Katie Stairs

@liveforlovessake

The atoms in your left hand may come from a different star than your right. We’re stardust arguing with itself. Abolitionist St. Paul, MN

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Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Jul 18

‼️ PACK THE ROOM! Wed July 22nd, 4:30pm @ 300 City Hall, 15 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul ‼️ 👉 We encourage you to attend the Public Safety committee presentation the same day and location at 12:30pm. Share far and wide, if you can.

STOP THE SWEEP

NEIGHBORS ARE NEIGHBORS: HOUSED, UNHOUSED, OR ENCAMPED.

Wednesday 07/22 at 12:30pm: A Public Safety committee presented by Assistant Mayor Cedrick Baker.

@City Hall: 15 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102

4:30pm SAME DAY: Public hearing on the mayors plans with full city council attendance + Mayors office representative. @City Hall

COMMUNITY CARE THIS WAY!

SHARE YOUR VOICE!

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Jul 10

Need ideas for your letters? I've included mine below. I went the Metro Surge / financial direction, but you can write about the human cost, the moral failure, the lack of transparency, or the need for housing-first solutions. Just be honest and direct about what you're seeing.

The planned encampment closures are not what I voted for

Dear Mayor Her and Members of the St. Paul City Council,

I am writing to you today out of deep concern, and frankly, disgust. I voted for you with the hope that you would lead with compassion and support for all St. Paul residents. The decision to evict people from the Fish Hatchery Road encampment on August 5th is a profound betrayal of that trust.

I hear your official reasoning, that these sites are unsafe for their residents. The reports of fires, overdoses, and assaults are certainly tragic and demand a response. But removing the only shelter these people have, without providing genuine, guaranteed alternatives, is not a solution. It is cruelty.

As service providers have noted, there is simply not enough housing or shelter capacity to accommodate the 150-160 individuals who will be displaced.

This decision is especially troubling given the ongoing economic instability and housing crisis exacerbated by Operation Metro Surge. The residents of these encampments are not just a problem to be solved. They are our neighbors, many of whom have been made homeless by forces beyond their control.

And then there's the money.

During Operation Metro Surge, the St. Paul Police Department spent nearly **$5 million** directly tied to federal immigration activity between November 2025 and February 2026 . Between January 7 and February 5 alone, St. Paul officers worked 4,679 overtime hours at a cost of **$372,341**. On the day Alex Pretti was killed, the department logged 1,007.5 overtime hours in a single day, costing over **$99,000**.

The city even spent **$7,499** on new identifying markers for St. Paul police vehicles so they could be distinguished from federal agents' vehicles . Meanwhile, residents were calling 911 and getting little to no response. The St. Paul Police Department loaned officers to Minneapolis and spent **$46,000** in overtime in just one day to assist .

(Alt text continued on next image)

Now, the city is planning to spend hundreds of thousands more to evict people from encampments. Many of whom were displaced by the very same surge that the police were “stretched so thin” not responding to.

How is this a responsible use of our tax dollars? Why are we giving them more money for this, after they didn't even support us when we needed them most?

I want to know:
What is the specific plan for each person displaced by these closures?
What new shelter capacity has been secured before the August 5th deadline?
Can you guarantee that no one will be forced to sleep on the streets without a viable alternative?
What is the total budget for these closures, and how much of it is going to police overtime?

If this is just about clearing land, be honest. If this is being used as a cover to make it easier for ICE to target vulnerable people, I am even more appalled. I am demanding transparency and a real, humane plan that prioritizes housing over displacement.

I urge you to pause this plan until a genuine, comprehensive housing strategy is in place. This is not what I voted for.

Sincerely,

Katie Stairs
Payne-Phalen, St. Paul

Source List is in the comments on this post

Dear Councilmember Kim,

I hope this email finds you well. I'm a resident of your ward, and I've appreciated our conversations in the past. I apologize for not being able to get back to you before. I’ve only ever received canned “Yeah, thanks. We’ll get back to you. Look at all the great things I’m doing!” responses from government officials, and I hadn’t blocked out time to respond to you. I have set aside the time this time, in case you have further questions. I followed your response to the GEO group as closely as I could, and am grateful for your care and attention to the matter.

