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My notes on United We Stand (anti-public health) protest in Sacramento on 7/25, watching vids posted on organizer's FB site (Freedom Angels--anti-vax turned anti-COVID19 measures organization)... 1/n
2/ Event opened w/Freedom Angels co-organizers speaking, incl'ing govt over-reach rhetoric & co-fnder Denise Marie trashing BLM as an org & protests to much crowd cheering (cites Latino minority ID & being fmr gang member as rationale for being right) https://www.facebook.com/FreedomAngelsFoundation/videos/661674851091963/
3/ Then on to speakers... 1st (~15m): atty Leigh Dundas of Scientology-linked Advocates for Physicians' Rights antivax-turned-COVID-sci-denialism grp doing her usual amped-up speech trashing Newsom; then onto rationalizing/self-lionizing her doxxing of...
4/
...fmr OC Public Hlth Officer Quick who resigned after harassment due to her mask order. Trashes Quick by citing her past prescribing methadone "for heroin addicts" (crowd voices displeaure). Embraces blame ppl showed up at Quick's home, dismisses harassment of Quick's family.
...fmr OC Public Hlth Officer Quick who resigned after harassment due to her mask order. Trashes Quick by citing her past prescribing methadone "for heroin addicts" (crowd voices displeaure). Embraces blame ppl showed up at Quick's home, dismisses harassment of Quick's family.
5/
Consistent w/ Dundas' posted vids, spouts pseudo-sci of harms/ineffectiveness of masksDundas cites all sorts of "war" rhetoric to stir up crowd. Offers tactics to crowd to use to push back against public health.
Consistent w/ Dundas' posted vids, spouts pseudo-sci of harms/ineffectiveness of masksDundas cites all sorts of "war" rhetoric to stir up crowd. Offers tactics to crowd to use to push back against public health.
6/ Then moves to trashing fmr Santa Barbara Public Hlth Officer Charity Dean, implying she was reason for Dean's resigning. Tries to convince crowd she's powerful anti-public hlth advocate for the ppl. Tries to hype her skills, "rich & powerful" friends to get stuff done via DC.
7/ Military relatives and how tough her husband is, freedom, "fight," fight, fight... "If teachers don't want to teach, fire them!" Sign recall petition... Dundas/FA's hype Dundas activism paperwork available to others on FA site.
8. (~32mins). Kevin Jenkins, CEO of Urban Global Health Alliance, "who has travelled the breadth of the country fighting for our medical freedoms and const. rights." Don't know much of his background/org but was in CO for recent vax bill protests. Seems to be new pal of FAs.
9/
Expresses outrage that his grandson doesn't want to go to school bc of fear of coronavirus. Moves on to masks and slippery slope logic fallacies of 1984-type govt. control. Dismisses mainstream media as perpetrator of "lies."
Expresses outrage that his grandson doesn't want to go to school bc of fear of coronavirus. Moves on to masks and slippery slope logic fallacies of 1984-type govt. control. Dismisses mainstream media as perpetrator of "lies."
10/
Now invokes classic Mrs. Lovejoy/Simpsons "Think of the children!" cliche rhetorical tactic: "Every time I see a child with a mask on, I want to lose my mind." "Masks of despair" and then cites Psalms as a counterpt.
Now invokes classic Mrs. Lovejoy/Simpsons "Think of the children!" cliche rhetorical tactic: "Every time I see a child with a mask on, I want to lose my mind." "Masks of despair" and then cites Psalms as a counterpt.
11/
Born in the USA then plays... But of course b/c clearly no one who uses it in rallies has ever reflected on the actual lyrics.
Born in the USA then plays... But of course b/c clearly no one who uses it in rallies has ever reflected on the actual lyrics.
