There is no perfect protest. "Those standing on the sidelines of the current racial-justice movement, waiting for a pristine or flawless exercise of righteous protest, will have a long wait," observe Michael McBride, Traci Blackmon, Frank Reid and Barbara Williams Skinner. "Our concern at this moment is with our moderate brothers and sisters who voice support for the cause of racial justice but simultaneously cling to paralyzingly unrealistic standards when it comes to what protest should look like."
Many mainstream media outlets have bought into Mr. Trump's "both sides" narrative of right- and left-wing extremism while ignoring the injustices that inspired the protests in the first place.I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizens Councilor or the Ku Klux Klanner but the white moderate who is more devoted to order than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says, "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can't agree with your methods of direct action." -- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "Letter From Birmingham Jail"
"Rather than critique from afar," conclude the clergy members, "come out of your homes, follow those who are closest to the pain, and help us to redeem this country, and yourselves, in the process."
Get organized for November 4, the national day to come out in the streets and don't leave until the Trump/Pence regime is gone!
Next Refuse Fascism meeting this Wednesday September 6, 7 PM, Omni Commons, 4779 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland
