Bulletin: Rest in Power, Walter Wallace Jr.

 

We start this bulletin on a somber note, with a statement from our Racial Justice Committee. If you still havent voted, we've included a link to our voting guide below. Well be back after the election.

 

Statement from the Philly DSA Racial Justice Committee on the Walter Wallace murder

The Philadelphia chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is outraged and distraught at the murder of Walter Wallace Jr. Monday night by the Philadelphia Police Department, while his mother watched. Another Black man has been killed needlessly in our streets. Mr. Wallace should be alive today. We extend our condolences to Mr. Wallace’s family and community.

This shooting is a tragic example of why reform of the PPD has failed. Mr. Wallace posed no immediate threat to the officers. Officers did not engage in de-escalation tactics, but instead shot at Mr. Wallace more than a dozen times. The police are not social workers. They are not counselors. And yet, time after time, they are summoned to Black working class neighborhoods where they have no connection to the community. When put in a situation where they have no standing, the police are more likely to escalate, rather than de-escalate. 

It’s hard not to compare this incident to the numerous encounters that the PPD had with armed, violent white supremacists in South Philly and Fishtown earlier this year, where no shots were fired. Now, after Mr. Wallace’s murder, the President of the Fraternal Order of Police has issued a statement calling for sympathy for the police officers. Racism and white supremacy is deeply embedded in the PPD. Officers do not value Black lives as much as they value white ones. Black Lives Matter.

 

This Week in Unions

Are you a union worker affected by the coronavirus crisis? Are you organizing in your shop or workplace to demand higher safety and sanitation standards? PHLDSA’s Labor Commission is convening a series of calls where representatives from unions in the greater Philadelphia area are discussing and coordinating responses. Email Paul Prescod for more information.

 

Philadelphia Voting Guide

Voting in Philadelphia and perplexed by the ballot questions? Our electoral committee made a helpful guide.

Events

Marxism Reading Group: Underdevelopment & The New Imperialism
Wednesday, Nov 4 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Virtual

Virtual Night School: Is This Our Great Depression?
Wednesday, Nov 11 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Virtual

Committee Meetings & Branch Events

Racial Justice Commission Meeting
Wednesday, Nov 4 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Virtual

Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, Nov 5 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Virtual

Green New Deal Commission Meeting
Monday, Nov 9 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Virtual

Housing Committee Meeting
Monday, Nov 9 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Virtual

 

Announcements

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Local Dues - support our campaign work and cover everyday operating costs like meeting space // Contribute to Philly DSA PAC - help fund our independent electoral campaigns // Accommodations, Accessibility, Childcare - let us know what you need to stay involved // Moved away from Philly? - update your address on the DSA national database.

Harassment and Grievance Process
In accordance with Article XIII of our Bylaws, a commission has been formed to receive, process, and review grievances for disciplinary action. To read more about the process or to file a grievance you can do so here.

 

Stay safe and dry,

Philly DSA Bulletin Team

 

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PAID FOR BY PHILADELPHIA DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA (WWW.PHILLYDSA.ORG.) NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE.

 

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