When there is trap set up for you in every corner of this town

[sovay]

So today I basically fell over and slept for most of the afternoon. Three days without sleep will do that to you. This must be the self-care half of the equation.

Tomorrow there is a protest of Trump's anti-Muslim executive order taking place at Copley Square and I will be there. It's early in the afternoon, so I figure I can make it and still get to the active bystanding workshop in the evening.

Trump's Muslim ban is unconstitutional. It is already being challenged by the ACLU. But it was already implemented by officials in U.S. and foreign airports. People have been turned away. People are being detained. Refugees, green card holders, foreign nationals with U.S. visas, original citizens of any of Trump's cherry-picked list of countries (carefully excluding his business interests) now traveling on visas of different countries entirely. People are behaving as though it is legal, as though it is right, as though it is business as usual—or maybe they think it's sketchy and it makes them feel weird, but they must be following their orders anyway, or there wouldn't be anyone in detention or anyone stranded, unable to come home. And I keep coming back to that. It is not a moral act to follow immoral orders. We fought that out sixty years ago, if it hadn't been clear before. Stop making Trump's fantasies a reality. They don't deserve to be.

There are protests at JFK and Logan Airport tonight and those are only the ones that have crossed my friendlist. I hope at other airports. I hope in front of the White House. Anybody going to one of those, stay safe.

This must be what it feels like when people say to one another, "We need to take our country back." What an interesting historical feeling.

[edit] I got home and heard about the nationwide emergency stay of Trump's ban. That is good. So is the list of states with protests. The news about Bannon is not good. The All Lives Matter-ing of the Holocaust, as my husband calls it, is also not so hot. But the other things are also true and they may make a difference yet. And Autolycus has not thrown up once so far today (don't make me a liar, little cat), and that is also a victory.

Comments

[moon_custafer]

Refugees, green card holders, foreign nationals with U.S. visas, original citizens of any of Trump's cherry-picked list of countries (carefully excluding his business interests) now traveling on visas of different countries entirely....

In Canada, somebody pointed out our Minister of Immigration can't enter the US by this logic. Probably some of your Congresspeople too.

[dewline]

Oh, yes. Our new Immigration Minister was born in Somalia. That's going to be a Pain.

There's a report on BBC to the effect that diplomatic status still confers some immunity to this...or was it the Guardian? I'm trying to rediscover the article.

[sovay]

Probably some of your Congresspeople too.

Frankly, I hope we can get the order struck down as flatly unconstitutional before we have to find out the intricacies of the kind of clusterfuck that it is. But it is one, and I only hope it chips away that much more of Trump's support. I want his own people turning on him and then I want him out of office and out of power before he can hurt anyone in his fall.

[dewline]

Not. Normal.

[sovay]

Not. Normal.

Not at all.

And even if it were normal, it's not all right.

[conuly]

The ACLU managed to secure a stay. I think that only applies to people already in the airports, but it's a start.

[dewline]

Reported by Mother Jones:

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/01/trump-muslim-refugee-ban-disaster-national-security

[sovay]

The ACLU managed to secure a stay. I think that only applies to people already in the airports, but it's a start.

Good! I want refugees in this country; I want Trump's legislation out.

[kore]

Still early but from what I can tell, the ACLU filed a habeas corpus for those two guys who were big in the news (one of them an interpreter) and there was an emergency hearing in Brooklyn, in Ann Donnelly's court (an Obama appointee) and she blocked the deportation order. I don't know if people are going to be allowed to come in, but at least they won't be sent back out of the country. The word is that people arriving have been detained, which sucks hard, but at least they can maybe get in and won't be sent back.

[sovay]

The word is that people arriving have been detained, which sucks hard, but at least they can maybe get in and won't be sent back.

"The ACLU said it had won a stay in federal court preventing implementation of the executive order." So it is a small step. But it's not a symbolic one. Get a foothold, get the law in there, get people home. Get Trump out of office. He's trying to insulate himself already. Get all these people out.

[kore]

....yeah, I saw the news about Bannon on the NSC and fucking crashed. Which maybe says more about my psyche than about the state of the world, but idk. Bannon is super fucking crazy. If he's listening in on phone calls with Putin and advising foreign policy....Jesus. War might be if we're lucky.

