IMAGE CREDIT: Erin Schaff/The New York Times.
We thought this day would come in November, but it’s happening now.
The mechanics were straight out of the playbook: Have a crowd with sufficient plausible deniability to existing leadership disrupt legal governance such that the existing administration can declare Martial Law. Then suspend the legal transfer of power until “the situation stabilizes.”
Perhaps most chilling is that it was not unexpected.
We keep learning more how many people involved were fascists, white nationalists, and those that have been agitating for a civil war. For those individuals that don’t fall into those categories, it doesn’t matter. We all need to be aware of the values of those that we are associating with. Those flags and shirts were clear to read in the crowds. At some point one has to stop and ask -what is going on?
It’s difficult to convey to others the feeling for black Americans to see the Confederate flag in the Capitol building. It’s a flag openly used to send a message of violence in the heart of democracy.
The question we face now is where do we go from here? There are two weeks left.
I’m an optimist. I believe in America’s potential. I believe in American exceptionalism. I believe America can be so much more.
But I recognize that we are not through the looking glass yet. Nonetheless, I find hope in the struggle because I believe America is finally having the reckoning we have put off for so long. After over 150 years, our country is finally coming face to face with our history. Our country never truly concluded the Civil War: Lincoln was assassinated. Reconstruction was stopped short. And Jim Crow was imposed on tens of millions of Americans.
Going forward won’t be easy. Freedom is never given. Liberty is never offered. Equality is always a struggle. We need to face our collective past. Our ability to face our truth should be our strength to strive for something greater.
This is our moment: Each of us needs to find one way to take action. That might be your time, your signature, or donating to a cause you believe in. But find one way that works for you.
Forward Together
/C
1/ DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE FOR CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
People ask me all the time —how do we change the Democratic Party? It starts by changing the party machine. This is the type of “in the weeds” Party politics that determines many of the elected leaders you and I will see on the ballot in the future, for example, Assembly members. Those that win this election decide what policies the Democratic Party should prioritize and endorse in upcoming elections.
What are Assembly members?
Registered Democrats vote for Assembly members to represent their district (geographically determined) in the California Democratic Party. These positions are not official government positions, but they are official positions in the Democratic Party that vote on policies and what candidates to support. ADEM | 2021 Assembly District Election Meeting.
How does voting work?
You have to register by the end of day today January 11th, 2021 to participate. Go to this Registration link, submit your information and you will receive a paper mail-in ballot.
Why does this vote matter to me?
Members of the Assembly dictate what politics the California Democratic Party supports and prioritizes. These members vote on which leaders to endorse.
When people talk about “The Machine” —this is it.
Registration - Assembly Democrats Registration
2/ CHARLES NEXT STEPS
Thank you to everyone that has stuck with me and followed the CB.
We raised money for Biden together. And won.
We raised money for Rev. Warnock in Georgia together. And won.
I’ve had an opportunity to engage and learn from many of you. And I can’t thank you enough for all of your support.
Going forward, I have decided to keep The CB going. I won’t inundate you with emails. This isn’t a weekly type requirement. But I will keep the focus on Actions Items and to provide resources. Especially during these difficult times.
I’ll also keep you up to date on my upcoming activities and plans. There’s a lot to prepare. And a lot to do.
3/ SOCIAL MEDIA LIST TO FOLLOW
For those that don’t know or forgot, I have a Twitter list with people and resources you can trust. This is particularly good if you want to stay out of the sewage of Twitter, but are looking for good information.
Here’s the link to my Democracy and Elections List on Twitter.
Send Charles a question
Questions, suggestions, comments? Send me an email or find me on Twitter @CharlesBelle
ABOUT The CB
After running for Supervisor in San Francisco, people keep asking me — What can I do? I created The CB because I know people care about our communities, our cities, our country, and our future. We need real change. And you don’t want to sit on the sidelines, you want to be part of the change for a better world. The CB newsletter answers the question “What Can I Do?” with easy to digest, curated actions, to help each of us change our world for the better.