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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 26, 2018)
December 26, 2018 Page 13 O PINION MCS Still in Business Martin Cleaning Service Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Residential & Commercial Services Minimum Service CHG. $50.00 A small distance/travel charge may be applied CARPET CLEANING 2 Cleaning Areas or more $30.00 each Area Pre-Spray Traffic Areas (Includes: 1 small Hallway) 1 Cleaning Area (only) $50.00 Includes Pre-Spray Traffic Area and Hallway Stairs (12-16 stairs - With Other Services) : $30.00 Heavily Soiled Area: $10.00 each area (Requiring Pre-Spray) Movement Leaders Step Up to the Challenge Politics in 2019 will have more backbone t raCey l. r ogers As I reflect on the controversies that plagued the Trump ad- ministration through- out 2018, the unfore- seen political power plays that shocked our nation, and the party stalemates that unfolded like a suspense thriller between Democrats and Republicans, I must admit that I’m sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the finale. Donald Trump will undoubt- edly face more scrutiny — and maybe even impeachment — as the Mueller investigation deliv- ers blow after blow. Meanwhile, as a Democrat- ic-led House of Representatives prepares for its first day on the job, the Dems seem ready to rumble — made evident in the testy recent exchange between Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Democratic Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi, and President Trump in the Oval Of- by fice. I must admit that this all makes me a little giddy. A standoff akin to when Luke Skywalker finally fac- es off with Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga would be the perfect end to what often feels like a reality TV show. Except this is America. The slogan for Nike’s ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick pretty much sums up what I expect in the new year: Believe in some- thing, even if it means sacrific- ing everything. We must start believing and participating in a true democracy, and directly confront everything that under- mines it. Politics must come with a backbone in 2019. No more Mr./ Ms. Nice Liberal; the gloves are off. The people have spoken. We don’t want “change” — we want a revolution. Democracy in its current iter- ation can no longer sustain us — that’s why Trump was elected in the first place. It’s time for pro- gressives to match the audacity of conservatives, but with great- er humanity as an end goal in- stead of power and greed. We’re at a crossroads. As stakeholders in society, we can either continue to labor through the birthing pains of a more just and equitable nation, or continue down a rabbit hole that leads to God only knows where. I’m personally ready for a dif- ferent experience, even if uncer- tainty looms. Subpoenas for Donald Trump’s tax returns will most likely be issued, among other challenges to the administration. But I’m especially excited by a new wave of elected activists challenging the Democratic Par- ty from within. For instance, Represen- tatives-elect Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn. have unapologetically voiced support of the boycott, divestment and sanctions cam- paign against the state of Israel for its use of U.S. tax dollars to occupy the Palestinian Territo- ries. That’s an open challenge to the party leadership. Other activists are pushing for a Green New Deal, champi- oned by Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to fight climate change and create jobs. Such challenges even have Nancy Pelosi negotiating term limits to keep her role as House Speaker. That’s a good thing. Just as modern-day activists chant, “This Ain’t Your Mama’s Civil Rights Movement,” the same mantra could be applied to the 116th Congress. Bold poli- cies, direct actions, and a new guard will take center stage, and it’s about time. Conservatives have made it clear they’re in it to win it. Lame-duck stunts like Wis- consin Republicans stripping elected Democrats of their abil- ity to govern, and an earlier Os- car-worthy performance by Re- publican Sen. Lindsay Graham championing the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, are examples of how far conservatives will go. As former First Lady Michelle Obama said, “When they go low, we go high.” But if there’s any hope of us restoring our values, “going high” doesn’t mean you don’t fight back. So, let’s get ready to rumble! Tracey L. Rogers is an entre- preneur and activist living in the Washington, D.C. area. Distrib- uted by OtherWords.org. Area/Oriental Rug Cleaning Regular Area Rugs $25.00 Minimum Wool Oriental Rugs $40.00 Minimum UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Sofa: $70.00 Loveseat: $50.00 Sectional: $110 - $140 Chair or Recliner: $25.00 - $50.00 Throw Pillows (With Other Services) : $5.00 ADDITIONAL SERVICES • Auto/Boat/RV Cleaning • Deodorizing & Pet Odor Treatment • Spot & Stain Removal Service • Scotchguard Protection • Minor Water Damage Services Call for Appointment (503) 281-3949
