Juneteenth: Balancing reflection with action It’s been three years since Juneteenth was made a federal holiday. But how do we balance reflection and celebration with continued activism? Read more about what Juneteenth means today, and how we can honor it with action. https://bit.ly/3VksdDB
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THE NEW RIGHT ACTIVISM - A Manifesto for the Counterrevolution The institutions which today shape public and private life will exist for the foreseeable future. The only question is who will lead them and by which set of values. https://lnkd.in/gnamcYDw
THE NEW RIGHT ACTIVISM
steveblizard.substack.com
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Exploring Nonviolent Resistance in Today's World 🖋️ New Blog by Margarita Sánchez 🔍 Dive into an insightful exploration of nonviolent resistance and its role in anti-systemic movements. Margarita Sánchez challenges us to reconsider how we define nonviolence and highlights the powerful actions taken against systemic oppression. 📢 About the Author: Margarita Sánchez de León is a queer theologian and professor with a rich history in human rights activism. Her unique perspective offers a profound understanding of the complexities in nonviolent actions and systemic resistance. 👉 Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/d2RnegeD
And what are nonviolent resistances?
https://flacso.edu.ec/accionnoviolenta
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EFF says “29 May 2024 is our 27 April 1994”, and the DA says “29 May 2024 is our 6 April 1652” The recent incident involving the Democratic Alliance's (DA) campaign burning a South African flag sparked debate and critical thought on the broader implications of political symbolism. The burning of the national flag, though with the preservation of its red portion, seemed to evoke a narrative rooted in historical colonialism, unintentionally or not. It was reminiscent of the Dutch entrance in 1652, a turning point that indicated the start of a stormy period of colonialism. The "dirty and tired" flag was cleaned with fire, but the red portion remained untouched. This could be interpreted as a symbolic reference to the colonial past, in which some elements are retained while others are destroyed or thrown away. The symbolism ingrained in the flag's design, which itself represents a complex history of conflict, reconciliation, and healing, was duly noted by critics. The use of colours from the Dutch flag and the African National Congress (ANC) symbolizes the goals of inclusivity and togetherness in the wake of apartheid. But the DA's selective burning of the flag begs concerns about how they view this unity and how they handle national identity. Why wasn't the red portion of the flag completely burnt? and Why? In addition, there are questions over the DA's decision to focus their campaign on the South African flag. Why not burn the party flags of their opponents and take direct aim at them? This omission suggests a more profound disconnection between the flag's inclusive and diverse story and the DA. This episode is not unique; rather, it is a part of a pattern of conduct marked by insensitivity and a lack of consultation. The City of Cape Town's 2014 premature logo change by the DA, which ignored staff and public criticism, displays a similar contempt for inclusivity and public opinion. Against this error, however, the DA has a chance to recover its story and reframe its strategy. Rather than turning to controversial symbols, they should have taken inspiration from the successful features of their previous ventures. Many South Africans connected with the "ANC Ayisafani" campaign, which was led by former leader Mmusi Maimane and provided an interesting viewpoint. Instead of using divisive tactics, revisiting such programs may have shown a commitment to constructive involvement and dialogue. Alas, the issue here is Mr Mmusi Maimane travelled from Soweto to Cape Town by taxi rather than the required Reijer, Dromedaris, and Goede Hoop, which docked at the Cape on April 6, 1652. The story of South Africa's future ultimately rests on four pillars: diversity, opportunity, fairness, and freedom. These are the DA's central values. The DA failed the integrity test by using the Merriam-Webster dictionary to define these four values. Specifically, they failed with magna cum laude for freedom and fairness and summa cum laude for diversity and opportunity.
