Vote the Will--not

I've received three or four phone calls from an organization called Vote the Will, asking me to participate in a one-question survey.  I have been skeptical about it because the voice sounds "canned" and doesn't answer my questions directly and also because the questions are always very simplistic.  eg.  Who do I trust to make decisions, the states or the feds?  Well, that depends...

Anyway, I recently got a call from Vote the Will asking for a $25 donation and I told them I would go online rather than give them my info over the phone.  My online research did not surprise me when I read that it is a scam.  The calls come from Texas and I have blocked those numbers and will not accept anymore phone calls from Texas in the near future.

Has anyone else had this experience?

Japanese Americans and Muslims March for Solidarity

On Saturday, March 25th, I participated in the Solidarity March and Rally co-sponsored by the Nihonmachi Outreach Committee (NOC) and the South Bay Islamic Association (SBIA).  The march was organized to oppose the growing anti-Muslim sentiments and government actions.  It was another example of how the divisive policies and attitude of the current administration have brought people together.

It was a small gathering (maybe 120 people???) that marched down 6th Street from Japantown to the plaza at City Hall.  Speakers included representatives from both the Japanese American and Islamic communities as well as other local activists and San Jose Assemblyman Ash Kalra.  Many described the impact of Executive Order 9066 signed by President Roosevelt in 1942 that resulted in the first a curfew and then the internment of 110,000 Japanese Americans, many of whom were US citizens.  Parallels were drawn to the recently proposed travel ban and registry discriminating against Muslim immigrants, refugees, residents and citizens.

San Jose's Japantown is a unique place, being both close-knit and inclusive.  How fitting that leaders from this community should reach out in unity to express their outrage and to declare NOT AGAIN.

A Day without Women Rally, San Jose March 8, 2017

I went to the Day without Women Rally at City Hall today.  It was not huge but still well-attended with a sea of women, and some men, dressed in red.  The first speaker Kevin De Leon, California State Senator and President Pro Tempore.  He spoke about growing up as the youngest child in a household of an immigrant single mother with a third grade education and pledged his support for women's rights.  Next was Cindy Chavez, Santa Clara County Supervisor, who talked about the recent community meetings asking women what the county can do to support them.  A report has been compiled and goes before the Board of Supervisors next Tuesday.  She asked that women go to support the recommendations.

Additional speakers included a woman representing female farmworkers, a Jewish Community Center, a Muslim outreach group and a resistance organizer from Redwood City.  Also, a group of girls from Downtown College Prep, each telling their story of why they are going to Rise Up.  I'm sure there will be a more complete list on Facebook or other media.

All of them were inspirational urged women to stay involved through political activism and mutual support.

Anna Eshoo Town Hall - great event!

Anna Eshoo held a Town Hall in Campbell Saturday morning, March 4. She packed the Heritage Theater and an overflow room.

It was a really inspirational event! Anna opened by talking about the 3 top issues she’s fighting for – the Affordable Care Act, investigation into Russian ties to the election, and requiring elected officials to provide their tax returns. She’s got our back! The extensive Q&A that followed covered every political issue you can think of and then some. I like her style, she’s a straight shooter – she answers everyone’s questions directly and explains why and how she is fighting for us. She’s happy to take questions and is committed to responding to everyone (http://eshoo.house.gov/).

We’re lucky to have her as our Congresswoman representing the 18^th Congressional District. Go Anna!

More, more, Moore!

"Only one month into his So-Called Presidency — and yet there is good news, as this is what the American landscape looks like..."

• Michael Moore's Ten Point Plan
• Michael Moore on Chris Hays
• Michael Moore on Don Lemon
• The resistance calendar

In short:

1. Wake up.
2. Brush teeth.
3. Walk dog (or stare at cat).
4. Make coffee.
5. Call Congress.

Elizabeth Warren conference call

Recording of Conference Call

On Tuesday Feb. 21st, Senator Elizabeth Warren did a conference call with CREDO members. This link leads to a recording of the conference call.

