Metro DC DSA Weekly Update for Friday, November 15 2019


** What's On This Week
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Comrade, The Weekend ahead: Sunday NOV 17 Socialist Feminism Reading Group 🌹 ([link removed]) and Stomp Out Slumlords Tenant Canvass ([link removed]) , follow the links for details. Note also Saturday, Nov. 16 a solidarity rally in NoVA for striking WMATA workers represented by ATU 689 ([link removed]) – see the NoVA Labor Calendar below with a solidarity smorgasbord of activity.
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At the local chapter’s General Body Meeting Sunday, Nov. 10 ([link removed]) (agenda slide deck at this link): Presentation from California House candidate Shahid Buttar ([link removed]) , challenging Speaker Nancy Pelosi; report from Secretary Zach E on how to access and use Red Desk ([link removed]) ; array of needs for MDC DSA’s Administrative Committee and a Tuesday Dec. 3 Campaigns Council/Admin Committee joint event, 7-8:30 PM at the Cleveland Park Library ([link removed]) (rescheduled); Campaign Reports: on ATU’s escalating labor struggle with WMATA (explainer here ([link removed]) from our comrade Sarah M); electoral work for our endorsed candidate in Maryland’s 5^th CD, Mckayla Wilkes
([link removed]) and the Rent Control campaign.
Resolution on endorsement of Janeese Lewis George for Ward 4 City Council. George made her case in person for endorsement and an electronic membership vote is underway until Monday, Nov. 18 at 11:59 PM to vote. The Temporary Elections Working Group writes: “The ballot [was sent Monday, Nov. 11 about 7 PM] via email from [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , with the subject line: Metro D.C. DSA November Voting Ballot: Janeese Lewis George Electoral Endorsement. Members who did not get a ballot and believe they should have should email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

See the complete account of the GBM on the Web version of the Update ([link removed]) .
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MDC DSA Local Chapter statement on Bolivia: “Metro D.C. DSA unequivocally condemns the military coup in Bolivia. Toda nuestra solidaridad y apoyo a los pueblos indígenas de Bolivia y al presidente Evo Morales Ayma.”
National DSA (NPC) Statement (Nov. 12) “Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) condemns in the strongest terms the military coup in Bolivia that forced President Evo Morales to resign on November 10, along with Vice President Álvaro García-Linera, the leaders of the Bolivia Senate and Chamber of Deputies, as well as a host of government ministers. All were under personal threat of violence from right-wing opposition forces…” Complete statement is here. ([link removed])

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Here is a VICE news preview article on the Green New Deal housing bill ([link removed]) introduced in Congress Thursday with a news conference by Bernie and AOC [link removed]
And from The Hill, the proposal “places a sharp focus on decarbonizing the nation's public housing units.” [link removed]
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NOVA LABOR CALENDAR

RALLY SATURDAY AT 11 am in FAIRFAX for STRIKING METROBUS WORKERS!, 11 AM at 10415 North Street in Fairfax.
Here's how you can help ATU 689 members on strike:
Donate $: [link removed]
Donate 🍴: [link removed]
Picket in VA: [link removed]
Picket in DC: [link removed]
Rally with us: [link removed]
Pack the WMATA Board Room Nov. 21 [link removed]

MORE UPCOMING NoVA Labor Events at the Web Update ([link removed]) .
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WORKING WITH THE PUBLICATIONS WG – “Making our socialism available and compelling” inside and outside our local chapter. Join us for one of the critical tasks of socialist organizations, communication to promote activation and recruiting. Write mouth-watering accounts of socialism’s exciting present and greater future. Join us at the #publications Slack channel or watch for our next WG meeting. Our publications schedule for November: One more Update on Friday Nov. 22 and the December issue of the Washington Socialist will be published Friday, Nov. 29 with an article deadline for that issue on Friday, Nov. 22. Festive socialism is on the menu. Join us and write about it. What is our writing like? Samples:

Reprise: Articles from the November issue of the Washington Socialist and last week’s Update:
From the November 8 Weekly Update
>>Statement to MDC DSA members from Mckayla Wilkes, our endorsed candidate ([link removed]) in the April 28, 2020 Democratic primary election for Maryland’s 5^th Congressional District.
>>Does Bernie have to adjust his campaign style to remain among the leaders? A parable from Kam B ([link removed]) outlines the stakes.
>>Maria Svart’s National DSA Director’s Dispatch ([link removed]) for November, if you missed it Wednesday…
From the Washington Socialist November 2019 issue
>>How can we reconcile our goal of ending incarceration with our valid desire to get justice for Botham Jean? Progressive Maryland executive director and MDC DSA member Larry Stafford faces the contradiction. Read more ([link removed])
>>The many tasks facing Maryland – officials and activists – in remedying the state’s criminal justice system. An account by UMCP student and activist Sonja Neves. Read more ([link removed])
>>Interview with Dorothy Healey – how DSA evolved from DSOC – an interview conducted by member Stuart Comstock-Gay published in the Washington Socialist in 1984, introduced for 2019 readers by Bill Mosley. Read more ([link removed])
>>Review: The United States, Southeast Asia and Historical Memory outlines the way the brute facts of imperialist war in Vietnam and its neighbors were deformed for public consumption by a propaganda model that has persisted in the decades since. Reviewed by Woody Woodruff. Read more ([link removed])

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Weekly newsblast from MoCo branch, MDC DSA [link removed]
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Capital Reading Group: Socialist Night School
You don’t need to read Karl Marx’s Capital to know that you are exploited. But it will help you make sense of why you are exploited, why standard ways of trying to address this fall flat, and fundamentally how capitalism operates. Tackling Marx can seen as daunting. That’s why it’s best to do it collectively, as it’s meant to be read. No prior Marxism required! If you are interested, email David Kaib at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .


** MDC DSA Events for November/December
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Follow links for details
MDC DSA EVENTS CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Sunday NOV 17 4:00 PM
Socialist Feminism Reading Group 🌹 ([link removed])
The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20009
Please read our reading group Participation Guide ([link removed]) and join us as we explore and discuss topics within Socialist Feminism. 🌹 Suggest readings yourself at [link removed] Follow link for details

Sunday, November 17 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Stomp Out Slumlords Tenant Canvass ([link removed])
L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station 600 Maryland Ave SW · Washington, DC
We’re canvassing tenants facing eviction in DC! Come out and inform tenants of their rights in court, how to get a lawyer, and see if they’re interested in organizing their building. Meet at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station near the 7th & Maryland exit above the escalators. If this is your first time canvassing with Stomp Out Slumlords or you want a refresher, come at 1:30 p.m. for a short training. Veteran canvassers can stop by at 2 for walksheets and to get paired with a partner. Follow link for details

Monday, November 18 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
The Korean Peace Process and The Legacy of US Imperialism in Asia ([link removed])
Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library 3160 16th St NW · Washington, DC ([link removed])
The chaotic current state of a seventy-year standoff is untangled by Tim Shorrock, a Nation correspondent and expert in the region who has been covering the intersection of national security and capitalism since the late 1970s. The bipartisan US goal of maintaining an imperialist foothold in the region conditions the narrative and complicates the efforts of a national coalition of US and Korean activists in solidarity with Korean people’s movements. Presented by the MDC DSA Socialist Night School. Follow link for full details.

Monday NOV 18 7:00 PM
NOVA Branch DSA 🌹 Organizing Meeting ([link removed])
Sterling Library, 22330 S Sterling Blvd Suite A117, Sterling, VA 20164
Welcome to our monthly NOVA DSA organizing and planning meeting. Please take a minute to read our short, brief, not very long, sort-of-illustrated NOVA DSA Socialist Meeting Participation Guidelines ([link removed]) . We will be welcoming new members and continue discussing planning for our current actions and campaigns including support for DSA endorsed candidates (including Bernie Sanders) Follow link for full details.

Tuesday NOV 19 5:30 PM
Queer Socialist Caucus Monthly Happy Hour ([link removed])
Red Bear Brewing Co, 209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Comrades, the Queer Socialist Caucus (QSC) will be having our monthly happy hour, for all queer, trans, and nonbinary comrades, as well as our allies and accomplices. This event is open to the public, and DSA membership is not required. Take a breather for a few hours of smashing the cis-hetero patriarchy and enjoy … Follow link for full details.

Tuesday, November 19 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
DSA 4 Bernie Working Group Meeting ([link removed])
Institute for Policy Studies 1301 Connecticut Ave NW #600 · Washington, DC ([link removed])
Our main priority will be electing new leadership for the group and discuss scheduling the next canvasses, phone banking as a group, and other social activities for the coming months.

