We visited Abu Simbel, a gargantuan temple built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th c. BCE. It’s on Egypt’s southern border with Sudan. During the 1960s construction of the Aswan High Dam, people from around the world contributed money to save Abu Simbel from the flooding caused by dam construction. The temple was moved stone-by-stone to its present location. Our guide loved that the world had come together to save this ancient treasure.
On our way back to Cairo, we passed dozens of semi haulers lined up at the border to cross into Sudan. I was struck, as I often am, by the arbitrariness of national boundaries. Why are some of us born into relative safety and others not?
The question has me thinking about our country and the derangement of insanely wealthy leaders who would aggrandize and enrich themselves while purposefully and senselessly hurting everyone around them.
Republic of Cruelty
Last weekend’s rally in Washington DC was much larger than expected, and there were hundreds of crowded rallies around the country. Thank you for putting in time and money to fight this “stupid coup.”
We filled the grounds of the Washington monument and way beyond. From that vantage point, we watched people pour in from all directions. We were peaceful and we were angry. We needed to see our community, and to raise our voices as loudly as possible.
This is just the start. The next national day of action is April 19. Please check here for more information.
We must continue to resist and widen our community, to prevent our neighbors and friends and family from being deported, harassed, and endangered. We must stand up to the occupant of the White House who plays fast and loose with our liberty, our democracy, our justice system, our livelihoods, and our families.
The National Immigration Law Center has resources and actions to try to prevent the unfolding deportation nightmare.
We must hold those accountable who are conciliating and caving. Here is a list that Georgetown Law School students published, listing law firms that have bowed to the autocracy. It also contains a long list of law firms that have stood up. I can’t vouch for its accuracy, but this list looks very useful to me.
I want to recommend once again, Jessica Craven’s Chop Wood Carry Water Substack. It’s my most useful go-to place for news—including positive news—and for ongoing actions.
DUET FOR ONE
My launch date is getting close! Please join me at Politics & Prose on May 6 at 7 PM, or at Joe’s Pub in the Public Theater in NY May 13 at 7 PM, or at the Coffee House Club in NY on May 14 at 6:30 PM. For details about events in Philadelphia, Berkeley, and beyond, please check out my events page.
It helps authors to pre-order books, and to post reviews on Goodreads or Amazon. If any of these things are feasible, it would be wonderful. Thank you!
Finally, Hag Sameach to those who celebrate. I baked Pesach mandelbrodt for the first time and dipped them in chocolate. (In our house, chocolate is a vegetable.)
Love to all,
Martha
P.S. ICYMI, here is last week’s newsletter, “Cherry trees and rallying for our future.”
I forwarded the Georgetown list to my adult child (oxymoron?), who is in OneL year and applying for internships with law firms. It was very helpful, so thanks! Martha, we are looking forward to attending one of your events!
Thank you for this, and congrats on your upcoming launch! Wish I was closer to attend your events