Joining this tonight. Looking forward to hearing from both Naomi and Angela Davis…!! https://twitter.com/rising_majority/status/1245385796544131072

Naomi is talking now about how the impact of virus is inextricably tied to capitalism #TheRisingMajority

In addition to that - we have disaster capitalism, Naomi says. ‘Corporations see these needs and instead of saying how can I help, they ask how can we enrich ourselves?’ #TheRisingMajority

Angela now speaking.

For those of us who feel alone because of our physical isolation, we can feel strengthened and energised by the fact we are connected to people all over the planet who are experiencing similar conditions - Palestine, Kurdistan and so many others...

How do we understand this moment through an abolitionist lens?

'There’s been much concern about people in cruise ships.. we should be even more concerned about people in jail, prison, immigration detention facilities and more…’ Angela now talks to the problem of overcrowding..

…and how in this time, a three month sentence could be tantamount to a death sentence.

Angela - speaking re a group demanding release of prisoners

We demand the immediate release of elders - but prison speeds up ageing - so talking people who are 50+

We are also asking for the release of children + those awaiting trail

Halt to all Operations conducted by ICE

Angela - An abolitionist lens requires us to consider and think broadly and remember - even if we do succeed - the effort to engage in de-carceration - many will only have the street to shelter… so we need to remember that this process assumes housing + food…

Naomi talking about how in emergencies there is an expression of power.

‘The only reason why there has been Any emergency mobilisation [in the US] - was because we have had precedence! They may never have done it if European countries + Asian countries hadn’t had first..’

Naomi:

Crisis changes what is possible…

When capitalism causes it’s own crises - it’s a huge opportunity for the left. #TheRisingMajority

They [the right] are afraid that we will push our agenda in this time… because we have seen what is possible.

Kick open the door of radical possibility - as wide and as open as possible.

'We’re in a better position in this crisis compared to the last time the world economy collapsed… in that moment we didn’t put forward our radical alternatives with enough power and courage. This time-

We need to expand our imaginations. What are the radical possibilities?

It’s a race against time - Naomi says. ‘We haven’t seen their worst ideas yet.’

Naomi - Folks in Gaza have been saying for years they’re a lab for other’s experimentation… what does a Modi do if COVID is in a slum? Turn it into a Gaza?

#TheRisingMajority

Angela - we should seize this as an opportunity to organise globally - she’s talking to US specifically now - ‘we can take leadership from people who are organising all over the world…’

Angela now speaking about the challenge facing women who are forced to isolate with their abusers. ‘We should seize upon this as an opportunity to organise and enhance our sense of belonging to the world nd enhance our sense of moving beyond capitalism…’

Call to action — what is required from all of us in the moment?

Cindy Wiesner now speaking.

We have the opportunity to break the back of global neoliberalism. Rethink the organisation of society at the global level. From the neighbourhood to territories and more. Let’s not lose imagination in this moment of deep trauma. #TheRisingMajority

Cindy - we need to take a stand against war, sanctions, militarisation. We need to be in solidarity w people in Iran, Cuba, and the 30+ other countries that are sanctioned #TheRisingMajority

We need to think about this moment as a moment to dismantle the neoliberal systems that we live in. The people who got us into this mess will not take us out of it.

#TheRisingMajority

Victory only happens via global movement building in this moment - #TheRisingMajority

Traditionally movement organisers have built power through F2F organising. We have conversations, we build relationships. BUT now, we can’t do that in the same way. SO - we must adapt. By Engaging in all means of comms otherwise… #TheRisingMajority

An aside - it’s fascinating how organising has changed in this moment #TheRisingMajority. Mass Zoom calls, Clapping for the NHS… Isolated, but not alone.

Let’s not forget that just because people are being supported right now by the right, it does not mean a change of ideology. It’s because they’re protecting the system, and it just so happens in order to do so, they need to support the workers through this time #TheRisingMajority

We need to ensure that true democracy, radical democracy, blooms in this moment. This is a fragile moment… nothing is guaranteed… #TheRisingMajority

We need to use all the tools in our belt - some of them might be electoral, but nothing can be left on the table #TheRisingMajority

White supremacist alliances will use this moment to strengthen - make no mistake. We need to do better. This is a moment for left solutions to inspire all - #TheRisingMajority

COVID 19 is the virus, Capitalism is the crisis, and our organising is the way through and out — Loan Tran

Abolition, etc, is the floor - What’s the new ceiling going to be? #TheRisingMajority

Naomi talking about her experience in Argentina post 2001 - and reflecting about how we need to learn from the factory occupation movement #TheRisingMajority

Workers who are working at all these places that are closing have the right to turn these places into cooperatives.

We have a right to the internet. It is a public utility. BUT it is still in the hand of a few powerful folk. (Referring to how in Kashmir, Sudan, others have had their internet cut therefore their ability to organise curtailed) - #TheRisingMajority

Let’s not forget about this-

Let’s remember the love that we feel for caregivers, and let’s build an economy that has that as a core value. Taking care of each other and taking care of the planet… #TheRisingMajority

Nation states no longer function in a way that enhance our lives. They’re increasingly obsolete ! #RisingMajority

side note: I love the idea of organising PAST the concept of the nation state. Can we please be doing that? #RisingMajority

I mean isn't the nation state pre much a colonial construct arghhhh