12/ Next speaker (~39 mins.): Hyping of Nevada cnty "friends" as some sort of model then intro of Renette Senum, who resigned from Nevada City’s city council due to her COVID19 denialist positions. Her letter here says it all. NOTE: this person was elected https://yubanet.com/regional/reinette-senum-resigns-from-nevada-citys-city-council/
13/
From intro description, has spent time since as a public COVID19 conspiracy theorist. Begins speech hyping her experience first woman to solo cross Alaska then goes on to (screaming) all sorts of anti-govt/govt over-reach and COVID=nothing rhetoric.
From intro description, has spent time since as a public COVID19 conspiracy theorist. Begins speech hyping her experience first woman to solo cross Alaska then goes on to (screaming) all sorts of anti-govt/govt over-reach and COVID=nothing rhetoric.
14/
Senum's COVID denialism bad enough, but when she cites "the nefarious Johns Hopkins University" in dismissing epidemiological projections and starts doing her own absurd case projections to try to highlight how COVID overhyped, you really know what you're dealing with.
Senum's COVID denialism bad enough, but when she cites "the nefarious Johns Hopkins University" in dismissing epidemiological projections and starts doing her own absurd case projections to try to highlight how COVID overhyped, you really know what you're dealing with.
15/
Senum: COVID response is "Fear Porn." Describing herself as "a progressive," tries to draw equivalence btwn refusing service to non-mask wearer & refusing service to "a Black person"/"a queer"/"a Muslim." Uses this logic to...
Senum: COVID response is "Fear Porn." Describing herself as "a progressive," tries to draw equivalence btwn refusing service to non-mask wearer & refusing service to "a Black person"/"a queer"/"a Muslim." Uses this logic to...
16/
...cast OC anti-govt/anti-public health activist (and wellness peddler) Peggy Hall as a martyr due to refusing to wear mask on plane (on religious grounds), missing today's event bc SW airlines refused to let her board. Hall's attn-seeking vid here: https://twitter.com/doritmi/status/1287104342697230336?s=20
...cast OC anti-govt/anti-public health activist (and wellness peddler) Peggy Hall as a martyr due to refusing to wear mask on plane (on religious grounds), missing today's event bc SW airlines refused to let her board. Hall's attn-seeking vid here: https://twitter.com/doritmi/status/1287104342697230336?s=20
17/
Senum then moves on to anti-vaccine pseudo-sci. Hypes RFK Jr.'s recent "beautiful debate" performance against A. Dershowitz (yes, that's right). Says RFKJr claimed 1 out of 40 Americans vaccine injured (no, they aren't). "Now *that* is a pandemic."
Senum then moves on to anti-vaccine pseudo-sci. Hypes RFK Jr.'s recent "beautiful debate" performance against A. Dershowitz (yes, that's right). Says RFKJr claimed 1 out of 40 Americans vaccine injured (no, they aren't). "Now *that* is a pandemic."
18/
As you might guess anti-COVID vaccine rhetoric follows... (relying on prior incorrect statistic) uses "Russian Roulette" analog cliche.
"We have the solutions... Ozone... hydroxychloroquine... you name it and that is being censored."
As you might guess anti-COVID vaccine rhetoric follows... (relying on prior incorrect statistic) uses "Russian Roulette" analog cliche.
"We have the solutions... Ozone... hydroxychloroquine... you name it and that is being censored."
19/
"If I were gov. I would..." makes sure govt. distributed Vitamin C packets. Then goes into organic food.
More "This is war" claims.
All this stuff aside, I'm struck by her odd word choices and trying-hard-to-sound-intellectual-and-profound speaking style.
"If I were gov. I would..." makes sure govt. distributed Vitamin C packets. Then goes into organic food.
More "This is war" claims.
All this stuff aside, I'm struck by her odd word choices and trying-hard-to-sound-intellectual-and-profound speaking style.
20/
A pause in this thread to state that so far all this but only ~58 mins. in to what is a 1:59 vid clip.
Thankfully: Vid of crowd shows a small turnout of about a few hundred people tops.
Synopsis of the rest to follow... stay tuned...
A pause in this thread to state that so far all this but only ~58 mins. in to what is a 1:59 vid clip.
Thankfully: Vid of crowd shows a small turnout of about a few hundred people tops.
