Santa Rosa, CA
Location of Action:
Old Courthouse Square
3rd Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Date and Time of Action: Saturday, May 27, 2023, 12:00pm
Link to event page on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1224971658143236/
Sponsoring Organization: Peace & Social Justice Activists
Details of Action:
Demonstration
Freedom of Speech is a Human Right!
End U.S. Imperialism!
End Red Baiting!
Demand Negotiations in Ukraine!
The FBI has raided multiple office of the African People’s Socialist Party and the party has been charged with “conspiring to covertly sow discord in U.S. society, spread Russian propaganda and interfere illegally in U.S. elections.” No evidence has been presented.
And if sowing discord in U.S. society is a crime, where would we even begin? Certainly not with the African People’s Socialist Party!
This is just one example of the modern-day McCarthyism to which those who disagree with U.S. policies are being subjected. Similar accusations are being made of those of us who disagree with U.S. policy regarding the increasingly dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine.
As in the 1950’s, the net could be cast increasingly broadly and what is currently suppression of “unpatriotic” opinion could result in more and more people being charged with “Russian influence.” And it’s “easy” for the government to begin with attacks on populations of color because most Americans don’t care or don’t pay attention.
This is reminiscent of the Palmer Raids of 1919/1920, the indictment of W.E.B. DuBois, the confiscation of Paul Robeson’s passport, the blacklisting of Hollywood writers and more. Socialism is not a crime, but Americans have been increasingly programed to believe it is. And both political parties are to blame.
Whether you agree with the African People’s Socialist Party or those of us who are critics of U.S. foreign policy, this suppression and criminalization of speech by the government should anger and scare you.
Please join us in saying “Freedom of Speech is a Human Right!” And, while we’re at it, to demand “Negotiations Now in Ukraine!”
Contact:
Susan Collier Lamont
peacenik@sonic.net
707-889-3021