Read Statements from Writers for Revolution Books, Berkeley
Join those signing this statement:
As fascists once again threaten Revolution Books in Berkeley, while our government expands its war on truth, knowledge, and science…
As fascism here and around the world endangers the lives and futures of millions of people…
We who write to connect humanity and inspire empathy, to provoke critical thought and debate, to record the richness and diversity of human experience and transform it, to bring a better world into being through the beauty and power of language…
We stand unequivocally with Revolution Books against repeated assaults that conjure up a legacy of Nazi book burnings.
We call on everyone with a poetic spirit and hunger for justice to defend this radical and necessary bookstore.
We pledge to resist the horror of a fascist America. Our hearts are with Revolution Books.
Refuse Fascism stands with Revolution Books in Berkeley, California, as they once against face and refuse to be intimidated by fascist thugs who have declared they are marching on the bookstore this Sunday, Sept. 1.
Revolution Books has been a frequent target of fascists over last two years, as part of an overall assault on critical thinking, dissent, art, and any possibility to wrench a different future from the hateful poison these fascists want to spread throughout society.
From a statement by Revolution Books Berkeley:
This has been a summer of white supremacy pouring forth from the oval office and muzzles of AR-15s, unleashed by a fascist regime in power, while way too many people turn their heads away and do nothing ‘because it hasn’t affected ME yet.’ This fascism is not a sideshow or something that can be voted away, but is deeply rooted in this system – it can and is “happening here.” It’s time get off the sidelines and ACT!
When fascists threaten to burn down, and now, again, threaten to march on a communist bookstore, everyone of conscience must not just recite, but actually confront and act in a commensurate way with the words of the German pastor Martin Niemöller, who lived through the rise to power of Hitler. Martin Niemöller famously wrote:
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist…
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
Watch and spread this video responding to attacks on the store by Andy Zee, spokesperson for Revolution Books and co-initiator of Refuse Fascism. Send statements of support to Revolution Books in Berkeley, and call on others to get off the sidelines.
We cannot allow fascists to march through the streets and spread their venom. These thugs are emboldened and enabled by a white supremacist, fascist regime in the White House that has declared war on immigrants, women, the environment, science, critical thinking, dissent, and humanity. Join with us in Refuse Fascism to wake up the millions who must take to the streets to say, “No, in the name of humanity, we refuse to accept a fascist America. This nightmare must end. The Trump/Pence regime must go!”