By Doug Porter
Incidents of voter fraud in the 2016 general election have now been verified.
All four of them. In Iowa, Terri Lynn Rote tried to vote twice for Donald Trump and was arrested. In Texas, Phillip Cook was arrested for voting twice. He (falsely) claimed to be a Trump campaign employee testing the security system. In Illinois, Republican election judge Audrey Cook filled out an absentee ballot for her dead husband. It won’t be counted. In Florida, electoral employee Gladys Coego was caught and arrested for altering mail-in ballots, adding votes for a local mayoral candidate.
Meanwhile, internet wags are busy repeating variants on the meme “Trump’s lawyers are Russian to Putin legal challenges” to voter recounts in Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Regardless, Donald Trump will join John Quincy Adams (1824), Rutherford B. Hayes (1876), Benjamin Harrison (1888), and George W. Bush (2000) as Presidents who won at the electoral college despite losing the popular vote.
An extensive county-by-county analysis of the 2016 results from researchers at Dartmouth College has been completed. Their study included areas with large numbers of non-citizens, dead people voting, and changing vote counts by election officials.
They found no evidence that could support Trump’s accusations of voter fraud.
Regardless, none of this will matter for Trump supporters. They saw it on the internet somewhere and by golly, it’s gotta be true–especially the part about all them brown people voting.
Trump supporter falsely argues that millions of people voted illegally with no evidence on CNN’s @NewDay https://t.co/6lqMSTJNuj
— Eugene Scott (@Eugene_Scott) December 1, 2016
Two of these “ordinary citizens” in this panel happened to be former Republican elected officials from New Hampshire, by the way.
We at San Diego Free Press know this voter fraud question is popular because of an otherwise unexplainable surge of visitors to an article we published prior to election day on the particulars of voting in California. I think there are some folks out there looking for proof of the claim popular amongst Trumpistas that non-citizens can vote in California. Sorry, kids.
Ok, now that I’ve settled that question, here’s this week’s calendar of events….
Progressive Calendar for San Diego, December 2 – 13
You, Too, Can Be a Democratic State Party Leader
Deadline: December 8
The California Democratic Party relies on a network of thousands of volunteers to step up and shape our future as members of the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC). More than 1,000 State Party delegates will be chosen in Assembly Delegate Election Meetings (ADEM) throughout the state.
If you’re ready to help lead the California Democratic Party, apply now to be a candidate for delegate! The deadline to apply is one week from tomorrow, on Thursday, December 8, at 5:00 p.m. You can read more and sign up here:
DSCC members are delegates to the annual State Party convention, where they vote on endorsements and resolutions and participate in caucuses and committees. Delegates are expected to attend both conventions in their two-year term and are responsible for their own expenses.
In each of California’s 80 Assembly Districts, seven men and seven women will be elected in ADEM caucuses on January 7 or 8, 2017. Any registered Democrat can attend and vote. Click here to find the ADEM election meeting in your district. Even if you don’t plan to run, you can mark your calendar and vote to elect leaders to represent you!
DIAPER DRIVE
Through December 3rd
Ironworkers Local 229
Union Hall, 5155 Mercury Point
One in three American moms struggles to provide clean diapers for her children. Food stamps and WIC don’t cover diapers and families often are forced to make tough decisions because they can’t afford diapers.
Can’t get to the store? Bring your check made out to the John Lyons Foundation and note “Diaper Drive” in the memo section of the check to the address above.
Please contact Johnny Swanson at (619) 787-1131 or Carol Kim at (714) 865-8645
Free Mental Health First Aid Training at The GO!
Sunday, December 4, 9am
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore Street
For More Information (RSVP Required)
You are invited to join us and get certified in Mental Health First Aid at no cost. The course typically has a $170 fee per participant, but through a San Diego County grant, Mental Health America of San Diego can train San Diegans to become First Responders and help bring recovery & wellness to those having mental health challenges through community-based interventions. The certification is valid for 3 years through the National Council for Behavioral Health and can be added to your resume as a professional development opportunity.
We will have ASL (American Sign Language) Interpretation from Deaf Community Services for this free training offered to the community. Please help share this opportunity with any ASL user you know who can benefit from this Mental Health 1st Aid training,
You MUST RSVP to MarthaSullivan@mac.com in order to reserve a space.
What You Learn- Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help
The Art of the Struggle
Tuesday, December 6, 6pm
Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
San Diego State University
For More Information
Join the Afrikan Student Union, Students for Justice in Palestine, Muslim Student Association, SOMHealth, Somali Student Association, and OneSDSU Community, for a night of culture, intersectionality, and resistance.
The event will be held in the Aztec Theatre on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Food and light refreshments will be served.
Organize to Rise: ACCE 6th Annual Fundraiser
Thursday, December 8, 6pm
UFCW Local 135
2001 Camino del Rio South
For More Information Tickets
We believe there is power in numbers, and it is imperative we continue to organize NOW! Join us for a night of food, drinks, fundraising, and music from Kimba Light!
