The Dignity Virus: Recent Episodes
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SEATTLE—Washington’s healthcare safety net is under threat as federal lawmakers consider drastic Medicaid cuts that could leave hundreds of thousands without coverage and force hospitals to slash critical services. At a press conference today at Harborview Medical Center, state officials, healthcare workers, and families who rely on Medicaid shared stark warnings about the potential fallout.
Harborview Medical CenterA Lifeline at RiskHarborview, the region’s only Level I trauma center for adults and children, serves patients from across the Pacific Northwest, many of whom depend on Medicaid. CEO Sommer Kleweno Walley didn’t mince words: “Cuts under serious consideration by Congress could now result in an annual loss for Harborview alone of hundreds of millions of dollars. It’s impossible to overstate the crisis that cuts of this magnitude would mean for Harborview and this states entire safety net.”
Harborview CEO Sommer Kleweno Walley Governor Bob Ferguson laid out the numbers: Washington could lose $2 billion in federal Medicaid support over the next four years, leaving an estimated 200,000 residents uninsured by next year. Rural hospitals, already struggling, would be hit hardest. “There is no doubt that hospitals will close in Washington state, in rural and urban parts of our state. Nursing homes will close if this is approved by the United States Senate” Ferguson said. “Our state will change in fundamental ways if this goes through.”
Voices from the Front LinesJen Chong Jewell and son GabrielJen Chong Jewell brought her son Gabriel, who relies on Medicaid for surgeries, therapies, and medical equipment. “Medicaid allows my son and so many other children and youth to live, be supported, and thrive in their communities.” she said, “We are more than a number or some data point, we are the expert on our own lives. “
Sam Conley, a nurse at Harborview for over a decade, described the real-world consequences of underfunded care. “I’ve already seen the consequences when patients can’t afford their care,” Sam said. “Diabetics who skip insulin wind up with thousands of dollars in emergency medical bills…Losing health coverage doesn’t make chronic health and illnesses disappear, it just forces people to go without treatement. Patients get sicker more often and stay in the hospital longer.”
Harborview nurse Sam ConleyA Political Fight AheadThe proposed cuts, tied to broader federal budget negotiations, have drawn fierce backlash. Ferguson accused Congress of prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy over healthcare for vulnerable Americans. “Last night Congress took an action that only be described as cruel and one that would harm many thousands of Washingtonians if approved by the Senate” he said. “We’re going to do everything we can to persuade the Senate to walk back from the brink of an action that would have truly dire consequences for many thousands of Washingtonians.”
Washington Governor Bob FergusonSeattle Mayor Bruce Harrell pledged solidarity, emphasizing Medicaid’s role in the city. “This is 73% of the funding for the Seattle Indian Health board, as an example. We anticipate that Medicaid cuts will affect 450,000 patients in King County.“
What Happens Next?If the cuts pass, Harborview and other safety-net hospitals may be forced to eliminate services or even close departments. Walley warned, “Harborview board of trustees, and our King county elected officials will have to have some incredibly difficult conversations about what part of Harborview can stay open and what parts we have to rethink.”
For now, advocates are urging the public to contact lawmakers and share personal stories. As nurse Sam Conely put it: “Cutting Medicaid doesn’t reduce the need for healthcare, it just shifts the cost…In the end, taxpayers bear a larger burden and people face negative outcomes that could have been prevented.”
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May 12, 2024
Red Square, University of Washington, Seattle WA
Less than 200 supporters of Israel, some associated with the Christian church/corporation, Pursuit Northwest, met at Red Square at the University of Washington in an rally and march intended to disrupt the UW Palestinian Solidarity encampment.
While the 1000 who were expected never appeared, those who support Israel’s occupation of Palestine came ready to instigate, with some carrying brass knuckles or a taser. The encampment remained on their side of the barricade as Israeli supporters continued to encroach. Police from the University of Washington and Washington State Troopers kept the two separate at the beginning.
