August 27 Blog: Local Protests, Democratic Coalition & September Rallies

Dear Friends:

I hope that you are finding both this blog and my alerts helpful. There was a good turnout of people at the School Board meeting to show support for the School Board’s refusal to bend to the Regime’s bullying and continue to support diverse students as the law allows. Thanks to all who came on such short notice!

I think it is clear to all of us that we are in yet another new phase of the attempted destruction of our democracy. I’ve not been a particular fan of Gavin Newsom, but his trolling of Trump and MAGA has been a delight this past week. Our bridge team decided to join in the fun and as of this writing the picture of us has had about 370K views on Reddit.

Gradually, far too gradually, Democrats are realizing we are in an emergency. So far the visible anti-Trump leadership has been mostly coming from the grassroots. This call for action on TikTok, which calls for “Constitutional defense” is, in my opinion, just what needs to happen.

There is a lot happening that does not get much reported. Chris Armitage of the “Essential Republic” recently posted this ‘It’s Time for Americans to Start Talking About “Soft Secession:” Blue states are finally learning what red states have known all along; you don’t need federal permission to govern.’ Blue state governors and attorney generals have been organizing since December. “California doesn’t wait for Washington anymore. Neither does New York. Or Illinois. They’re building functioning governmental systems that operate independently of federal authority…

The infrastructure for this resistance already exists. Twenty-three Democratic attorneys general now gather on near-daily Zoom calls at 8 AM Pacific…They divide responsibilities and share templates for lawsuits they’ve been drafting since last spring.” Democratic governors are doing the same thing running different scenarios of “federal non-cooperation,” regarding Federal troops being deployed to their states, stock-piling pharmaceuticals and much more.

Governor JB Pritzker’s defiant speech Monday is another example of a governor resisting. If you’ve not heard his remarks, I highly recommend listening to this clip. Here is the full text and clip: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-speech-news-conference-full-text-trump/

Regarding the DC Military Takeover: Our friends at FreeDC.org suggest ways you can help and really appreciate signs of solidarity. I plan to take their on-line orientation so I can be on their regular communication list. While Congressman Beyer and our senators are on the right side, Free DC is asking them to hold a press conference with their Maryland counterparts to support HJ Resolution 115 to get troops out of DC. Our leaders need to pick up the pace. See Petition here: https://freedcproject.org/allies

Indivisible, Mobilize US, Action Network and others are starting a national effort to “Ground Avelo Air” somewhat like the successful Tesla Takedowns. Avelo Airlines has accepted a $150 million contract to operate deportation flights, aiding in the illegal removal of individuals without their right to a fair hearing or due process.

There will be many, many protests on Labor Day (September 1^st) and to welcome Congress members back on Tuesday, September 2^nd. The latter day will be a  call to reopen the investigation into the Epstein files.

On September 1st:

For more information on regional rallies regarding locations (including the Workers Unite! and #WorkersOverBillionaires), please see this website: https://www.mobilize.us/mayday/?q=September%202

• 11:30 – 1:00 pm: Alexandria will hold a rally: Immigrant Solidarity Rally #WorkersOverBillionaires. This rally is being organized in response to ICE’s abductions of workers in Chiralagua. Our goal is to bring Alexandrians together to stand in solidarity with immigrant community members.

  
  

• 12 noon to 2:00 pm: Arlington VA: 395 Overpass Banner Action - Workers Unite! As an off-shoot of the banner-wielding Rt 395 "Rush Hour Resistance" group, several progressive "comrades" will be flying Pro-Worker signs and banners over Rt 395 from on Labor Day.

  
  

• 5:00 – 6:00 pm: I hope my readers will consider joining us on the Fairlington bridge on Labor Day at our regular time.

On September 2^nd:

There will be many protests around DC to welcome Congress back, starting at Columbus Circle in front of Union Station and on to Capitol Hill.

• 7:30/10:00 am: “Remove the Regime” sponsored by myriad organizations will convene at Columbus Circle in front of Union Station. For more: https://substack.com/@shawnmichel/note/c-14717166

  
  

• 5:00 - 6:00 pm: Our regular Fairlington Bridge banner drop. We’ll be there with our Epstein banner.

Finally, Indivisible says that hyper-local groups of one to three thousand people are crucial to the communications structure we need to build up quickly to prevent a total loss of our democracy. I’ve set myself a goal of getting to 1,000 subscribers. I’m at a little over 800 at the moment. Could you ask just one friend or relative to subscribe? They do not have to live in Arlington. Although Arlington is often my local focus, I have readers around the country.

The point is that no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. And, as much as possible….make it fun. I’ll end with this good exhortation: “Whatever you do, keep your foot on the gas." 

Yours in peaceful, and persistent, protest, 

Libby