Unfortunately, the presidential election didn’t turn out the way most of us would have hoped. But that’s why the work we do to empower communities, especially communities of color, is that much more important. There are a lot of people in San Diego and across the country who are looking for alternatives to what a Donald Trump presidency represents and we want to make sure that we can harness that energy and turn it into something positive.
You can do just that by participating and donating to Community Organizations like ACCE! We are not funded by public funds or the 1%, your contribution gives us the ability to organize for the things we care about and need.
To ensure our ability to continue to empower our members and help fight for things like, immigration, greater tenant rights and protections, a fair work week and fight against wage theft, the criminalization of people in our neighborhoods and more in the next year.
2016 Showing Up for Racial Justice Action Workshop
Thursday, December 8, 6:30pm
SDPL College – Rolando Branch Library
6600 Montezuma Rd
For More Information
This is the last workshop of 2016 for Showing Up for Racial Justice and it’s gonna be a big one!
Come ready to huddle up, take notes, and make plans. In four dynamic groups, we’ll strategize action on the ground, action with our dollars, action with our government, and action in the media. Learn. Dream. Show up. 2017: here we come.
Right to a Roof: Human Rights Day of Action
Saturday, December 10, 10am
464 47th St, San Diego
Hosted by Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans
Last year, over 350 gathered in San Diego to mark International Human Rights Day on December 10th, and stand up for our local black immigrant, refugee, and Muslim families. Join us this year as 10+ organizations come together to launch the #RightToARoof campaign, including Justice Overcoming Boundaries in San Diego County (JOB San Diego), Karen Organization of San Diego, Muslim American Society – San Diego Chapter,The Global ARC, Somali Bantu Community of San Diego, The AjA Project,Southern Sudanese Community Center San Diego, Humankind San Diego and United Women of East Africa Support Team
Peace on Earth Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 10, 10am
Mid-City Gym
4202 Landis Street
For More Information
FREE EVENT – open to the public: Peace on Earth Holiday Bazaar, filled with fun, performances, 25+ community organizations, gift items, and community resources. This annual event is put on by and for not-for-profit community organizations working for a peaceful, just, and environmentally healthy world
This year we will have music by Lucky Rumba, playing a fusion of Latin styles from the Caribbean, Americas, and Europe!
1st Annual UndocuYouth Conference
Saturday, December 10, 9am
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Dr.
For More Information
San Diego Dream Team and Education Without Borders at SDSU are happy to invite you all to Moving Forward: What’s Next for Immigrant Communities? Come join as we continue to build youth and community power through awareness and social advocacy.
This event will seek to provide resources to undocumented youth, families, and allies along with serving as a platform to engage undocumented youth in community advocacy and to create the new generation of community leaders.
Location: SDSU Arts & Letters 201
Jam for Peace in Support of Standing Rock
Saturday, December 10, 7pm
EVE Encinitas
575 S. Coast Highway, Encinitas
For More Information (Donation)
The situation in North Dakota at the Access Pipeline project has reached a boiling point. Water protectors are being violented arrested and raided as private security forces, state police and national guard have pushed to within a quarter of a mile from the Missouri River. Government officials are colluding with big oil and will stop at nothing to finish the construction. The media won’t cover this so it’s up to us to send a message and take a stand for our planet.
This gathering is a chance for us to join together in song and dance as we cry out for justice.
– Open mic and evolving music jam for peace
– Water ritual by Flow Evolution
– Cacao ceremony by Eye of Raw
– Story by Edward Hillard Deull
– Local goods raffle fundraiser
Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence, No. County, San Diego
Saturday, December 10, 4:30pm
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito
1036 Solana Dr, Solana Beach
For More Information
All are invited to come to remember the 120,000+ Americans killed by gun violence since the Sandy Hook school massacre in Newtown four years ago. Gather at 4:30, vigil held 5-6pm in UUFSD Founders Hall.
Music provided by Emma’s Revolution. Speakers include gun violence survivor, a representative from Moms Demand Action, The Brady Campaign, North County LGBTQ Resource Center and others. This event is open to the public.
Annual vigil held in solidarity with Newtown Foundation, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, States United to Prevent Gun Violence, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Organizing for Action, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Everytown Survivor Network, and St. Marks Episcopal Church.
San Diego City Officials Inauguration Ceremony
Monday, December 12, 10am
Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave.
The Inauguration Ceremony for the City of San Diego Mayor, City Attorney and Councilmembers for Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9.
Yay! for Mara Elliot, Barbara Bry, Chris Ward, & Georgette Gomez!
Concert to Benefit The Grassroots Oasis
Tuesday, November 13, 6pm
Grassroots Oasis
3130 Moore Street (nr Old Town)
For More Information
In what promises to be an amazing evening of story and song, some of San Diego’s finest singer/songwriters will be on hand for a benefit for The Grass Roots Oasis. The line-up consists of CalAmity, Lisa Sanders with Brown Sugar, Kimm Rogers, Bart Mendoza, Nena Anderson, Jeff Berkley, and Cindy Lee Berryhill. Please join us on December 13th for this very special event. All proceeds from this benefit will go to the GO.
