Nobody said this was gonna be easy
Screenshots via Daily Kos
By Doug Porter
Hey did you hear the news? Donald Trump has been president for one week.
While there is some truth to the sense that each day of this week has felt like ten, the sound and the fury masks some very real problems in the new administration.
Let’s stand things on their head for a moment and look for some silver linings.
This was the week where Trump was:
- Conducting an international campaign of shock and awe via executive order, which fortunately weren’t vetted for legal niceties.
- Caught desperately trying to convince himself that he’s popular by demanding new inauguration photos from the National Park Service
- Forced to rely on a complete nutcase to try and prove his delusions about voter fraud.
- Seen by 10 million less people than Obama was in his first nationally televised interview.
- Unable to unite Congressional Republicans behind any of his programs
- Embarrassed by a flood of leaks coming from within the White House.
- Attacked by his own party for playing footsie with the Russians, who, by the way, just made the case for verifying their interference in the elections by arresting top cybersecurity officials for espionage.
- Denounced by his biggest non-Fox news talking head supporter for attacking the media.
- Forced to retract the threat of a 20% import tax on Mexican goods after it was pointed out that it wouldn’t work.
-
I’m liking pink a lot better than orange lately
The cause of open revolt in government agencies. Follow @alt_fda, @AltNatParkSer, @altUSEPA, @RogueNASA, @Alt_NIH, @altNOAA,
@AlternativeNWS, @AltForestServ, @AltNatParkSer, @altusda on twitter for the news he doesn’t want you to hear. - Unable to grasp the irony of signing an executive order banning refugees from Muslim Majority countries on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. (Not included on that list are Muslim majority countries where Trump’s companies do business.)
I could go on, but hopefully, you get the point. It ain’t over until it’s over. Don’t stress about what you can’t control. And do something for a better world and yourself every day.
We can do this.
But we can’t do it without YOU.
Heh, heh. Alt Facts Explained
NBC News says an unknown person has bought Alternative Facts.com, which now redirects to a Psychology Today article on Gaslighting.
“Gaslighting,” the Pyschology Today article says, “is a tactic of behavior in which a person or entity, in order to gain more power, makes a victim question their reality. … It is a common technique of abusers, dictators, narcissists, and cult leaders.”
Among the techniques used by people who gaslight, according to the article, are these:“They tell you blatant lies,” and “They deny they ever said something, even though you have proof.”
The term comes from a 1938 play called “Gaslight, which was made into a movie in 1944. The plot centers on a woman whose husband manipulates her into thinking she’s going insane. Ingrid Bergman was awarded the best actress Oscar for her performance as the wife.
That old thieves’ trick: rush in with a ruckus, followed by a quiet B team that steals all the loot, dashes off? That’s what’s happening now
— Xeni Jardin (@xeni) January 27, 2017
In the meantime, there’s plenty of local activism to support. Check out this week’s listings.
Get your event listed: I try to list the next 10 days or so of mostly non-commercial events I think our readers might find of interest. I source my material from social media listings and press releases. In cases where there are competing but similar events or campaigns of the progressive persuasion, I do my best to list everything.
Progressive Calendar for San Diego Late
Late January, Early February 2017
A couple of new things on the horizon…
National Pride March: Drawing inspiration from last weekend’s Women’s March on Washington, a gay activist in New York City has announced plans for the National Pride March, a “mass” LGBT protest at the nation’s capital on June 11. Join the march’s facebook page here.
Sign Up For SwingLeft: Control of the House in 2018 will be decided by a handful of Swing Districts, places where the last election was decided by a thin margin. Find your closest Swing District and join its team to learn about actionable opportunities to support progressives—and defeat Republicans—in that district, no matter where you live. Check out SwingLeft here.
The Scientists March on Washington; You didn’t think they were gonna take all this crap from the Trump administration and not say anything, did ya? It looks like they’ll be doing a big event in March. Stay in touch with them.
Release Your Taxes Day Protests: Scheduled all over the country. Link for San Diego. I can get behind the idea of taking back tax day from the Tea Party…
Take Action!
Write Postcards to Our Local Senators
Friday, January 27, 5:30-7:30pm
The Rose
2219 30th Street
For More Information
We made history in the Women’s March. Now it’s time to make our voices heard!
Let’s continue as a community by not being silent. Come meet drinks amongst amazing people, as we write postcards to send to our senators. This will be a great chance to get together as a community and stay strong! We are power in numbers!
Come prepared with your own printed postcard and we can all collaborate and write them together. Feel like spreading the love? Perhaps bring an additional printed postcard to help out another.
