Charlotte Food Not Bombs (FNB), an organization we have collaborated and share cross membership with, recently released a statement platforming allegations of sexual violence. These allegations regard an individual involved in several activist spaces in our city.

Charlotte Metro DSA stands in solidarity with FNB in their pursuit of restorative justice for the survivor(s) as they come forth. Our organization has zero tolerance for sexual assault and harassment and will refuse to work with anyone credibly accused of such—or the organizations which uncritically harbor them. We recommend that everyone check out @clt_food_not_bombs on Instagram for details on the developing situation and how to support the survivor(s).

As a reminder, per DSA's Resolution 33, we have a grievance policy in place to seek justice for survivors and hold perpetrators accountable in our organization. If you would like to file a grievance or learn more about our process, please check out https://charlottedsa.org/grievance-policy.

As socialists, we recognize sexual violence as an outgrowth of patriarchy, itself one of the principal ways our capitalist society divides the working class and furthers our collective exploitation. The fight for socialism is inseparable from the fight for women's liberation. We have to look out for our comrades and allies by fostering welcoming and inclusive organizing spaces. This will require us to seriously reflect on how we can set an example of feminist community and organization as we fight for the overthrow of class society and its systemic perpetration of patriarchy.

In solidarity,

Charlotte Metro DSA Steering Committee

Thorn West: Issue No. 222

City Politics

• LAist talks with incoming (DSA-LA-endorsed councilmember Ysabel Jurado about her vision for CD 14. Conversely, Streetsblog LA covers the last day of outgoing CD14 councilmember Kevin de León. 

• The office of City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has elected to press charges against several dozen activists who were arrested while blocking traffic on the 110 Freeway, to demand an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

• A report from the CAO updates the city’s worsening budget problem.

Health Care

• The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health launched the Medical Debt Relief Program. The program enables the county to purchase $500 million of qualifying county residents’ medical debt, at a fraction of its cost. The debt is then automatically forgiven.
• Governor Newsom has declared a state of emergency to combat the spread of bird flu, following several confirmed cases across the state.

Labor

• LAUSD school principals have voted to join the Teamsters union. The result of the election is seen as a rebuke of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho who has pushed to cut administrative jobs and increase principal workloads.

Housing Rights

• LA Public Press projects the various ways that an incoming Trump administration could disrupt housing and homelessness policy in Los Angeles.

• The city’s Board of Transportation Commissioners has voted not to transfer a city parking lot in Venice, which is planned for use by a low income housing project. City Council can vote to override the decision. A lawsuit against the city alleges that officials, including City Attorney Feldstein Soto and Councilmember Traci Park, have colluded to sabotage the project.

Transportation

• The incoming Trump administration has threatened to cut federal funding to the long-planned high speed rail project connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Incarceration

• CalMatters places Proposition 36, which will result in more people being incarcerated in the California prison system, in the context of the state’s obscenely high number of inmate deaths.

• Last week, the LA County Probation Department announced that it will not comply with a state order to close the understaffed and unsafe Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. This week the Board of Supervisors later voted 4–1 to declare a state of emergency in a last-ditch effort to keep the dysfunctional facility open.

Environmental Justice

• The Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge to California’s vehicle emission standards – which are more strict than the federal standard – leaving them in place for now.

• Demands to close the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility have thundered since it was the site of the largest methane leak in U.S. history, nine years ago. Despite public outrage, today the California Public Utilities Commission voted to delay the closure indefinitely, until such time as the demand for natural gas has dropped.

The post LA County Pilots Medical Debt Relief Program + New Councilmembers Seated appeared first on The Thorn West.

Here’s your December NPC Newsletter! This month, join DSA electeds on Twitch, join the fight for Trans Rights and Bodily Autonomy, run for leadership in DSA’s Housing Justice Commission and more. Read on to get involved. 

And to make sure you get our newsletters in your inbox, sign up here! Each one features action alerts, upcoming events, political education, and more.

