Welcome to the first episode of our Legislative Session Series, which will be an ongoing series on bills and hearings with very specific and timely calls-to-action for testimony, whether in the Washington State Legislature or closer to home!

On this episode, we speak with Treasure Mackley, executive director of Invest in Washington Now, a movement of educators, working families, and everyday Washingtonians who have worked to implement a capital gains tax in our state, about the upcoming hearing at the Washington Supreme Court on whether to uphold this tax. Treasure gives us the rundown on the capital gains tax, who is subject to it (NOT YOU but THE RICH), who it will benefit, and how to support!

Action Items:

1) You can attend the Support Capital Gains Rally on January 26th on the capitol steps in Olympia at 11:30am, more info here: https://investwanow.org/rsvp-jan-26-capital-gains-tax-rally/

2) You can write a letter-to-the-editor of the Columbian in support of the capital gains tax ahead of the hearing: https://www.columbian.com/lettertotheeditor/

3) Talk about and share this episode in your inner circles to spread the word and garner public support for upholding the capital gains tax.

Today’s episode is all about universal healthcare! Andre Stackhouse, campaign director of Whole Washington, graciously joins us to answer all your questions about the universal healthcare effort in Washington state! Karissa also shares a story in the intro about a chance encounter, a remarkable coincidence, and where she learned about our state senator representing Washington’s 49th legislative district, Annette Cleveland, and her role in blocking the universal healthcare effort. As noted in the episode, we have some action items for you:

1) SIGN THE PETITION for Vancouver City Council to pass a resolution in support of universal healthcare:

https://chng.it/KBzMk2r9mb

2) Email the Vancouver City Council in support of single-payer resolution: [email protected]

3) Call Annette Cleveland and CALL HER OUT: 360-786-7696

Follow the Red Berets on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedBeretsM4All

Annette Cleveland’s political contributions:

https://www.pdc.wa.gov/political-disclosure-reporting-data/browse-search-data/candidates/93180/contributions

Healing Us trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcmcub3NQaA

Everything is Fine in SWWA theme song by LT Page

"Orchards Park" intro jam by LT Page

Artist Showcase: "May the Shadows Be My Compass" by LT Page

Lt Page’s Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/eltee-page

We were ELATED to speak with Rebecca Small, Senior Policy Analyst and Neighborhood Liaison for the City of Vancouver, who gave us the rundown on all things to do with the Climate Action Framework that just passed Vancouver City Council earlier this month. This included everything from what to expect, most exciting aspects, listener concerns, how to protect this framework to ensure it is implemented in its entirety, & *most importantly* how it's going to make your life better!

In our correspondence before the interview, Rebecca made it clear that she was a coordinator, not an architect, of this framework, and that it was the people of Vancouver who brought this plan to fruition through their activism. Vancouver is now a the trailblazer on climate thanks to the organizing of regular people advocating for their interests in the community. What an outstanding way to end the year---truly a thing to celebrate!

Looking forward, what can we accomplish in 2023? Is this the year we challenge ourselves like never before? How can we show up for those community members who are under attack, advocate for a progressive vision on the Clark County Council, & demand even more action on climate, healthcare, houselessness, labor, etc.? The sky is the limit, and we believe that this Climate Action Framework is just a taste of what we can accomplish *if* we mobilize from the grassroots.

One of our goals with this podcast is to bring together a cohesive movement that operates in lockstep, recognizes the intersectionality & root causes in all of our efforts, & achieves goals through smart, creative organizing. We intend to do so by continuing to look at issues through the local lens, speaking with community members, & highlighting cool, revolutionary shit for you to get involved in!

***Correction on Introduction***

Rebecca brought it to our attention that during the development of this Climate Action Framework, many other cities came out with similarly ambitious climate action plans around the U.S. So, we are not *the* leaders in the nation---just one of them! To have rivals in this arena is only a good thing!

You can find links to the full Climate Action Framework and the Priority Resolution document here: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/cmo/page/climate-actionAs the year progresses, the city will be adding links to upcoming events, announcements, and quarterly reports.

Sign up for Rebecca's newsletter: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1976916/1731530/

Be sure to LIKE, SHARE, RATE, & REVIEW wherever you are listening!

We were so pleased to be joined by Tina Barrows, a local climate activist who partakes in civil disobedience and disruptive action, specializing in OUTSTANDING artistic props and organizing with groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Declare Emergency. She details all the different actions she’s been involved in, and we discuss the controversy that surrounds certain actions as well as the historical precedence for civil disobedience.

Listen to Tina, get off your ass, and do something!

Please be sure to SHARE, RATE, LIKE, and REVIEW wherever you are listening!

Happy holidays!

Links:

Extinction Rebellion PDX: https://xrpdx.org/

Declare Emergency: https://www.declareemergency.us/

Red Rebel Brigade video: THE SEA IS RISING AND SO ARE WE - Porthmeor Beach - YouTube

Some of Tina’s work:

Earth is Dying Day - Portland - April 24th, 2021 - YouTube

Portland Boat Drop - March 27th, 2021 - YouTube

Scientist Rebellion Chase Bank LA action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZMwc-ZDkCk

A climate change primer for you! We explain the warming potential, half-lives, and sources of the main greenhouse gases, as well as the greenhouse gas effect itself. Knowledge is power, and knowing the basics helps us understand that climate change is 1) anthropogenic, and 2) an issue we can actually do something about---we are not helpless! We also hope to boost your confidence in talking about climate change to others.

We discuss the current disparity in most Americans' understanding of climate change and what the science is actually telling us.

Finally, we discuss the impacts in the United States and, of course, through the local lens!

