What Now?

I am writing to you from Los Angeles, California. I have always been writing to you from Los Angeles, and (if I have it my way) I always will be. LA is my home. I’ve spent my childhood carsick through the Topanga Canyon on the way to the coastline and my adult years hiking my dogs through the restless creek water of Eaton Canyon. Recently, we have witnessed unprecedented levels of devastation due to wildfire and before I get this post off the ground, I simply must signal boost Musicares’ Fire Relief Initiative in the case you are in a position to open your pockets to the many friends and music makers that were displaced by the fires last month.

That being said… let’s talk about this year. I attempted to write a post full of hope or joy or distraction, but if I’m being honest the only thing on my mind is what seems to be on everyone’s mind these days: what happens next? In the United States, we are being steamrolled by a petulant tyrant who has thrown decorum and lawfulness out the window and our bureaucratic circus is tripping over their clown shoes while the emergency alarm is blaring in their faces. The world is at war. Genocide is actively being enacted.

I guess what I’m trying to say is… I’m scrambling. This is a world that doesn’t make sense to me.

Usually when challenged, I remain a solutions-based thinker. I’ve been diving deep into finding ways to resist, and I encourage you to do so as well. Here are a few things I’ve found in my research:

• The Working Families Party - they LITERALLY have a blog post called “What Happens Next.” Their mission is “regular people coming together across our differences to make a better future for us all.” They run candidates through the Democratic Party as well as independently. They represent the working class, and the working class has one huge advantage over the 1% … we have numbers.

• MUTUAL AID, MUTUAL AID, MUTUAL AID - it’s easier than ever to get involved with your immediate community. I’ve been a long time fan of Mutual Aid LA specifically, and the above link shows a map of orgs and food resources across the US. Sometimes if I’m bogged down in global “WTF DO WE DO” I try to focus on what I can do to create immediate, local impact. And there is so much to be done!

• Take care of yourself - not to be gauche but you DO need to do what you need to do in order to have the energy to resist/defend/inspire. Our time and our energy is at an all time premium so we’ve got to charge up when we can.

• The PCRF - they have donation links and ALSO volunteer networks all over the globe. I was raised Jewish and if nothing else, I learned from my years of upbringing in the Jewish community that we CANNOT let history repeat itself. Our global neighbors need us, they need relief from violence, they need places to find refuge.

• The Trans Lifeline - they provide emotional and financial support to trans people, from trans people. Right now the government is doing everything in their power to erase trans people by revoking life-saving medical care and basic human privileges. Obviously, trans people deserve every right to exist and to thrive.

• The Detention Watch Network - this country was built on the backs of migrant workers. Look up your local rapid response network number and REPORT if you see ICE. Remember that they need REAL warrants signed by a judge to enter a private space such as a home or place of work. You have the right to remain silent should your situation call for it.

If I find any more pertinent information, I will be sharing! Keep close your loved ones and neighbors. Be kind, and be prepared. Like I said, I’m scrambling. Every day though I look for ways to resist, and in some ways life itself is an act of resistance. Revolution is around the corner should we choose to organize toward a brighter future. They have money, but we have numbers - we deserve a bright future for our planet and our children. Please share in the comments any information or ways to oppose the fascism we are facing.

Enraged,

Sarah

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Because this IS a band/music newsletter, I would be remiss not to share where you can catch illuminati hotties on the road this month:

supporting Cavetown

2.11 at House of Blues in Anaheim CA

2.12 at Ace of Spades in Sacramento, CA

2.14 at Knitting Factory in Boise, ID

2.15 at McDonald Theater in Eugene, OR

2.16 at Knitting Factory in Spokane, WA

and an IH headline on 2.17 at Churchill School in Baker City, OR

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if you’re feeling generous, don’t hesitate to put some gas in the IH tank - thank you! <3