Tenants rally against Mayor Bowser’s attack on renter rights; Socialists holding presentation on reach and power of Hindu Supremacist Movement; As ICE raids unfold in Arlington, socialists and allies plan to pack county board meeting; and more ...
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. Want to fight fascism from the heart of empire? Join DSA and fight to build socialism!
Paid for by Metro DC DSA (mdcdsa.org). Not authorized by any candidate or committee.
UP FRONT
Tenants rally against Mayor Bowser’s attack on renter rights — Tuesday, March 18 at 10am
Last week, Mayor Muriel Bowser officially introduced the RENTAL Act, a bill that would gut TOPA and tenant protections in DC. The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act is a vital right in DC that allows tenants to try to collectively buy a building that goes up for sale or bargain with the new landlord for concessions. Specifically, the RENTAL act would strip TOPA from affordable housing properties and properties built within the past 25 years, and would create a new loophole that would allow landlords to avoid TOPA entirely. The act would also gut eviction protections and make it easier to throw tenants out on the street by speeding up the eviction process, making it harder for tenants to defend themselves in court, and make it easier to evict someone if anyone in their household has been charged with a crime.
This legislation is the result of years of attacks on tenant rights by the landlord lobby and developers. It has been a year since tenants first rallied to stop the attacks on TOPA, and now tenants must again demand an end to this renewed assault. Stomp Out Slumlords will be rallying on March 18 at 10am outside the Wilson Building to tell the Council and Mayor to not just oppose the RENTAL Act, but to expand TOPA and tenant protections in DC. RSVP to fight for TOPA here.
Can’t attend but want to join the fight? Tenants will be meeting at Girard Street Park (1450 Girard St NW) on Saturday, March 15 at 1pm for an art build to prepare for the rally.
Socialists holding presentation on reach and power of Hindu Supremacist Movement — Thursday, March 27 at 6pm
Those paying attention to the evolution of American fascism will notice that the far-right has become increasingly multiracial. The widening appeal of Trumpism is not happenstance. As local DSA member Pranay Somayajula reports in Jacobin, the alliance between ethno-nationalist movements in India and America is an intentional effort.
Disrupting the right wing at home requires an understanding of how it coordinates and connects to movements abroad. Metro DC DSA’s Internationalism Working Group and Hindus for Human Rights are holding a Socialist Night School on March 27 at 6pm to educate audiences on the Hindu nationalist movement that holds power in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party. This educational event will dissect one of the world’s longest running fascist movements, charting the Hindutva’s key ideological tenets and historical development over the last 100 years, charting its rise to political power in India and its expansion to other countries that have large Indian diasporas — including the United States. The Hindu right has made inroads and alliances with other far-right movements in the US, from Zionists to white Christian nationalists — understanding this movement will make it much easier to understand global fascism.
This event is open to both DSA members and supporters. Locals can attend in-person at the West End Neighborhood Library (2301 L St NW, DC 20037) in Meeting Room 1. The event will be hybrid, and people wanting to attend online should sign up for the night school in advance. Questions or requests for accommodation can be directed to [email protected]
As ICE raids unfold in Arlington, socialists and allies plan to pack county board meeting — TOMORROW, Saturday, March 15 at 9am
ICE raids have already begun in Arlington. The County Board has the power to stop this pipeline, but they are stalling on action. Every day they delay, more lives are at risk.
Tomorrow, March 15 at 9am, join NoVA Branch DSA and allies from the ICE out of Arlington campaign to pack the Arlington County board meeting to demand an end to Arlington’s collaboration with ICE. In 2022, the coalition won some protections with the “Trust” policy, but a dangerous loophole (Section 7) still allows Arlington police to work with ICE. This means our community is still being targeted, criminalized, and funneled into deportation.
NOVA Branch DSA is calling for all support on Saturday to pack the county board meeting in person or virtually. Arlington residents are encouraged to sign up to speak, and in-person attendees can join the coalition for a rally after the board meeting at 11am. RSVP here to the Arlington board meeting and be sure to bring a friend.