Something we might be interested in...

.

Solidarity Sundays is a nationwide network of feminist activist groups focused on taking action to resist Trump. On the 2nd Sunday of each month, we gather in homes across the country.

How to Stay Outraged Without Losing Your Mind

There is a story by Mirah Curzer on Medium we all should read. It's called How to #StayOutraged Without Losing Your Mind. This is not going to be a quick fight and as the story said, "Professional organizers and veteran activists have strategies for staying sane during a long fight." She offers some sound ideas for staying in the fight without going crazy. To quote her, "You don’t have to suffer to make a difference."

Tell Congress: Block the federal abortion ban

Please sign this petition! The petition to Congress reads:  "Stop playing games with women’s lives. Block H.R. 490, a dangerous, extreme and unconstitutional ban on abortion.” Add your name:

Sign up to take 4 weekly actions

Another site with 4 weekly actions and fun tech tools. Will you try it out and be part of our wall?

Home

He promised a wall. He will be stopped by a wall of us. FOUR CONCRETE ACTS OF RESISTANCE DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX EACH WEEK Take Action Now

Sign up here

Rules for Revolutionaries

I am reading an amazing book called Rules for Revolutionaries, how Big Organizing Can Change Everything by Becky Bond and Zack Exley. You have got to check out this book. I cut my teeth on Saul Alinsky and this really updates organizing principles and how to respond to today's reality.

In case of coup, where will your city unite to resist?

Sign Up Here

Througout history, nations have been saved from coups and undemocratic revolutions by the immediate and overwhelming response of a vigilant people.
This site will gather suggestions and propse a central meeting place or march route for every city and town so that everyone will know exactly where to gather when necessary. Sign up to be informed when people are gathering in your community, and let us know if you have a suggestion for the best place to hold a very large protest in your city or town.
They'll process the suggestions and propose a set of locations on this site once we get suggestions for 100 or more cities.

San Jose must stand with immigrants and refugees

The petition to San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo reads:  "Take a public stand against Donald Trump’s xenophobic agenda. Do everything in your power to ensure that our city implements policies and practices that protect immigrants and refugees from harassment, detention and deportation by ICE, the Border Patrol or other government agencies." Add your name: Sign here

Nationwide Rallies Tuesday

 

Rallies to Stop Trump's #SwampCabinet and to #StandForSanctuary

Tuesday, January 31st, MoveOn members and allies across the country are rallying Democratic and Republican senators and representatives with a clear message: "Stop Trump's #SwampCabinet."
More Information Here

In solid support of the ACLU

Please Donate

The ACLU is leading the fight to protect and defend the Constitution of The United States of America.

It’s time to defend the Supreme Court

Tell Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and all Democratic Senators:  Block any Supreme Court nominee who won’t stand up for progressive values and stand with the people most at risk from Trump’s dangerous agenda. Add your name: Sign Here

Understanding Trumpism

Understanding Trumpism requires understanding populism. As I see it, this particular populist base is largely a reaction of a large, dis-empowered feeling and disaffected feeling population segment reacting to complex, difficult and seemingly incomprehensible problems by desperately grasping simplistic "solutions", irrespective if they solve anything at all.

Not only is the news media the perceived enemy of these folks, so will be technology, education and anything else that threatens their illusion. This is indeed post truth.

Tell the Senate: Don’t defund Planned Parenthood

Right-wing extremists want to control women’s bodies by limiting access to reproductive health care, and Planned Parenthood is their most important target.

Please sign the Petition:
Here's the link!

The New York Times calls Trump a Liar

On this day, January 23, 2017, in American history, the New York Times called the President of The United States a liar in a headline for a news story. That is very significant folks, very significant...

Take Action: Followup to Women's Marches

Stay connected to the Women's March

To stay connected to the Women's March Movement, 
On your cellphone TEXT "women" to 40649
There you can register for updates on future events and actions.