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This #Juneteenth, we affirm with unwavering conviction: freedom is not a gift to be bestowed, but a right to be claimed. Today is not just a historical milestone, it's a call to action in the fight against systemic racism. Read more of our Juneteenth reflections here: https://lnkd.in/givEtw6Y
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Dear Fellow Citizens, As we stand at the crossroads of our nation’s destiny, I implore you to reflect deeply on the path we tread. Our democracy, once vibrant and diverse, now grapples with shadows that threaten its very essence. Let's look into the consequences of empowering a government that veers dangerously toward fascism. 1. Democracy Under Siege: Democracy is not a mere formality; it is the heartbeat of our nation. It thrives when dissent is respected, voices are heard, and institutions remain independent. The current regime has eroded democratic norms. Dissenters are labeled as “anti-national,” and institutions are weakened. Our democracy gasps for breath. 2. Values We Hold Dear: Our heritage is rich with compassion, tolerance, and pluralism. These values bind us together, transcending caste, creed, and religion. The ruling party’s divisive rhetoric undermines these values. We must choose leaders who uphold our shared ethos. 3. Love Over Hate: Love unites; hate divides. Our nation flourishes when we embrace our diversity. The rise of communal violence, lynching, and hate crimes is a stain on our collective conscience. We must reject leaders who thrive on animosity. 4. Fundamental Rights at Stake: Our Constitution guarantees fundamental rights—freedom of speech, religion, and expression. These are non-negotiable. The chilling effect on dissenters, journalists, and activists is alarming. Fear should never silence truth. 5. Freedom Under Threat: Freedom is our birthright. It encompasses not just political freedom but also economic, social, and cultural liberties. The stifling of dissent, internet shutdowns, and surveillance infringe upon our freedom. We must reclaim it. 6. Barbaric Treatment of Minorities: A nation’s character is tested by how it treats its minorities. They are integral to our tapestry. The recent spate of mob violence, cow vigilantism, and discriminatory laws is an affront to humanity. We must stand against this brutality. Consequences Await: History warns us. Fascism corrodes societies, leaving scars that endure for generations. Look to Italy under Mussolini, where dissent was crushed, freedoms curtailed, and minorities persecuted. We tread a perilous path. Our Choice Matters: As voters, we wield immense power. Our ballots shape our destiny. Let us choose leaders who cherish democracy, uphold our values, and protect the vulnerable. In Unity Lies Hope: Unity is our armor against tyranny. Together, we can reclaim our nation’s soul. Rise above party lines. Vote for a future that celebrates love, justice, and freedom. Remember: Our democracy is not a spectator sport. It demands our active participation. Let us be the architects of a better India—one that thrives on compassion, inclusivity, and hope. With unwavering resolve, A Concerned Citizen
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Juneteenth is more than just a celebration; it’s a reminder that justice can win over oppression. It makes us think about what true freedom means in a world still affected by racial injustice. Let’s renew our promise to create a society where freedom and equality are real for everyone. As adults, we have a crucial role in this. It’s up to us to educate our children about Juneteenth and its powerful message. By sharing the history and significance of this day, we help them understand the ongoing fight for racial justice. Let’s use this moment to instill values of justice, equality, and freedom in our kids, ensuring that these ideals become a reality for everyone.
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According to the Forward, “Activists who openly espouse and promote #Nazi and anti-#Jewish views attended the annual #Conservative Political Action Conference, also known as #CPAC, held in #Maryland over the weekend.” Can someone please explain to me what has happened to the party of principled #conservatives like #President #RonaldReagan and #Senator John #McCain? CPAC calls itself " ... the nation’s oldest conservative #grassroots organization and seeks to preserve and protect the values of life, liberty, and property for every #American." It describes the annual CPAC conference as "... the largest and most influential gathering of conservatives in the world." And CPAC says that "it stands with #Israel." Yet, in 2024 neo-Nazis and #antisemites were permitted to openly attend this conference and spew their hateful venom to anyone who would listen. Do CPAC Chairman Max Schlapp and the rest of its leadership believe that #antisemtism, #racism and #bigotry are American values? Why wasn't this #extremist ilk thrown out of the conference as soon as they reared their ugly heads? Standing up to #hate is not a #Democratic or #Republican value, it is a an American value. While I did not agree with President #Reagan and John McCain on many issues, at the end of the day they truly understood and believed this about our Nation. These men, particularly Reagan, who was part of the greatest generation that saved the world from #Hitler and the #Nazis, must be rolling in their graves. #antisemitism #antisemitic #hate #hatespeech #politicalnews #donaldtrump #joebiden #2024elections #equality #extremism #presidentialelection #republicans #racist #equalityforall #haters #civilrights #tolerance #acceptance #equalrights
Members of neo-Nazi groups attended Republican-affiliated conference headlined by Trump
forward.com
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