• Give Solidarity, Donate to DSA!
• Inauguration Day 
• Holiday Twitch Stream Guest Lineup Announcement!
• Attend the next Trans Rights Bodily Autonomy meeting on 1/7 at 8 PM EST/5 PM PT! 
• Run for Leadership in DSA’s Housing Justice Commission!
• Attend upcoming Growth and Development Committee Trainings
• Join us for NPEC’s first National Political Educators Conference of 2025!
• DSA is Hiring! Application Deadlines in January

As we come to the end of a very long, very difficult year, we want to share our deepest appreciation for you and all of our comrades for all the work you’ve done, the resources you’ve given, and the comradely goodwill you’ve shown. This is not an easy time to be a socialist, but with global fascism on a rapid and terrifying upward trajectory, it’s a moment in which a powerful socialist movement is critical. We are so proud to be building it with you and with all our comrades around the world.

Whether or not this season is one of celebration for you, we encourage you to join your National Political Committee in taking a good, long, rejuvenating break during these long nights. Our task is a world-historic one and one that we cannot take on without respecting our own need for rest, comfort, and joy. Please take this time to connect with family or loved ones, with comrades, with those in your community who have no others to connect with, or all of the above. Light some candles, break some bread, tell lots of jokes, and remember the better world we’re fighting for together.

We also encourage you to join us on December 22nd for our first-ever DSA Holiday Twitch Stream alongside a whole slew of DSA elected officials from across the country, as well as some comedians and pro-level streamers who’ll help us keep things hilarious. We’ll be playing games, shooting the breeze, and talking about DSA’s many incredible successes over the past year. We hope you’ll log on and join in the fun.

Please also have a look below at upcoming opportunities from across DSA. Even in the season of long nights, there is lots of exciting work happening! Check out our DSA organizing calls over the past year for a taste of what’s to come in the months ahead. We’ll be ramping up our efforts across DSA to show how Workers Deserve More — to defend migrant rights and trans rights, stop fueling genocide in Palestine, break the blockade against Cuba, organize fighting labor unions in the South and all over the US, build toward an ecosocialist Green New Deal, strengthen student movements across campuses, and much more! 

And, as always, check in with your chapter and get involved in our work! We have encouraged DSA chapters across the country to join us in hosting or joining Inauguration Day events to protest Trump Round 2 and to organize to fight for socialism everywhere. We’ll be back in the new year with more details and information on that and much more.

Until then, we wish you peace, joy, love, light, and solidarity forever!

Ashik Siddique and Megan Romer
DSA National Co-Chairs

Give Solidarity, Donate to DSA!

Donate to DSA before January 1st and you’ll receive one of our end of year gifts! For $25+ you’ll get a DSA sticker pack, $50+ a coffee mug designed by Paul Zappia featuring our mascot Bud drinking coffee, $100+ a limited edition DSA tee designed by Sammy Binkow, and $200+ a Coffee Mug AND a Tee! Pitch in with a year-end gift today!

Inauguration Day

DSA is gearing up to organize against the incoming Trump administration’s extreme right, billionaire agenda! We’re organizing a weekend of action in the run-up to Inauguration Day from January 18th-20th to show how workers deserve more. DSA will be there in the months and years ahead to say NO to genocide, deportations, union-busting, abortion bans, trans bans, evictions & all the cruelties that may ramp up under Trump — we will fight for our rights, fight fascism, and build socialism!

DSA has nationally endorsed the People’s March on Saturday, January 18th, and the We Fight Back day of action on Monday, January 20th, both in Washington, DC, with distributed actions all over the country. We’re encouraging all chapters to take action! Whether you plan or join a rally, do a banner drop, table at a farmer’s market, host a park canvass, or hop on a bus to Washington, DC, anything that puts you and other DSA members into motion is a win. 

If you are planning a local event or a DSA contingent to a local action, please register it on our DSA event map or find one near you! If you’d like to join us in DC, let us know here so we can connect you with the DSA contingent on the ground! We will demonstrate together that DSA is ready to stand up and fight back against Trump’s vile agenda. 

Holiday Twitch Stream Guest Lineup Announcement!