[kore]

DUDE. I DON'T WANT TO GET TOO HET UP (ha ha too late) BUT A JUDGE BLOCKED THE DEPORTATION (which unfortunately probably means people will get detained, fuck, but at least not shipped off) and THOUSANDS of people showed up at JFK in an absolutely spontaneous massive protest. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/28/us/refugees-detained-at-us-airports-prompting-legal-challenges-to-trumps-immigration-order.html?_r=0

Schumer finally grew a fucking spine and said he's calling on Trump to rescind the EO and called Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly (who I thiiiink is not totally batshit?) personally.

I dunno -- I don't want to be premature -- But I'm hopeful. Very very hopeful.

[sovay]

and THOUSANDS of people showed up at JFK in an absolutely spontaneous massive protest.

I was seeing that right before we left the house! (Prior commitment to see a staged reading of a new project by one of derspatchel's theater colleagues.) It looked amazing.

Does anyone have an idea of how this is all—the executive order and the protests—going over in the so-called heartlands? Because if the women who came out for the women's marches can mobilize when race is involved, we might actually have some leverage.

Schumer finally grew a fucking spine and said he's calling on Trump to rescind the EO and called Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly (who I thiiiink is not totally batshit?) personally.

What did the Homeland Security Secretary say?

I dunno -- I don't want to be premature -- But I'm hopeful. Very very hopeful.

"Rebellions are built on hope."

[kore]

Does anyone have an idea of how this is all—the executive order and the protests—going over in the so-called heartlands? Because if the women who came out for the women's marches can mobilize when race is involved, we might actually have some leverage.

I admit I haven't been looking for that -- last I heard there were protests at JFK, Logan, LAX, San Francisco International, and even some at Sea-Tac.

"Rebellions are built on hope."

AWW. Yeah. The Bannon thing just brought me really down hard. I mean, how do we protest that? WTF do we do?

[sovay]

I admit I haven't been looking for that -- last I heard there were protests at JFK, Logan, LAX, San Francisco International, and even some at Sea-Tac.

I was just editing my comment to reply: I don't know if it's the same women, but there are protests in Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Colorado, Michigan, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Nevada, and Utah in addition to the usual suspects so far. This is good.

I mean, how do we protest that? WTF do we do?

I think we have to get our government to grow more spines and I think the courts need to back us instead of Trump's cadre. And I don't know how we do that except by making it very clear that the Republicans will lose hard in 2018 if they don't move now. Nothing else seems to affect them.

[kore]

there are protests in Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Colorado, Michigan, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Nevada, and Utah in addition to the usual suspects so far. This is good.

Damn, that's amazing!

And I don't know how we do that except by making it very clear that the Republicans will lose hard in 2018 if they don't move now. Nothing else seems to affect them.

Yeah....I'm just scared of what might happen in the next two years if Ryan et al are yes-manning him all the time. It's been six days and a lot of things are already seriously fucked. People keep telling me there's no way the Dems can take back the Senate, though, since all the contested Republican seats are in swing states -- apparently NV, UT, AZ, TX, NE, AL and one other state are all Republican, but there's 23 Dem seats up and the Republicans are going to try for IN, MO, MT, ND, WVA, FL, OH, PA, WI, and MI. The FL-OH-PA-WI-MI group is what screwed us in the general election....IDEFK. We might have a better chance with the House? I don't know. It seems like yesterday the Dems had the White House, the Senate and the House. WTF happened.

Anyway, the Bannon shit just really threw me for a loop. having him in charge of foreign policy....what a fucking nightmare.

[sovay]

People keep telling me there's no way the Dems can take back the Senate, though, since all the contested Republican seats are in swing states -- apparently NV, UT, AZ, TX, NE, AL and one other state are all Republican, but there's 23 Dem seats up and the Republicans are going to try for IN, MO, MT, ND, WVA, FL, OH, PA, WI, and MI.

And there have been protests in all of those states since Trump took office. If we are still in this fight in 2018 (and I certainly hope either that we are or that it is unnecessary because Trump and his garbage cabinet are already gone), I suspect there will have been more since. It's been a week and it's awful. But it's been a week that has made a lot of people angry, including people who were cheering previously. (I wish I could find the photograph from the anti-abortion march in D.C. that showed women carrying anti-Trump signs, because they don't believe he's pro-life. That is hilarious and fucked and demonstrably true, if perhaps not according to their definition: but if they want him gone, too, they're allies.) People who were already against Trump are mobilizing fast. We just need to hang on to a functional enough democracy to vote out the Republicans who will throw in with him for self-interest. Remember: he lost the popular vote.