Synopsis of the rest to follow... stay tuned...
21/ Okay, thread resumes...
Now up "Sophia Christian & her father"... Dad seems to be the speaker, local small biz activist from Nevada Cnty.
Now up "Sophia Christian & her father"... Dad seems to be the speaker, local small biz activist from Nevada Cnty.
22/
Talks about how businesses impacted...
Then: "If you're not in support of the greatest minority on earth, which is the human individual, then you are not for minority rights. All you're for is for groupthink and certain groups." Ummm...
Talks about how businesses impacted...
Then: "If you're not in support of the greatest minority on earth, which is the human individual, then you are not for minority rights. All you're for is for groupthink and certain groups." Ummm...
23/
Then pivots to how it is unjust that students (including his daughter) will have to experience distance learning vs. in person schooling. Turns mic over to daughter.
Then pivots to how it is unjust that students (including his daughter) will have to experience distance learning vs. in person schooling. Turns mic over to daughter.
24/
"My generation has been muffled" (in ref to not being able to go to school)
Anti-Newsom, anti-distance learning speech follows.
"I learned nothing."
"My generation has been muffled" (in ref to not being able to go to school)
Anti-Newsom, anti-distance learning speech follows.
"I learned nothing."
25/
Quick comment from Ken Paige, Nevada City restaurant owner.
Quick comment from Ken Paige, Nevada City restaurant owner.
26/
That completed the Nevada County set.
~1:06: Deanna Lorraine. Introduced as "Conservative activist" who ran against Pelosi in 2020. Her website talks big (& peddles merch), but she finished 5th of 6th in primary (#2 of 2 GOP cands) w/1.8% of vote. https://ballotpedia.org/DeAnna_Lorraine
That completed the Nevada County set.
~1:06: Deanna Lorraine. Introduced as "Conservative activist" who ran against Pelosi in 2020. Her website talks big (& peddles merch), but she finished 5th of 6th in primary (#2 of 2 GOP cands) w/1.8% of vote. https://ballotpedia.org/DeAnna_Lorraine
27/
For someone who lost so bad, I'm surprised to see her lead w/ and hype fact she ran. But since no GOP candidate now in race, she can play grievance card to great effect with this conservative crowd.
For someone who lost so bad, I'm surprised to see her lead w/ and hype fact she ran. But since no GOP candidate now in race, she can play grievance card to great effect with this conservative crowd.
28/
Whoa! After quick dig abt "Nasty Nancy Pelosi," *REALLY* goes after NP's elxn opponent Buttar (Dem). Tho Lorraine lost to 4 ppl incl GOP cand, states how she lost to "a radical Muslim...socialist whose parents were in a domestic terrorist organization who murdered cops." ...
Whoa! After quick dig abt "Nasty Nancy Pelosi," *REALLY* goes after NP's elxn opponent Buttar (Dem). Tho Lorraine lost to 4 ppl incl GOP cand, states how she lost to "a radical Muslim...socialist whose parents were in a domestic terrorist organization who murdered cops." ...
29/
...then... (wait for it) she admits Buttar won by a "landslide." Oh, the irony when you think how so much of this rally's speeches up to this point have been about liberty and democracy undermined.
...then... (wait for it) she admits Buttar won by a "landslide." Oh, the irony when you think how so much of this rally's speeches up to this point have been about liberty and democracy undermined.
30/
Hypes new book Taking Back America abt "what we need to do to fight & take back America" b/c of course.
Uses that to launch into COVID denialism and disinfo, fearmongers about lost rights and mandatory vaccines and govt. "traumatizing" our children...
Hypes new book Taking Back America abt "what we need to do to fight & take back America" b/c of course.
Uses that to launch into COVID denialism and disinfo, fearmongers about lost rights and mandatory vaccines and govt. "traumatizing" our children...