I'm writing to you today because I have deep concerns about the City's decision to clear the Fish Hatchery Road encampment on August 5th.

I understand the city has raised significant health and safety concerns at the sites, and I know those are issues that can't be ignored. However, I am worried that the plan to displace residents, especially the many families affected by Operation Metro Surge, will cause more harm than good if there isn't a genuine place for them to go.

I know you care deeply about our community, which is why I wanted to reach out directly. I'm hoping you can help me understand a few things:
What is the specific plan to ensure every person displaced from the encampments has a real housing or shelter option on August 6th?
The city is starting this process in early August. Is that enough time to secure the necessary shelter capacity for the 150-160 people living there?
Can you share what the city is doing to coordinate support for these individuals with community organizations and service providers?
What is the total budget for these closures, and how much of it is going to police overtime?

I also need to raise the financial issue because it's about trust.

(Alt text continued on next image)

During Operation Metro Surge, St. Paul taxpayers spent nearly **$5 million** on police response to federal immigration activity . Between January and February alone, St. Paul Police logged 4,679 overtime hours at a cost of **$372,341**. On the day Alex Pretti was killed, the department used 1,007.5 overtime hours responding, at a cost of over **$99,000**. St. Paul even spent **$7,499** on new vehicle markers so officers could be distinguished from federal agents.

Now, the city is planning to spend hundreds of thousands more to evict people from encampments. Many of whom were displaced by the very same surge that the police were stretched so thin responding to. This feels like rewarding failure. How is that a responsible use of our tax dollars?

I voted for you and for Mayor Her because I believed in a vision for St. Paul that prioritized compassion and support for all our neighbors. I still believe that. I'm asking you to help ensure this plan reflects those values and that it doesn't simply displace vulnerable people without a real solution.

Thank you for your time and for your service to our ward and city.

Sincerely,

Katie Stairs
Payne-Phalen, St. Paul

Source List included in the comments on this post

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· May 25

One of my favorite poems, written by one of my favorite poets, in honor of my sister, Sarah Day, today. ❤️‍🩹 If you need help right now: Please, call 988 or text HOME to 741741. If you'd like some reasons to stay: reasonstostay.org Poem: Poyums by Len Pennie - bookshop.org/p/books/poyu...

Sepia colored page with text on it. A poem by Len Pennie from the book Poyums:

40 Seconds

Put 40 seconds on the clock.
Who would choose misery? Who would choose pain?
If sunshine's an option, why would we choose rain?
We just want to be happy and healthy and free;
I just want to exist and let myself be me.
Yet something within me is making me cry --
There's a foot on my neck and a knife in my eye.
There's a black dog with jaws biting raw at my soul;
There's so much within me that I can't control.
And I just want to feel for a tiny wee while;
I just want to laugh and to dance and to smile.
And I'm so bloody lucky that you know my name,
Because there's so many people who can't say the same.
I'm telling you this for all of our sakes,
It's one in every 40 seconds that suicide takes.
And since you've been here reading, and I've sat and cried,
Another good person has just bloody died.
Stop the clock.

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Apr 26

I am so tired of this shit. It's 2026. When exactly do our "leaders" plan to grow up? I hope it's while they are still in positions of authority and have the power to do something about the harm they've caused. If you can write an email, it helps. It doesn’t have to be as angry as mine.

A screenshot of a sent email, by me to Richard Carlbom:

Subject: Urgent, due to mishandling

Mr. Carlbom,

Your mishandling of the Feminist Caucus debacle and and all the events since has been highly disturbing. I am calling on you as a MN citizen and voter, to hold an emergency meeting of the State Executive Committee to investigate dereliction of duty by the Code of Conduct Committee.