TRIGGER WARNING: Violence, Hate Speech, (Extra) Profanity

Karissa and Sydney sit down again for another unfortunate fascism update. We talk how hateful rhetoric has produced hateful action in recent instances, go deeper into the insidious spread of groomer theory under the guise of media figures “just asking questions” and how it’s gone under the radar of well-meaning locals, parallels to Nazi tactics, and discuss a new local character in our homegrown fascist movement.

We also deep-dive into the Q nightclub shooting in Colorado Springs, so be prepared for some tears. We revisit the Rey Reynolds investigation and discuss how we think we can take some important steps effectively and safely in protecting our LGBTQ+ community right here at home against some very real threats. However, we are not the leaders of any such movement and are open and supportive of any organic calls-to-action that arise.

We finish out with another local artist song showcase by Sidewalk Slam, called “Fuck Nazis”. You can find them anywhere you stream your music!

Info on John Brown Gun Club if you’re interested in starting a local chapter: https://www.counterextremism.com/supremacy/john-brown-gun-club

IRS Complaint Process on Tax-Exempt Organizations for the Sure Foundation Church in Vancouver, Washington:

https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/irs-complaint-process-tax-exempt-organizations

Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Orgs: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf

Finish the Job on Rey Reynolds! Email the City telling him to REMOVE HIM from the Vancouver Police Department for transphobic comments & false allegations against the local LGBTQ+ community: [email protected]. Cross Politic podcast video link for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-XuBIJXeSk

As always, please SHARE, LIKE, RATE, and REVIEW wherever you are listening (and especially on Apple Podcasts).

Introducing our Climate Change Series! This is a quick & dirty convo where we myth-bust some of the common misconceptions about all things climate change and explain how to use the Socratic Method to help you in those fun conversations with family over holiday dinner.

Later in the series, we will be deep-diving further into many issues we merely touch on here in this episode, but this will be a nice little taster to freshen you up on some of the key misunderstandings and points to be made about the climate crisis.

Also, in the event that anyone cites people like Ben Shapiro or Mike Lindell when sharing their viewpoints, remember to mention that you learned this info from an actual climate scientist (Sydney)!

As always, please do us a HUUUGE favor and SHARE, RATE, & REVIEW---review *especially* on Apple Podcasts.

13. Midterm Elections: Results, Analysis, & What’s Next by Everything is Fine in SWWA

Ashley Blose, mutual aid organizer for the Vancouver Free Fridge Project, joins the podcast to walk us through the stark realities of houselessness, speaking from both her personal and organizing experience. Those who have not been through this experience will never fully understand the day-to-day struggles, but Ashley gets us very close with her descriptions.

We talk about how just one single domino (medical emergency, lay-off, inadequate paycheck, etc.) can send anyone into a spiral in this society of rugged individualism. We discuss how quickly lack of food, safety, and shelter can bring anyone to their knees both physically and mentally, exacerbating their predicament. Furthermore, we talk about how capitalism is a system that makes us so unhappy that we are pit against one another, convinced that others aren’t suffering enough or trying as hard as we are. Existing in our collective subconscious is the underlying fear, or knowledge, that anyone---no matter how hard they try---can end up at the bottom of the food chain, cast out and stigmatized in their lowest moment.

Of course, we deliver this topic through the local lens, which means we talk about the futility and short-sightedness of local candidates who advocate for street-sweeping. We also explain the SafeStay communities, address people’s concerns about them, and attest to the success stories as we are coming up on more installments of SafeStay housing here in Vancouver.

If you think your mind is made up about this subject, then we challenge you to give this episode a listen and see what you walk away with.

As Karissa mentioned in the foreword, the end of this episode includes our first ever PNW artist showcase from singer-songwriter the Messy Jacksons (the song featured is “What the Hell is Wrong With You?!”), whose music can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/themessyjacksons

https://themessyjacksons.bandcamp.com/

Please feel free to send us your sound creations to be considered for inclusion in future episodes, and listeners are always welcome to send us thoughts, news tips, or ideas for subject matter to cover and we’ll consider it. We are ready to TURN UP the listener engagement and support our local artists who are vital to and so much needed in the movement.

PLEASE EMAIL THE VANCOUVER CITY COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE PROPOSED NEW SAFESTAY COMMUNITIES:

Visit Ashley Blose’s (as well as Karissa's and Evelyn’s) favorite local mutual aid group, Vancouver Free Fridge Project, at: https://linktr.ee/Vancouverfreefridge

As always, make sure to SHARE, RATE, and REVIEW wherever you are listening.

Special thanks to LT Page, our AMAZING sound engineer and creator of our theme song!

Everything is Fine in SWWA went DEEP on this one! From press passes to the second debate between Marie & Joe to a Joe Kent town hall, we immersed ourselves in the frenzy surrounding & rhetoric of the Joe Kent campaign. We talk of the theme of persecution expressed by Joe Kent's supporters, Kent's spin on reality to provoke the fear response, & analyzing who his policies are actually in service of.

At the end, we remind you of who to vote for all down the line, to follow us on IG & FB, & to share our voter's guide!

Please help us expand listenership, especially in these crucial last days before the election. We put a ton of effort into investigating Kent as well as interviewing the best candidates in the Clark County races.

Some extra content we found helpful:

The original America First movement from 1940: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGAqYNFQdZ4

Conversation with independent journalist Benjamin Norton of Multipolarista on how the far-right co-opts "anti-war" rhetoric to push imperialism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH_8lQTijjg

Daily Beast article about Kent's mysterious (or non-existent) employer: https://www.thedailybeast.com/mystery-surrounds-company-paying-maga-republican-candidate-joe-kents-salary-as-he-runs-in-washington