Lena Williams’ Post

It changes no political landscape but it is a signal when 17000 which is 10% of Darmstadt's population, show up. A signal that there is or, rather, there should be a broad alliance against rightwing extremism and whoever undermines or fights against democracy, civic liberties for all, a diverse society, our constitutional and human rights. Like in other German cities last weekend, it was time to hit the streets. Different political parties, the churches, the universities, prominently among them Technische Universität Darmstadt, unions, business and civic society called for support in Darmstadt and spoke up against right wing extremism. Yet, German party AfD which in some states has been officially declared to hold and propagate rightwing extremist positions, is still very likely to get the most votes in this coming year's elections in three German states. And here, in the state of Hesse, with 18,4 %, they, let's face it, came in second in last year's elections. So, this is a signal! And I'm glad to have been there. It felt like: finally, something I can "do". But, of course, the problems run deeper, the reasons for this mess are complex and this won't be enough. But it still felt important and magnificent to be there. It fueled hope.

Did you know that FDR's world changing 'Four Freedoms' speech was given during his annual message to Congress? As we anticipate tomorrow's State of the Union, let's embrace the spirit of bipartisan collaboration to safeguard these freedoms for generations to come. Join the movement: nolabels.org/joinus

'It's dangerous and it's spreading. Liberals need to find a way to stop it.' Indeed, the centre is losing its charm, giving way to both extremes. EU elections are expected to yield a massive surge in right-wing votes in June due to discontent and a fundamental disconnect between the elite in Brussels and those at home. In their cover story this week, The Economist highlights how centrists can overcome this - principally by addressing real concerns people have over migration, economic challenges, security and technological threats, etc. The key to keeping the fringes at bay will be to show that liberal democracy upholds its social contract of addressing the individuals concerns while upholding their freedoms. If they continue to brush off the layman's concerns, the layman will brush them off the podium. https://lnkd.in/efgQGTxY #politcs #euelections2024

Well spoken and accurate

The War for Liberty: The US Constitution vs the Left's Beguiled Majority The Left’s domination of America’s information environment has enabled it to beguile a majority, but the Constitution’s anti-tyranny defenses such as the Electoral College and an independent Supreme Court have thus far prevented the Left from exploiting that majority to radically transform the United States. Consequently, political competition in the US is shifting away from competing in elections given the rules as they are and towards attacking the source of opponent power. For the Left, this shift means delegitimizing and ultimately destroying the Constitutional Order that now limits the power that its beguiled majority bestows. For the defenders of Liberty on the Right, this shift means: i) fanatically defending the Constitutional Order that stands between the US and tyranny; and ii) breaking the Left's control over America's information environment by eliminating the Left's domination of academia and the media. https://lnkd.in/gEf_j8g2

The racist legacies of the Civil War still haunt this country. Organizing white folks away from a white supr3m@cist agenda is the work we inherited in the ongoing fight against Confederate ideology. The impacts of this ideology can be seen at every turn. It plays out in the rhetoric and policies that oppress and murder people of color, and keep working-class communities divided along lines of race, gender, nationality—and more—in order to serve the narrow interests of the one percent. Our work to fight this ideology and its impacts is far from done, but together we can make a difference. SURJ is proud to partner with best-selling author and political expert Steve Phillips for TWO virtual deep dives into the lessons and strategies in his book “How We Win the Civil War: Securing a Multiracial Democracy and Ending White Supremacy for Good”, moderated by SURJ’s executive director Erin Heaney. ⏰Join our Instagram Live on Thursday, March 14 at 12 p.m. ET 🔗And register to attend our webinar for a deeper dive into the topic on Thursday at 8 pm. ET About the book, Steve shares, “We are at war. A civil war. We’ve been in this war since 1861. This prolonged war is a battle between those who believe America is fundamentally a white nation, and those who believe this is a multiracial democracy. Wars are not just fought with guns and bullets on a battlefield. They’re also fought with words and ideas; with policies and legislation. Those fighting for wh1te supr3m@cy have always been the minority and continue to rely on an old Confederate battle plan rooted in inciting fear, distorting truth, and silently sanctioning terrorism. In contrast, we, the multiracial progressive new American majority have never stopped striving for freedom, justice, and equality for all. In recent years, the new American majority have been fighting with a liberation battle plan of our own. We need to prioritize and invest in progressive leaders and organizations who mobilize voters and have proven that they know how to win. This is how we win this war.” Register: https://lnkd.in/gY28Y6V5

so basic and obvious

As the United States approaches the presidential election on November 5th, the historical shadows of the Civil War loom large, creating an eerie resemblance that prompts reflection on the tumultuous times in which we live. The Civil War, a defining moment in American history, was not merely a battle between the North and South; it was a conflict rooted in profound ideological differences regarding liberty, governance, and the future of the nation. Today, as political divisions deepen, it is essential to examine the role Republicans played during the Civil War and how that role has dramatically evolved, reshaping the party’s identity and its relationship with the American populace. https://lnkd.in/gYr2XnGb