Anat Shenker-Osorio and the ACLU’s Andrés Dae Keun Kwon, on the Los Angeles protests, why California is the real America, and what solidarity looks like now
I think this is also a moment of building momentum because younger folks protesting are moved to stand up for this, they have been rallying on college campuses for justice, Palestinian rights, human rights, free speech. These issues are pulling at people at a much more profound and heart felt level than worrying about the economy or retirement. Real economic hardship and job losses have rallied folks and this feels like a moment of "enough is enough." It's a reaction to inhumanity, cruelty and injustice and a strong sense that combined with the destruction of jobs and folks' livelihoods and the environment, this assault on people, this abuse of people, the outrages, unlawful and grotesque abuses on free speech, and the blatant racism....a tipping point? And there is also a sense of strength, unity and pride in coming together to support one another.
Los Angeles protestors will be seen as those who lit the match of resistance and solidarity for the whole country . Out of crisis always comes opportunity. In the broad sweep of American History you are the Paul Reveres of the oncoming Revolution.
We can all want peaceful demonstrations, and for the most part they are. We've no control over the actions of individuals seeking to do otherwise. Realize the fact that some rouge individuals may be law enforcement plants who purposefully provoke actions designed to draw law enforcement into use of force.
Timothy Snyder's post today discussing the dangers of, not only calling up the military for use in American streets, but of his recent speech/rally at 'Fort Bragg'- well worth reading!
This conversation was so eye-opening and important for my understanding of the events taking place in Los Angelos today. It really does go well beyond LA, encompassing the whole of the US and all its citizens in highlighting the stakes we all share in our Democracy. LA is indeed a “spark” that hopefully ignites us and unites us everywhere. Many thanks to you Anand, Anat and Andres. And God Bless you!
I think this is also a moment of building momentum because younger folks protesting are moved to stand up for this, they have been rallying on college campuses for justice, Palestinian rights, human rights, free speech. These issues are pulling at people at a much more profound and heart felt level than worrying about the economy or retirement. Real economic hardship and job losses have rallied folks and this feels like a moment of "enough is enough." It's a reaction to inhumanity, cruelty and injustice and a strong sense that combined with the destruction of jobs and folks' livelihoods and the environment, this assault on people, this abuse of people, the outrages, unlawful and grotesque abuses on free speech, and the blatant racism....a tipping point? And there is also a sense of strength, unity and pride in coming together to support one another.
Los Angeles protestors will be seen as those who lit the match of resistance and solidarity for the whole country . Out of crisis always comes opportunity. In the broad sweep of American History you are the Paul Reveres of the oncoming Revolution.
I'm not fond of Newsome but I respect his recent statement regarding LA and ICE actions.
Who the hell does MAGA think founded LA?
We can all want peaceful demonstrations, and for the most part they are. We've no control over the actions of individuals seeking to do otherwise. Realize the fact that some rouge individuals may be law enforcement plants who purposefully provoke actions designed to draw law enforcement into use of force.
We are all Angelenos.
Would add Timothy Snyders recent Substack and Paul Krugman
Thanks for creating this place
Timothy Snyder's post today discussing the dangers of, not only calling up the military for use in American streets, but of his recent speech/rally at 'Fort Bragg'- well worth reading!
https://open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p/trumps-civil-war?r=1m9gvi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Anat is the best.
Words fail me in this moment. All I can say is thanks to all of you for sharing your stories and doing what you do.
This conversation was so eye-opening and important for my understanding of the events taking place in Los Angelos today. It really does go well beyond LA, encompassing the whole of the US and all its citizens in highlighting the stakes we all share in our Democracy. LA is indeed a “spark” that hopefully ignites us and unites us everywhere. Many thanks to you Anand, Anat and Andres. And God Bless you!
‘Immigrant squared’ comment reminded me of what Omar El Akkad said in his book 📕: “immigrants are always leaving.”
PS love the magenta wall AG
What an amazing show!
AAA in da house!
Thank you for this discussion!
Stand for your people, for your City. We are all Angelinos!
thanks so much for all that the three of you brought to this issue.