In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, a compelling two part round table discussion unfolded, featuring individuals who attended and actively participated in the California Democratic Convention in Sacramento last weekend. The convention, intended as a forum for political discourse, took an unexpected turn as protestors advocating for a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict seized the spotlight.
The protest, widely covered by prominent news outlets such as Politico and The Hill, witnessed demonstrators taking over a building at the convention, demanding the Democratic Party adopt a policy calling for a ceasefire by Israel. The round table guests on Hard Knock Radio provided crucial eyewitness accounts to counter the mainstream corporate news narrative, arguing it had overlooked significant details and insights.
Among the distinguished guests was Mirvette Judeh, a Palestinian-American, an executive board member for the Arab American Caucus for the California Democrats, and a Democratic Delegate to the 65th district. Mirvette brought a unique perspective to the conversation, passionately sharing her personal interactions with security guards at the state capitol during the convention.
Mirvette revealed that the security guards objected to her wearing a keffiyeh, attempting to prohibit her from wearing it inside. Later, they warned her, expressing concern about causing trouble. In her impassioned account, Mirvette spoke eloquently about the gross double standard and humiliation of being profiled, even though she holds a lofty and powerful political position within the Democratic Party.
Chaney Turner of Oakland delved into the motivations behind the protest, emphasizing the need to amplify the voices of those affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict. Alyssa Victory, another Oakland resident, provided insights into the atmosphere at the convention and how the protest unfolded within the political context.
Keane Chukwuneta’s perspective added depth, offering a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical implications of the conflict. Jenny Lynn and Emma Jenson shared their experiences as grassroots activists, underlining the significance of grassroots movements in shaping political discourse.
Tonya Love of Oakland brought a community-centric lens to the conversation, emphasizing the impact of global conflicts on local communities. Yassar Dahbour provided a unique perspective, drawing connections between international policies and their repercussions on marginalized communities.
Yoanna Tchoukleva, Desmond Jefferies, and Mirvette Judeh contributed to the round table by sharing their personal experiences and shedding light on the untold stories that unfolded during the convention. Their accounts collectively challenged the mainstream narrative, urging a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In the true spirit of Hard Knock Radio, host, Davey D facilitated a dynamic and engaging conversation that not only unraveled the events of the California Democratic Convention but also underscored the importance of diverse voices in shaping a more inclusive political dialogue. The round table discussion served as a powerful platform for the guests to present their firsthand accounts and, in doing so, offered listeners a more comprehensive perspective on the protests and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Thanks for the interesting, good conversation. Regarding the bomb sniffing dogs and safety, please beware that CADEM HQ were shut down for several days and two were arrested and charged with a plan to bomb the building a couple years ago: https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1016844817/2-california-men-have-been-charged-with-plotting-to-bomb-a-democratic-building . In the past 2 months there have been 5 bomb threats in Davis (Sacto suburb) in ES and libraries. So – just saying, that the increased security and bomb sniffing dogs imo were warranted, and I appreciated, very much, seeing them there.
The rest – yeah I agree: free speech, freedom of assembly, etc. I was dismayed at the unwillingness of so many delegates to _listen_.
Thanks for the interesting, good conversation. Regarding the bomb sniffing dogs and safety, please beware that CADEM HQ were shut down for several days and two were arrested and charged with a plan to bomb the building a couple years ago: https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1016844817/2-california-men-have-been-charged-with-plotting-to-bomb-a-democratic-building . In the past 2 months there have been 5 bomb threats in Davis (Sacto suburb) in ES and libraries. .https://theaggie.org/2023/10/04/davis-police-department-responds-to-fifth-bomb-threat-police-chief-shares-that-threat-included-anti-lgbtqia-rhetoric/
So – just saying, that the increased security and bomb sniffing dogs imo were warranted, and I appreciated, very much, seeing them there.
The rest – yeah I agree: free speech, freedom of assembly, etc. I was dismayed at the unwillingness of so many delegates to _listen_