This Sunday, December 22nd at 2 PM ET/11 AM PT, we’re teaming up with DSA-TV, streamers, and DSA electeds to recap our wins from the year, look ahead to our Trump inauguration mobilizations, and more! 

We’ll be joined by Jabari Brisport, Richie Floyd, Claire Valdez, Tanya Vyhovsky, Mike from PA, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Anders Lee, Marek Broderick, Left on Red’s Susan Kang and Stylianos Karolidis, Shaun Scott, and Gremloe! 

Follow us on Twitch @ twitch.tv/demsocialists!

Attend the next Trans Rights Bodily Autonomy meeting on 1/7 at 8 PM EST/5 PM PT! 

RSVP here. DSA is not backing down from the fight for full LGBTQ+ liberation and full bodily autonomy now! 

With the incoming second Trump administration, transgender DSA members may want to consider changing legal documents, such as getting a correct name and gender marker passport, including an ‘X’ option, before such policies are rescinded under Trump. Check out our guide here! DSA is not backing down from the fight for full LGBTQ+ liberation and full bodily autonomy now! To learn more about DSA TRBA, visit trba.dsausa.org.

Run for Leadership in DSA’s Housing Justice Commission!

Are you a tenant organizer? Do you want to support the formation of tenant unions in other cities? Join the DSA Housing Justice Commission steering committee! Nominations are open now through December 22nd and voting ends January 4th.

To become a member and vote in the steering committee elections, use this link before December 22nd!

Attend upcoming Growth and Development Committee Trainings

Want to develop a new organizing skill or deepen your knowledge? The national Growth and Development Committee has several upcoming training sessions scheduled on varied organizing topics and skills! A great training for new members is our Building a Mass Organization training on January 14th – RSVP today to learn how we’re building a working class organization that can change the world. 

Join us for NPEC’s first National Political Educators Conference of 2025!

The National Political Education Committee is bringing together political educators from around the country to share and learn from one another on Sunday, January 26th, 4-6 PM ET/1-3 PM PT on Zoom.

Every chapter and national working group is invited to send two representatives, and additional folks are welcome to attend as viewers. At this conference, attendees will learn how to sustain political education programming in chapters, learn how to successfully activate new members, and have the opportunity to connect with a national network of political educators from different chapters across the country.

RSVP today to reserve your spot; a Zoom invite and additional details will be sent out closer to the conference.  Email politicaleducation@dsacommittees.org with any questions. We hope to see you there! 

DSA is Hiring! Application Deadlines in January

DSA is hiring for an Organizing Director and a Finance Coordinator. Application deadlines are January 5th for Organizing Director and January 12th for Finance Coordinator. Apply now if you think you’d be a good fit!

Here’s your December NPC Newsletter! This month, join DSA electeds on Twitch, join the fight for Trans Rights and Bodily Autonomy, run for leadership in DSA’s Housing Justice Commission and more. Read on to get involved. 

And to make sure you get our newsletters in your inbox, sign up here! Each one features action alerts, upcoming events, political education, and more.

• Give Solidarity, Donate to DSA!
• Inauguration Day 
• Holiday Twitch Stream Guest Lineup announcement!
• Attend the next Trans Rights Bodily Autonomy meeting on 1/7
• Run for Leadership in DSA’s Housing Justice Commission!
• Attend upcoming Growth and Development Committee trainings
• Join us for NPEC’s first National Political Educators Conference of 2025!
• DSA is Hiring! Application deadlines in January

As we come to the end of a very long, very difficult year, we want to share our deepest appreciation for you and all of our comrades for all the work you’ve done, the resources you’ve given, and the comradely goodwill you’ve shown. This is not an easy time to be a socialist, but with global fascism on a rapid and terrifying upward trajectory, it’s a moment in which a powerful socialist movement is critical. We are so proud to be building it with you and with all our comrades around the world.

Whether or not this season is one of celebration for you, we encourage you to join your National Political Committee in taking a good, long, rejuvenating break during these long nights. Our task is a world-historic one and one that we cannot take on without respecting our own need for rest, comfort, and joy. Please take this time to connect with family or loved ones, with comrades, with those in your community who have no others to connect with, or all of the above. Light some candles, break some bread, tell lots of jokes, and remember the better world we’re fighting for together.

