Summary of "Next Comes What" Episode: How We Dissent — Lessons from LA & DC
Podcast Information:
- Title: Next Comes What
- Host/Author: Andrea Pitzer
- Description: Author Andrea Pitzer explores strategies to counter the rise of authoritarianism by analyzing resistance movements against Trump and his allies.
- Episode: How We Dissent — Lessons from LA & DC
- Release Date: June 12, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled How We Dissent — Lessons from LA & DC, Andrea Pitzer delves into the recent surge of resistance against governmental overreach in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. By examining grassroots movements and organized dissent, Pitzer highlights how communities are mobilizing to defend their rights and uphold democratic values amidst escalating tensions with federal authorities.
ICE Raids and Community Resistance in Los Angeles
Overview of ICE Raids: The episode opens with a recount of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles targeting local businesses, especially car washes. These operations have caused widespread fear and disruption within the predominantly Latino community.
Personal Impact and Community Reaction: One poignant account involves Brian, whose undocumented father was detained during an ICE raid at a car wash. Brian shares his traumatizing experience:
"I don't want to go out anymore because I'm afraid that I'm being followed or I will get detained."
(Timestamp: 04:22)
Violent Confrontations: The raids led to violent confrontations between law enforcement and protesters. Notably, David Huerta, the president of Service Employees International Union California, was injured and arrested while protesting an ICE action. Footage captured by a reporter showed federal agents aggressively detaining Huerta, illustrating the harsh measures employed to suppress dissent.
"Officers used tear gas and foam bullets."
(Timestamp: 10:45)
Governor Gavin Newsom's Response: Governor Newsom initially responded sluggishly to the escalating crisis, which included threats to deploy the California National Guard and Marines. His delayed reaction was seen as a pattern among Democratic leaders who tend to react rather than proactively counteract Trump’s aggressive tactics. Eventually, Newsom denounced the federal government's actions and initiated legal challenges against the deployment of troops.
"President Trump was planning to federalize California National Guard members and to deploy them to the region."
(Timestamp: 07:30)
Deployment of National Guard and Marines
The imminent deployment of National Guard and Marine units marked a significant escalation. Veterans and community members protested against the use of military force on domestic soil, fearing the implications of such measures on civil liberties.
"This move to include the National Guard and now the Marines is a grim turn, not only because the invocations appear to be done through an irregular and possibly illegal process, but also because there is no crisis at hand."
(Timestamp: 11:23)
Andrea Pitzer emphasizes that Trump's administration is testing military obedience and expanding authoritarian control by involving federal troops in civilian matters, a stark departure from traditional military roles.
NIH Employees and the Bethesda Declaration
The Bethesda Declaration: Parallel to the events in LA, over 300 employees at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued the Bethesda Declaration, a public letter criticizing the Trump administration’s policies that threaten federal medical research. This declaration highlights significant budget cuts and policy changes undermining the NIH's mission.
Key Concerns Addressed:
- Budget Cuts: Potential slashing of the NIH budget by up to 43%, jeopardizing vital research programs.
- Policy Changes: Termination of grants in critical areas such as health equity, climate change's impact on health, and COVID-19 research.
- Effect on Medical Research: A significant reduction in NIH funding is seen as a direct threat to ongoing and future medical advancements.
"You get another job but you cannot get another soul."
(Timestamp: 01:37)
Interview with Rui Carlos Sa: Rui Carlos Sa, a signatory of the Bethesda Declaration and a program officer at the NIH, shares his personal struggle and the broader implications of the administration's policies.
"If you know someone out there who is suffering from cancer or Alzheimer's and you have a hope for a cure right now, they're stealing your hope away from you."
(Timestamp: 01:37)
Rui discusses the ethical dilemma faced by researchers:
"Am I still doing more good than harm? Because I know that my actions now also carry some harm."
(Timestamp: 03:16)
He emphasizes the crucial role of NIH-funded research in developing life-saving treatments and the catastrophic long-term effects of current policy decisions.
