Fellow activist,
In Los Angeles, overwhelmingly peaceful protests over the Trump regime’s immigration policies and raids have largely been contained. However, in an unprecedented attempt to manufacture chaos, Trump and his administration have weaponized thousands of troops, including the National Guard and US Marines.
As reported by the Guardian, “this is the first time a U.S. president has mobilized US military forces in a domestic political situation without request of the state’s governor since 1965.” California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass have made it clear that Trump’s actions have not made any community safe with Governor Newsom stating, "He (Trump) again chose escalation; he chose more force."
This is why we all need to pay attention. Trump has invoked a rarely-used federal law and issued a presidential memorandum authorizing future domestic use of the U.S. military anywhere at any time he decides it is appropriate. This is a dangerous extension of authority when Trump views protests as a “rebellion” against his authority, when he has sworn to “liberate” the city, and when he has endorsed the idea of arresting Governor Newsom. This is what authoritarianism looks like.
And Los Angeles is just the beginning. Trump wants to “have troops everywhere.” He wants to use L.A. as an example for other states that dare stand up to his problematic policies.
We are horrified by what we are witnessing. All across the country, including in Pennsylvania, immigrant communities are under attack and families are being ripped apart. We stand in solidarity and support with our organizational partners who are leading immigrant rights actions and providing resources to community members across the Commonwealth. We are once again asking, what kind of world are we building for future generations?
We believe in the promise of America, where our freedoms remain, our democracy is preserved, and our constitutional rights are protected for future generations – and for everyone living in our nation. But that won’t happen unless we all stand up for our values and show up against attempts to chip away at the very fabric of our nation.
It is time to stop patching up broken systems and together start imagining and working towards something better.
In solidarity,
New Pennsylvania Project |
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