We had a very pleasant reunion of Los Angeles Kossacks (those who were able to attend). 10 of us collected in Pasadena on Saturday to reaffirm our fealty to the company of progressive allies in the remarkably dark political landscape. We have just begun to reconnect. There were many who could not join us. I personally think we must make the effort to reinforce alliances with the like-minded as we move toward the Presidential election. I wish “it” couldn’t happen here but I am quite certain “it” can. The former pretendsident has told us exactly how things will be on the first day should he be returned to the Oval Office. I believe we may be skirting a time when our connections moving forward might even save our lives from genuine deadly peril. [Please read On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder] Even if these notions of dire business are hyperbolically overblown or incorrect, it is a cathartic to discuss them with others who see the same things — it is calming to know you’re not alone. I hesitate to report that we all agreed that the election, even if it goes our way and we claim all three branches of government, will not eliminate the darkness spawned by the movement created by the huckster. The zealous crew of bloody ignorant bigots and fascists will continue to beset us for some time.
Among topics of discussion was the difficulty in pulling everyone together from Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the country with a whopping 4,750 sq mi of turf AND we include Orange County Kossacks, too. So, we won’t be arranging another until I return from a pond hop in late April; calling for the meet in May. I hope that we can lasso some NorCal Kossacks to join us — side pocket may join us with Mrs. Pocket, for example, and I asked Meteor Blades to consider tagging along with them. I hope to bring some of my locals along at that point as well — one of whom is a scientist at the Planetary Society and former JPL/NASA employee much engaged in not only space exploration but the climate emergency as well. For those of you who have not had the experience, it is quite a thrill to put a face to the mind you’ve gotten to know through posts, a personal meet can’t be matched!
I think we may well try to regroup at the same venue in May 2024 (Saladang Garden) even though we had one person who said he could not attend because Thai food is too spicy...really, there are multiple choices like Pad Thai, that are not at all spicy. The place has all of the other necessary considerations, large groups okay, outdoor seating option, indoor seating with lofty ceilings and airy environment, level entry for those with ambulatory issues, free parking, adjacent freeways and nearby Metro stations. We would all be delighted with any other options that meet those criteria. If anyone knows of alternatives, please say so.
Also, Shockwave offered the option of Zoom meets a little more regularly. I am all for that! I’d love to know how you feel about that and if you would like to be included when that enterprise actually gets launched. It would seem that all who were in attendance were onboard, including our new group member artofhelp and his delightful ‘lurker’ spouse — didn’t get permission to mention her name so I shall refrain. To be included in Zoom meets, we’ll need your civilian email contact for connection. Please send a DKM to me, or susans or gmats.