For more information on how to get the postcard visit: https://www.womensmarch.com/
LGBTQ TOWN HALL
Standing Strong, Pressing On
Friday, January 27, 6:30pm
Oceanside Public Library Community Rooms
330 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside
For More Information
This is the Annual Town Hall Meeting of the LGBTQ Resource Center. Each year we share with you the past year achievements, but also how we have invested our human and financial resources. We will address questions and concerns on this new administration and what can we do to prevent possible setbacks. If you are a donor, a volunteer, an elected official or an ally that wants to do something for this community, this meeting is for you. This event is wheelchair accessible. Food is also provided. Oceanside Public Library at the Community room ( across from the city fountain)
Community Art Show: Resistance and Resilience
Friday, January 27, 6pm
Helen Knoll Community Center at the Brown Building
4133 Poplar Street, San Diego
For More Information
A night of art, music, and community!
RAFFLE of original art and other goodies
FOOD from the community
DJ
Join us on January 27th for the first installment of the Brown Building’s monthly art show series.This event is free and for all-ages.
Treat Your Palate: MUJADDARA & MANAESH
Resettled Syrian families will be serving homemade Mujaddara (lentils, onions, and rice with salad) and Manaesh (stuffed pies). 100% of proceeds from these dishes go directly to the families!
United City Heights
Hosted by Mid-City CAN (Community Advocacy Network)
Saturday, January 28, Noon
4350 El Cajon Blvd
For More Information
While Executive Actions and hateful rhetoric may have communities like ours uncertain of what the future will hold, in City Heights we are sure we will remain #united. Many partner community organizations in San Diego have come together to promote unity, inclusivity, and provide resources and support to the families that find themselves vulnerable as a result of the new administration.
– Enjoy food, music, art, and conversation;
– Meet organizations in City Heights that are doing the work to empower our communities;
– Share safe space to plan next steps and address current needs;
– Connect with resources to protect your families and improve health
Co-hosted by:– Comite Organizador Latino– Employee Rights Center– International Rescue Committee– Mid-City CAN– NAACP San Diego Youth Council– Somali Bantu Association– Together We Will
SPEAKERS: Carol Kim, Councilwoman Georgette Gomez
Housing Town Hall
Saturday, January 28, 10:30am
Sherman Heights Community Center
2100 Island Ave
For More Information
The housing crisis continues, and we continue to be priced out. The average price of single family home has climbed to $545,000, a 6 percent increase over last year. The average cost to rent in San Diego County is $1,743.
Recent presidential elections show these solutions likely won’t come from Washington. And we won’t get them from City Hall or Sacramento unless we fight for them.
Come out to this town hall to discuss solutions to the housing crisis, demand a statewide Tenant Bill of Rights, and start to get ourselves organized to hold our elected officials accountable in 2017.
Join a Climate Action Team
Saturday, January 28, Noon
Palomar UU Fellowship Events
1600 Buena Vista Dr, Vista
For More Information
Ready to take action on climate change? You’re not alone!
Join us to explore SanDiego350’s volunteer teams and committees and brainstorm with other participants about new teams – because when we work together, we’re powerful. These meetings are especially geared for getting new members involved.
SanDiego350 believes that to achieve meaningful action on climate change we need to grow the climate movement until where we’re a force to be reckoned with – and that each of us has a role in that movement. We welcome your participation, whatever your skills, availability, and interests.
Issue-based teams and support committees are where a great deal of SanDiego350’s work takes place. We could use YOUR help with a wide range of projects – We educate the public, advocate for climate-friendly policies, hold rallies, generate media coverage, train climate leaders, and build coalition with diverse partners. We work to stop pipelines, grow renewables, ban fracking, and urge funds to divest from fossil fuels.
Film Screening: The Targeted Village
Sunday, January 29, 4pm
Hosted by Veterans for Peace Members
Digital Gym Cinema
2921 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego
For More Information
From Okinawa, Japan – hear the voices of Takae village residents who have been convicted by the Japanese government for obstructing traffic when they protested the construction of U.S. military helipads in their neighborhood. The courage that Takae residents have shown has captured the hearts of people throughout Japan and the world as they fight for civil rights and self-determination.
Miho Aida (documentary filmmaker) and Michael Hanes (anti-war activist and Veterans for Peace member) will be speaking about their experiences and answering questions after the film.
City Council Vote on
Medical Cannabis Recommendations
Tuesday, January 31, 2pm
San Diego City Administration Bldg
202 C Street – 12th Floor
For More Information
On December 15th 2016, the San Diego City Planning Commission voted to recommend licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in the city be allowed to sell adult use marijuana. Also in this proposal to city council was a clause that would outright prohibit all other medical marijuana activities including independent delivery services, testing facilities, cultivation, and manufacturing. Fortunately, the Planning Commission voted to strike from their recommendations the paragraph that contains this prohibitory clause.