BRIEFS
People of DC rally to defend budget autonomy in face of Republican sabotage
Capitol Hill descended into political chaos this week, as wider negotiations around the Congressional budget — and potential government shutdown — dominate. Caught in the crosshairs of this fight are the people of DC whose city was thrown into peril this week thanks to Republican sabotage.
During a House Committee rule hearing on March 10, Congressional Rep Tom Cole (R-OK) introduced a “continuing resolution” that would prevent DC from spending over $1 billion in its own (not federally awarded) tax revenue. The move — completely arbitrary especially given that this does not even concern federal funds — would prompt immediate cuts to the DC government’s spending, particularly among its public schools and public services. Read more in The 51st.
Elected officials in DC, joined by hundreds of DC residents, swarmed Capitol Hill to lobby Congressional Representatives on this fiscal terrorism. A letter, signed by Metro DC DSA and over 100 other membership and community organizations, details the danger of this Congressional putsch in full. Despite rapid mobilization from DC residents, the resolution passed in the House, prompting the mass opposition down at the Capitol to switch its focus into the Senate for correction.
Although headway was made in steeling senators against the spending votes, Sen. Schumer (D-NY) announced his betrayal of the Democrats strategy on Thursday night, announcing his intent to pass the bill along with a series of defectors. If the Senate does pass the bill, Democrats will lose their leverage against Republicans and open the door for the gutting of government programs – Medicaid chief among them. And if passed unamended, it will also force the DC Government to make drastic cuts to spending – totaling over $1billion – which will inevitably impact schools and social services in the city.
The Free DC coalition, which has been demonstrating in Capitol Hill over the past three days, is planning to resume their lobbying at the Hart Atrium at 10am.
DSA contests the fascistic disappearing of Mahmoud Khalil
On March 10, DSA issued a statement on Trump’s illegal disappearing of Mahmoud Khalil, a legal resident and Palestinian activist. “Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian American student at Columbia University and a US permanent resident, has been illegally detained by ICE for organizing against the US-supported genocide in Palestine. In detaining Khalil, the Trump administration and the Department of Homeland Security have made clear that they are more than willing to violate constitutionally protected rights to punish those who speak out against them and suppress working-class movements.” The full statement is here, including a petition link. See additional coverage in ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVES, below.
Rockville tenants organizing Rent Stabilization Community Forum — TOMORROW, Saturday, March 15
Join the Montgomery County branch of Metro DC DSA, Rockville Renters United, and Councilmember Izola Shaw on March 15 from 1 to 3pm for an important community forum on the fight to pass rent stabilization in Rockville. This event is a chance for residents to learn about the campaign, share their experiences, and take action together. RSVP to the forum here.
Build union power with the Labor Working Group — two trainings available this weekend
Join the Labor Working Group on Saturday, March 15 at 2:30pm at the MLK Library to take part in their workshop on how to be an effective shop steward. Workplace power is built from the ground up, and having good stewards is essential to that process. This workshop is designed for union members who are stewards or are considering becoming stewards to learn the best practices in this critical role from experienced, militant organizers. This workshop will cover a range of steward responsibilities from filling grievances to mobilizing coworkers against management. RSVP for the steward workshop here.
Not currently in a union? The Labor Working Group still has you covered. Interested workers that want to fight their boss and organize their co-workers are invited to Union Organizing School with former ATU International Organizing Director Chris Townsend at the Festival Center on Sunday, March 16 at 3pm. It is a “soup to nuts” training on how to take the first steps to forming a labor union at your workplace. RSVP for the Union Organizing School here.
