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Andrew Hall's avatar

I was pleased to see earlier today when Jeffries announced the House position on ICE funding. While I feel the same way about him that I do about Schumer, at least he stands with his caucus in the House.

Besides Schumer in the Senate, we also have Gavin Newsom walking back his press office account comments referring to ICE as “state-sponsored terrorism.” That’s what they are. Just like we’re not creeping towards fascism; it’s here.

As you mentioned, the people are absolutely showing up and providing that glimmer of hope. To quote a favorite, prescient Star Wars series of mine: “Rebellions are built on hope.”

Jill Jacobson's avatar

If he doesn't whip the vote, which it appears he is not, its performative bs at best.

Lee Kossin's avatar

Let’s not call this the gestapo. Let’s acknowledge that America has a long history of hunting down minorities starting with the native peoples, then shave hunters, then Jim Crow laws, etc. This is who we have always been and have never acknowledged. As long as we refuse to acknowledge our own history, we are bound to repeat it.

David Skoglund's avatar

That being said, why not call it Gestapo?

Lee Kossin's avatar

Because referencing nazis suggests that this is somehow not us, but it has always been us. Lynching was the great American pastime. Co trolling the bodies of people of color has been non-stop. We need to acknowledge that this is America and we need to recognize, reconcile and renew.

David Skoglund's avatar

And calling ICE Gestapo isn’t a refusal to acknowledge our own sordid history. It’s a reference from the past to put a face on our history. You could also call ICE the KKK if that suits you.

Aaron Regunberg's avatar

Hey Lee and David, appreciate this vibrant discussion! Lee, I agree with you completely, as far as analytical accuracy goes. As far as political utility, I think there's value in making the (extremely apt) Nazi references, 1) because there's not much that articulates the stakes like a Nazi reference, and 2) because the regime keeps explicitly making these references themselves, because the thing is, they're Nazis.

David Skoglund's avatar

Thanks Aaron and Lee.

GIG's avatar

Trump believes in one party rule, having his own private army (ICE) which he will use to try to stay in power and racism. We should not be leery to make comparisons to Nazism when it comes to the Trump administration. ICE's brutality needs to stop. They are not law enforcement but a hostile occupation force to intimidate us.

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Jan 22
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Andrew Hall's avatar

These Democratic lawmakers don’t have any true beliefs. For the few who do, they’re easily outnumbered. They’re not reading the room and only look at what “their polls” say. Perhaps those polls are customized to tune out the noise 😑