Phew! They are certainly compounding assault upon assault on democracy. Overturning many of the good works of the previous administration on climate, health care, and the rule of law. The more I read, the more swamped I feel. Some claim that the administration will eventually shoot itself in the foot. I’m concerned that statements like that render us passive and that a lot of damage can be done in the meantime. What do you think?
I got many ideas from you and I want to share a couple in today’s blog. There is no overarching theme. Just sharing. Send me more ideas!!
The first is an initiative called “Women in Black”, in which a friend in Baltimore participates. Here are a couple of quotes from their website that explain it better than I could.
Women in Black is a world-wide network of women committed to peace with justice and actively opposed to injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence. … We are not an organisation, but a means of communicating and a formula for action… Any group of women anywhere in the world at any time may organize a Women in Black vigil against any manifestation of violence, militarism or war… Our actions often take the form of women wearing black, standing in a public place in silent, non-violent vigils at regular times and intervals, carrying placards and handing out leaflets…. A vigil, as Women in Black use the term, generally means a nonviolent demonstration of one or more people in which we hold signs in a public location to express our political views. It’s not a march, but Women in Black around the world have sometimes also held marches. A vigil can be one woman (yes!) or a small group or even a large group.
I urge you to look at their site and see if they organize events in your city. If not, you might consider holding an event of your own. They are set up to provide guidance.
Another friend reminded me that if you are an American citizen who lives outside the US, you should consider becoming a member of Democratic Abroad. They focus a lot on getting out the vote, informing Americans living abroad how to vote (not always a straightforward process). They also urge members to write to reps on specific issues. I belong to the Marseille/Aix-en-Provence chapter and have enjoyed it.
It seems that one of my links for the ACLU (Stop Project 2025) didn’t work for some reason. Here it is again, hopefully working this time. Considering yesterday’s blog, I also want to draw your attention to a couple of other of ACLU’s initiatives that are timely: one on birthright citizenship and the other is on preventing mass deportations. I should have waited until next Thursday, but I just couldn’t!
True-ish Stories 