Labor Internationalism, Malcolm Chaddock Remembered, Saving Social Security: Frann Michel hosts this episode, featuring these segments:
Labor Internationalism: Laurie Mercier speaks to Dianne Feeley, a retired autoworker and editor of Against the Current, about UAW president Shawn Fain’s disappointing embrace of Trump’s tariffs and the need for labor internationalism to strengthen workers’ power in the U.S. and across borders.
Malcolm Chaddock In Memoriam: Desiree Hellegers speaks with, among others, Dan Shea and Kendall, as they reflect on the deep commitment to peace and justice that animated Chaddock's wide-ranging activism, from serving as president of the Portland chapter of Veterans for Peace, to his work with Don't Shoot Portland, Buddhist Peace Fellowship, and Occupy Ice.
The Plot Against Social Security: We share selected audio from a briefing on Social Security presented by Alex Lawson of Social Security Works for the group Radical Elders on April 10, 2025, shared here with their permission. Lawson explains how Social Security works, how and why it is being intentionally destroyed, and what we can do to push back.
Upcoming events with mole friends:
May 23rd: Join WSU Vancouver SJP from 9 pm to 2 AM for a fundraiser for families in Gaza and student organizations supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
The event is at The Get Down, 680 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214 (21+)
AQUAHOEZ is a Y2K, deep-sea-themed nightclub fundraiser featuring live sets by DJ TOCKA and LAPAUSHI! They'll be giving out goodie bags with lip gloss, anti-spiking drink covers, feminine hygiene products, and more. They'll also have hair tinsel artists on site and a bikini raffle featuring Temptations, a sex worker-owned brand.
All ticket sales support families in Gaza and student orgs supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Party with a purpose! Tickets available online https://www.tixr.com/groups/thegetdownpdx/events/aquahoez-142113 or at the door.
May 24th: Join the third Portland Rising Workers Assembly this year from 10 AM-12 PM at PAT Hall 345 NE 8th Avenue to shape Our Collective Demands. What kind of world are we fighting for—and what would it take to win it?
Jobs with Justice and Portland Association of Teachers, with the support of XRPDX and others, are building an alignment that unites labor unions, climate and environmental justice, housing and immigration rights organizations. Building on discussions on the 2024 Minneapolis Week of Action and power mapping of Portland, this session will be an opportunity to identify the shared demands that can unite our struggles across sectors, neighborhoods, and communities. We’ll look at how movements elsewhere have crafted bold, visionary demands—and work together to identify the broad themes and concrete goals that could guide collective action in Portland. Whether you’re a union member, tenant, artist, or organizer, this is your space to build with others committed to real change. Wheelchair accessible, masks required and provided.
Sign up and learn more here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/portland-rising-our-collective-demands