This Saturday, hundreds expected to rally in protest of US complicity in Gaza genocide; Socialists endorse Maryland Ballot Question 1, canvassing operations begin this weekend; Tenant Safety Act takes effect in Maryland, expanding bargaining power for MD tenants
This is the weekly newsletter of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America (MDC DSA), which is produced by local members of the chapter's Publications Working Group. The Weekly Update publishes every Friday at 9am.
Paid for by Metro DC DSA (mdcdsa.org). Not authorized by any candidate or committee.
UP FRONT
This Saturday, hundreds expected to rally in protest of US complicity in Gaza genocide
The United Nations reported in
August that over 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed since
October 7 — an estimate on the low end, whereas the Guardian, reporting on The Lancet’s
calculus, estimates a staggering 335,500 — as Israel tightens its grip
on the illegally occupied territory. But Israel’s assault has not
stopped with Gaza; last week they opened up a new front against the
Lebanese people to the north, killing over 1,000 civilians and setting
off a refugee crisis in the country. Despite clear violations of US law,
the Biden administration has continued to supply Israel with missiles
and military aid, fanning the flames of a potential regional war.
This
Saturday, October 5, masses are planning protests across the country to
commemorate one year of Palestinian resistance to Israel’s flagrant
genocide. The day of action is being organized by the US Campaign for
Palestinian Rights, Students for Justice in Palestine National,
Palestinian Youth Movement, Palestinian Feminist Collective, US
Palestinian Community Network and other organizations. In DC, hundreds
of protesters are expected to peacefully converge on the White House to
confront the administration over its complicity in genocide. Metro DC
DSA has been organizing turnout for this event, with plans to meet at 3:30pm — DSA members and allies are encouraged to RSVP here for specific meetup instructions.
Socialists endorse Maryland Ballot Question 1; canvassing operations begin this weekend
Vote yes on Question 1!
Maryland’s Reproductive Freedom Amendment is on the ballot on November
5. If passed, it will enshrine abortion access and other rights into the
state constitution. Following endorsement from the chapter last week,
Metro DC DSA will be leading canvassing efforts to knock doors in
Montgomery and Prince George’s counties starting this weekend. The first
canvass is taking place this weekend, Saturday, October 5 at 10am at
Lois Ann Blue Park and Sunday, with additional canvassing taking place
on October 6 at 10am at the parking lot of Cheverly Metro Station.
Chapter members can join the Slack channel #md-repro-amendment (forward your dues receipt to [email protected] for access), and all those looking to get involved and can sign up to volunteer here.
Want
to learn more about the connection between reproductive justice and
socialism? On Wednesday, October 23rd, Metro DC DSA will be holding a
Socialist Night School at MLK Library and on zoom starting at 8pm. RSVP for event notice here.
Tenant Safety Act takes effect in Maryland, expanding bargaining power for MD tenants
Beginning October 1, tenants
in Maryland can enter into group rent escrow cases to withhold their
rent from their landlords and hold landlords accountable for unsafe
conditions in their homes. This new law will make it easier for tenants
to go on rent strike and win concessions from their landlords.
Previously, tenants had to open individual escrow accounts — a
cumbersome legal task. For more information, see the press release from the Maryland statewide tenants’ rights coalition, Renters United Maryland.
Group
rent escrow and rent stabilization laws highlight major wins for
renters throughout Maryland that need to be defended and expanded. At
last Sunday’s PG County Branch general body meeting, comrade Thomas S
outlined the power of the housing wins (as well as risks of backsliding)
and detailed the strategic value of the current regulations, including
constraining excess profits from the landlord/developer class and thus
reducing their capacity to spend money on lobbying the council. The
current PG County Council is deadlocked 5 – 5, and a special election is
likely to be needed to fill one council seat as musical chairs follow
the resignation (and indictment) of one at-large council member. The
opportunity to restore a progressive majority should offer itself if a
seat in Council District 5 becomes vacant, as is likely.
One
group of renters excluded from recent victories are those of the city
of Rockville, where they continue to experience large rent increases as
they are not covered by Montgomery County’s new rent stabilization law.
