September 9 Blog: Government Shut Down and No Kings II

Dear Friends: 

Despite road closures for a Bike DC ride, there was a good turnout on Saturday, the 6^th in support of Free DC. Thank you to those who were there! AP reported that: “Thousands of protesters marched across Washington, D.C., on Saturday in one of the largest demonstrations against President Donald Trump's federal takeover of policing in the nation’s capital… The “We Are All D.C.” protest — put together by local advocates of Home Rule and the American Civil Liberties Union — was perhaps the most organized demonstration yet against Trump's federal intervention in Washington…

Also on Saturday, Trump repeated threats to add Chicago to the list of other Democratic-led cities he wants to target for expanded federal enforcement.

We are entering an even more turbulent phase of the authoritarian takeover attempt on our democracy.

I highly recommend this piece by Ezra Klein: “If Democrats Have a Better Plan, I’d Like to Hear It.” He starts his podcast with: “In a few weeks the government’s funding will run out. If Democrats vote for a new spending bill, they will be funding Trump’s autocratic takeover. How can they?” Klein calls on the Democratic leadership in Congress to refuse to cooperate with Republicans without getting some constraints on Trump’s authoritarian takeover of our government. There are a number of specific demands Ezra suggests. After some conversations with people working with the Congress, I am hopeful that, this time, Democratic leadership in the Senate will stand up to the Regime. Likely they will stand up to protect Medicaid and the ACA first, but I’m hopeful if they get leverage they will then insist on legal restrictions on ICE behavior.

This is a basic demand to follow our Constitution. I believe Democrats quickly need to settle on clear demands. Then they must follow up and not fold. They cannot just take “assurances” from Republicans or the Regime. 

This is a good time for my readers to let their Senators and Congressional representatives know what you want them to do. Given the low fundraising numbers for the Democratic Party, I’m definitely not the only one who has stopped sending money to the Party. I give to individual Democratic candidates, but I’m not giving to the Party until it shows itself worthy of contributions. Do let me know if you don’t agree; I am interested in your thoughts.

I also recommend this podcast by Andrea Pitzer which is a spot-on indictment of the mainstream press: “See no evil: When journalists and public intellectuals ignore reality.” The more we understand what is happening to gaslight and mislead us, the better. The mainstream press is not serving us well, but, luckily, there are now many alternatives like these two podcasts I’m recommending today.

And, I would be remiss if I did not remind my readers of Heather Cox Richardson’s regular posts. All of these analysts recognize the crucial work done by regular citizens such as the Tesla and Avelo Airline takedown movements, the banner drops and small demonstrations around the country (which no one covers well because there is so much happening everywhere….which is good!), the No Kings Day protests, and more.

Speaking of which, mark your calendars for October 18, which will be the next nationwide “No Kings Day.” I’m sure there will be large demonstrations around the country, but we need to push this hard so we exceed – hopefully by a lot – the first No Kings Day (which was 5 - 6 million people). The October non-violent demonstration organizers say they will focus on the president’s ongoing threats to deploy National Guard troops to cities and his I.C.E. continued mass deportation agenda.

Spread the word about the 18th to friends and family around the country. If you are forming your own protest, here is where you register it so people can find you: https://www.nokings.org/ If you cannot make it to one of the large demonstrations (still being organized), we’ll be on our Fairlington bridge with flags, banners and music.

Finally, please share this blog and the link to my webpage (https://www.libbyslocallist.com/) with anyone you think might find it useful or interesting. As we enter this next phase, it’s important that there are as many networks of good information as possible. Townley, Austin and I are trying to do our small part to help with this blog.

Yours in peaceful, and persistent, protest,

Libby