[kore]

the anti-abortion march in D.C. that showed women carrying anti-Trump signs, because they don't believe he's pro-life. That is hilarious and fucked and demonstrably true

HAH, OH MY. I think it's totally true! He doesn't strike me as any kind o religious person at all. (Pence does. Pence is scary. I don't think Pence would have Bannon doing foreign policy, tho. I hope not.)

We just need to hang on to a functional enough democracy to vote out the Republicans who will throw in with him for self-interest. Remember: he lost the popular vote.

Yeah, T says "Trump is starting where Nixon ended," and Nixon was re-elected with a big majority while Watergate was still being reported, I think, and wasn't tossed out til months and months later. ....still, two years. Jesus.

[sovay]

HAH, OH MY.

[edit] Found the sign!

(Pence does. Pence is scary. I don't think Pence would have Bannon doing foreign policy, tho. I hope not.)

I don't think Bannon is a Christian Dominionist, so, no, I don't think so, either.

The danger is that Pence will begin to look like a normal, healthy alternative to Trump's horror, whereas the best formulation I've seen of this choice is "Lawful Evil vs. [UNTRANSCRIBABLE CTHULHUIAN WGAH'NAGL FHTAGN]."

[dewline]

You are not alone in seeing things in those terms. Margaret Atwood does not want that particular book of hers turned into a "how-to" guide. By anyone.

[kore]

The danger is that Pence will begin to look like a normal, healthy alternative to Trump's horror, whereas the best formulation I've seen of this choice is "Lawful Evil vs. [UNTRANSCRIBABLE CTHULHUIAN WGAH'NAGL FHTAGN]."

SERIOUSLY. I mean, I realized if Ryan or Pence were in power right now, I would feel such relief, which then made me feel dirty.

[sovay]

I mean, I realized if Ryan or Pence were in power right now, I would feel such relief, which then made me feel dirty.

I appreciate the friend on Facebook who counseled, "We impeach Trump. And if Pence pulls the same shit, we impeach him too. It's not rocket science." Because removing Trump—and his cabinet—from office is the first critical step toward not winding up in the kind of dystopia we wouldn't even enjoy reading.

[dewline]

Those states being represented in the protests...indeed a good sign.

[sovay]

Those states being represented in the protests...indeed a good sign.

I hope it only spreads. And the more people in government who join them, I don't know who they are outside of my own state and New York, but the better.

[edit] The map is pretty great.

[kore]

The All Lives Matter-ing of the Holocaust

Ahahaha someone just messaged me that same thing in disbelief. "Did he really just...." Yes he really just. Good God.

Aww, glad the little cat is feeling better.

[sovay]

Aww, glad the little cat is feeling better.

Thank you! He is currently asleep between derspatchel's computer and mine, which is unspeakably sweet.

[gwynnega]

I know there are also airport protests in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC. Some others too, I think. This gives me hope.

[sovay]

I know there are also airport protests in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC. Some others too, I think. This gives me hope.

juliansinger linked me to a growing list and it contains airports in the so-called flyover country, which is very heartening.

[heliopausa.livejournal.com]

Yes, for sure, about the legal challenges. And:
It is not a moral act to follow immoral orders.
Yes.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

I'll be in Copley Square too--maybe we'll see each other.

[sovay]

I'll be in Copley Square too--maybe we'll see each other.

I will not have a sign, but I will be wearing my green corduroy and I have a characteristic hat.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

I'd recognize you anywhere, even in a crowd :-)

I'll be in a nondescript blue coat, but with my bright blue and pink winter scarf. I may or may not have a sign depending on whether I have time to make one before I leave. (I'm off to church in a few minutes.)

[juliansinger.livejournal.com]

https://thinkprogress.org/muslim-ban-protests-344f6e66022e#.6wktnh4ze

Also, https://twitter.com/igorvolsky/status/825497129330339841

[sovay]

Also

This is great. Thank you. I was just wondering if these protests would have anything like the universality of the women's marches or if the whole thing would just break in half over race again. I realize your links still don't answer the question, but is very good to hear that there are protests either scheduled or ongoing in Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Colorado, Michigan, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Nevada, and Utah in addition to the usual suspects so far.

