It seems at this point the unthinkable has occurred. Donald Trump will be our next President. What this means for our country and the impact of his Presidency is unknown.
But unlike any other presidential candidate in modern history he has appealed to the worst instincts in humanity. His racism, xenophobia and misogyny are truly frightening.
I spoke with my white 7 year-old son this morning. He asked me if they are going to build a wall in California. I explained how Trump has said bad things about people from Mexico. That this was wrong. This was so hard for me I can only imagine how parents and children of color are dealing with these conversations.
The days ahead will be difficult ones. We need to remain vigilant and reflect on how we can continue to organize for a progressive vision for our country.
We at AFT 2121, working with students and community, have been doing our part in organizing a progressive society and it has been paying off locally. The support for public education that we have helped organize is a hopeful sign.
There was great news on the local front: San Francisco continues to love and value our college, passing Prop W for a Free City College and Prop B, the parcel tax extension, by large margins. (Prop 55 on the statewide ballot won with over 60% of the vote.)
And we will have a more progressive Board of Trustees: both of AFT 2121’s endorsed candidates won. Shanell Williams was the top vote-getter! She will join Tom Temprano and our two re-elected incumbents, Rafael Mandelman and Alex Randolph, along with sitting trustees Brigitte Davila, John Rizzo, and Thea Selby.
Congratulations and thank you to everyone who worked so hard: we must celebrate our victories.
In hard times such as these I’m going to do my best to let those I love know it more than ever. In a union, that means showing solidarity and kindness with each other and doing the work of organizing that progressive vision into a progressive reality.
Forward Ever
Backwards Never
Tim
Follow Us!