Rockville renters are demanding that the Rockville City Council pass its
own version of the law. Read WUSA’s coverage of this campaign and join the Montgomery County branch for a Rockville renter canvass on October 13 to tell tenants about rent stabilization and invite them to the next city council hearing.
BRIEFS
DC tenants to rally at Pershing House Apartments on October 5 to protest management neglect and mistreatment
The people living at the
Pershing House Apartments are fed up with Van Metre’s neglect and
mistreatment. After a recent electrical fire put residents in danger and
Van Metre’s response was to spuriously blame a tenant, the tenants have
collectively decided to withhold their rent until Van Metre gets their
act together.
Tomorrow,
Saturday, October 5 at 6pm, the tenants will be holding a rally at the
building (3701 16th St NW) to let Van Metre know: “NO MAINTENANCE? NO
RENT!” Tenants have asked for neighbors and community members to turn
out in support as they prepare to take a radical step in exercising
tenant power. El pueblo unido jamás será vencido. More information to
follow next week.
Metro DC DSA Street Team monthly meeting — Sunday, October 6 at 3:30pm
Build power in the DMV and join the
Metro DC DSA Street Team by attending their next monthly meeting on
October 6 from 3:30 to 5pm in Capitol Hill. Email
[email protected] for the meeting address. This event is for
anyone interested in getting active in the chapter’s Street Team to
build socialist power in the DMV. The Street Team hosts and attends
community events to connect Metro DC DSA and its campaigns with the
community in the DMV in order to expand the chapter’s base and build a
more democratic society. In this meeting the Street Team will be
discussing fall events with a happy hour to follow. Monthly Saturday
meetings will return to MLK Memorial Library in November.
Socialists in Montgomery County planning meeting to strategize on upcoming campaigns — Sunday, October 6 at 2pm
The Montgomery County DSA
October hybrid branch meeting will be held from 2 to 4pm in the second
floor meeting room of the Rockville Public Library (21 Maryland Ave,
Rockville, MD 20850) and on Zoom. The branch of Metro DC DSA will share
updates on ongoing and upcoming campaign work as well as discuss the
ballot for the November election. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link. New members, please feel free to join at 1:45pm for an orientation to the branch.
Learn about chapter procedure at Steering AMA Office Hours — Thursday, October 10 at 7:30pm
Have you ever wondered about
how something in the chapter works, why we do things the way we do them,
what resources might be available for a new project, or who’s in charge
of some function? Have you not known who to ask, or been intimidated by
the prospect of cold-approaching chapter leadership with your
questions? If so, come ask at the next Steering AMA Solidarity Hour on
Thursday, October 10 at 7:30pm. These sessions will take place for the
rest of the year, focusing on clearing up confusion about how the
chapter works and how members can engage — and whatever else is on your
mind. You can RSVP to the Action Network event here,
which will then send you the Zoom info; if there’s something you’d like
Steering to think about beforehand and answer on the call, feel free to
email Tim S at [email protected].
Fairfax LGBTQIA History Month Rally and School Board Pronouncement — Thursday, October 10 at 6pm
The Annual LGBTQIA History
Month rally and school board pronouncement is at the Fairfax County
School Board on October 10 — the rally will begin at 6pm outside of
Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Rd), with a group picture
planned at 7pm and school board testimony happening inside at
approximately 7:15pm (barring school board delays). RSVP here.
Meanwhile, in Maryland, a new law protecting gender-affirming care was added to Maryland’s definition of legally protected
health care on Tuesday, taking effect through Maryland’s Trans Shield
Act. Advocates say this legal change will make Maryland a ‘sanctuary
state’ for transgender people seeking medical care.” (Read more in MoCo 360.)
Internationalism working group fundraising for Palestinian families and mutual aid
In July 2024, MDC DSA members were part of a fundraising campaign that raised
over $106,000 for 21 Palestinian families and a mutual aid project
serving a refugee camp of 3,500 people, with over $90,000 raised in just
two days. The Internationalism working group is planning another
fundraiser for +120 Palestinian families and additional mutual aid
efforts. If you would like to help fundraise by posting on your
Instagram stories/grid (you will receive graphics like last time), please sign up here to fundraise or reach out to [email protected] for any questions or to add a Palestinian family to the fundraiser.