However, city staff will be presenting the original version of the proposal, containing the prohibitions, as an equal alternative to the Planning Commission’s recommendations.
We strongly encourage you to attend This meeting. The Association of Cannabis Professionals, San Diego ASA and other community allies will be attending as well. The greater our presence, the greater our effect.
Rise Up Get Down
At the Casbah
Saturday, February 4, 7:30
Casbah San Diego
2510 Ketner Blvd
For More Information
It’s a revolution! It’s a dance party!
Rise Up, Get Down at the Casbah is a dance rally hosted by Raise Progress, an organization committed to advancing change, uplifting communities, and promoting hope.
Featured speakers include City Council Members, Chris Ward and Georgette Gomez; and United We Dream Advocacy Director, Greisa Martinez. Four DJs will spin a mix of tunes to get you on the dance floor: Records with Roger, Mr Mazee, DJ Claire, and Milky Wayne! Anthem Vegan will be onsite with grub for sale. All proceeds to support Raise Progress in furthering progressive policy and politics. Tickets are $25, and are for sale on the Casbah website
The People’s Issues
A Social Justice Teach-in
Saturday, February 4, 9am
Peace Resource Center of San Diego
3850 Westgate Pl
For More Information
A time to address the issues facing our communities in the post-election context. Time to get informed, get energized, and get activated.
Join us for Inauguration: Addressing the People’s Issues, a social justice teach-in. Poverty, Race, Immigration, Sustainability, Militarism, Spirituality, Sexuality and Gender
Sponsored by the PRC, AFSC, SURJ and community partners.
Progressive San Diego Arts Networking
Hosted by San Diego Arts for Bernie Sanders and Our Revolution
Saturday, February 4, 6pm
Thumbprint Gallery
920 Kline Street, La Jolla
For More Information
At the request of many in the arts community we are holding a networking event to unite San Diego progressive artists and creatives of all artistic mediums.
There is no specific agenda except to create dialog and brainstorm on what actions can and should be taken in order to further the progressive agenda. If you have a project or group working towards these goals and are looking to connect with the progressive arts community we invite you to attend.
Some beer and wine will be provided, but we can use some more. If you can help out with more beverages or snacks that would be appreciated!
10% of all sales of original art will also be donated to The Nature Conservancy. For those who don’t want to buy art but want to contribute to the cause we will be taking cash donations of any amount.
United for Progress Community Meeting
#Courageous Resistance
Mission Branch Library
3861 Mission Ave, Oceanside
For More Information
Join us for our next United for Progress community meeting in Oceanside.
Our Mission: We come together with others to affirm shared values of tolerance, social, economic justice, and desire to fight the Trump agenda. Our focus is to protect the most vulnerable in our society, work to make California the most progressive state in the nation, and aid in national efforts to resist the restrictive and oppressive policies of this presidential administration.
Encouragement and further reading (via re:act):
Ezekiel Kweku’s post, Serenity in the Time of Trump: “…the problem is that if we all focus only on what’s out of our control, we risk succumbing to fatalism and complacency. Saying “there’s nothing I could have done” can make us feel better temporarily, but it can easily curdle into “there’s nothing I can do.” And that’s the dead end.”
Heather McGhee’s NYTimes oped, ‘I’m Prejudiced,’ He Said. Then We Kept Talking. “We need conversations like mine and Garry’s to happen across the country, outside of politics. Societies that have been through traumas have embarked on racial reconciliation processes; South Africa’s is the most famous, but there are dozens more. There’s no reason we can’t do that here.”
“Trump nominee confirmation hearings guide”
Psst….
As @AndyPuzder‘s hearing keeps getting pushed back, we keep organizing. Join us: https://t.co/vSofXAsZ5u #NotOurLaborSec pic.twitter.com/bXSmEk7WXH
— Fight For 15 Nor Cal (@NorCalFF15) January 27, 2017
Looking for some action? Check out the Weekly Progressive Calendar, published every Friday in this space, featuring Demonstrations, Rallies, Teach-ins, Meet Ups and other opportunities to get your activism on.
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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
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Thanks for your tireless reporting. The events list is really helpful 💪
Yes, Anne Haule. It seems as though every rational progressive would be reading, quoting, tweeting, Facebooking, and otherwise spreading the word from Doug Porter’s reports. Let us hope they are too busy doing all they can to respond here:-)