Local
Not unsurprisingly, the so-called Trumpster “patriots” plan armed demonstrations in Washington D.C. and at all state capitol buildings this week, according to reports.
This is a good time to review Ohio’s updated “stand your ground” law, which the Republican-besieged Statehouse pushed to get passed during the summer of social justice.
Remember, “stand your ground” is how George Zimmerman, when he was playing his favorite make-believe game “biased cop,” got away with murdering Trayvon Martin.
When Gov. DeWine recently signed Senate Bill 175, he made it legal for Ohioans, if they feel threatened, to shoot and kill in nearly all places, not just their residence or vehicle.
The law also abolishes the “duty to retreat” or try to get away first, meaning “a person has no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense,” as stated in the law.
Stand your ground is what justified gun-fighting in the Old West.
Monday, January 11, 2021, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Join Sunrise Movement, Ohio Youth Climate Strike, Columbus Stand Up! and Our Revolution Central Ohio for our next virtual citizen forum on climate policies in Columbus! Hear from local speakers on Columbus’ efforts to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2035 and what further action is needed. We need to keep the pressure on our local officials to ensure that Columbus is tackling the climate crisis with the urgency it requires. Register here.
There was unexpected good news at the January 2021 Free Press Second Saturday Cyber-Salon! On Saturday night, January 9, about 45 local and national community activists met through Zoom from 7-8pm to hear about local and national social justice issues.
Showing Up for Racial Justice
Saturday, January 9, 2021, 1:00PM
Ohio Statehouse
Saturday, January 9, 2021, 1:00PM
Ohio Statehouse
t can happen four ways.
But one thing is clear: No viable democracy can endure 14 full days ruled by a deranged madman who’s just instigated an armed fascist coup attempt.
Reports from long-time staff and close personal associates working within the White House indicate that Trump is dangerously “out of his mind” and “has lost it.”
Trump has access to nuclear codes that could end all human life on Earth.
As a fear-mongering fascist, he’s just incited the storming of the House and Senate, an armed assault aimed at the processing of the Electoral College votes for president.
At least one person was shot dead while invading the Congress. Three others died under varied circumstances. Countless more who rioted without masks were certainly infected with Trump’s virus, and will soon pour into hospitals that can’t handle them.
Trump could easily instigate further such coup attempts, especially by creating a fake “Reichstag Fire” disaster.
Since the insurrection at the Capitol Building, I keep thinking about my Dad and wondering what he would have thought. Frank J. Pace, son of Italian immigrants, joined the National Guard at 19 and almost lost a leg during World War II. Then he volunteered to fight in Korea when his unit was called up.
He didn’t have to go; with two small children he was exempted. But Dad went because he loved his country and thought it was his duty. Left at home with two small sons, his wife Kathryn also sacrificed in service to that sense of duty.
My Dad was a Roosevelt Democrat. When Truman was elected against long odds, my Dad wept for joy. Later he would become a Reagan Democrat, in search of the patriotic unity he had experienced during the wars.
My Dad left the US Army Reserves as a Sergeant Major at mandatory retirement age. When he died suddenly soon afterwards, his army buddies made sure he was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. His nation bestowed on him the same honors I had seen given to John Kennedy, a slain president. The ceremony was the same right down to the flag draped caisson and black riderless horse.