The Advocate

American fascism is here and San Leandro ain't ready . Last month, I laid out the case and point of the case in point. Some people were not happy to hear it. Most of the complaints were some variation of "too long, didn't read," and "womp womp, cry harder." Others were hit dogs hollering in the comments. A few were confused and wanted to know more. A handful agreed about the dangers we're facing and asked what they can do to help. Well, if reading is too hard, then it's time to get good. If you think being sad about the corruption and destruction of American democracy is funny, then we're not on the same side. If you're angrier at me for calling out the failures in our leaders and institutions, than the failures themselves, then you don't actually care about building a better San Leandro. But if you want to learn more so you can help, well, then let's go. *** First things first, you need to know the basics about what San Leandro is : ...

( Art by Robert Shetterly ) "To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory." — Howard Zinn Take note and take care.