Your absolute refusal to adhere to the vision and values of the DFL or care about the safety and wellbeing of people who are different from you has been witnessed by anyone paying attention for the past 255 days. It can't go unanswered for.

Do your job.

With respect that reduces every day you refuse to face this,

Katie Stairs

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Apr 2

Great news! The deadline to apply to be a part of the Sovereign Futures Talent Network has been extended to 11:59pm PST on Sunday, April 12th. The application asks interesting questions, and there is amazing support if you need assistance. If interested, please check it out & share widely. ❤️‍🔥

"SOVEREIGN FUTURES TALENT NETWORK

SUSTAINING SOVEREIGN FUTURES. CONNECTING TALENT TO OPPORTUNITIES.

Sovereign-Futures.org

THE SOVEREIGN FUTURES TALENT NETWORK IS NOW LIVE

The Sovereign Futures Talent Network is a one-year rapid response initiative designed to support unemployed or underemployed organizers, communicators, strategists, cultural or civil society workers, and policy practitioners whose work is vital to Indigenous Sovereignty.

BLIS is gathering this network of curated talent to support movement continuity and sustainability during these uncertain times.

JOIN THE NETWORK. APPLY TODAY.

Applicant Criteria:

Work at the intersection of:

Indigenous Sovereignty and Justice
Land Stewardship and Reclamation
Indigenous Cultural Revitalization

Currently unemployed or underemployed.

Have been impacted by job loss due to funding cuts, organizational transitions, layoffs or political pressure within the past 18 months.

Are advancing narrative, artistic, legal, or organizing strategies for systemic change.

Are at any stage of their professional journey.

DEADLINE EXTENDED

APPLY NOW

Apply by 11:59pm PST Sunday, April 12"

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Mar 25

Via @unidosmn.bsky.social: "Right now, Saint Paul families are still recovering. Operation Metro Surge didn’t just come and go. It disrupted people’s lives. Workers lost shifts. Families stayed home out of fear. And now, some families are being pushed toward eviction from their homes."

Text-based graphic with orange and black background. Text reads: "St. Paul! Let's keep our families safe! Urge leadership to take action now. On Wednesday, March 25 the St. Paul City Council will vote on a 60-day pre-eviction bill. If passed, neighbors would get more time to catch up with rent while they stay in their homes." Includes the link https://bit.ly/SupportStPaul and logos for Unidos MN and Community Leadership Power.

Text-based graphic with orange and black background. Text reads: "St. Paul! Let's keep our families safe! Urge leadership to take action now. Visit the link below to take action right now and send a message to the City Council and mayor, urging them to support this notice:" Includes the link https://bit.ly/SupportStPaul and logos for Unidos MN and Community Leadership Power.

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Mar 14

Here is my letter. Feel free to use any part of it in yours. There is a massive blizzard projected to be coming our way. One letter is easy to ignore, hundreds are not. Please, help if you can. 🩵

Dear Council Members Rainville, Whiting, Palmisano, Vetaw, Warren, and Shaffer,

I'm writing about your votes on "Pause Evictions, Save Lives."

I've spent the last three months on school patrol, in mutual aid networks, raising funds, and giving my last $120 to keep neighbors housed while they shelter in place, afraid to leave their homes.

I've read the arguments against this ordinance. Here's what I'd ask you to reconsider.

On COVID comparisons: This expires in August. It's not a years-long moratorium. Eric Hauge from HOME Line, which has seen its highest call volume in 34 years, said: "I don't think it's quite fair to compare it to the pandemic."

On rental assistance: Mayor Frey offered $1 million. City data showed a need for $15.7 million just for January. One million is a gesture for clout, not a solution.

