Ongoing Action Matters

With the election banging at the door there is no way this bulletin could avoid being political—further down this email, you are invited to read something a little different. Take your mind off without escaping. Scroll down to dive into two 5 minute Bay Area Palestinian stories of being American and the ongoing work that entails for all of us. You know, we the people?

But first, on words and actions...

At this point most of you will have already voted because you understand that the ELECTION TOMORROW MATTERS more than any election in our lifetimes, but I am here to tell you that it also really matters what YOU DO today and what you do after the election. If Trump wins...we'll circle back. Even if Harris wins there is a ton of work to do to re-stabilize American politics, overcome violent rhetoric and excessive force, and reform a ton of previously assumed immutable American election practice. If we do hold on to democracy this winter, let's make sure we keep it for a bit.

In the meantime, there is at least one contentious area that won't change regardless who wins. Harris is not likely to stem the tide of weapons to the world for corporate profits or to hold allies accountable for the indiscriminate use of those weapons. Not unless we push her. It's up to us...yes, we the people.

It matters because there are people on the other side of those US-manufactured and supplied bombs. Too often these conflicts are reported without historical context, as if they are sudden and inexplicable. In the case of Palestine, bombs have been dropping for decades. Yet the Palestinian people have persisted. Listen to their voices. Follow the links below to read my previously published stories of Bay Area Palestinians, their trials and successes.

And by the gods, VOTE. For these locals and their families, it matters most what you do on the federal level right now, because with Harris will be a much more open terrain for activism and adaptation. Vote!...then keep on the path, keep pushing.

Peace is work.

Giotis.

Zaytoon Celebrates Palestinian Roots

Albany’s Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant celebrates Palestinian roots while expanding the idea of what Middle Eastern dining can be.

East Bay Express | Oakland, Berkeley & AlamedaMichael Giotis

Petaluma Activists Fear Silence More Than Hate | Bohemian | Sonoma & Napa Counties

On Monday night, a coalition of concerned citizens presented a draft resolution to the Petaluma City Council calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of all hostages. It was the product of work by local activists who have felt at times nervous about publicly taking on the issue that has proven divisive across […]

Bohemian | Sonoma & Napa CountiesMichael Giotis

"On the 15th of October, I grabbed my Palestinian flag and headed down to Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa to show my support. The North Coast Coalition for Palestine and Jewish Voices for Peace had co-organized a protest against the then week-long attack Israel had launched on Gaza after the Palestinian resistance attack on the 7th of October. There were roughly 150 locals there...'

by Tarik Kanaana read more at https://bohemian.com/together-for-peace-the-experience-of-sonoma-county-activist/

Trump Escalates Threatening Rhetoric in Campaign’s Final Days | KQED

We talk with David Graham and experts on extremism and extremist rhetoric about the impacts of Trump’s threatening messaging.

KQEDMina Kim