Thursday NOV 21 6:00 PM
Disability Justice Working Group Meeting ([link removed])
The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
Please join us for the November Disability Justice Working Group meeting at the Festival Center at 6 PM. Follow link for full details.

Thursday, November 21 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Labor x Tech: Know Your Rights! ([link removed])
818 Connecticut Ave NW · Washington, DC ([link removed]) Suite 1000
Do you work in or around tech? Are you curious about your rights as a worker to make changes in your workplace, organize with your coworkers, and raise concerns about bad behavior? The Labor Working Group in collaboration with the DC chapter of the Tech Workers Coalition is hosting an interactive Know Your Rights training, led by civil rights/labor lawyer Richard Renner. Sign up here ([link removed]) : Follow link for full details.

Saturday NOV 23 12 noon – 2 PM
Prince George’s DSA Organizing Committee Legislative Briefing ([link removed])

Sunday NOV 24 1:00 PM
Stomp Out Slumlords Business Meeting ([link removed])

DECEMBER

Monday DEC 2 6:30 PM
Social Reproduction: Socialist Night School ([link removed])

Sunday DEC 8 3:00 PM
Metro DC DSA Monthly General Body Meeting ([link removed])

Sunday DEC 15 2:00 PM
MoCo DSA 🌹General Branch Meeting ([link removed])

Sunday DEC 15 4:00 PM
Socialist Feminism Reading Group 🌹 ([link removed])

Thursday DEC 19 6:00 PM
Disability Justice Working Group Meeting ([link removed])



** Events from Our Allies in the DMV
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Follow links for details
FRI Nov. 15 through SUN. Nov. 17 Jobs With Justice Organizing and Leadership Training Program 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. all three days, location TBD — The annual DC JWJ training provides practical organizing skills, delivers a common organizing language and tools, and promotes a shared political and economic analysis regarding working people’s struggle for justice versus a corporate agenda. The fee for the training is $250.00 per individual. For more information or to apply please contact Sequnely Gray at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 202-674-2847.

SAT Nov 16 Deep Canvass with SURJ ([link removed]) 11 AM – 5 PM by SURJ Northern Virginia and Showing Up for Racial Justice – SURJ – DC: The September canvass will be at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville, in Maryland. [link removed] ([link removed])

SAT Nov 16, Emergency StreetMed Training ([link removed]) . Noon-6 PM, 3845 S Capitol St SW, DC 20032 —
Hosted by Black Lives Matter DC: [link removed] with Ujima Medics. Response time saves lives!

SUN Nov. 17 Greater Baltimore DSA General Body Meeting at Homewood Friends, 3107 N. Charles St. Bmore 21218 , new member orientation at 1:30, meeting at 2. See the agenda here. ([link removed])

MON Nov 18, ROC DC Monthly Meeting ([link removed]) 1-3 PM Restaurant Opportunity Center DC, Second Floor, 1100 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA. Come together and meet other restaurant and tipped workers in DC who want to build worker power! [link removed] ([link removed] %20)

MON Nov 18 Clínicas Legal // Legal Clinics: for Restaurant Workers ([link removed]) ! 6-8 PM at DC Bilingual Charter School, 33 Riggs Rd NE Hosted by Restaurant Opportunities Center of Washington DC (ROC-DC) ([link removed]) : [link removed] RSVP: tinyurl.com/ROCDClegalclinic

WED Nov 20 — Greensboro Massacre: 40 years later. ([link removed]) 6-8 PM, Busboys and Poets at Takoma, 235 Carroll St. NW, Washington DC — Two survivors of the infamous November 3, 1979, killing of five young labor and community activists gunned down in broad daylight in Greensboro, North Carolina by KKK and neo-Nazis tell their stories. Survivors Rev. Nelson Johnson and Joyce Hobson Johnson and retired Attorney Lewis Pitts — who argued the successful civil suit that unearthed the local government’s role — will lead a panel discussion. The panel will be preceded by a 23-minute documentary/retrospective film about the attack.

WED Nov 20 Pack the Room–Dept Behavioral Health Public Oversight Hearing ([link removed]) 5:30 – 8:30 PM — 3000 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020-3718 (Hearing has been rescheduled to Nov. 20) The city continues to fail patients at St. Elizabeth’s and we will continue to put on pressure to ensure that this failing pattern is reversed! Hosted by 350 DC and 5 others: [link removed]

THUR Nov. 21 and FRI Nov. 22, Continuing the Struggle: The ILO Centenary and the Future of Global Worker Rights ([link removed]) — Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. | RSVP ([link removed])
a conference ([link removed]) to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Labor Organization (ILO). Speakers include Sara Nelson, Lance Compa and more. Various venues; follow link for details.

