Bulletin: The Nicest Thing We’ll Ever Say About New York

Big news out of New York this week as the latest ballot counts have every member of the DSA For the Many state candidate slate, many of whom looked like long shots on election night, ahead with 100% of districts reporting. We’d like to offer our strongest possible congratulations to our friends in NYC-DSA.

  1. Home
  2. Bulletin
  3. 7_23_2020 Bulletin

Big news out of New York this week as the latest ballot counts have every member of the DSA For the Many state candidate slate, many of whom looked like long shots on election night, ahead with 100% of districts reporting. We’d like to offer our strongest possible congratulations to our friends in NYC-DSA. They’ve built an incredibly impressive electoral machine in the two years since Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez won her primary, and this year, with Jamaal Bowman joining AOC in the House and five socialists heading to the New York State Senate and State Assembly, they’ve proven beyond doubt that DSA can contest elections at every level and win. Every DSA chapter across the country should be taking notes!

Closer to home, as part of our SEPTA Frequency and Route Redesign Campaign, Philly DSA is calling on our members to join Senator Bob Casey’s upcoming Transit Talk on Tuesday, July 28 at 5:00 pm. This crisis has undoubtedly been hard on SEPTA, with many regular riders avoiding the buses and subways for months on end, and without massive federal investment, one of PA’s few true public goods could be under threat. Get on the call on Tuesday to harangue our reluctant Senator about spending money on the subway system.

Finally, like everyone on the American Left, Philly DSA was saddened by the sudden death of journalist Michael Brooks this week. To quote from Micah Uetricht at Jacobin: 

“He meant so much to so many of us in left media — not just because his politics were good, or because of his deep commitment to true internationalism, but also because he was a genuinely wonderful person. Michael was incredibly sweet, caring, and hilarious, a genuine joy to speak to and be around. He was one of the best human beings I’ve ever met, and I still can’t think about the world without him without tears coming to my eyes.”

Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

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.

  • Want to help workers organize during the pandemic? The Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee, a joint effort between DSA and the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, needs YOU! Head over to workerorganizing.org to sign up; they’re looking for social media and communications volunteers and experienced organizers who can help get new union drives off the ground. (Also, send them a message if you need organizing support at your workplace!)
  • Today, APWU is hosting their national call in day to save the post office. When you call, you'll be asked to give your zip code, and then you'll be connected to your senator's office. Say that USPS needs a $25 billion bailout (and an end to the Postal Accountability Act)! Call 833-958-2668 and tweet #DSA4USPS.
  • As trash piles up around the city, overworked and underpaid Philly sanitation workers are still being denied adequate PPE. One worker, @_yafavtrashman, is selling t-shirts to raise money for PPE and cleaning supplies; click through if you have $20 to spare and want a cool garbage man t-shirt.
  • Last and least, Your Philadelphia Union are through to the knockout stages of the MLS Covid Cup, which is still going on for some reason. We play New England on Saturday at 10:30 pm. Maybe they’ll show the game on Periscope again so you can watch it on your phone in bed.

Events

Policy Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jul 23 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Virtual

Marxism and Politics Lecture Series: The Right to Strike
Thursday, Jul 23 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Virtual

Member Engagement Committee Meeting
Friday, Jul 24 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Virtual

Virtual Home School: Crashing the Party
Tuesday, Jul 28 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Virtual

New Members Meeting
Thursday, Jul 30 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Virtual

Canvassing Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Aug 4 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Virtual

Marx Reading Group: Capital Vol. 1
Wednesday, Aug 5 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Virtual

Announcements

Support 👏 Philly 👏 DSA 👏!
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 wash your hands,

Philly DSA Bulletin Team

 

Inquiries | Website

 

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

Join Philly DSA

Isn’t it time to do something? Get involved with the Local.