San Diego Free Press

Grassroots News & Progressive Views

Resistance Rises as Trump Inauguration Nears

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On Saturday, supporters of immigrant rights at rallies around the U.S. denounced President-elect Donald Trump for his anti-immigrant rhetoric along with his pledge to build a border wall and discriminate against Muslims entering the country.

On Sunday, Supporters of the Affordable Care Act gathered to protest the health care law’s repeal in rallies across the country.

And throughout the holiday commemorating the late Dr. Martin Luther King rallies and marches from coast-to-coast called out the implicit and explicit racism of the incoming administration.   [Read more…]

Where Do We Go From Here?: Lessons from Martin Luther King Heading Into the Trump Era

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“A nation or a civilization that continues to produce softminded men purchases its own spiritual death on an installment plan.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   The Strength to Love

A few years ago, I made use of this space on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to discuss my favorite speech of his, “Where Do We Go From Here?” and ponder its relevance to the present…   [Read more…]

MLK Tribute: The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee

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In commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I’d like to give readers a tour of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN and its accompanying National Civil Rights Museum.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968. Business declined at the motel thereafter until it went into foreclosure. In 1982, a few dedicated community leaders in Memphis decided to try and save the Lorraine from being destroyed and transformed the site into a museum so comprehensive in African-American history, I would call it the United States’ “Louvre”.

With 260 artifacts, 40 films, and a vast interactive media museum of oral histories and visual displays, there is truly nothing like it anywhere. Erudite, comprehensive and emotional, my recommendation is to take two full days to visit this museum. You’ll leave with a strong understanding of the African-American experience.   [Read more…]

Civil Rights Icon John Lewis at San Diego’s Oak Park Public Library: In This Place, the Beloved Community

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By Anna Daniels

Editor Note: Congressman John Lewis told Chuck Todd in a recent interview that he did not see Trump as a legitimate president and that he would not attend the inauguration. Congressman Lewis brings the voice of moral authority and courage to his decision. The following is an article from the SDFP archives published on March 2, 2014.

On Saturday March 1, Congressman John Lewis received the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) Peacemaker award for his outstanding work as a civil rights champion and inspiring congressional leader. The reception, dinner and award ceremony were held at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. I did not attend, but there is no doubt in my mind that the guests were moved by his powerful oratory as he embraced another opportunity at that event to promote non-violent action as the only democratic remedy and response to injustice in the world.

Earlier in the day, Congressman John Lewis entered the Oak Park Public Library and became Storyteller John Lewis. In the intimacy of this small library, Lewis was clearly in his element. The Oak Park Library has no meeting room. Over eighty people sat and stood in the heart of this library surrounded by computers and book stacks. We sang This Little Light of Mine, lead by Lisa Sanders followed by a brief, heartfelt introduction from 4th district Councilwoman Myrtle Cole, the first African American woman on the city council.

In this place, Congressman Lewis unhurriedly and deftly wove the personal details of his own life, about how he grew up in rural Alabama on a farm in the segregationist south. We were immediately drawn into the storyteller’s enchanted circle.
  [Read more…]

Looking Back at the Week: Jan 8-14

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This week’s edition of Looking Back at the Week features articles, commentaries, columns, toons, and other work by San Diego Free Press regulars, irregulars, columnists, at-large contributors, and sourced writers on: ADEM elections, GoldenGate, bye bye Chargers, inauguration protests, standing with Sandy and Isabel, GOP’s lack of ethics, Oceana Restaurant, Trump’s war on the press, Huncan Dunter, and lots of other grassroots news & progressive views from San Diego’s friendly, neighborhood, all volunteer, slightly funky, community news site.   [Read more…]

Duncan Hunter Pulls Trump-Like Distraction By Removing Award-Winning Painting

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It appears that our own Rep. Duncan Hunter has pulled a “Trump-like” distraction in order to manipulate the press away from something else that was embarrassing. It’s a case of Animal House.

Donald Trump has become infamous for making tweets or taking efforts to manipulate the press that are often distractions to more questionable or controversial elements of his campaign and transition. For instance, his press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 11th – the first in 6 months – was a distraction to embarrassing and controversial statements by his cabinet nominees, whose hearings were being held at the very same day in Congress.

And now Hunter has pulled a rabbit out of his Trump hat.

On Friday, Jan. 6, Hunter pulled down an award-winning but controversial painting from a wall in a Capitol hallway. The painting depicts a street clash between police and protesters, most of whom are Black. The painting shows some police officers and protesters as animals.   [Read more…]

Geo-Poetic Spaces: Political Mythology

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In the old world
a familiar story

The king constructs a labyrinth
because Minotaurs
must be fed

It requires a beast
to kick eyes into dust
and steal a crown   [Read more…]

We Stood With Sandy and Isabel!

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Community Expresses Solidarity in Support of These Brave Women

This past Saturday friends, family, labor, and community came together to support Sandy Naranjo and Isabel Vasquez in their quest for justice. In mid-December they both filed serious complaints against Labor Council President and UFCW Local 135 President Mickey Kasparian.

Naranjo’s complaint was filed based on gender discrimination whereas Vasquez’s complaint was for sexual harassment. A third complaint by Anabel Arauz, based on retaliation, was filed the same day as people gathered for the action.

The solidarity picket took place during the ADEM election for the 80th district at Machinists Hall in Chula Vista. Hundreds came out to vote with many of them standing in solidarity with these brave women. It takes a lot of guts to stand up against the most powerful labor leader in San Diego.   [Read more…]

A Dozen-Plus Opportunities in San Diego to Protest Trump’s Inauguration

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San Diego gets it. Lots of us are unhappy with the incoming administration.

There are community gatherings. There are rallies. There are protest marches. There are teach-ins. There are press conferences. There is art. There are even dance parties.

People from all walks of life find are finding ways to express their displeasure with the incoming administration. Check out the calendar inside for events over the next ten days or so. Events related to the inauguration include the Trump/NOPE graphic.   [Read more…]

San Marcos Plans ‘Sister March’ to Historic Women’s March on Washington

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Women’s March on Washington, North County to be the first major march and rally in the area

January 10, 2017 — San Marcos, CA — On Jan. 21, 2017, organizers in North County, San Diego will hold a march and rally which will begin at 11 am at the San Marcos Civic Center and end at Palomar Community College. A rally at Palomar College with speakers, music, street art and food trucks will follow the march. Attendees may park for free at Palomar College or take the Sprinter. All are welcome to attend.   [Read more…]

Donald Trump Was Bailed Out of Bankruptcy by Russia Crime Bosses

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By Mark Sumner / Daily Kos

In 2008, Donald Trump Jr. attended a real estate conference, where he stated that

Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.

As it turns out, that may have been an understatement. Human rights lawyer Scott Horton, whose work in the region goes back to defending Andrei Sakharov and other Soviet dissidents, has gone through a series of studies by the Financial Times to show how funds from Russian crime lords bailed Trump out after yet anther bankruptcy. The conclusions are stark.   [Read more…]

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