10 Actions 100 Days

THE FIRST ACTION - Write a postcard to your Senators
Follow the Steps here: https://www.womensmarch.com/

Alternative Facts

Bedtime Stories for Kellyanne Conway

A Facebook post from Dan Rather

This is from a Facebook post from Dan Rather:

These are not normal times. These are extraordinary times. And extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.

When you have a spokesperson for the president of the United States wrap up a lie in the Orwellian phrase "alternative facts”…

When you have a press secretary in his first appearance before the White House reporters threaten, bully, lie, and then walk out of the briefing room without the cajones to answer a single question…

When you have a President stand before the stars of the fallen CIA agents and boast about the size of his crowds (lies) and how great his authoritarian inaugural speech was….

These are not normal times.

The press has never seen anything like this before. The public has never seen anything like this before. And the political leaders of both parties have never seen anything like this before.

What can we do? We can all step up and say simply and without equivocation. "A lie, is a lie, is a lie!" And if someone won't say it, those of us who know that there is such a thing as the truth must do whatever is in our power to diminish the liar's malignant reach into our society.

There is one group of people who can do a lot - very quickly. And that is Republicans in Congress. Without their support, Donald Trump's presidency will falter. So here is what I think everyone in the press must do. If you are interviewing a Paul Ryan, a Mitch McConnell, or any other GOP elected official, the first question must be "what will you do to combat the lying from the White House?" If they dodge and weave, keep with the follow ups. And if they refuse to give a satisfactory answer, end the interview.

Facts and the truth are not partisan. They are the bedrock of our democracy. And you are either with them, with us, with our Constitution, our history, and the future of our nation, or you are against it. Everyone must answer that question.

Today's Women's March San Jose

Click here to see Flickr Set

There are a lot pictures here. I can hardly explain how this event made me feel. It was a powerful experience, amazing really. To see so many people from so many different ages, backgrounds, races, religious, sexual and other orientations come together, with so much hope, was so amazing. This was so utterly massive. Never seen anything like it, it felt like the start of something huge. I started focusing on the crowds, but soon the faces took over...

There is no going back

 

San Francisco Protestors December 2016

This is a different country than it was on January 19th and it is never ever going back to what it was. The question before We The People, this group of people who identify themselves as Americans is, what kind of country is this going to be going forward?

That's what our struggle has got to be about now. There is no going back

Women's Marches Throughout America

Women's Marches Throughout America

Hundreds of demonstrations around the world are being planned for Jan. 21 in conjunction with the Women’s March on Washington, which is expected to be the largest inauguration-related demonstration in United States history. And, they are happening all over our country and in fact, all over the world! Here's a related article if you don't know where to go to join a march.

The First 100 days of Resistance

I listened as they called my President a Muslim.
I listened as they called him and his family a pack of monkeys.
I listened as they said he wasn't born here.
I watched as they blocked every single path to progress that they could.
I saw the pictures of him as Hitler.
I watched them shut down the government and hurt the entire nation twice.
I watched them turn their backs on every opportunity to open worthwhile
dialog.
I watched them say that they would not even listen to any choice for Supreme
Court no matter who the nominee was.
I listened as they openly said that they will oppose him at every turn.
I watched as they did just that.
I listened.
I watched.
I paid attention.
Now, I'm being called on to be tolerant.
To move forward.
To denounce protesters.
To "Get over it."
To accept this...
I will not.
I will do my part to make sure this great American mistake becomes the
embarrassing footnote of our history that it deserves to be.
I will do this as quickly as possible every chance I get.
I will do my part to limit the damage that this man can do to my country.
I will watch his every move and point out every single mistake and misdeed
in a loud and proud voice.
I will let you know in a loud voice every time this man backs away from a
promise he made to them.
Them. The people who voted for him.
The ones who sold their souls and prayed for him to win.
I will do this so that they never forget.
And they will hear me.
They will see it in my eyes when I look at them.
They will hear it in my voice when I talk to them.
They will know that I know who they are.
They will know that I know what they are.
Do not call for my tolerance. I've tolerated all I can.
Now it's their turn to tolerate ridicule.
Be aware, make no mistake about it, every single thing that goes wrong in
our country from this day forward is now Trump's fault just as much as they
thought it was Obama's.
I find it unreasonable for them to expect from me what they were entirely
unwilling to give.
Author unknown.