As the pro Israel march was re-routed away from the encampment, instigators made their way to the sides of the UW Quad in a feeble attempt to enter the Pro-Palestine area. Anti-fascists, also known generally as “black bloc” met the group at every entrance they tried to enter, and successfully defended the camp at the barricades. Some Pro-Israel instigators got close enough to have their flags snatched, which could have been avoided had they kept their distance. A taser was used by a Pro-Israel demonstrator who was subsequently pepper sprayed for his deployment of an (in this case) offensive weapon.
Ari Hoffman, a local activist known for his distaste of homeless people and those who demand an end to genocide, made his way to each entrance, filming and shouting at Pro-Palestine demonstrators. He was followed by his children and occasionally joined by disgraced journalist Jonathan Choe. Hoffman’s American flag was stolen and despite his pleas of desperation to UW police, all he received was a business card in return.
Despite the many attempts to start fights by the Pro-Israel side, the UW encampment kept them out, and the event ended without any arrests.
More than 1000 marched in protest of Israel’s targeting of Rafah. Rafah is the Southernmost region of Gaza at an area of 25 square miles, the same size as Renton, Washington. Rafah is also home to more than 1.2 million refugees, more than the population of Bothell, Seattle, and Renton, shoved into 25 square miles. The protest, while short in length, experienced rain, snow, sleet, and sunshine as it moved from Denny Park towards the ending destination at the Space Needle.
From the Falastiniyat Facebook page …”Seattle is home to major corporations, universities, politicians, and media that are supporting Israel’s genocidal occupation. But Seattle is also home to hundreds of thousands of people who firmly stand with Palestine and their struggle for liberation!
As Israel and the US threaten Rafah with invasion, the time is now to mobilize! No amount of repression and intimidation will stop us. Join us and continue to shut it down for Palestine! #shutitdown4palestine“
November 24th, 2023
Seattle, WA
Nearly 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room on Capitol Hill in Seattle to protest Starbucks and their alleged* support of Israel. After disrupting the full coffee business, customers were told to exit through side doors, all entrances were locked and workers were sent home through alley exits.
The protest then moved to Westlake Park by marching down Pine St. via Melrose Ave. Upon entering the area of the holiday event, a circle was formed in the street after meeting up with another group of pro-Palestine protestors. Using banners and the bike brigade to create space, the area between the Westlake stage and the tree became a protest area. Some tables were overturned as activists took over the stage to hold a banner. Despite some yelling from those there to see a tree with lights, there was little interaction between them and those protesting for human lives.
Activists took turns speaking about the atrocities in Palestine, some protestors released balloons with signs reading “Merry Genocide”, “Free Palestine”, and “Let Gaza Live”, and eventually the tree was lit, and the crowds began leaving.
*(A key element of Starbucks’ potential backing for Israel is found in its most prominent private shareholder, Howard Schultz. Recognized for his unwavering advocacy of Zionism, Schultz possesses a significant ownership stake in Starbucks and has actively endorsed Israel’s economic endeavors. Particularly noteworthy is Schultz’s high-profile investment of $1.7 billion in an Israeli cybersecurity startup named Wiz. This financial commitment underscores Schultz’s dedication to fostering Israel’s economic prosperity and technological progress, raising inquiries about Starbucks’ implicit alignment with Israeli interests.). https://fortune.com/2021/04/07/wiz-howard-schultz-investment-fundraising-cybersecurity-startups-starbucks-ceo/
According to Reuters, “Asked for comment, Starbucks referred to a statement on its website about its operations in the Middle East that was updated in October. The statement said the company was a non-political organisation and dismissed rumours that it had provided support to the Israeli government or army. Starbucks, which earlier this month reported record revenues for the fourth quarter, said it had nothing further to share on its business.” https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/boycott-campaigns-over-gaza-war-hit-western-brands-some-arab-countries-2023-11-22/
November 8th, 2023
Tukwila, WA
Some Pro-Palestinian organizations have called for an International Day of Action on Wednesday, November 8th 2023. The intent nationwide is to focus on “weapons manufacturing facilities” to include Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Elbit Systems, Amazon, HP and Microsoft.