[juliansinger.livejournal.com]

I think probably if people keep emphasizing the kids and vulnerable people caught in this, that will help break through the racism. (I feel bad being cynical, but there we are.)

It's not *quite* as universal, but it does seem to be pretty spontaneous (in a 'spread news on Facebook' kind of way), which is really interesting to me.

[sovay]

I think probably if people keep emphasizing the kids and vulnerable people caught in this, that will help break through the racism. (I feel bad being cynical, but there we are.)

Frankly, right now I'll take ethical actions performed for half-ass reasons over unethical actions performed with the best of intentions. It's not a good long-term strategy, but in a crisis, it'll do.

it does seem to be pretty spontaneous (in a 'spread news on Facebook' kind of way), which is really interesting to me.

I heard that the JFK protest started with several different groups simultaneously and then just sort of aggregated as the word got out. I'm glad to know that happens.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

I heard the same thing re: the JFK protest.

And likewise re ethical actions.

[juliansinger.livejournal.com]

Wait, did I miss a cat update? Is he OK?

[sovay]

Wait, did I miss a cat update? Is he OK?

There has been no vomiting as of today! He's still being a little sick-clingy, but we are cautiously hopeful that he's over whatever the hell has been happening for the last two days! I'll put that in the edit!

[juliansinger.livejournal.com]

YAY! That's very good to hear. I continue to knock wood on his behalf.

[sovay]

I continue to knock wood on his behalf.

Thank you! As I type, he is batting at my screen and the moving letters beneath it, so I believe he says hello.

[ethelmay.livejournal.com]

Statement by Port of Seattle Commission in response to Trump administration executive order banning immigration
01/28/2017

​“This airport is owned by the citizens of King County and our responsibility is to steward it for their wellbeing and long-term future. The Port of Seattle Commissioners, Tom Albro, Courtney Gregoire, Stephanie Bowman, Fred Felleman and John Creighton are here today to express our concerns over the immigration ban executive order that was issued late last night. As the government that operates this airport, this executive order runs counter to our values. America is great because we are a land of immigrants and that is what made us great to begin with.

“As the operators of this airport, we are deeply concerned that the abrupt nature of the executive order did not allow adequate process for public agencies such as ourselves to provide service that travelers and families expect and deserve. We took it upon ourselves to request a full briefing from Customs and Border Protection to understand how they are addressing this situation. We respect these hard working federal employees who are under tremendous strain. However, when we felt that traveler needs were not fully met, the Port of Seattle stepped up. We started providing private waiting areas for families here at the airport and connecting families to lawyers who can help advocate for their rights and the rights of their loved ones.

“We met with some individuals who are impacted by this executive order. One of the impacted families happens to live right here in this community, and happens to be employed by this airport. We will continue to stand with you.” https://www.portseattle.org/Newsroom/News-Releases/Pages/default.aspx?year=2017#639

[sovay]

"As the operators of this airport, we are deeply concerned that the abrupt nature of the executive order did not allow adequate process for public agencies such as ourselves to provide service that travelers and families expect and deserve. We took it upon ourselves to request a full briefing from Customs and Border Protection to understand how they are addressing this situation. We respect these hard working federal employees who are under tremendous strain. However, when we felt that traveler needs were not fully met, the Port of Seattle stepped up. We started providing private waiting areas for families here at the airport and connecting families to lawyers who can help advocate for their rights and the rights of their loved ones."

Thank you; I'm glad to hear this.

[steepholm.livejournal.com]

I must say I found it heartening that there were so many protests so quickly. But yes, the alacrity with which with Trump's illegal orders were implemented is frightening - as was Theresa May's evident reluctant to to condemn them.

[sovay]

I must say I found it heartening that there were so many protests so quickly.

derspatchel sent me a map of the protests and I was very glad to see them in almost every American state with an international airport—and maybe a couple without.

But yes, the alacrity with which with Trump's illegal orders were implemented is frightening - as was Theresa May's evident reluctant to to condemn them.

I saw that. I was sorry. I don't want to live in a country falling apart economically (more than we already are), but I don't want to live in a country which other world leaders treat as normal so long as it's run by Trump.