“The luxury of ignoring politics is a privilege that comes at democracy’s expense.”

Good Evening, Resisters,

Thank you to everyone who made it to the protest in Fairhaven on Saturday, April 19. This was our largest crowd to date — the best estimate is 500 protestors. I’ve attached a link from The New Bedford Light about the protest. The signs were incredible!

Those who study and track protest movements talk about the 3.5% rule: peaceful civil resistance by ordinary people can achieve radical change. Nonviolent protests that engage at least 3.5% of the population are twice as likely to succeed as armed conflict — and have never failed to bring about change. We haven’t met that threshold yet, so we must continue to show up — peacefully and persistently.

Many of you are already taking action. One of the most effective calls from last week was a call to the four Democratic Representatives who voted for the SAVE Act. Our caller promised to fund their primary opponents in the next election.

We also appreciate all the feedback and acknowledgment of our emails.

National:

If you want to contact elected representatives and senators — even those outside your district — you can inquire about the lack of oversight hearings on several issues. These include the tariff plan, the national security intelligence breach (Signalgate), and the administration’s compliance with Supreme Court decisions and constitutional obligations.

5Calls.org currently lists 55 active issues to call about.

We are also boycotting all products made in El Salvador. Here’s a start:

• Hanes (underwear, T-shirts)

• Fruit of the Loom (apparel)

• Gildan (basic clothing)

• Diana (snacks and candy)

• Capri (mattresses and furniture)

• Bon Appétit (snack foods)

  
  

I volunteered as a tax preparer for AARP this tax season. Out of curiosity, I looked them up on the app Goods Unite Us. They’re solidly blue in terms of political donations — 82% to Democrats, 18% to Republicans. Their most recent donation went to Abigail Spanberger, who is running against incumbent Governor Youngkin in Virginia. She currently represents Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.

If you haven’t yet downloaded the Goods Unite Us app, I strongly recommend it. We vote not only with our ballots but also with our wallets. Target has faced financial losses — including a decline in foot traffic and stock value — following its decision to end its DEI initiatives. Foot traffic has been down for eight consecutive weeks.

In other national news, Bernie Sanders and AOC are drawing massive crowds to their events — which are not campaign rallies. Last week alone, they held seven events in five days, drawing nearly 150,000 people from blue Los Angeles to red Idaho.

State:

Indivisible Mass Coalition is partnering with Embrace Boston for the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Rally on Saturday, April 26:

• 10:30–11 AM: March begins in Copley Square

• 11–11:30 AM: Renaming of the intersection of Boylston and Charles Street to “1965 Freedom Rally Square”

• 12–2:30 PM: Rally at Boston Common (Parkman Bandstand)

• May Day Rally: Thursday, May 1 at 5:30 PM, Boston Common.

Local:

The Community Economic Development Center (CEDC) in New Bedford is offering several advocacy opportunities, including assistance with immigration applications and accompaniment for individuals who are detained. They’re always in need of donations — especially for children. This organization has served the immigrant community in New Bedford for 25 years, focusing in the last decade on immigrants from Central America. Stay tuned for ways to help. Being bilingual is a plus, but not necessary for all the programs they offer.

Our State Rep, Mark Sylvia, holds office hours on the second Monday of each month at the Fairhaven Senior Center, 227 Huttleston Ave. For up-to-date information, visit: www.staterepmarksylvia.com

If there is a lawyer in this group — or if you know one — please let us know. As we continue to participate in marches and protests, there may come a time when legal assistance is needed.

My Two Cents:

Best quote I saw last week:

“The luxury of ignoring politics is a privilege that comes at democracy’s expense.”

There is a direct line between citizen disengagement and the rise of tyranny. Our attention and participation are democracy’s life support. We’re not taking our foot off the gas.

-Halima