@futurebird as a former immigrant in the US, the belief that there is a path to citizenship for anyone who "comes in the right way" or just "does their paperwork" was immensely frustrating to me.

Everytime I saw a Democrat response to bad faith Republican talking points, I just wanted to go be like "why can't you just spell out that there IS NO PATH to citizenship or even legal permanent residence, to a lot of folks who came in the "right way", who "did their paperwork", — yes, even to folks privileged enough that they are fluent in English (and quite a few even have higher ed degrees), and fully understand the process, and all of the legal options available to them".

Also, claiming asylum after crossing the border IS a valid legal pathway, and it was also frustrating to watch everyone accept that it's not just because Trump said so, and Biden not only not reverting that, but doubling down on even more roadblocks to a valid legal path.

@futurebird

I think that you should stop supporting American institutions. Do a community defense and mutual aid organization, start building dual power that will leave people less reliant on the state. Treat all politicians the same way you'd treat local drug kingpins: be wary, but no respect and no illusions that they will help.

@richpuchalsky
what you wish is irrelevant to reality and what moral choices are available to you.

@trisweb @futurebird

@iinavpov

another "genocide is irrelevant, you must comply, no other choice is possible" guy

@trisweb @futurebird

@richpuchalsky @iinavpov @trisweb

This was a conversation about immigration in the Bronx?

@richpuchalsky
it's fascinating how putting the guy who loves Netanyahu in charge apparently didn't cause anyone to reconsider their idiotic stance.

@trisweb @futurebird

@iinavpov @richpuchalsky @trisweb

This was a conversation about immigration in the Bronx.

@richpuchalsky

I already participate in mutual aid a great deal. We run a food pantry, help people find housing, legal help, landlord help all kinds of things.

What are we supposed to do in addition (and we don't really have any extra time or money but if we did, or if we cut back on that other stuff) what are you talking about? Starting a militia?

Trying to build a wall around the Bronx?

@futurebird

For Dual Power things, I think one of the best practical organizations is Cooperation Jackson:

Cooperation Jackson

building a solidarity economy anchored by a network of cooperatives and other types of worker owned and democratically self-managed enterprises

Cooperation Jackson (cooperationjackson.org)

Can you keep Us cops/troops from entering the Bronx? No. Would political victories help with this? Also no.

@richpuchalsky

Everything we do is based on the issues that people raise. No one cares about that.

If there were a better path to citizenship it could change many people's lives.

This is a real thing not some abstract idea.

@richpuchalsky

IDK Rich sometimes it feel like we are by the side of the road with a broken car with steam coming out of it in the middle of the desert and you sort of walk up and say "Driving is ruining the planet, we should have a high speed rail network."

And ... yes? we should however, about the car.