February 2017

General Strike by immigrants and allies shuts restaurants, clogs streets

The 16th of February became the Day Without Immigrants as a nationwide general strike shuttered restaurants and other businesses that rely on immigrant labor. Here in DC the Washington Post published a long list of closed restaurants and a noontime march filled the streets.

Photo by SURJ DC

Jewish group protests Trump, Bibi, and growing fascist menace

On the 15th of February, the progressive Jewish group IfNotNow DC protested at Trump Hotel against both the occupation of Palestine and the growing fascist and racist menace of Donald Trump. At almost the same time American Muslims for Palestine held a similar protest at the White House. Shortly after dark IfNotNow DC marched to the White House to join the other protest on essentially the same issues. At one point they held and blocked 15th st by the Penn Ave entrance to the White House area.

Video highlights of the rally and street theater at Trump Hotel plus the departure of the march

One down: Trump Nat Security Adviser Flynn RESIGNS

On the 13th of February, Trump's National Security adviser Michael Flynn abruptly resigned. He was known for blaming all of Islam for the rise of theocratic terrorism and for flip-flopping on a woman's right to choose. Now he is gone: one down, many more to go. Never let them tell you protest doesn't work, because it does.

Video from the February 4 No Wall No Ban 2 March

Video selections of the February 4 2017, second march from the White House to the Capitol , including the Supreme Court, to protest Trump's executive orders targeting refugees and immigrants.

Hundreds rally, meet against direct Congressional alteration of DC laws

On the 13th of February, hundreds rallied outside the Rayburn building, then dispersed and traveled on their own to an even bigger meeting in the Atlas Theater against ugly Congressional assaults on DC home rule. Mayor Muriel Bowser and city officials participated, raising a number of interesting political issues.

Video by Councilmember Kenyon McDuffie's Twitter: telling Jason Chaffitz to "Go back to Utah!"

Rally outside the Rayburn building: photo by "Raisin Invasion"

Betsy Devos blocked from DC school, DC police "investigating" protest

On the 10th of February, False President Trump's Secretary of Education Betsy Devos attempted to enter a DC Middle School. She was turned away by Black Lives Matter activists. During this event, her SUV ran over one activist's foot. That activist was later arrested, the Washington Examiner reports one arrest for "assaulting a police officer" a charge often filed to cover up police-inflicted injuries.

Video clip from longer ABC News video showing protester's foot run over by Betsy DeVos' SUV

Betsy Devo's SUV has its front right tire on the foot of the activist in the cap

KKK leader found dead in Missouri

KKK Imperial Wizard Frank Ancona was found dead by a riverbank in Missouri on the morning of Saturday, Feb 11. A story on US Uncut News shows details making this death appear to be a suicide but not conclusively so. Anyway, there is now one less white supremacist, one less Klan leader on Turtle Island.

Migrants march on White House against Trump's ICE raids

On the 11th of February, migrants and their supporters marched on the White House against the wave of immigration raids that have swept several states this weekend. The DC march was completed without incident, but a similar march in New York City was assaulted by police and several marchers there were arrested after taking to the streets.

Video of the march originally uploaded to Twitter by Nancy Trevino

The Shortwave Report 02/10/17 Listen Globally!

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Mitch McConnell, Mike Pence get home demos

On the 8th of February, the Washington, DC LGBTQ Welcoming Committee held a silent solidarity vigil at the Islamic Center, then marched up Mass Ave to deliver a valentine to the home of VP Mike Pence. Meanwhile, a Queer Women's group held a second protest at the home of GOP Sen Majority leader Mitch McConnell.

HD 720p video of march on, dance party at, and attempted Valentine delivery to Mike Pence's house

The Queer Dance Party at the US Naval Observatory, home of VP Mike Pence

Hundreds protest at White House against Dakota Access Pipeline easement

On the 8th of February, hundreds of water protectors showed up at an emergency protest at the White House in response to the US Army Corps of Engineers decision to offer a 30 year easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline. Similar protests were held all over Turtle Island.

Update Standing Rock Feb 8:Permit approved 6PM EST, drilling started 15 min later. Indigenous Environmental Network warns "Police violence seems inevitable and mass casualties are very likely. The only way to keep people safe is to do the EIS. If not, any blood spilled is on Trump’s hands and the hands of the Corps. "

Protesters gather on Capitol Hill as Senate Dems refuse to yield floor for confirmation of Betsy Devos

On the 6th of February, opponents of Trump's Secretary of Education nominee Betsy Devos gathered in Upper Senate Park. Inside, the Senate was split 50-50, meaning Mike Pence would get to cast the time-breaker favoring confirmation and the GOP kept the Senate in session. vowing to continue night and day. In the end, VP Mike Pence rammed the nomination through with his tiebreaker vote.

speaker on behalf of Transgender students says Betsy Devos "has not done her homework"

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