Nearly 200 activists showed up at the Boeing Military Delivery Center in protest of Boeing’s role as a supplier of military hardware to Israel. Boeing is responsible for fast tracking US made “GPS Guidance Bomb Kits” to Israel which is currently responsible for the deaths of over 10,000 Palestinian civilians. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-18/boeing-accelerates-delivery-of-up-to-1-800-gps-guidance-bomb-kits-to-israel#xj4y7vzkg
From @resist.seattle on Instagram “Every year, U.S. war profiteers — Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Raytheon and Elbit Systems — fuel violence here and abroad by arming violent regimes in Israel, the Philippines, and local police departments across the United States. We choose to fight back. We call for an end to the genocidal siege on Palestine.”
November 4th, 2023
Olympia, Washington
Thousands joined in a march from Heritage Park to the Capitol building in Olympia, WA in solidarity with pro Palestine demonstrations globally. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world joined in solidarity with the Palestinian people who are being killed and injured in attacks by Israel.
After reaching the Capitol building, hundreds participated in a “die in”, holding papers with the names and photos of people killed by Israeli bombs and bullets, and speaking their names out loud.
Capitol and Olympia police were present but there were no arrests or major confrontations.
November 3rd, 2023
Seattle, Washington
In a demand that Senator Patty Murray call for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, hundreds of activists with Jewish Voice for Peace and their allies shut down the Henry M. Jackson Federal building at 8am on November 3rd, 2023.
Activists blocked entrances on 1st Ave and 2nd Ave while one activist made it to the awning, hanging a banner demanding Senator Patty Murray call for a ceasefire.
Homeland Security and Federal Police pushed down several activists while attempting to remove the ladder used, injuring at least two. No arrests were made.
From the Jewish Voice for Peace – Seattle Facebook page…
“In the last three weeks, over 9,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis have been killed. Over 3000 children have been killed in Gaza. This week, the Israeli military has hit Gaza’s only hospital for cancer patients. They struck Gaza’s largest refugee camp, killing 100 people and burying others under rubble. Israeli warplanes have flattened entire neighborhoods. Shell-shocked children are left to search for their parents under the rubble. Millions of Palestinians have once again been made refugees, bombed as they tried to flee. Surgeons are operating by the light of their cellphones, increasingly without anesthesia. Over half the hospitals have been forced to shut down. In the West Bank, 120 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the war. Jewish settlers are burning down houses with families in them after they come with warning notes for the Palestinians who have not yet fled to do so immediately or they will be killed. Israel has doubled the number of Palestinian prisoners to 10,000 in the last two weeks. Every bomb dropped on Gaza threatens the lives of 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza and 200 Israeli hostages. But the Israeli government has made it clear that they do not value life and will not negotiate, as it would rather continue its genocidal attack against Palestinians.In Seattle, we need to demand that Senator Murray call for a CEASEFIRE NOW. We cannot stand for business as usual. We cannot stand by as a genocide is carried out in our names.Join Jews and ALL people of conscience to cry out as loudly as we can: Ceasefire now to save lives. End the siege on Gaza. End Israeli apartheid. B’tselem Elohim: Every life is precious.”
Westlake Park to Seattle City Hall
Seattle, WA
Monday, October 9th, 2023
The Indigenous People’s Day Proclamation says the following:
WHEREAS, the City of Seattle recognizes that the Indigenous Peoples of the lands that would later become known as the Americas have occupied these lands since Time Immemorial; and that Seattle is built upon the homelands and villages of the Indigenous Peoples of this region, without whom the building of the City would not have been possible; and
WHEREAS, the City values the many contributions made to our community through Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, arts and the deep cultural contribution that has substantially shaped the character of the City of Seattle; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seattle has a responsibility to oppose the systematic racism towards Indigenous people in the United States, which perpetuates high rates of poverty and income inequality, exacerbating disproportionate health, education, and social crises; and
WHEREAS, the City promotes the closing of the equity gap for Indigenous Peoples through policies and practices that reflect the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, ensure greater access and opportunity, and honor our nation’s indigenous roots, history, and contributions; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native Nations to the United Nations sponsored International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas; and
WHEREAS, in 2014 the Mayor, City Council of Seattle, and the Seattle Human Rights Commission declared the second Monday of October as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” to promote tolerance, understanding and friendship, and to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination stemming from colonization: and on March 29, 2022 the City Council unanimously passed Ordinance 126559 establishing Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a legal holiday;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE MAYOR OF SEATTLE AND SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL DO HEREBY PROCLAIM OCTOBER 9, 2023 TO BE Indigenous Peoples’ Day to commemorate and support Indigenous Peoples and encourage all businesses, organizations, public institutions, and City residents to recognize this day and honor the legacy and contribution of Seattle’s American Indian, Alaskan Native and Indigenous communities who have been here since Time Immemorial.