We also encourage you to join us on December 22nd for our first-ever DSA Holiday Twitch Stream alongside a whole slew of DSA elected officials from across the country, as well as some comedians and pro-level streamers who’ll help us keep things hilarious. We’ll be playing games, shooting the breeze, and talking about DSA’s many incredible successes over the past year. We hope you’ll log on and join in the fun.

Please also have a look below at upcoming opportunities from across DSA. Even in the season of long nights, there is lots of exciting work happening! Check out our DSA organizing calls over the past year for a taste of what’s to come in the months ahead. We’ll be ramping up our efforts across DSA to show how Workers Deserve More — to defend migrant rights and trans rights, stop fueling genocide in Palestine, break the blockade against Cuba, organize fighting labor unions in the South and all over the US, build toward an ecosocialist Green New Deal, strengthen student movements across campuses, and much more! 

And, as always, check in with your chapter and get involved in our work! We have encouraged DSA chapters across the country to join us in hosting or joining Inauguration Day events to protest Trump Round 2 and to organize to fight for socialism everywhere. We’ll be back in the new year with more details and information on that and much more.

Until then, we wish you peace, joy, love, light, and solidarity forever!

Ashik Siddique and Megan Romer
DSA National Co-Chairs

Give Solidarity, Donate to DSA!

Donate to DSA before January 1st, and you’ll receive one of our end-of-year gifts! For $25+ you’ll get a DSA sticker pack, $50+ a coffee mug designed by Paul Zappia featuring our mascot Bud drinking coffee, $100+ a limited edition DSA tee designed by Sammy Binkow, and $200+ a Coffee Mug AND a Tee! Pitch in with a year-end gift today!

Inauguration Day

DSA is gearing up to organize against the incoming Trump administration’s extreme right, billionaire agenda! We’re organizing a weekend of action in the run-up to Inauguration Day from January 18th-20th to show how workers deserve more. DSA will be there in the months and years ahead to say NO to genocide, deportations, union-busting, abortion bans, trans bans, evictions & all the cruelties that may ramp up under Trump — we will fight for our rights, fight fascism, and build socialism!

DSA has nationally endorsed the People’s March on Saturday, January 18th, and the We Fight Back day of action on Monday, January 20th, both in Washington, DC, with distributed actions all over the country. We’re encouraging all chapters to take action! Whether you plan or join a rally, do a banner drop, table at a farmer’s market, host a park canvass, or hop on a bus to Washington, DC, anything that puts you and other DSA members into motion is a win. 

If you are planning a local event or a DSA contingent to a local action, please register it on our DSA event map or find one near you! If you’d like to join us in DC, let us know here so we can connect you with the DSA contingent on the ground! We will demonstrate together that DSA is ready to stand up and fight back against Trump’s vile agenda. 

Holiday Twitch Stream Guest Lineup Announcement!

This Sunday, December 22nd at 2 PM ET/11 AM PT, we’re teaming up with DSA-TV, streamers, and DSA electeds to recap our wins from the year, look ahead to our Trump inauguration mobilizations, and more! 

We’ll be joined by Jabari Brisport, Richie Floyd, Claire Valdez, Tanya Vyhovsky, Mike from PA, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Anders Lee, Marek Broderick, Left on Red’s Susan Kang and Stylianos Karolidis, Shaun Scott, and Gremloe! 

Follow us on Twitch @ twitch.tv/demsocialists!

Attend the next Trans Rights Bodily Autonomy meeting on 1/7 at 8 PM EST/5 PM PT! 

RSVP here. DSA is not backing down from the fight for full LGBTQ+ liberation and full bodily autonomy now! 

With the incoming second Trump administration, transgender DSA members may want to consider changing legal documents, such as getting a correct name and gender marker passport, including an ‘X’ option, before such policies are rescinded under Trump. Check out our guide here! DSA is not backing down from the fight for full LGBTQ+ liberation and full bodily autonomy now! To learn more about DSA TRBA, visit trba.dsausa.org.

