Uprising in LA

Reports of ICE's invasion, referred to as raids, are still confusing. I have heard they went to a middle school graduation, arrested a pregnant woman, a 4 year old and beat an important union leader, David Huerta, then arrested him. They took in 44 immigrants, none with warrants. The media is focused on the rebellion and not the aggression that caused it.

If we (admitting I'm sitting on a chair in Oakland) want to grow our rebellion against this regime's most visible agents of terror, we have to design acts of tightly disciplined civil disobedience.

I am proud of you all on the front lines butI have suggestions. I am a veteran of rebellions but can no longer go out in the street. However, I know the feelings of excitement, fear and anxiety of being out there.

[Once again, I admit I'm an older white woman and my words may mean little to you but consider them as suggestions from decades of my personal experience, having been led by smart leaders in the Black, Brown and Asian communities of California.]

Take a Break, Save Some Energy

1. It will likely be a long struggle and the folks getting detained and disappeared will need protection so save your energy and take a strategic retreat. Be rested so that you are prepared for the next threat which will come soon.

2. Most importantly, take your cues from each other in the affected communities, there will be many besides Latine, Haitian, Asian, African, etc. Do not make a move unless it is supported and led by your most vulnerable members.

3. Make allies, not enemies. In many of our actions we have allowed attacks on our communities’ merchants, our neighbors’ cars, etc. Move your actions away from our little shopping districts. This includes corporate retailers whose presence brings more customers to your local merchants.

   Let these merchants, especially those which employ members of the immigrant community, know that you will do everything you can to keep the actions away from them. Many of them might also assist you when they can. In any case, you don't need them as enemies.

4. Talk to media-all media. I know many of you disagree but I beseech you to try. Tell them anecdotes, do not rant at them with cliches.

   Tell them what you saw- we are not hearing enough about ICE's victims. Your voice has power even in unsympathetic hands. I believe that not following this advice has been damaging our message for decades!

5. Remember that civil disobedience, despite what your politicians tell you, is not violence ( thanks George Galvis). But neither is passive picketing enough. Blocking freeways, blocking government buildings, so long as you do not block services that people need, is civil disobedience and it is good.

6. It's probably not a good idea, especially in LA, to start fires. It causes dangerous breathing spaces and may be emotionally triggering. But I also have no interest in protecting ICE vans or big tech’s symbols. Be careful of the image you project and the people in your vicinity.

7. It goes without saying, ha ha, which is why I'm saying it? Don't damage communities where the people the feds are targeting live or work! And while you're at it, try to recruit volunteers to help out pro Bono lawyers and firms that detainees and those threatened might need to access.

8. Also remember many law enforcement and National Guard are from immigrant and poor families. It may be hard or impossible to communicate with them but worth a try. Outside of trump & company, human beings are redeemable.

Bottom line, we must all organize and react in thoughtful ways, analyzing our goals and how to reach them. If your action does not further a humanitarian goal, it will not get us where we need to go.

Dare to struggle, dare to win