Join NoVA Mutual Aid Working Group’s March meeting to discuss seed swap and other future plans — March 20
Democratic socialists in the Northern Virginia branch are gearing up to increase their mutual aid efforts throughout the region. The tentative NoVA Mutual Aid Working Group, fresh off finishing Dean Spade’s Mutual Aid will be having their next virtual meeting on Thursday, May 20 at 7pm. The group is currently working to organize a seed swap to fight food insecurity in the region, and is assessing prospects for additional mutual aid work. People interested in getting involved, especially those with gardening skills or their own ideas for mutual aid projects, can RSVP to the Thursday meeting or fill out their Mutual Aid interest survey.
Wheatpaste with We Power DC to expose Pepco’s greed — March 22
We Power DC, the District’s socialist-led campaign for a publicly-owned power utility, is hosting its next wheatpasting event on March 22 at 1pm. Come join fellow ecosocialists putting up flyers around Ward 4 to inform the public of Pepco’s corruption and dirty reliance on fossil fuels. Register for the wheatpasting here. People can also stay up to date on We Power DC's action-packed 2025 with their new website and newsletter, and can join the team to help DC move towards a public power alternative by filling out their interest form.
Federal Rights Training: How to tell the government to fork off without being fired — March 24
Are you a federal worker who is worried about what you can and can’t say in the workplace today? Or are you worried about what off-the-clock activities you can participate in or groups you can associate with? How about liking that post on social media or donating to a cause? Come learn about what your rights of expression and association under the Hatch Act and other applicable federal laws may be in this one hour webinar. This is part of a continuing series of “Know Your Labor Rights” workshops hosted by experienced labor lawyers and veteran organizers across the metro DC area. RSVP for the federal rights training here.
Members organize club for socialist parents — meet up on Sunday, April 6
Sign up and spread the word: the new Socialist Parents Club in Metro DC DSA is hosting its first meet up on Sunday, April 6 at 11am at Kalorama Park (1865 Kalorama Rd. NW, DC). This will be a place for parents in Metro DC DSA and their kids to connect with each other socially. Sit and hang out with comrades to chat about parenting bloopers, current events, and more while our kids work their energy out on the playgrounds, open space, and basketball courts. If you are raising kids as a socialist and are interested in joining this affinity group, make sure to fill out the sign up form (even if you can’t make it on April 6).
Amendment to MDC DSA Resolution: Aquí Estamos, Y No Nos Vamos! passes
Voting for the amendment to Resolution 2025-02-GR01: Aquí Estamos, Y No Nos Vamos! closed Sunday night, and passed with 85.5% of the vote.
Voting now moves to the resolution, as amended. All members who have maintained good standing for 30 days prior to our February General Body Meeting have received an email requesting member statements for or against the amended resolution; the deadline for submitting member statements is Saturday, March 15 at 11:59pm. Voting on the amended resolution will begin on Sunday, March 16. Please reach out to #steering with any questions or concerns.
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.
MDC DSA Publications is information central not only for 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 our tip line. The Washington Socialist, published since the 1970s, offers articles on a quarterly schedule; the Winter 2025 edition is now live and will be updated on a rolling basis. Next quarterly issue now in editing; wait for it but don’t stop writing. 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.
DMV LEFT COMMUNITY BULLETIN
DC Budget Advocacy Training on March 15 | ATU Local 689 and Fair Budget Coalition
Want to know how the District budget works? Want to make sure that the programs you care about like transit, childcare, housing, and education are funded? Come and join ATU Local 689 for a training with the Fair Budget Coalition on DC Budget Advocacy, happening on March 15 at 12pm. All 689 members, retirees, and allies are welcome. RSVP for the training here.
Police Abuse Complaints, Narrative Control, & Building Community Power on March 15 | Black Lives Matter DC
The DC Collab, including Black Lives Matter DC and more, is offering a hybrid monthly event series. Join them on Saturday, March 15, from 12 – 2pm to explore shifting state narratives surrounding public safety, dismantle copaganda, and build power. Learn more and RSVP for the workshop here.
Writing Workshop on March 18: Decolonizing and Indigenizing | After The Storm
How might we begin to challenge colonial perspectives in our writing, and in the form of writing itself? What are some storytelling practices our community can share as we move towards indigenization? Join your comrades on Tuesday, March 18, from 6:30-8:30pm for this workshop on decolonizing and indigenizing writing and language to explore what answers to these questions can look like! RSVP here.