Run for Leadership in DSA’s Housing Justice Commission!

Are you a tenant organizer? Do you want to support the formation of tenant unions in other cities? Join the DSA Housing Justice Commission steering committee! Nominations are open now through December 22nd and voting ends January 4th.

To become a member and vote in the steering committee elections, use this link before December 22nd!

Attend upcoming Growth and Development Committee Trainings

Want to develop a new organizing skill or deepen your knowledge? The national Growth and Development Committee has several upcoming training sessions scheduled on varied organizing topics and skills! A great training for new members is our Building a Mass Organization training on January 14th – RSVP today to learn how we’re building a working class organization that can change the world. 

Join us for NPEC’s first National Political Educators Conference of 2025!

The National Political Education Committee is bringing together political educators from around the country to share and learn from one another on Sunday, January 26th, 4-6 PM ET/1-3 PM PT on Zoom.

Every chapter and national working group is invited to send two representatives, and additional folks are welcome to attend as viewers. At this conference, attendees will learn how to sustain political education programming in chapters, learn how to successfully activate new members, and have the opportunity to connect with a national network of political educators from different chapters across the country.

RSVP today to reserve your spot; a Zoom invite and additional details will be sent out closer to the conference.  Email politicaleducation@dsacommittees.org with any questions. We hope to see you there! 

DSA is Hiring! Application Deadlines in January

DSA is hiring for an Organizing Director and a Finance Coordinator. Application deadlines are January 5th for Organizing Director and January 12th for Finance Coordinator. Apply now if you think you’d be a good fit!

The post Love, Light, SOLIDARITY FOREVER — Your National Political Committee newsletter appeared first on Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

In an era when democratic institutions face mounting threats, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) offers something invaluable: a space where people can come together not just to resist deteriorating conditions, but to actively build a better world. This combination of practical organizing and genuine community provides essential support for personal well-being and effective political action.

Walking into your first DSA meeting can feel like finding an oasis in a desert of political despair. Here are people who not only share your concerns about the direction of society but are actively working to change it. Whether it’s your local DSA chapter’s mutual aid program, tenant organizing efforts, or labor solidarity initiatives, you’ll find concrete ways to channel your anxiety into action.

The mental health benefits of joining DSA extend far beyond political engagement. Research consistently shows that feelings of powerlessness contribute significantly to depression and anxiety – feelings that are particularly acute when witnessing the rise of antidemocratic movements. DSA membership offers a powerful antidote through collective agency. Rather than doom-scrolling through news alone, you’re working shoulder-to-shoulder with comrades on tangible projects that make a real difference in your community.

“In times like these, it’s pretty easy to feel alone. Joining DSA, attending meetings, coming to social events, all of these have helped me see that I’m not actually alone. There are people out there who value solidarity, equality, and democracy, and DSA is where they connect with each other.”
– Anonymous, member since 2024

The structure of DSA chapters combines social connection with political purpose. A typical month might include formal organizing meetings, but also movie nights, shared meals, or informal gatherings where members can relax and build genuine friendships. These social bonds strengthen the organization’s political work while providing vital emotional support. There’s something profoundly comforting about knowing that your concerns are shared by others who are willing to work alongside you for change.

The physical aspect of DSA gatherings shouldn’t be underestimated. In an age of increasing digital isolation, coming together in actual spaces to both socialize and organize creates connections that online interaction simply can’t match. Whether you’re planning a campaign, joining a reading group, or sharing a potluck dinner, the simple act of being physically present with others who share your values helps combat the alienation that makes authoritarian movements possible.

DSA’s democratic structure provides members with genuine agency in shaping both the organization and its initiatives. Unlike traditional political organizations where decisions come from the top down, DSA chapters empower members to propose and lead projects they’re passionate about. This participatory approach not only leads to more effective organizing but also helps members develop practical skills in leadership, project management, and collective decision-making.