On affordable housing providers: Thirteen nonprofits opposed this. I hear their budget concerns. But it's hard to watch them prioritize their bottom lines over families hiding from armed contractors. Their buildings will survive a few months of paused rent. The families being evicted may not. Those providers can get another job or find other funding. Our neighbors being targeted by ICE cannot. Maybe we care about homeless families instead of letting nonprofits destroy them for a few bucks. Tenant advocacy organizations like HOME Line, which talks to renters every day, support this ordinance. The disagreement is method, not mission. But when method means evictions, mission has failed.

On targeting only ICE-affected families: Council Member Whiting, your amendment requiring tenants to document their fear to their landlord creates an "ICE hit list," as Council Member Chavez said. It also assumes the only people harmed are those directly targeted. They're not. The neighbors raising funds, running school patrol, and showing up every day are affected too.

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Mar 12

Happy Birthday! 🎂 There are so many great protest signs. So, replicas of the best ones (maybe leaned against things) would be sweet. Also, there could be a telephone pole with messages on it. Here's some inspo from a walk in St. Paul: This is awesome! I hope we get to see more of it. 🩵

Homemade paper sign, stapled to a telephone pole, with a beautiful drawing of flowers with the words "We Keep Us Safe" written on it.

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Mar 11

An honorable mention from @ziibiing.com: ziibiing.com/shop

Shop page from https://ziibiing.com/shop/p/all-my-homies-hate-jacob-frey

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embroidered "all my homies hate jacob frey" ringer tee

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Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Mar 4

It looks like Fabrizio Musacchio will have to start updating his page to add the "righteous killings" of over 500 already in Iran. What a horrifying time to be alive. 💔 www.fabriziomusacchio.com/weekend_stor...

“[…] It must be a peculiar pleasure to swim from century to century in the blood of humanity while shouting hallelujah! It must be a peculiar pleasure to lie, falsify, and deceive for nearly two millennia. It must be a peculiar pleasure to perfect hypocrisy into the highest art and sanction it for eternity so that one may prosper and live long upon the earth.

Where else does one find this breathtaking mixture of wolfish howls and peaceful hymns, Christmas messages and burning pyres, hagiographies and executioner’s tales? Where else is there such an all-encompassing chatter of love and an equally insatiable hatred? Where else is there a religion that kills out of love, tortures out of love, robs out of love, extorts, dishonors, demonizes, and damns out of love? […] The devil it [Christianity] painted upon the walls — it was itself! The evil it pretended to combat — it was itself! The hell with which it threatened—it was itself!"

(Continued)

"Of all evils, it became the worst - not because others were less bad, but because they did not endure as long, did not operate as intensively, did not gain such power over the people, who allowed themselves to be enchanted and terrified by conjuring tricks, Latin incantations, pastoral pathos, the gestures of sanctity, and the threats and promises of the afterlife, and who were led to commit every crime, all in the name of God (and their representatives), who permitted, facilitated, and enabled everything while washing their hands in innocence, securing their own skin, filling their own coffers. [...] They did evil to those who loved Jesus, who wanted to follow his teachings - they tore out their tongues, their eyes, shattered their bones, buried them alive, crucified, burned, imprisoned them for life. They inflicted every humiliation, every shame, every pain, took vengeance even upon their children and grandchildren. They felt righteous, they still feel righteous. And yet they crucified all of humanity. [...]

Since Constantine, hypocrisy and violence have been the hallmarks of Church history, mass murder the practice of a religion. Killing one was strictly forbidden, but killing thousands was a pious act. This is not called insanity; this is called Christianity."

- Karlheinz Deschner, Kriminalgeschichte des Christentums: Bd. 10 18. Jahrhundert und Ausblick auf die Folgezeit. Könige von Gottes Gnaden und Niedergang des Papsttums, 2014

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 27

🟢 FINAL DAY Bonus Word Today's word: LIBERATION Submit it in the form for +1 entry by 5pm CT today. Max 7 total. hoodiesforthemovement.carrd.co (This is your last chance for a bonus entry—the sweepstakes closes at 5pm CT!) ———————————

Person standing on a short retaining wall, overlooking water and a city skyline, facing away from the camera, arms outstretched. With birds flying in the top right corner. Large text reads "LIBERATION" in bold letters. Small text below reads "Day 7 · 9am CT".

