http://blog.seattlepi.com/capitolhill/2013/11/17/kshama-sawants-victory-rally-a-win-for-everyone/Kshama Sawant, as the accepted winning candidate for Seattle’s council position, does not pause but hits the ground running not only by thanking her supporters and reminding everyone that the work has just begun but continuing with her activism efforts.
Meeting Sunday afternoon for her Victory Rally at the SEIU Local 775 Union NW Headquarters in downtown Seattle among local media and an Al Jazeera reporter, Sawant graciously gave the first of her victory platform over to local leaders of the Seatac Initiative $15/hr minimum wage Abdi Mohammed, Carlos Hernandez and her campaign staff along with Socialist Alternative before giving her own victory speech. This rally didn’t seem like a loud grand congratulatory speech as much as a unifying meeting of activists, unions and educators. The event was even attended by an admitted converted “1%er ” supporting attendee.
Sawant reminded everyone:”This movement also belongs to the activists and students and everyone who worked hard on the information campaign…all the working class everywhere in the US and the entire world. We’ve shown that its possible to succeed… in a grass roots campaign with an openly socialist campaign not taking money from big business. Having an unapologetic campaign platform for improving the living standards of Seattle’s working people and rejecting the business as usual. This movement belongs to that way of organizing.”
“Political Earthquake”
Kshama said this has been a “Political Earthquake” and indeed given all the obstacles she had to overcome, it is indeed a testament to her and her campaign, staff and volunteers that they beat out 16 year incumbent Richard Conlin. A feat that I believe local media with the exception of “The Stranger” have yet to fully acknowledge and recognize.
Kshama Sawant and her staff take a rare moment to celebrate
Winning Seattle Over
There is still a lot of concern in today’s environment about Socialism. Its still likened to calling someone a ” Communist”. I remember reading William Arnold’s account of how Seattle actress Frances Farmer was attacked for being a Socialist. But I think any person who hasn’t met Kshama will eventually see how articulate and intelligent she is and how she gets to the heart of an issue and takes action. That is rather refreshing given how Seattle has a habit of dragging their feet and delaying efforts. If Sawant could help run Seattle like she did her effective campaign with less than half of the campaign funds of a typical political race we will indeed have chosen an effective Council person. My hopes is that she helps the new Mayor improve the Seattle Police Department given the recent deplorable report by Federal monitor Merrick Bob on how the SPD has resisted efforts to reduce excessive force and biased policing. Sawant said her first action will be to put forth the $15/hr minimum wage in Seattle or vowed to put in on the November ballot.
Jasmine Marwaha of Local 8 announces Seattle Hyatt workers’ boycott of the Hyatt at Olive 8 and the Grand Hyatt Seattle.
Abdi Mohammed of the Seatac $15/hr minimum wage initiative from the Somali American Public Affairs Council spoke as well as Carlos Hernandez advocating for worker rights at Subway. A Statement was read for Sue Peters Director of Seattle School Board and Jasmine Marwaha of Local 8 who announced Seattle Hyatt workers’ call for a boycott of the Hyatt and Grand Hyatt in Seattle until workers havea fair process to unionize. The rally also included performances by Geo of Blue Scholars.
Exciting Future
Given the energy of Kshama Sawant’s campaign and her passion and energy, I think Seattle will experience some positive change. Can’t wait.
Information and Events:
www.votesawant.org
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