On May 9, the day following Trump’s announcement that the US was pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal, an emergency press conference and protest was held in downtown Chicago. Initiated by Refuse Fascism and Freedom First International, several organizations quickly endorsed the action.
The people who did respond expressed acute urgency and a sense of responsibility to act, even with small numbers, to project a voice opposing Trump’s dangerous escalation of war. A number of the speakers stressed that the Trump/Pence regime itself has to go. The Refuse Fascism national statement was read outlining the grave dangers of this moment and the insane distortions of reality people are being fed, concluding with, “This is why we resolve that nothing SHORT of removing this entire illegitimate regime will stop this nightmare.”
Bishop Gregg Greer (in video above), speaking for Freedom First International, put out a challenge. “Show people now is the time for change. We can’t wait on anyone else, any naysayers, but show them in our words and deeds to say No!” He finished by leading the crowd in chanting, “We refuse to accept a fascist America. No More! No War!” Joey Johnson of the Revolution Club sharply exposed how the US is not the good guy in the world and ran down the ugly, bloody history and current reality of US role in Iran and the Middle East. A statement from BLM Women of Faith said, “I’m not concerned that Trump doesn’t like Steph Curry. I am worried he has the launch codes for nukes.”
Following the press conference, which drew two local television stations, people loudly marched up busy State St. to Trump Tower, chanting, “In the name of humanity, stop the insanity, no bombs, no nukes, no fascist USA!” Some of the strongest responses on the street were from visitors to Chicago, for example a woman from Belgium who said they have their own fascists in her country that also must be opposed all the time.