31/
Claims "most (COVID cases) are false positives" and offers bizarro anecdote about President of Tanzania (hypes he's a scientist, apparently) testing "fruit," "animal," "goat" and they came back positive. NB: I had to listen to this twice bc I didn't believe I heard this right
Claims "most (COVID cases) are false positives" and offers bizarro anecdote about President of Tanzania (hypes he's a scientist, apparently) testing "fruit," "animal," "goat" and they came back positive. NB: I had to listen to this twice bc I didn't believe I heard this right
32/
"Fire Fauci" chant ensues. Lorraine then claims to have started FireFauci hashtag and hypes/self-congratulates about how it made it's way to Trump's eyes. Like Dundas, another speaker trying too hard to come off to crowd as a big deal mover/shaker.
"Fire Fauci" chant ensues. Lorraine then claims to have started FireFauci hashtag and hypes/self-congratulates about how it made it's way to Trump's eyes. Like Dundas, another speaker trying too hard to come off to crowd as a big deal mover/shaker.
33/
Instead of Fauci, Lorraine wants Dr.'s who talk about "Boosting our immune system."
Takes issue with protesting for BLM.
Rails against "(UN Sustainable Development) "Agenda 2030" and "Event 201." More fearmongering and then some more... then more.
"God, Family, & Country!"
Instead of Fauci, Lorraine wants Dr.'s who talk about "Boosting our immune system."
Takes issue with protesting for BLM.
Rails against "(UN Sustainable Development) "Agenda 2030" and "Event 201." More fearmongering and then some more... then more.
"God, Family, & Country!"
34/
Now Pastor John Duncan (~1:15), intro'd as "One of the 1st pastors in the nation to stand up...& not close his church."
Maybe last speaker wore me out, but his speech lots of vague generalities--basically rant abt govt over-reach, COVID-19 shut down. Ends w/"All Lives Matter"
Now Pastor John Duncan (~1:15), intro'd as "One of the 1st pastors in the nation to stand up...& not close his church."
Maybe last speaker wore me out, but his speech lots of vague generalities--basically rant abt govt over-reach, COVID-19 shut down. Ends w/"All Lives Matter"
35/
Now Jeff Barke (~1:23), Newport Beach (yep, OC) physician who's been in news for COVID-19 denialism, school opening policy; "parental rights" history.
Dismisses idea children can pass it to teachers.
Hypes hydroxychloroquine, zinc, and Z pack & govt preventing access to them.
Now Jeff Barke (~1:23), Newport Beach (yep, OC) physician who's been in news for COVID-19 denialism, school opening policy; "parental rights" history.
Dismisses idea children can pass it to teachers.
Hypes hydroxychloroquine, zinc, and Z pack & govt preventing access to them.
36/
Introduces his wife, Mary Barke (~1:28), OC Board of Ed member (& co-author of controversial open schools white paper).
Basically dismisses risk of opening. Hypes Aug. 4 opposition to teachers union and frames them as the barrier.
Introduces his wife, Mary Barke (~1:28), OC Board of Ed member (& co-author of controversial open schools white paper).
Basically dismisses risk of opening. Hypes Aug. 4 opposition to teachers union and frames them as the barrier.
37/
Freedom Angel Tara then takes mic, adds comments abt what they see as the inclusivity and transparency of creating this white paper, indicating Freedom Angels see it as (confirmation bias) rock solid evidence that validates their school opening worldview and can use as a tool
Freedom Angel Tara then takes mic, adds comments abt what they see as the inclusivity and transparency of creating this white paper, indicating Freedom Angels see it as (confirmation bias) rock solid evidence that validates their school opening worldview and can use as a tool
38/
Next (~1:31): Pastor Brian Hawkins from Divine Apptment Worship Center in San Jacinto (Riverside Cnty).
Laments prayer taken out of school, moves into stance that he refuses to close his church doors.
Speech abt Christ, the Devil, "Awesome God."
Next (~1:31): Pastor Brian Hawkins from Divine Apptment Worship Center in San Jacinto (Riverside Cnty).
Laments prayer taken out of school, moves into stance that he refuses to close his church doors.
Speech abt Christ, the Devil, "Awesome God."