As Kimm Rogers stated, ” When I think of The Grassroots Oasis, I consider it a home for the heart for many reasons. It’s a place where a singer/songwriter can be truly heard in an intimate venue that was made for listening and connecting. It’s also a place for poetry, film, plays, and the visual arts. It’s a place where activism takes root bringing community together in a truly unique environment. All of this is due to one of the hardest working women of the people that I have ever met, Martha Sullivan. She is the can-do, make it happen person behind this wonderful place. She gives artists and community activists a place that supports their work. However, her tremendous kindness doesn’t always cover the bills. We desperately need places like The Grassroots Oasis. It’s a one of a kind. So here’s our chance to say thanks to Martha Sullivan and to keep our beloved GO afloat. So please join us on December 13th to keep the lights on so all of us may continue to shine.
International & Nationwide #Resist Events
We are not alone. Look at all the other people around the globe listed below who are fired up and ready to go. The best resource for this type of information is lovealwaystrumpshate.org.
Sat December 3rd: Las Vegas, NV, NYC, NY, NYC, NY (Houston Street Center), Washington DC, Cleveland, OH, Boston, MA, Detroit, MI, East Lansing, MI, Westland, MI, Asheville, NC (Advocacy Fair), Asheville, NC (March), Charlotte, NC, Mebane, NC, Raleigh, NC, Salisbury, NC, Winston-Salem, NC, Seattle, WA, Orlando, FL, Los Angeles, CA
Sun December 4th: Los Angeles, CA, Baltimore, MD, Royal Oak, MI, Las Vegas, NV, Oakland, OH, Seattle, WA, Manchester, NH
Mon December 5th:Southhampton, NY
Tues December 6th: Evansville, IN, Toledo, OH
Wed December 7th: Washington DC
Thurs December 8th: Pittsburgh, PA
Fri December 9th: Ames, IA, Flint, MI
Sat December 10th: Sacramento, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Diego, CA, Boston, MA, NYC, NY, Cleveland, OH, Brownsville, TX, Los Angeles, CA (LGBTQ), Los Angeles, CA (NoDAPL), Los Angeles, CA
Sun December 11th: Chicago, IL, Ann Arbor, MI, Pittsburgh, PA
Mon December 12th: NYC, NY, San Francisco, CA, Portsmouth, NH, Somerville, MA
There are more than four dozen demonstrations already scheduled for inauguration weeknd (Jan 20-22). The biggie is The Women’s March on Washington. Over 100,000 people have already signed up to go.
Fri Jan 20th:
National Protest Trump Inauguration
Planned Parenthood Event (Nationwide)
National General Strike (Nationwide)
Phoenix, AZ
Berkeley, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA (UCLA)
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Chicago, IL
Indianapolis, IN
Monroe, LA
Boston, MA (11am)
Boston, MA
Worcester, MA
Lansing, MI
Kansas City, MO
NYC, NY
Columbus, OH
Memphis, TN
Austin, TX (LGBTQ Rally)
Austin, TX
Salt Lake City, UT
Washington DC (Freedom Plaza)
Washington DC (White House)
Olympia, WA
Seattle, WA
Milwaukee, WI
Aberdeen, UK
Birmingham, UK
Bristol, UK
Broadgate, UK
Coventry, UK
Edinburgh, UK
Leeds, UK
London, UK
London, UK (US Embassy)
Sat Jan 21st:
San Diego, CA
Oakland, CA
Indianapolis, IN
Boston, MA
Lansing, MI
New York City, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Washington DC (Lincoln Memorial)
Portland, WA
Seattle, WA
Madison, WI
Adelaide, Australia
On This Day: 1804 – Napoleon was crowned emperor of France at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. 1954 – The U.S. Senate voted to condemn Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy for what it called “conduct that tends to bring the Senate into dishonor and disrepute.” The censure was related to McCarthy’s controversial investigation of suspected communists in the U.S. government, military and civilian society. 1973 – The Who and some companions were jailed overnight for $6,000 worth of destruction they imposed on a hotel room after a show.
Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to “The Starting Line” and get an email every time a new article in this series is posted!
I read the Daily Fishwrap(s) so you don’t have to… Catch “the Starting Line” Monday thru Friday right here at San Diego Free Press (dot) org. Send your hate mail and ideas to DougPorter@SanDiegoFreePress.Org Check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Doug Porter
Latest posts by Doug Porter (see all)
- Last Call. Last Column. - December 14, 2018
- Which Presidential Candidate Will You Support in 2020? - December 13, 2018
- Mounting the Assault on Big Gay and Other Drivel From SDSU’s Minimum Wage Scrooge - December 12, 2018
People feel helpless/paralyzed. Thank you for including resources of groups/organizations. Democracy needs to be nurtured. It is time for us to become active.