Outrage continues to grow over comments made by Seattle police officer Daniel Auderer as he was caught laughing and joking while discussing 23-year-old’s Jaahnavi Kandula’s death.
September 23, 2023
An estimated 100 people marched, biked, or drove from Seattle’s International District to Seattle Police Officers Guild building. While there, family members affected by police violence spoke to the crowd demanding police be accountable to the community, not be investigated by their peers. The crowd dispersed less than an hour after arriving at SPOG HQ. Seattle police watched from a distance and a POET team tried to engage the protest before they were told to leave. A King County Sheriff’s helicopter circled the protest at the beginning and end of the march. There were no arrests.
https://southseattleemerald.com/2023/09/15/comments-from-seattle-police-officer-regarding-death-of-jaahnavi-kandula-provoke-local-and-international-outrage/
May 15th, 2021 At least 200 people gathered at Be’er Sheva Park for a prayer walk to Othello Park in honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Demands for justice and an end to violence against indigenous people were joined by songs and drumming as people moved North on Rainier Ave. A car brigade, bicycle … Continue reading →
May 1st, 2020 A parade of 20-30 cars and bicycles took to the streets of Seattle allowing their protest to be taken directly to sites of worker struggles. At the same time activists with different organizations were protesting at Amazon in their vehicles for the rights of workers or in Olympia at the Capitol building … Continue reading →
October 24th, 2019 Seattle, WA It wasn’t just activists at the Amazon spheres during this lunchtime protest. Seattle City Council members, candidates for the upcoming election, tech workers, Amazon employees, and labor organizations joined together to protest Amazon’s cash dump of $1.5 million dollars into the Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee, Civic Alliance for … Continue reading →
Saturday, October 12th, 2019 The Spheres were once again the target of a rally against Amazon and their hosting of Immigration and Customs Enforcement database and possible enhanced biometric database to track and apprehend immigrants. Approximately 100 protestors rallied first at the Spheres before walking to the Amazon 4-star store and forming a picket line. … Continue reading →
August 1, 2019 Nearly 300-400 activists and community members showed up to protest ICE at their downtown headquarters in Seattle. This diverse crowd was joined by passersby and cheered on by cyclists and those driving by in cars. While loud chants of “free the children” echoed through the streets of downtown, less than 15 Proud … Continue reading →
January 8th, 2019 At least 40 activists gathered outside the lobby of the Canadian Consulate in Seattle to protest the arrests of water protectors and activists at the Gidumt’en checkpoint on land belonging to the Wet’suwet’en Nation. The land is under threat from Coastal GasLink, a project of TransCanada Corporation, who has been constructing … Continue reading →
Seattle, WA 10/8/18 Indigenous people and allies from around the Pacific Northwest gathered at Westlake Park on Duwamish (dxʷdəwʔabš) land for a rally and march to celebrate the 5th year Seattle has celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day. More than 150 people marched in the rain from Westlake Park long 5th Avenue to Seattle City Hall, where … Continue reading →
Seattle,WA – 10/06/18 The day of Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, nearly a thousand people gathered at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle to protest Trump’s nominee for his history of sexual assault and lies under oath. Speakers from NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Shout Your Abortion, Seattle Clinic Defense, political representatives, and activists spoke at … Continue reading →
8/18/18 While the numbers of the far right groups like Patriot Prayer, III Percenters, Proud Boys, and others seem to grow, they are consistently outnumbered by antifascists, leftist organizations, labor groups, and community activists. While firearms were present on both sides, the far right group were heavily armed with both rifles and sidearms. SPD kept … Continue reading →