What next for Cascadia?

Andrew Engelson

Andrew Engelson

— 3 min read
A volunteer in a city park sitting at a table under a rain canopy looks up at a Cascadia flag flying in the wind.
Cascadia Democratic Action is a grassroots group working toward regional autonomy through mutual aid, non-violent resistance, and long-term planning for independence. Photo by Andrew Engelson.

If you've been reading this newsletter for a while you know I'm more than a little outspoken about the need to consider autonomy or outright independence for Oregon and Washington as the US continues to descend into an authoritarian – and yes, let's keep saying it – fascist – regime.

I'm a journalist, but I also can't stand on the sidelines or remain neutral. The times demand it, and there's a long tradition of journalists who were deeply opposed to fascism and who still did incredible reporting. Three who come to mind are George Orwell, Edward R. Murrow, and Dorothy Thompson (perhaps lesser known, Thompson was an American journalist kicked out of Germany in the 1930s for her critical portrayals of Hitler and her honest reporting about Nazi violence against the country's Jewish population).

A woman reporter in a jacket and sweater sits in front of an old-time microphone with the logo of NBC on the side
Journalist Dorothy Thompson didn't take a "both sides" approach to reporting from Nazi Germany in the 1930s -- and was kicked out of the country as a result.

So, I'll continue to report here on Cascadia's pushback against the Trump administration and the US regime's refusal to follow the law and constitution, its unfounded arrests of political opponents, retaliation against states and cities that resist Trump, and the creation of a masked national police force with little or no accountability.

But other than reading about Cascadia's resistance here at Cascadia Journal, what else can you do to help build and participate in the peaceful movement for autonomy?

Home - Cascadia Democratic Action
Working for a resilient, independent bioregion in Oregon and Washington
Cascadia Democratic Action

I've helped start an organization, Cascadia Democratic Action, a grassroots group (not yet a formal non-profit) that's working on a non-violent path toward autonomy and independence. Right now, we're small but growing and we're working on several efforts

  • creating a legislative agenda in Washington and Oregon designed to increase our region's resilience in response to federal cuts
  • volunteering for mutual aid efforts that build community, like the recent SNAP to Action Food Drive that collected more than one ton of food for Seattle food banks
  • organizing non-violent resistance to the Trump regime, including peaceful protests, rallies, and monitoring of ICE activity in our communities
  • creating a long-term vision for Cascadia's future, including structures of government, finance, and a constitution – as well as strategic planning for a referendum on independence

These conversations and actions are taking place now, but we'll need many more people in the coming years to join us as we build a movement. Over the holiday weekend, I ask that readers in Oregon and Washington take moment to look at Cascadia Democratic Action's website and consider signing up for our email action alerts. Or message me on Signal at andyjourno.55 if you have questions or want more info on how to to volunteer.

Sign up for email alerts from Cascadia Democratic Action

Thanks. And I hope your holiday weekend is full of friends, family, and gratitude for all that is good in the world. I'll see you again on Monday. --Andrew

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