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 26

🟢 Day 6 Bonus Word Today's word: HOPE Submit it in the form for +1 entry. Max 7 total. hoodiesforthemovement.carrd.co (This word is no longer valid at 9:00am CT tomorrow, so be sure to submit it before then for the extra entry!) ———————————

A crowd of people releasing paper lanterns together at night. Large text reads "HOPE" in bold letters. Small text below reads "Day 6 · 9am CT".

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 25

🟢 Day 5 Bonus Word Today's word: FREEDOM Submit it in the form for +1 entry. Max 7 total. hoodiesforthemovement.carrd.co (This word is no longer valid at 9:00am CT tomorrow, so be sure to submit it before then for the extra entry!) ———————————

From a first person perspective in a car: the open road in MN, surrounded by trees with all the slow cars in the right lane and open road in front of you in the fast lane. Large text reads "FREEDOM" in bold letters. Small text below reads "Day 5 · 9am CT".

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 24

🟢 Day 4 Bonus Word Today's word: COURAGE Submit it in the form for +1 entry. Max 7 total. hoodiesforthemovement.carrd.co (This word is no longer valid at 9:00am CT tomorrow, so be sure to submit it before then for the extra entry!) ———————————

Photo of a lone child, jumping between two buildings. Large text reads "COURAGE" in bold letters. Small text below reads "Day 4 · 9am CT"

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 23

🟢 Day 3 Bonus Word Today's word: COMMUNITY Submit it in the form for +1 entry. Max 7 total. hoodiesforthemovement.carrd.co (This is no longer valid at 9:00am CT tomorrow, so be sure to submit it before then for the extra entry!) ———————————

A group of people standing together in a circle, hands connected or stacked. Large text reads "COMMUNITY" in bold letters. Small text below reads "Day 3 · 9am CT".

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 22

🟢 Day 2 Bonus Word Today's word: SHELTER Submit it in the form for +1 entry. Max 7 total. hoodiesforthemovement.carrd.co (This word is only valid until 9:00 CT tomorrow, so be sure to submit it before that!) ——————————— Unrelated to the sweepstakes: What does shelter mean to you? 🏠

The world "Shelter" over an image of a doorway with the sun streaming in.

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 21

🟢 Today's word: SAFETY Submit it in the form for +1 entry. Max 7 total. hoodiesforthemovement.carrd.co Unrelated to the sweepstakes: if you have thoughts or feelings about what "safety" means to you right now, and you'd like to share them, I'd love to read about it. 🦺

The word "SAFETY" and the words "Day 1 - Daily Word - 9am CT" overlayed over a photo of a book, a cup of coffee in an owl mug, and some blankets on a soft surface.

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 20

Winner drawn February 28. If you know someone who'd love this, feel free to pass it along. First bonus word will be here at 9am Central tomorrow! 💫

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 20

Something's coming at 5pm CT today. One week. One hoodie. One winner. I'm giving away a free hoodie from my friend Jason Sole's new capsule collection. See you then with the details. 🧡

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 14

Happy Valentine's Day, from the ever-horrifying Pam Bondi. I'm only about halfway though, but this hearing is one of the most vile, almost cartoonish-ly evil, things I have ever seen in my life. [Cartoon by Nick Anderson]

A cartoon by Nick Anderson depicting a woman crying in a chair with "Epstein Victims" written on her leg, with Pam Bondi standing and bending over her yellling: "Have you seen the stock market?" at her.

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 7

𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙨. But when we look at actions, not words, a different ethical picture emerges. 🧵

"What divides us now is not our political views, but our ethical beliefs."

