AMERICAN LEFT HISTORY

This space is dedicated to the proposition that we need to know the history of the struggles on the left and of earlier progressive movements here and world-wide. If we can learn from the mistakes made in the past (as well as what went right) we can move forward in the future to create a more just and equitable society. We will be reviewing books, CDs, and movies we believe everyone needs to read, hear and look at as well as making commentary from time to time. Greg Green, site manager

Monday, January 30, 2017

Oppose New Anti-BDS Bill in the Massachusetts Legislature

Dear friends,

The first days of the Trump administration have been as dire as anyone could have imagined - with Executive Orders attacking Muslims, Arabs, immigrants, and refugees expected today on top of attacks on women and indigenous people.

Our resistance must continue nationally and locally - and today we have a real chance to defeat a piece of Trump's agenda right here in Massachusetts.

State Senator Creem of Newton and Representative Paul McMurtry of Dedham have filed a legislation that would attack free speech and nonviolent protest - the exact last thing we need in the Trump era. Creem and McMurtry's bills, SD.922 and HD.779, are framed as anti-discrimination legislation. But in reality they would penalize supporters of the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement for justice, as well as other social movements that employ time-honored tactics of nonviolent economic pressure. If Creem and McMurtry had introduced this bill in 1975, it would have made activism against South African Apartheid substantially more difficult.

Send a message to your state senator and representative today to ask that they oppose this dangerous bill.

This isn’t just about our state house. This is not just a formality or an isolated attack. It's not even just about Palestine.

This bill is a piece of a coordinated right-wing attack on our right to organize for justice, period. As Trump and Republican lawmakers attempt to criminalize dissent in Washington, we will not allow free speech suppression in Massachusetts. With so many people taking to the streets right now fighting for justice, equity, and democracy, it’s more important than ever to resist any and all attacks on our movements.

That’s why we and the Massachusetts Freedom to Boycott Coalition are standing up to defend our right to boycott in Massachusetts. Join us Monday, Jan.30, at 11:30 am in the State House 4th floor cafe (NEW LOCATION) for a citizen's lobby day. We'll explain the anti-boycott legislation and why it's such bad policy, and fan out to deliver information in person to each legislator.

In June and July, when Senator Creem and Rep. McMurtry tried to slip anti-boycott amendments into the Economic Development Bill, we mobilized so quickly that they withdrew their amendment on the very same day

Our coalition can stop it again. But only with your support. Email and phone your legislators now and ask that they oppose the bill.

Nearly 100 Massachusetts organizations have signed a statement opposing any legislation that impedes the right to boycott. That includes groups representing Muslims, Christians, Jews, American Indians, students, professors, labor unions, lawyers, and LGBTQ communities; as well as advocates on human rights, peace and justice, anti-racism, housing, criminal justice reform, corporate accountability, civil liberties, and climate change. Jewish Voice for Peace, the Boston Alliance for Water Justice in Palestine, and Massachusetts Peace Action are working together as a team on this anti-boycott legislation.

Tell your legislators: thousands of us across Massachusetts oppose this type of attack on our movement for Palestinian human rights.

After you’ve emailed your legislators, please phone them and spread the word. And come to the State House, 4th floor cafe (NEW LOCATION), Monday at 11:30, for a citizen lobby day. We need to act fast.

For Massachusetts Peace Action and its New Day for Israel and Palestine organizing project.