Guys... can we talk about words?

I've seen folks claiming that these folks actin' a fool on the capital are being sent by "Antifa. "

Word means things, and I think maybe we need to talk:

"Antifa" means Anti-Fascist-- as in, against Fascism.

Fascism is a form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition and strong regimentation of society and of the economy which came to prominence in early 20th-century Europe.

To be Anti Fascist means to be agains totalitarian, ultranationalist government. There are many organizations that are "Anti-Fascist" but there isn't a singular "Antifa" organization.

This is comparable to "Feminist" organizations. There isn't a single Feminist Organzation. Feminism is an ideology.

To be Feminist means that you believe woman are equal to men. To be an "Feminist organization" means that you are an organization in support of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.

So, to circle this wagon: there are feminist organizations and anti-fascist organizations-- and, like those ideals, there is no central organization.

Here's what I don't get: How have we twisted the idea of being "Anti Fascist" into being a bad thing? Since when is being against a totalitarian government a bad thing?

Could it be that if you are a fascist, you want to convince people that being "anti fascist" is a bad thing?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/five-myths/five-myths-about-antifa/2020/09/11/527071ac-f37b-11ea-bc45-e5d48ab44b9f_story.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/five-myths/five-myths-about-antifa/2020/09/11/527071ac-f37b-11ea-bc45-e5d48ab44b9f_story.html

Susan Sloane interviews strong woman in leadership --and beautifully captures the conversation. Her book, "A Seat at the Table," where you can find this wonderful collection, was just released.

This is the start of an excerpt series:

"Looking at this past year, I am fortunate that I embarked on a journey to write the stories of these women and share why gender-diversified leadership is imperative for our world. It is a happy birthday, indeed. And while there will be no party in this quarantine, I’ll cry if I want to. Happy tears—for the goodness in humanity shall prevail."

https://medium.com/@susansloan76/its-my-birthday-and-i-ll-cry-if-i-want-to-9993a90b12fd

Did you hear about my new teaching residence? I’m teaching led group classes at the Eaton — a place whose core values are aligned strongly with my own. Learn more about it here!

https://mic.com/articles/191869/washington-dc-now-has-an-anti-trump-hotel-meet-katherine-lo-the-woman-behind-it

From the article: “👁 was called a [redacted] long before 👁 was called a ni**er.”

Me? Last called a [redacted]: thanksgiving morning, out walking the dog. Responding promptly, 👁Told the guy to get his ass over here so 👁could stuff it like a turkey. He asked me to repeat myself, and 👁said “you heard me. Say what you said to me again, and get your ass over here so 👁can fuck it. ” he, a straight black man, wanted no part of this crazy.

In the constructed hierarchy we are all enslaved by, 👁 am not on the bottom. Who is? Well, just days before this transgression, a black trans woman became the 29th of the year to be murdered.

Yogi’s, what are you doing to ensure that all of us are equal? Are you speaking up at your relatives house? Are you actively deconstructing this hierarchy? Or are you buying in?

https://www.theroot.com/fear-of-the-state-fear-of-my-home-to-be-black-and-que-1821141920

https://www.theroot.com/fear-of-the-state-fear-of-my-home-to-be-black-and-que-1821141920

From the article: “👁 was called a faggot long before 👁 was called a ni**er.”

Me? Last called a faggot: thanksgiving morning, out walking the dog. Responding promptly, 👁Told the guy to get his ass over here so 👁could stuff it like a turkey. He asked me to repeat myself, and 👁said “you heard me. Say what you said to me again, and get your ass over here so 👁can fuck it. ” he, a straight black man, wanted no part of this crazy.

In the constructed hierarchy we are all enslaved by, 👁 am not on the bottom. Who is? Well, just days before this transgression, a black trans woman became the 29th of the year to be murdered.

Yogi’s, what are you doing to ensure that all of us are equal? Are you speaking up at your relatives house? Are you actively deconstructing this hierarchy? Or are you buying in?

https://www.theroot.com/fear-of-the-state-fear-of-my-home-to-be-black-and-que-1821141920

https://www.theroot.com/fear-of-the-state-fear-of-my-home-to-be-black-and-que-1821141920

"I look back and think about all the ways we’re told that those two
goals: being chosen and having kids, are what makes you
worthy. I mean: Nursery Rhymes. Fairytales. Books. Movies. Sixteen
Candles, every love song, and even Black-ish—all reiterating this
narrow story of “husband plus child equals woman”. And the
patriarchy—the patriarchy is not pleased with me right now. I’m
failing at my function. Let me tell you, Mike Pence is fucking
confused by me right now."

https://www.glamour.com/story/tracee-ellis-ross-glamour-women-of-the-year-speech-2017?mbid=social_facebook_fanpage

Pre-Wonder Woman-- you know I love a grand hall.

Woman run this town.

This woman is spectacular.

A young woman was black-out drunk. A persistent freshman in college had sex with her behind a dumpster. The sex was messy, and she did not consent.

"Here's The Powerful Letter The Stanford Victim Read To Her Attacker. "

I don't care about his minimal punishment: I care about the narrative. Each and every person reading these words knows someone who has been in a similar situation.

Teach your children not to rape.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/katiejmbaker/heres-the-powerful-letter-the-stanford-victim-read-to-her-ra?utm_term=.qljVd1jx5#.ahrv4xDNE

Fuck yeah. Support for gay men & woman by Sanders from 1995. These receipts, y'all.

http://qklnk.co/Y8kreo

I've spent time this month with @[689010579:2048:Emma O'Neill], who helped sharpen my teeth in Mysore on my first trip. A major teacher for her, like Christine Hoar here, is Nancy Gilgoff.

The first 20 is essential for woman and men who associate with them. The 35 minute mark on sums up my occasional radio silence. The last 8 is for everyone.

"We are meant to be joyful beings. "

So, listen to get perspective on me or listen to get perspective on you.

Big love to @[1076864780:2048:Jen René] and Peg Mulqueen for their efforts here, and to Christine for her candor.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ashtanga-dispatch-podcast/id944960439?mt=2&i=338439418

Where Da Gold At?!

Geoffrey and I went down to the Dubliner, DC's oldest Irish bar/ restaurant, for some St. Patrick's Day themed food. I was craving corned beef & cabbage, and Geoff has his mind set on Shepherd's pie.

Rocks weren't the only things shammed on this trip. After a $10 cover charge just to get in ("come back tomorrow, it'll be free," says the bouncer) to the dining room, we were seated upstairs with super drunk woman in green pantsuits (and terrible makeup), as well as their stodgey 'til crunk white male counterparts.

The people watching was the best part: my meal came out tepid at best. I sent it back to get reheated. Geoff's shepherd's pie looked great, but apparently was only good.

I knew I could do better. Shepherd's pie is made with lamb or mutton, of which I found none-- today I instead made "Cottage Pie." I cut the meat down to a pound and threw in some yummy extra yellow onion and lots o' garlic.

G'luck, and Happy St. Fattrick's Day!

http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/000216easy_shepherds_pie.php