Organizer Recruitment on March 23 | Ward 1 Mutual Aid
In Ward 1 and interested in plugging in to mutual aid efforts? Join Ward 1 Mutual Aid for their organizer recruitment event on Saturday, March 23, 5 – 8pm at The Festival Center to learn more about mutual aid, hear from community members leading their organizing efforts, and to plug into opportunities. View W1MA's Instagram post here for more info.
What is Mutual Aid on March 24 | Ward 2 Mutual Aid
Okay, but what if you live in Ward 2 or beyond? You can still start getting organized in your community! Join Ward 2 Mutual Aid for a workshop to dive into what mutual aid and community can look like now. They'll be at Bol Coop’s Creative Grounds space on Monday, March 24, from 7 – 8:30pm. See W2MA's Instagram post here for more info.
DC 2050 Engagement Sessions | DC Office of Planning
Mayor Bowser and the Office of Planning have opened a survey and three upcoming community sessions for residents to provide input on DC 2050, the city’s next Comprehensive Plan. This is an opportunity for everyone to provide input on how our city’s development must adopt values-aligned policies, including many that Metro DC DSA pushes for, to achieve the truly equitable vision we say we want. Learn more and voice your opinion here.
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.
GWU leaders ignored opposition to GW campus police being armed. Big mistake
The Board of Trustees directed about 20 GWPD officers to carry firearms in April 2023. Now, GW officials realize they made a mistake. By rolling out the arming program and deliberately choosing not to consult the community due to expected resistance, leaders hurt the trust that students, faculty and staff have in the administration. GWU Hatchet editorial
MD Lawmakers grill energy companies over high utility bills
Utility officials blame skyrocketing bills on high usage during the recent cold months, but lawmakers weren’t buying it. The four-hour briefing this week came as House and Senate committees work out the details of an energy package pushed by Senate and House leaders in an effort to bring down rising energy costs while ensuring the energy grid continues to function efficiently. Their package includes measures to build a new gas-fired power plant [pretty horrendous solution – ed.] and create a new office within the Maryland Public Service Commission [notorious pushovers for Big Juice –ed.] to help with forecasting and modeling energy needs, among other measures. Many of the Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns with how the energy rate increases were determined by the Maryland Public Service Commission, and worried that the energy companies were increasing profits at the expense of the consumers. Maryland Matters
Democrats Must Defend Mahmoud Khalil
Individual Democrats have made strong statements against the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil. The bulk of the party and its leadership has offered silence or mealymouthed equivocation. Top Democratic officials spent the better part of the last decade warning that Donald Trump must not become president, because he would become a dictator, act like a dangerous authoritarian, and be Adolf Hitler reincarnate. Now, as outrage builds over Trump’s attempt to strip a permanent resident of his green card and unlawfully deport him over his antiwar activism, many Democratic leaders have either been silent or offered only the weakest of objections. Jacobin via Portside
We’re Seeing The Beginnings Of Mass Noncompliance
Over a million federal workers refused to comply with Musk’s email ultimatum last week, offering a glimpse of what mass noncooperation can look like. The aim of [Steve Bannon’s term] “flood the zone” is to move at such speed that it’s impossible to organize — and that resistance efforts are constantly distracted by the latest news and in constant disarray. For the first several weeks this strategy worked and was virtually unchecked and largely unchallenged. That’s been stage one: shock. But just last week we saw the first glimmer of what mass noncooperation can look like — and it created some new cracks in the Trump-Musk administrative coup. Though Musk’s “five bullet points” demand for federal employees was meant to include a threat of firing for noncompliance, the threat somehow didn’t get into the OPM mass email, many didn’t comply, and soon many of their individual agencies saw the writing on the wall and advised employees they didn’t need to respond. From ZNet
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.
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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
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