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 4

After Wokiksuye this Saturday at Powderhorn Park from noon-3, come and join us in St. Paul to write a message on Lake Phalen! And, you are welcome to join our brave and incredible kids while we march on Sunday. Please - get connected, get support, be a helper, and love your neighbors with us. 💗

SHOW YOUR

EAST SIDE PRIDE

LET'S SHOW THE WORLD ST. PAUL STANDS BY OUR

NEIGHBORS AS WE LIGHT UP THE LAKE WITH:

MN > ICE

SAT 02.07 |

BEGINS @5 PM

BRING YOUR

HOMEMADE LUMINARIES

PAPER BAGS, CANDLES

LIGHTERS

KPOP LIGHTS

PORTABLE FIRE PITS

CAMPFIRE BITES

LAKE PHALEN BEACH

FREE |

COMMUNITY-LED |

ALL AGES

KIDS PROTEST

OUR VOICE MATTERS

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8

12:30 MEET |

1:00pm MARCH

GOLD MEDAL PARK |

STONE ARCH BRIDGE

A CALL FOR FAIRNESS, SAFETY, AND CARING FOR OTHERS.

ICE AWAY FROM OUR SCHOOLS.

ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA.

Scan Mel

FOR MORE INFO

@ourvoicemattersmn

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Feb 2

This Saturday: Come mourn with us. Come learn with us. Come love with us. Come build with us. Come memorialize with us. bit.ly/MPLS-Feb7

Poster that says:

WOKIKSUYE

In Remembrance & Witness

Please join First Peoples of Mni Sóta Makoce and the Good Family for a public memorial ceremony.

Mourning Renée, Alex, and all those we've lost in this occupation.

POWDERHORN PARK |

MINNEAPOLIS

SATURDAY FEB 7, 2026

GATHERING STARTS 12PM

CEREMONY 1-3 PM

CHILDREN WARMLY WELCOME

MUSIC ART

TIPIS

SNACKS

HOT BEVERAGES

Memorial ceremony led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, followed by community singing, poetry, and more

In collaboration with: NDN Collective, Braveheart Society, Indigenous Protector's Network, American Indian Movement, Freedom Trainers, Sunrise Movement, Project South, AND MORE

VISIT bit.ly/MPLS-Feb7

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Jan 31

I ❤️ La Palma! Many community members are doing our best to support them, but we could all use your help, and we could use your help feeding our neighbors. If able, you're welcome to buy a gift card and get food to families fast! www.supermercadolapalma.com

Flyer that says: FOOD ASSISTANCE

DIRECT, LOCAL, LATINO OWNED

Buy a gift card for Supermercado La Palma, a local Latino-owed grocery store in St.Paul, Minnesota. Then families in need can directly order what they want and use the pre-paid cards. Serving the community since 2003, La Palma is trusted by local families and ready to help make this support accessible.

1. Scan the QR Code to Buy a giftcard on giftly or go to: http://bit.ly/4kaFVVh

2. Select email delivery. The recipient should be: lapalmagroceries@proton.me

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Jan 30

I had never heard of him up until I heard he was hurting black trans people a few months ago, so I'm so confused about all of this. I think my question is: on what planet does *providing people with reasons to trust you* mean you're *trying to be a good activist*? And how is any if that decentering

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Jan 24

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Jan 17

From a comrade on the nazis coming to town today:

Worried about the far-right march "against Islamification" targeting our Somali and Muslim community, announced for Saturday?

There are several community responses planned, and we want to show folks what they are, so y'all can choose to plug in where you fit in best.

First, there is a response being called for from community leader in Cedar Riverside through the Cedar Riverside Protection Alliance. They are going to have community patrollers in yellow vests, religious leaders in orange vests, and will work with the sheriffs and MPD. They are asking Cedar Riverside residents to go about their business as usual, not engage with the march or any anti-Muslim/anti-immigrant agitation, and to call the police if they feel threatened. They are asking non-residents not to protest in the neighborhood. We want to address some misinformation that has been spreading. The Cedar Riverside community leaders have NOT asked everyone to ignore the march or to stay out of downtown and the broader area entirely. Jaylani Hussein from CAIR just posted a video earlier today addressing this misinformation. The community leaders are asking people not to protest IN Cedar-Riverside itself.

