met at the...
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Drinking liberally
Gilpin Democrats gathered at Very Nice Brewing Company on February 12 for great beer, good company, and lively discussion.
Gilpin Dems gather for drinks and discussion
Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth (left) chats with Linda Isenhart (in black), former Gilpin County commissioner, and Roxy Goss during the "Liberal Drinking with the Dems" event at Very Nice Brewery on February 12. Wes Isenhart waves to the camera while enjoying the evening.
Brews and banter
Liberal Drinking with the Dems brought together locals for an evening of casual conversation and cold pints at Very Nice Brewing Company. Whether debating policy or just catching up, the essence of the room was all about community and good times.
GILPIN COUNTY - A little beer, a little banter, and a lot of politics were on tap at this month’s Liberal Drinking with the Dems, the Gilpin County Democrats' regular social gathering.
On the evening of February 12, local Democrats met at the Very Nice Brewery in Gilpin to share appetizers, conversation, and libations.
County Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth shared the group’s inclusive motto: "Everyone is welcome.”
When asked about recent activities in the federal government, specifically the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, participants had plenty to say.
The president has floated a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, and has already imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods--a move that Eric Douglas called “counterproductive” to lowering consumer prices.
“Tariffs will cause inflation and alienate our allies,” Douglas said.
Hollingsworth pointed out that the 25% tariff on aluminum could have ripple effects on industries that rely on the material, mentioning, appropriately, those microbreweries that depend on aluminum cans for distribution.
She is also concerned that funding has been cut for fire mitigation on BLM land, some of which lies in Gilpin County.
Newly elected Democratic Central Committee Chair Phillip Gibbs, who holds a degree in economics, weighed in on the broader financial impact of tariffs.
“Though tariffs can be a useful form of coercion, they are not a favorable way to tax your own public,” Gibbs said. “I haven’t heard Trump claim lately that foreign governments will ‘pay’ for them. In reality, tariffs just take away from corporate income.”
Meanwhile, the local economy is already feeling the pinch from federal funding freezes. The Gilpin County Commissioners recently opted for a scaled-back plan to repair South Beaver Creek Road, as securing federal assistance remains uncertain.
For those interested in joining the conversation, the next Gilpin County Democrats' meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on February 27 at the Gilpin County Public Library. As Hollingsworth put it: everyone is welcome.