The intergenerational nature of DSA provides unique opportunities for learning and growth. Newer members can learn from those with decades of organizing experience while bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the organization. This creates a living tradition of solidarity and collective action, where knowledge and skills are constantly shared and refined.

Working within DSA also provides an important counter to the feeling of historical inevitability that authoritarian movements try to create. When you’re actively building alternatives – whether through mutual aid networks, tenant unions, or labor organizing – you demonstrate in practice that other ways of organizing society are possible. Each successful project, no matter how small, becomes evidence that collective, democratic action works. The regular rhythm of meetings and actions helps maintain hope and purpose, while the concrete achievements of collective work provide tangible evidence that change is possible.

“I joined DSA because I was tired of feeling powerless to stop the world from getting worse. The moment when you commit to joining an organization – to doing politics together with other people rather than simply thinking the right thing – is such a powerful one. Working with comrades has given me hope and prepared me to be a better member of the society we hope to build.”
– Luke, member since 2018

DSA chapters also serve as crucial hubs of information and rapid response in times of crisis. When communities face threats – whether from hostile legislation, corporate exploitation, or direct attacks on vulnerable populations – DSA members learn to work together to properly analyze the moment, and develop tactics and strategies that drive successes, rather than simply respond in a way that is itself status quo.

For many members, DSA becomes not just a political organization but a central part of their social world. The friendships formed through shared struggle and celebration create bonds that extend beyond political work. These relationships provide emotional sustenance during difficult times while strengthening the organization’s capacity for long-term organizing.

Joining DSA offers a powerful combination of political engagement and personal connection that’s particularly vital in challenging times. By bringing people together in physical spaces to both socialize and work toward concrete political goals, DSA provides the community, agency, and purpose that people need to maintain their mental health while building effective resistance to anti-democratic movements. The path to a better world isn’t found in isolation but in coming together with others to actively create the future we want to see.

Thorn West: Issue No. 221

State Politics

• A new state legislative session has begun. Both houses have adopted new rules that reduce the amount of bills a member may introduce: from from 50 to 35 in the Assembly and from 40 to 35 in the Senate.

• Though Republicans gained a few seats in the state legislature, Democrats have maintained their supermajority in both houses.

• Several close House races across California have finally been called, with the results favoring Democratic Party candidates. The final split in the House of Representatives will be 220-215 in favor of Republicans.

• The special legislative session called for by Governor Newsom to “Trump-proof” California met for the first time this week. So far, it has introduced legislation to set aside $25 million for potential legislation against the Trump administration (a move which does not require that the legislature be called).

City Politics

• This Saturday, several of DSA-LA’s successfully endorsed candidates for local office will sit with DSA-LA members running for organizational leadership in 2025 for a panel discussion on “what our roadmap to a Los Angeles for the working class looks like in the year ahead.” Click here to find out more or to RSVP (note that this event is only open to DSA-LA members in good standing).

Labor

• Starbucks Workers United is entering a critical phase in contract negotiations, and is organizing solidarity flyering events nationwide. In Los Angeles, DSA-LA is organizing a flyering event on Sunday, December 15, at 2 pm, at the Starbucks at 3785 Wilshire Boulevard. (For more info, email:  labor@dsa-la.org)

Immigration

• StreetsblogLA goes into depth on LA’s new “sanctuary city” ordinance, placing it in the context of the attempts to implement such a law, which have run into the LAPD’s unwillingness to be democratically controlled. The final version of the ordinance was put into effect by a unanimous City Council vote this week.

• Though both the city and state have announced intentions to fight the Trump administration’s stated intention to conduct dystopian levels of deportations, there may be no way to stop the planned construction of a new detention facility that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement wants to build in the state.

NOlympics

• Outgoing City Council President Paul Krekorian has been appointed to lead LA’s newly created “Office of Major Events,” which will oversee, among other things, the Olympic Games in 2028. More from Torched.

• The LA Metro Board has sent a letter to incoming President Trump, asking him to set aside $3.2 billion to fund transportation projects, specifically in support of the Olympics.

