DC

On the 15th of April, large numbers of union supporters gathered on Capitol Hill oppose the proposed TPP or Trans-Pacific Partnership. They called this "another NAFTA," and even used the term "SHAFTA" for the trade deals that have been offshoring US jobs and led to plummeting wages since 1994. Multiple members of Congress as well as union officials had some unusually tough talk against the "fast track" bill for the TPP. Fast track means a quick ratification vote with no debate if a treaty is signed, for a treaty whose very text is being kept secret.

Video-tough talk at Capitol Hill rally against the TPP

On the 8th of April, hundreds of DC area cyclists gathered in spotty rain for the first of the year's DC Bike Parties. They leave Dupont Circle at 8PM on the second Wednesday of each of the warmer months of the year. This one was the Cherry Blossom Chase, and rode to the Hained Point loop, under newly opened cherry blossoms. Just before the ride began the rain tapered off to nothing more than drizzle, nowhere near enough to dampen the spirits of hundreds of riders on the first Bike Party of the year

2 min video of the ride

On the last day of March, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser held her "state of the district" address. Outside were scores of DC residents excluded from the event-and apparently excluded from the Mayor's promises about affordable housing. There was even talk of housing that someone with a $75,000 a year income can afford being defined as "affordable." The "Real State of the District" protesters beseiged the Lincoln Theater where the Mayor was speaking and at one point took to the streets to blockade 13th and U sts. A key slogan was "Black Homes Matter!"

Video of the "Real State of the District" protest

by Eddie Becker White House Demonstrators demand an end to caste, gender and racial discrimination and for the promotion of universal Dalit Rights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etrFYFSnXx4 "India's caste system assigns individuals a certain hierarchical status according to Hindu beliefs. Traditionally, there are four principal castes (divided into many sub-categories) and one category of people who fall outside the caste system—the Dalits.