"96 to 99% of all drugs developed and authorized in the US at some point went through NIH funding. So think of that. That's the role of government."
(Timestamp: 19:33)
Strategies for Effective Dissent
Community Engagement and Collective Action: Andrea Pitzer outlines various methods individuals and communities can employ to resist authoritarian measures:
- Protests and Demonstrations: Organizing and participating in local protests to show solidarity and demand action.
- Legal Challenges: Filing official complaints and engaging in legal battles to counteract unlawful deployments or policies.
- Supporting Affected Individuals: Volunteering with immigrant support groups and contributing to bail funds for detainees.
- Advocacy and Communication: Reaching out to elected officials, educating neighbors, and building broad coalitions to amplify dissenting voices.
"We are working people and we are not a trash can for the president."
(Timestamp: 22:51)
Upcoming Actions: No Kings Day Protests: The episode highlights the planned No Kings Day protests on June 14th, which aims to mobilize thousands across the country in opposition to Trump. These protests are seen as a pivotal moment to demonstrate the power of collective resistance in a democracy.
"This is a democracy, and in a democracy, power depends on the people. It flows from the people."
(Timestamp: 24:03)
Lessons from Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
Contrast in Responses: While Los Angeles experienced immediate and forceful confrontations with federal authorities, Washington, D.C.'s response was more strategic and organized. Both cities exemplify different models of dissent:
- Los Angeles: Reactive and spontaneous community-led resistance against sudden ICE raids and military deployments.
- Washington, D.C.: Proactive legal and organized efforts to challenge federal overreach through official channels and public declarations.
Importance of Leadership and Individual Action: Rui Carlos Sa underscores the necessity of individual bravery and the impact of collective action in times of crisis. He advocates for tailored risk assessments and encourages those in safer positions to speak out and support their communities.
"We still can demonstrate. We can still show numbers, we can still call our Congress people, our senators, and do something."
(Timestamp: 21:14)
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Andrea Pitzer concludes by drawing parallels between historical acts of resistance and the current situation, emphasizing that unlike soldiers who fought in wars, today's activists have the freedom to engage in activism on their own terms. The episode serves as a call to action, inspiring listeners to participate in shaping a democratic society by standing against authoritarianism and supporting vulnerable communities.
"It's our duty to actually make what we have to say intelligible to others so they understand what's going on, so they understand the impact tomorrow and five years from now."
(Timestamp: 21:05)
Pitzer encourages listeners to use the upcoming No Kings Day as an opportunity to unite, demonstrate, and uphold the democratic principles that grant power to the people.
Notable Quotes
-
Rui Carlos Sa:
"If you know someone out there who is suffering from cancer or Alzheimer's and you have a hope for a cure right now, they're stealing your hope away from you."
(Timestamp: 01:37) -
Andrea Pitzer:
"This is not... Way to make America great again, destroy our people, destroy our communities. Destroying America. That's what he's doing."
(Timestamp: 23:09) -
Rui Carlos Sa:
"We are working people and we are not a trash can for the president."
(Timestamp: 22:51) -
Andrea Pitzer:
"In a democracy, power depends on the people. It flows from the people."
(Timestamp: 24:03)
Actions for Listeners
Andrea Pitzer outlines several actionable steps for listeners to engage in effective dissent:
- Identify ICE Locations: Determine if ICE agents are present in local establishments and organize demonstrations if so.
- Support Community Groups: Volunteer with organizations aiding detained families and support those at risk.
- Donate to Bail Funds: Provide financial support to individuals who risk arrest by participating in protests.
- Participate in Protests: Join or organize protests, especially during significant events like No Kings Day.
- Stay Informed and Educate Others: Engage with community members, share information, and build broad-based support for resistance efforts.
Final Thoughts
How We Dissent — Lessons from LA & DC serves as a comprehensive guide on resisting authoritarian measures through community action and personal bravery. Andrea Pitzer effectively highlights the critical moments of resistance in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., drawing lessons that empower individuals to take meaningful action in defense of democracy and human rights.
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