This week: Issues Knocking Thursday. We lead, they follow. Boycotts work.
SD49 Activist Bulletin: September 24th, 2025. Written by Kat Johnson, SD49 Chair
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In the last week I’ve heard people talk about our country’s future, frustrated that “we don’t have a leader.” I get that. Lots of us have been trained to see someone else as the person in charge, and follow their lead.
Let’s turn it around: elected folks are public servants, not rulers. Democracy is a participatory form of government, and requires more than paying taxes. This means taking part in making the system of governing work. We choose someone to represent our common values and needs to the neighborhood, to city councils, and so forth.
Because you are reading this, you’re already doing more. If you’re frustrated without a leader, take an inventory of things that matter to you, and local people with whom you share those things that matter. Chances are good that you’ll find someone who’s able to represent your group’s concerns.
We’re all ready for a big change. Good News! Boycotts are Working, Free Speech Matters.
Since last week, it feels as if a year of incredible headlines have crossed the international stage. The message that’s coming up louder every day is that the citizens and residents of the USA are not content to be ruled over & cheated. In under a week, a swift boycott hit spineless Disney/ABC. The First Amendment’s “freedom of speech” means the government shall not silence complaints against it. Voting with your money works.
Consider reading this commentary by Jen Rubin of the Contrarians. Also, on Tylenol, read from Your Local Epidemiologist.
Immigration Notes (George’s Corner):
The Trump administration is shutting the traditional merit ladder that bright foreign students climbed to benefit themselves and us. Instead, it proposes a replacement system where money is the only factor. The Trump administration proposed rule changes for F1 students will make the system largely unworkable, limiting time and the ability to change majors or pursue a second Master’s degree. The H1B proclamation requiring a $100,000 payment to enable travel outside the US for those in H1B status will separate the haves and have nots on international travel. The “gold card” proposal creates a pay-to-play system that replaces money- a million dollars- instead of showing that a person will do something meritorious in the national interest. (DHS officers have been making house calls on F1 foreign students, asking all manner of compliance questions. If you know foreign students, you may want to alert them to this activity.) More reasons to call, send cards, letters and Letters to the Editor.