Gaza genocide remains local issue as SJP wins injunction against UMD, PGC municipalities pass ceasefire resolutions
Federal judge pauses UMD’s October 7 event restrictions: The
US District Court of Maryland temporarily paused the University of
Maryland’s plan to restrict student group events on October 7. Judge
Peter Messitte granted a preliminary injunction request by this
university’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter in a written
ruling on Tuesday, which allows all university student groups to hold
“expressive events” on October 7. The decision will not apply to the
rest of the University System of Maryland. The ruling comes a day after
Messitte heard arguments for the case. “The decision of [this
university] to revoke [Students for Justice in Palestine’s] reservation
was clearly neither viewpoint- nor content-neutral,” Messitte wrote in
the ruling. “It came about for reasons that the Constitution simply does
not countenance: fear of disruption, and anger of opponents.” (The Diamondback) — and here is the WaPo article, including a familiar name.
Meanwhile, the homegrown movement to end the war against Gaza continues. Delonte Harrod from local-focused The Intersection Magazine
writes about all the North County municipalities in Prince George’s
that have passed Cease Fire resolutions. The article quotes local
activist Juliana Barnet: “While a resolution by a single town or even a
larger city might have limited impact, the cumulative effect of
resolutions in many municipalities across the country — along with a
wide variety of other means of protest — has made halting our country’s
support for the occupation, starvation, blockade, and slaughter of
Palestinians a front-burner issue both locally and nationally.” TX our
PG comrade Kurt S.
INFO ACCESS
Learn more about our local MDC DSA chapter — structure, campaigns and working groups, Night School and reading groups — HERE. And live from our studio, Wednesday, October 9, 7 – 8pm, Why You Should Join DSA / New Member Orientation
(with Q&A). MDC DSA members: Join our all-member Slack for
real-time info on working group and campaign events, convo and
inspiration. Email [email protected] with your most recent DSA dues
receipt to get Slack access. Chapter members are also invited to read —
and edit — MDC DSA’sinternal wiki. Email [email protected] to get set up, or ask in #helpdesk on Slack. Members are also invited to Steering’s recurring Ask Me Anything hours on Thursdays.
MDC DSA Publications is information central for not just MDC DSA but the entire DMV left. #publications (our working group’s Slack channel) is always ready to onboard new socialist communicators.
>> Weekly Updates like this one are scheduled and emailed on Fridays; current and past Updates are on the web here. Not subscribed? DSA member or not, sign up to get the Update here. Submit your Update suggestions or chapter political blog REDBUG tips to the tip line. >>The Washington Socialist, published since the 1970s, offers articles on a quarterly schedule; the Fall 2024 edition is now live and will be updated on a rolling basis. Check our archive to see what we write, and what you can write. Anyone, MDC DSA member or not, interested in contributing to the Washington Socialist can email submissions or questions to [email protected]. Get your socialist self on the record. Donate to our Comradery page if you would like to financially support socialist publishing in the DMV.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN
Making Decisions Together | Direct Democracy Institute
Sign
up for this 10-session course about radically democratic
decision-making in groups and organizations. Get peer support from
like-minded folks working on similar challenges and up to five hours of
personalized professional mentoring. This course is ideal for
organizations and collectives committed to making their work more
sustainable with distributed democratic participation, as well as
individuals who work or volunteer as part of any progressive
organization or grassroots group. Learn more and register here.
11th DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival | Oct 24 to 27
From
October 24 to 27, join others in honoring Palestinian voices and
artistry at the DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival. Their program
lineup includes sessions like “Data Storytelling as Resistance” and
“Political Art Making: Palestinian symbolism & resistance.” Get your
early bird tickets here.
Direct Action 101 Training | DC For Palestine
Over
the month, the DC for Palestine Coalition will be leading a series of
trainings for Palestine solidarity activities and campaigns across the
city. The Coalition’s next campaign, in coordination with the Movement
Infrastructure Project, will cover a variety of topics including action
roles and affinity groups, brainstorming, planning and strategy and
decision making methods. RSVP here, and check out DC4P on Instagram for direct updates from the campaign.