It has more meaning today

Silence is not an option

Thoughts on Martin Luther King Day

Before this week is over, this week that is starting with the observance of Martin Luther King's birthday, Donald J. Trump will become the President of the United States of America. Trump has a long history of racist comments and positions. When I think of King and Trump together in the same week I cannot help but think of, and be inspired by, what King said:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

The January 14, Mass Mobilization To Protect Immigrants & Refugees

The January 14, Mass Mobilization To Protect Immigrants & Refugees

Today I went to the January 14 – Mass Mobilization To Protect Immigrants & Refugees. This was one of many marches around the nation and around the globe to declare in no uncertain terms that we will stand in the way of criminalization, mass deportation and hatred.

This march which was extremely well planned, run and organized. This event appeared to be organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) United Service Workers West. SEIU-USWW (SEIU Local 1877) represents more than 40,000 janitors, security officers, airport service workers, and other property service workers across California.

SEIU-USWW knows how to put on a protest!

They had done press releases, had powerful bullhorns, handed out chant sheets and had enough people organizing the event to be able to spread out. Plenty of press was there. Sue and I even saw me on channel 11 this evening.

Speakers included Jim Beall, and Congress Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Ro Khanna. They had a media relations person on site handing out lists to the media of who the speakers were. They were expecting 300 people, about 700 showed up.

Here's more photos on Flickr.

This was a protest done right!

Mobilization To Protect Immigrants & Refugees

January 14 – Mass Mobilization To Protect Immigrants & Refugees

Join millions around the nation to stand up for the values of love, compassion and family.

Build community, celebrate our immigrant heritage and defiantly pledge to protect immigrants, Muslims and refugees from hateful attacks and policies. It is time for us to link arms and stand as a line of defense against hate. We are #HereToStay!

January 14 11 AM - 2 PM
San Jose City Hall
200 E Santa Clara St.
San Jose, California 95113

Information about events or other actions is provided as unverified information only. Please do your own research before deciding to participate.

Related Facebook Page

Other Coming Events

Protesters set to emerge as leaders in the anti-Trump resistance

From CNN...
I could not agree more!  Don't take this sitting on the sideline.  Get out and fight for what's important to you.
Link to full article

4. The lesson: Protesters -- not a beleaguered Democratic minority -- are set to emerge as leaders in the anti-Trump resistance

The moment: The Sessions confirmation hearings, Day 1. While senators mostly treated Sessions with deference during what many had expected to be a fraught and tense confirmation hearing, Democrats were not nearly as vocal as the demonstrators that frequently interrupted the proceedings.

Protesters from a variety of grassroots progressive groups and larger liberal organizations were often the harshest voices in the room during Sessions' hearings. They rose at seemingly regular intervals to rail against the Alabama senator, who was denied a federal judgeship in 1986 amid allegations he made racist comments to a colleague. More recently, Sessions has emerged as a vocal backer of voter ID laws.

Activist Kai Newkirk, who was arrested during a sit-in at Sessions' office, told CNN Wednesday he was willing to be jailed because "Sessions' history and present positions make it undeniably clear that he cannot be entrusted to uphold equal justice, civil rights, or the right to vote."

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee panel were mostly restrained in their questioning, with Minnesota's Al Franken the rare Sessions colleague to confront him over his past record -- deliberately overstated, Franken suggested -- as a civil rights proponent.

With their party set to turn over the White House, and already nearly powerless in Congress, Democrats sitting on Capitol Hill could soon take a backseat to progressives and allied groups planning to stand up to Trump with mass protests and direct actions.

