Monterey Park, Half Moon Bay, Oakland: We stand with the marginalized

The Peace and Freedom Party Sacramento County expresses our deepest condolences to the Asian-American and migrant farmworker communities directly impacted by the tragedies that took place in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. We also extend our sympathy to the victims of the recent mass shooting in Oakland.

We stand in solidarity with all oppressed peoples, including Asian-Americans and migrant farmworkers, two marginalized communities experiencing xenophobic hate. We support efforts to help bring healing to those impacted by these traumatic events.

In addition to supporting the victims of these tragedies, we recognize that we as a society must do more. It is of the utmost importance, especially during times like these, to strengthen our resolve to addressing the root causes of these horrific tragedies.

Our current system, centered on capitalism, is designed to enrich the few at the expense of the many. Settler-colonialism, imperialism and white supremacy, which are all products of capitalism, have created cycles of intergenerational trauma, and intentionally divide people into haves and have-nots, a false caste system based on skin color, citizens and immigrants. These events serve as a reminder that a system responsible for inflicting trauma is unconcerned with helping people heal from it.

In the immediate aftermath of tragedies like these, it has become politically fashionable for ruling-class politicians to make statements calling for change and action. However, they neither describe what actions should be taken, nor promise to put in the specific legwork to effect any meaningful changes.

Therefore, it is becoming increasingly clear that the only way to bring about substantive change is by taking collective action. Working-class people of all backgrounds must unite to envision and mobilize to bring about a society designed to serve the people’s needs. 

After all, only struggle has won the people’s rights. We are working to envision and collectively to build a new system that allows people of every background and identity to heal and thrive. Join us. Vote Peace and Freedom!

– Peace and Freedom Party of Sacramento County