39/
At end, gets dig in on Newsom as godless & defund the police bf leading crowd in "Amazing Grace."
Hard to fully make out but claims he has his city mayor, Riverside County Sheriff supporting him.
At end, gets dig in on Newsom as godless & defund the police bf leading crowd in "Amazing Grace."
Hard to fully make out but claims he has his city mayor, Riverside County Sheriff supporting him.
40/
Gosh, with all the Christian speakers, clearly Freedom Angels and others in this set don't care about gaining numbers and think reaching out/appealing to non-Christians unimportant.
Gosh, with all the Christian speakers, clearly Freedom Angels and others in this set don't care about gaining numbers and think reaching out/appealing to non-Christians unimportant.
41/
Next (~1:37) Alan Hostetter: fmr cop/police chief turned San Clemente organizer and head of American Phoenix Project, a right wing, COVID19 & govt conspiracy theory fueled org. Hyped his cop bona fides as heads up when he talks abt criminals then...
Next (~1:37) Alan Hostetter: fmr cop/police chief turned San Clemente organizer and head of American Phoenix Project, a right wing, COVID19 & govt conspiracy theory fueled org. Hyped his cop bona fides as heads up when he talks abt criminals then...
42/
goes into COVID denialism (death rate "Bull$hit"), R-wing consp. theories abt media, Dem govs. Calls Newsom "criminal" for how he dealt w/COVID-19. Resonates w/crowd. Covers his rump by saying he's not endorsing harm against elected officials. Offers recall as option
goes into COVID denialism (death rate "Bull$hit"), R-wing consp. theories abt media, Dem govs. Calls Newsom "criminal" for how he dealt w/COVID-19. Resonates w/crowd. Covers his rump by saying he's not endorsing harm against elected officials. Offers recall as option
43/
(~1:48) Last speaker Errol Webber, GOP cand. for Congress (CA-37; areas of Beverly Hills, Culver City, Inglewood, West LA)
Starts out with "We need to protect our religious freedom." Mostly an anti-Newsom rant.
(~1:48) Last speaker Errol Webber, GOP cand. for Congress (CA-37; areas of Beverly Hills, Culver City, Inglewood, West LA)
Starts out with "We need to protect our religious freedom." Mostly an anti-Newsom rant.
44/
Webber describes his opponent Karen Bass (Chair of Congressional Black Caucus) as a "Karen" & "communist Jew hater." "She is the figurehead of the generational black victimhood that is fueling a Marxist race & class war in America right now."
Webber describes his opponent Karen Bass (Chair of Congressional Black Caucus) as a "Karen" & "communist Jew hater." "She is the figurehead of the generational black victimhood that is fueling a Marxist race & class war in America right now."
45/
As context: Webber only got 7.6% of the primary vote and still landed the #2 slot against Bass. SMH: and then people wonder why there isn't more GOP representation in CA. https://ballotpedia.org/Errol_Webber
As context: Webber only got 7.6% of the primary vote and still landed the #2 slot against Bass. SMH: and then people wonder why there isn't more GOP representation in CA. https://ballotpedia.org/Errol_Webber
46/
So that's all folks, but I just want to wrap up with summary points:
1. Compared to Liberty Fest in May, this event far bigger on science denialism. Anti-immigration rhetoric in past, but now explicit dismissing of BLM and protests.
So that's all folks, but I just want to wrap up with summary points:
1. Compared to Liberty Fest in May, this event far bigger on science denialism. Anti-immigration rhetoric in past, but now explicit dismissing of BLM and protests.
47/47
2. Provides further evid. of the new COVID space that antivaccine activism has moved into and their very right wing/right fringe "fellow travelers."
3. Might seem bizarre/lacking credibility, but as M. Barke & others at these events show, such types can and do get elected.
2. Provides further evid. of the new COVID space that antivaccine activism has moved into and their very right wing/right fringe "fellow travelers."
3. Might seem bizarre/lacking credibility, but as M. Barke & others at these events show, such types can and do get elected.
