It’s impossible to be unaware of the events in California and spreading across America. It’s actually almost all I can think about. Like a lot of people, I’m doing my best to remain engaged with my personal present moment in life, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m feeling pretty crushed right now.
47 and his federal administration have made it abundantly clear that they have no great attachment to the constitutional laws of the United States of America. That’s been clear since 47’s coronation (sorry, inauguration.)
47 has unleashed ICE to enact government directed terrorism. They have a recently tripled daily quota for catching immigrants. It’s barbaric and what’s even worse is that it’s only the beginning.
The people of L.A. have exercised their constitutional right to protest. 47 chose California to start this fight because it's a blue state that flourishes with an immigrant driven economy. Watching 47 give interviews, he seems excited, gleeful even, to send the National Guard and Marines into an American city, referring to L.A. as “occupied”. He is searching for and creating legal loopholes to enforce martial law.
This is not the behaviour of an American President, this is an authoritarian regime. That’s the thing about coup, we imagine a coup to look like armed fighters storming a central building and taking power, but usually I think they look just like this. Built on years of systematic propaganda and appealing to the basest instincts in humanity. 45 has become 47 and here we are.
I’ve made my home in the UK but the US will always be part of me. My heart hurts to see what’s happening and to be virtually helpless to do anything about it. I think a lot of people are feeling like that. I’m the third in (at least) four generations of people who have been deeply involved in the study and/or practice of military action, strategy and history. I’m genetically programmed to try to find something to “do”.
Unfortunately we aren’t all fit to fight on the streets (pity) but I think now is the time to figure out what we can do. If you’re looking for inspiration, I highly recommend reading the phenomenal book “Resistance: The Underground War in Europe, 1939-1945” by Halik Kochanski. This astounding piece of work is a huge, mind bending compilation of the many creative ways people from all walks of life resisted fascism during World War Two. It’s guaranteed to give you something to start with. I’m also including a few links below that might be helpful.
47 has thrown down the gauntlet for his birthday military parade. In his own barely coherent words “If there’s any protester that wants to come out, they will be met with very big force. I haven’t even heard about a protest, but you know, this is people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force.” To me, it sounds like a challenge. Maybe it's an opportunity to show up in every major city across the United States except for Washington D.C. Time will tell.
As for myself, I’m writing, as ever. In the next couple of days my second monthly email newsletter will be sent out. I’ll be sharing more there, so please sign up if you’d like to be included.
All the best,
Erin
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Erin, I totally share your worries as to what is happening in your homeland. There is in my humble view another reason for what is taking place , and I feel that this goes back many years. I was often in the USA, San Fransisco ( was my favourite City, together with London) New York,Georgia, Paulo Alto in the late 1980's. I would never have dreamed then that what is happenning today. Something radical has taken place, and I cannot put my finger on what it is, for the following a) lived though an Immpeachment process. b) Was responsible ...or did nothing about the insurrection when Biden was elected. c) Voted again for him for his 2 nd term. d) pardoned lawbreakers from the insurrection. e) andwhat is he doing at the moment.... is he "Above the Law" ?
There must me something radical wrong .Is the "Democratic" structure weak in the USA, are the Dmemocratics , too "Left wing"?. Is it "SocialMedia" platforms, with "Following" like sheep, controlled ..... with no control like FB.... A similar trend of "Manosphere" has developed in other so called democratic countries. What is happenning in "Gazza" is in my view a Crime against Humanity, where women children and innocent people, are killed like flies. Honestly Erin , I cannot see much differences in the USA today and Russia, accept to add that the right to "Carry Arms", is not allowed in Russia. Are the people very very disappointed with what the Democrats, have dished out, and is it only the poor people rebelling.... . You throw in Famine, Climate change, the war in Ukraine. Before in 2007 we had the Banking Crisis, then 2-3 yr of COVID. Living in Germany, whileI do not like the "Current" regime, the Democratic process is anchored in the Constitution. In Britain.... it is "Wishy-Washy" see what happened in Boris#s stint. I have lived in India, Kenya, England,Wales, Germany. Worked in Belgium, Holland France, and Geneva. I have in my 74 years done so many different things , and do you know what "Boris" was the catalyst for me to start writing.... "Brexit". I have many good friends and relations in the USA , and have asked them why and what was the catalyst forr this radical shift. Up to now I have no anwers.....
I am so glad that there are people like you fighting with wour "Pen", despite your poor health, and I salute you. I shall share the link of your blog with all my friends. I have not put any of my prose here...
P.S We also love our animals , we have a Tom Cat.... Mr. Friday as he came to as as a 6 mth kitten on his own initiative looking for accommodation on Friday 16 Jan 2017, and a mini Australian Shepherd Raven.
Simon Kika
It's necessary for everyone who has a voice to speak up and be on the right side of this history that we don't wish to be living through right now. Your words are powerful and show how much you care and wish you could do "more" but everyone fights for justice in their own way. Your blog is perfect!