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES
ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES are articles and opinion pieces of interest to DMV leftists but not, generally, appearing in local media. They should have links without paywalls. Readers are invited to submit candidates at our tip line.
From Washington Informer: “Just
one year after the expiration of its retroactive contract, the
Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and District of Columbia Public Schools
(DCPS) finalized a tentative contract that dictates the next four years
of their working relationship.” A big win for WTU — DCPS, helmed by
Mayor Bowser, has been stonewalling workers demands for a tightened
contract.
“Children,
it often seems to me, deserve more than two parents. And we adults
deserve space for more complicated, sprawling relationships than the
world we currently live in finds legible. We are living through an
epidemic of loneliness, which the World Health Organization has declared
a public health threat with long-term effects … The truth is that the
family, expected to meet all of the needs and desires that we are
otherwise denied in the capitalist world, has been breaking down for as
long as it has existed.”
Sarah Jaffe reviews new books about the issue in Dissent
Matt
Bruenig writes that governments should nationalize more companies while
Zephyr Teachout argues that freedom requires decentralized power. In The Nation
“In
June 2021, it elected an entirely new leadership, which shifted the
party’s strategic focus toward building local and regional-level
structures, as well as providing direct aid to working people. Since
then, through a series of electoral advances in Styria (electing a
Communist mayor of Graz), Salzburg, and Innsbruck, the KPÖ has laid the
groundwork for the jump to the national parliament. In the process, it
has developed the concept of the “useful party.” KPÖ politicians and
activists hold “social office hours” where they help constituents
navigate government bureaucracies and even provide them with direct
financial support. This is made possible by the party’s elected
officials, who take home from their salaries only what an average
Austrian tradesperson earns (about €2,500 per month) while donating the
rest to a social aid fund.” Jacobin
“Tenants
voted to withhold rent on October 1 in a rent strike that could catch
fire nationwide. Fed up with paying escalating rents in buildings whose
conditions they say range from dirty to dangerous, tenants at two Kansas
City-area apartment complexes have voted to launch a rent strike on
October 1 — a coordinated action that could soon spread to other cities,
as a new national tenants union flexes its muscles. Unlike employers,
most landlords have no legal obligation to bargain with tenants unions.
And while many states permit tenants to legally withhold rent in some circumstances, they lack a formal right to strike.
That presents both a challenge and a chance to experiment, according to
Tara Raghuveer, director of the national Tenant Union Federation, which
launched in August and is supporting the Kansas City tenants.” In These Times
With Monday’s closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar, coal is no longer being used to provide electricity in the UK.
On
Monday, the UK saw the closure of its last operational coal power
plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, which has been operating since 1968. The
closure of the plant, which had a capacity of 2,000 megawatts, brought
an end to the history of the country’s coal use, which started with the
opening of the first coal-fired power station in 1882. Ars Technica via WIRED
Already we can draw two big lessons from Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic fallout.
“It
is, of course, more pleasant to be in Burlington, Vermont, than
Phoenix, Arizona, in July. As western North Carolina can attest, though,
the climate crisis isn’t especially good at respecting either municipalities’ marketing pitches
or borders. The nature of global warming is that it is, well, global:
Nowhere will be spared. This reality makes a mockery of our geographical
boundaries. But it shows how arbitrary other boundaries are, as well –
specifically, the bounds of what counts as “climate policy.” The New Republic via Portside
This is the weekly newsletter of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America (MDC DSA), which is produced by local members of the chapter's Publications working group. The Weekly Update publishes every Friday at 9am.
Paid for by Metro DC DSA (mdcdsa.org). Not authorized by any candidate or committee.
The flame of thought, the magnificence of art, the wonder of discovery, and the audacity of invention all belong to revolutionary periods when humanity, tired of its chains, shatters them and stops inebriated to breathe the breeze of a vast and free horizon. - Virgilia D'Andrea
Sent via ActionNetwork.org.
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