Second, there is a response at City Hall by Indivisible at 12:30, at City Hall. This will be a silent and strictly non-violent protest. We will link the Mobilize page in the comments. It is not entirely clear to us if Indivisible is still doing this one, and we welcome Indivisible Twin Cities to clarify in the comments if their silent counter-demo is still on. If you go to this and it's not, it's easy to just go to the PACAT action instead.

Third, there is a counter-demonstration planned at 12:30 across from City Hall at 300 S 4th Street by PACAT, the People's Action Coalition Against Trump. This will not be silent. It will be a marshaled protest. We will link their event in the comments. If you're down to protest and holler but not seeking a direct confrontation, this is the one for you.

Finally, there is a community self defense mobilization planned on Washington Ave S by the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel and Cedar Avenue. This is being put together by Somali organizers who have committed to a mobile blockade of the fascist march. This action is outside of Cedar-Riverside, which is in line with the St Paul Principles and the separation of time or space from other actions. The details of this action will also be linked below in the comments. If you're down to confront the fascists directly as the main hard line of defense between downtown and the West Bank, this is the action for that.

All of these actions represent different strategic orientations, different stances towards confrontation, and different relationships to the state. It is up to you to determine where your solidarity and affinity lies.

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Jan 13

Two Faces, Two Systemic Failures: Grief, ICE, and What We Demand On the left is Renee Nicole Good. Less than a week ago, she was shot and killed by a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis. 🧵

Photo of Renee Nicole Good. She looks especially similar to my sister Sarah to me in this picture.

Photo of my sister, Sarah Day Volkov, who died of suicide in 2018.

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Jan 9

I've found solace once again in the spirit, wisdom, and words of @mskellymhayes.bsky.social and @prisonculture.bsky.social in Read This When Things Fall Apart. You are not alone None of us are free until all of us are free We keep us safe 💚 www.pilsencommunitybooks.com/item/vCQt68D...

Photo of the cover of Read This When Things Fall Apart, Edited by Kelly Hayes.

Excerpt from a letter written by Mariame Kaba in RTWTFA:

"I don't know how things will turn out, but I am committed to something other than this--the current structure and state of this world. We can live differently. I don't think we have to live the way we currently do. I think something else is possible. The social theorist Henri Giroux writes that "hope expands the space of the possible and becomes a way of recognizing and naming the incomplete nature of the present." So I invite you, young organizer, to embrace uncertainty as a terrain of glorious possibility. Let this uncertainty ground you rather than make you fearful.

I know that hope isn't something everyone embraces, and I respect this. I usually tell my loved ones who adamantly reject it that it's okay if they give up hope, so long as they don't give up trying. Don't give up on taking action. Our present actions matter, even though we do not know how the future will turn out. I'm with Grace Lee Boggs, who said: "We never know how our small activities will affect others through the invisible fabric of our connectedness. In this exquisitely connected world, it's never a question of critical mass. It's always about critical connections."

Every time we choose constructive action, it builds toward the possibility of freedom and liberation.

So as long as I am alive, I'm going to keep trying every day. That's my commitment. Every morning that I have breath, I stay rooted in possibility and I choose to act. And I remember that doing so doesn't preclude feeling burdened or needing relief.

There's a poem by Brendan Kennelly that I appreciate titled "Begin," and I love this part in particular because for me, it speaks to hope as a discipline:

Though we live in a world that dreams of ending
that always seems about to give in
something that will not acknowledge conclusion
insists that we forever begin."

Katie Stairs@liveforlovessake· Jan 7

Straw Hat Pirates on the scene in Minneapolis 🫶 Still shot taken from @guru-merc.bsky.social's livestream