THURS Nov 28 Right to Housing Committee Meeting ([link removed]) , 6:30 – 8 PM, 614 S St NW, Washington DC 20001 Hosted by ONE DC: ONE DC's Right to Housing committee supports long-time DC residents to fight against displacement, and for safe and affordable housing. Plan political education and power building, meeting every other Thursday. [link removed]

SAT Dec. 7 DC Labor Chorus Concert ([link removed]) with songs about the labor movement, peace and justice at 7:30 PM at the Wesley United Methodist Church at 5312 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC. The event is free and open to the public, handicapped accessible and will have sign interpretation.

SUN Dec 8 Future of Healthcare Town Hall ([link removed]) — 1:30 – 4 PM Miller Branch of Howard County Library System 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042. Details at link.

SAT Dec 14 Progressive Maryland Statewide Annual Meeting ([link removed]) 9 AM – 5 PM at the Episcopal Church of St. Michael and All Angels, 2013 Saint Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218 — Network with chapter leaders from around the state and polish an issue agenda for the 2020 legislative session, co-governing strategies, power-building in the community and more. Register here ([link removed]) .

SAT Dec 14 Build and Mobilize a Stronger Union workshop at NoVA Labor — 4536 B John Marr Drive, Annandale 10 AM — 3 PM – Free seminar taught by Rutgers University Labor center faculty on how to build a stronger union and mobilize your members to take action. RSVP to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

SUN, Dec 15 Maryland Legislative Summit ([link removed]) — University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in Catonsville, 10 AM-5 PM. Legislative process, lobbying, agenda-setting and more. Details at link.

TUES Dec 17 End Violence Ki Ki Ball ([link removed]) 6- 10 PM, Eastern Market North Hall located at 225 7th Street S.E. Washington DC, 20003– info and tickets at link — “International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers” is not just about ending violence against people engaging in sex work—it’s also about ending violence against Trans people, against people of color, against people who use drugs, against people living with HIV, against people experiencing homelessness, and the communities who love and support sex workers. Ki Ki Ball (as seen on T. V. hit series Pose) will raise awareness about the violence our communities face and continue funding the expansion of our support services. To SUPPORT:
endviolencekikiball.com ([link removed])

AAAND is 2020 that close already?!:
THURS Jan 16, 2020 Book Launch: Kate Aronoff, Peter Dreier, and Michael Kazin – We Own the Future: Democratic Socialism–American Style, 7 PM at Politics and Prose, Union Market, 1270 5th Street NE Washington DC 20002 This event is free to attend with no reservation required. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Click here ([link removed]) for more information.
Emergency StreetMed Training

GOOD READS

>>A longtime Sierra Club member notes a “commendable development from bourgeois lifestyle environmentalism to a more genuine red-green understanding” in the most recent issue of the club’s member magazine, in which the leadership states it is “time to fix the population fixation,” [and] they examine the interactions of population, climate change, and inequality.”
[link removed]

>>“Show Up, America!” urges Ralph Nader, pointing out that mass protest and rallies around the world are getting results – just as they have gotten results in the US in the past, such as the Vietnam Mobilization of 1967. They can put apparently ascendant causes like Trumpism on the back foot, as the first Women’s March did the day after Inauguration Day in 2017. But unlike other actions around the world, US progressives have been, in terms of mass action, quiet. “America’s streets and squares are waiting,” he writes – “massive rallies work.” [link removed]

>>What is the logic of history? Sort of a preoccupation with we socialists, thinking and rethinking Marxism and its descendant ramifications. Can an empirical approach support the inquiry? That’s been the method of “big data” exponents of historical analysis, as this account lays out in very extensive detail. Historical events cannot, like the classic experiment, be replicated, but probabilities about outcomes can be stronger or less so, say historical data-crunchers like Jack Goldstone and, more recently, Peter Turchin. Be warned: When The Guardian labels an article a “long read” they are not foolin’. [link removed]

>>A writer for the NYT “Upshot” fancy stats blog shows deep divergences in red and blue metro areas: The economic challenges of blue metros — unaffordability and inequality — are different than those of red metros, which face lower living standards and greater risks of job loss. [link removed]

VIEW ALL UPCOMING DC DSA EVENTS ([link removed])

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