Local Media

• A former editorial writer for the Los Angeles Times explains the motive for his recent resignation: the ongoing heavy-handed interference of the paper’s billionaire owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, on behalf of the hard right Trump coalition.

Environmental Justice

• LA Public Press spoke with several local experts on the potential impact of a Trump administration on the city and state’s climate policy.

The post Final Election Results in CA + City, State Prepare for 2nd Trump Term appeared first on The Thorn West.

Links from our Socialist Night School training and other links to materials that NPEC feel is helpful for chapters to set up their own basic Socialist Night School program.

Previous SNS Training Recordings

Catalogue of our other recorded trainings 

Reasons Why We Do Political Education

What is Democratic Socialism materials

What is Capitalism materials 

Why the Working Class materials 

Facilitation Guide Slides

Backwards Planning Slides

Our Curriculum Module Website

Chapter Created Materials and Other Resources  

If you have any other questions or inquiries about materials, please email us at politicaleducation@dsausa.org, and if you’d like an NPEC member to help troubleshoot any chapter Political Education issues or help you set up a political education committee, please Submit a mentor request using this form.

Portland DSA co-chair Brian Denning challenges police intimidation of workers calling for more

On Saturday, November 9, residents of your city rallied outside Revolution Hall to respond to the national and local elections.

I saw school teachers, postal workers, bus drivers, nurses, students, retirees, servers, baristas, city workers, Amazon workers, Intel workers, landscapers, nursing home workers, construction workers, adjunct professors — union members, members of local churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques, three news teams, and at least one recently-elected member of Portland City Council.

There was broad engagement of the working class — the people who make this country function and run. This is how you realize the goal of any enlightened society: democracy. Civic engagement makes our city stronger, and more resilient; two characteristics Portland will require in the months ahead.

We came together under the banner, “Workers Deserve More,” which includes a call for building union membership, a 32-hour work week, and supporting working families with child care costs, among other planks of a platform responding to the needs of working people. The tone of the event expressed a strong consensus against mass deportations, against abortion bans, and for ending the illegal transfer of US arms to Israel.

According to the National Lawyers Guild’s legal observer, the Portland Police Bureau deployed a dozen each of foot police and bicycle cops, two spotter planes, and an armada of marked vehicles around the perimeter.

For a police department with perennial complaints about short-staffing despite its record $295 million budget, it is ludicrous to deploy that level of armed manpower to a rally of 120 people. It is a clear political choice by city leadership to impose budget cuts on most city services while the PPB budget continues to balloon.

Deploying dozens of armed police to this rally was an attempt to intimidate Portland’s residents exercising their right to political speech. Was this level of police action requested by the City Council or the Mayor? Does the out-going City Council or Mayor support Police attempting to intimidate their constituents exercising their rights to political speech?

While we’re on the subject, I’d like to call out the political topics so radical they merited an armed force of 30 riot-ready police and accompanying aircraft:

Protecting abortion rights, protecting workers’ rights, and an opposition to mass deportations —demanding the US government follow the multiple federal acts and laws prohibiting weapons being exported to countries engaged in war crimes and genocide — to stop exporting arms to Israel.

Is it ‘radical’ to ask the federal government to follow the laws of our land? Is demanding that the US not be complicit in an ongoing genocide such an alarming position in our city, that is requires 30 militarised officers with firearms, tasers, pepper spray, and body armor?

If, in the coming months, there’s a demonstration about health care, will the ratio of police to participants be one armed officer for every two Portlanders? How about climate change or LGBTQ rights? Does that merit a 1:3 ratio of demonstrators to cops? Equal rights for women — do you call the National Guard in for that one?

It turns out that many of the people of Portland find interacting with armed officers of the court, who have qualified immunity and a history of inexplicable violence, to be an experience to be avoided, whenever possible. But don’t tell the police that — they might just spend the next four years pretending that they’re being oppressed again. Portland, however, knows better…

Your constituent,

Brian Denning

Portland Democratic Socialists of America Co-Chair

rank-and-file Teamster, Local 162

The post We Reject Portland Police Intimidation appeared first on Portland DSA.