Our government in action -- week of Jan 7

This is a copy & paste of Brian Shaner's Facebook post...

While we are distracted by Trump tweets (the man is, after all, a polished performer), this is what happened this week:
1. Trump fires all Ambassadors and Special Envoys, ordering them out by inauguration day.  (though true, this is not out of the ordinary for a transition.  I'm not sure I'd consider this a trump specific event)

2. House brings back the Holman rule allowing them to reduce an individual civil service, SES positions, or political appointee's salary to $1, effectively firing them by amendment to any piece of legislation. We now know why they wanted names and positions of people in Energy and State.

3. Senate schedules 6 simultaneous hearings on cabinet nominees and triple-books those hearings with Trump's first press conference in months and an ACA budget vote, effectively preventing any concentrated coverage or protest.

4. House GOP expressly forbids the Congressional Budget Office from reporting or tracking ANY costs related to the repeal of the ACA.

5. Trump continues to throw the intelligence community under the bus to protect Putin, despite the growing mountain of evidence that the Russians deliberately interfered in our election.

6. Trump breaks a central campaign promise to make Mexico pay for the wall by asking Congress (in other words, us, the taxpayers) to pay for it.

7. Trump threatens Toyota over a new plant that was never coming to the US nor will take jobs out of the US.

8. House passes the REINS act, giving them veto power over any rules enacted by any federal agency or department--for example, FDA or EPA bans a drug or pesticide, Congress can overrule based on lobbyists not science. Don't like that endangered species designation, Congress kills it.

We - progressive, liberal, libertarian and conservative - need to all wake up to what is actually happening to our beloved country.

Stay involved. Reject normalization.


#UnitedWeStand

Russian Hacking American's Election

This is a very good that I am now reading about trump contacts in Russian and all his cabinet picks ties to Russian. Rex Tillerson is not the only one. It is very scary. The Plot to Hack America: How Putin's Cyberspies and Wikileaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election by Malcolm Nance

January 2 Oakland

#Earth2trump Roadshow of Resistance

Brought to you by The Center for Biological Diversity

Deb and I attended the #Earth2trump Roadshow of Resistance protest in Oakland.  This is the first stop of a 16 City roadshow to promote human rights and environmental justice, and to protest the trump agenda.  The indoor venue was a packed with over 300 very passionate Bay Area protesters.  There were also information stations for many organizations including Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club, PM Press, and “Great old Broads for Wilderness” (greatoldbroads.org).

This was an outstanding event with lots of great musicians and many very passionate speakers.  In one sense it was a throwback to the protests of the past, with the message of strength and community, but it was also very current, with young and energetic speakers, hashtag feeds, and cellphone speaker notes.  For anyone who is not happy with trump but has not gotten involved -- GET INVOLVED!! YOU WILL BE SO MUCH BETTER FOR IT!!  NOW IS the time for protest

The common theme from all speakers:  The time for action is now.  Your happiness is your power -- don’t let current events take that away.  Use your passion and your joy to create positive change.

And finally…  The Center for Biological Diversity commitments for action:

1. Block the confirmation of trumps extremest cabinet nominations
2. Defend the EPA authority to regulate greenhouse gasses
3. Protect reproductive rights
4. Block the building of the wall across sections of the US and Mexican border
5. Block trump’s efforts to rescind, shrink the size of, or defund newly created national monuments
6. Defend Obama’s moratorium of Federal coal leases
7. Stop new offshore drilling in the arctic and Atlantic by defending Obama’s five year leasing plan
8. Stop ocean plastic pollution through strong legal action
9. Fight proposals that would increase trophy hunting of elephants, tigers and polar bears
10. Stop efforts to turn federal lands over to state or private institutions
11. Save the endangered species act from being repealed, defunded or weakened
12. Fight to keep grizzly bears and wolfs on the list of endangered species list

Get out there and make some noise.  You won’t regret it.

The New Year in Perspective