Pres
@amprog
. Forever
@OpenSociety
Former Amb South Africa. Obama alum. UNION! Owner of views. “I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.” - Whitman
I took this photo in Cape Town when I hosted Cong John Lewis on his return to South Africa. He and Archbishop Tutu couldn’t wait to embrace one another. Brothers in struggle. Benders of the arc of justice. Joined in eternity. They’ve done the hard work and leave the rest to us
The President of the US needs political distractions to turn our gaze away from his criminal cabal, and so he’s attacking South Africa with the disproven racial myth of “large scale killings of farmers”
This man has never visited the continent and has no discernible Africa policy
People keep telling me that the situation in Gaza is “complicated”. There’s nothing complicated about being able to say killing innocent people is wrong and needs to stop. We said it when it was Hamas. We can say it now that it’s Israel. This is wrong. This needs to stop.
The NY press corps all consuming obsession with Andrew Yang’s celebrity for 8 months of the NYC Mayoral campaign will be a large part of the final story. It created a distorted view of the field and allowed other candidates to be woefully unexamined until close to the end
Three things led to the end of Jacob Zuma’s reign in South Africa:
1) Fiercely independent journalism
2) Robust civil society resistance that called government to account
3) Public servants with integrity that had the courage to stand up to corruption.
Lesson served U.S.A...
My letter to
@facebook
regarding the smear campaign they paid for and disseminated against George Soros &
@OpenSociety
as reported by
@nickconfessore
in the
@nytimes
. These tactics out of Putin’s playbook have no place in an important debate about the integrity of our elections
I’m struck by the absolute certitude and hearing yet again there’s an expertise that some have about making war and that those protesting lack. I remember protesting my Govt voting to give war authorization in Iraq. We were told that we just didn’t understand. With this certitude
In a conversation with
@NorahODonnell
, Secretary Hillary Clinton on those calling for a ceasefire:
“People who are calling for a ceasefire now do not understand Hamas, that is not possible. It would be such a gift to Hamas because they would spend whatever time there was a…
To my friends in South Africa,
Thank you for your solidarity in the upheaval following the murder of George Floyd. But please know that I stand with you as you mourn Collins Khosa and others who have been brutalized by police in your lockdown. Injustice to one is injustice to all
This savage video oped by
@felipeneto
Is like a brilliant bowler who uses the side pin to wipe out the king pin.
Trump Isn’t the Worst Pandemic President
Hey Dems, you’re about to retake the Presidency from the hands of this madman. Stop walking around like zombies. Stop the flagellation about all the people who voted for the racist misogynist. Recognize the win. Own it. And do something with it.
Almost midnight and people are still trying to vote here in Poland. Huge mobilization, big turnout, some polling stations ran out of ballots and exit polls show an opposition coalition wins. But it's still early....
I’m impressed with decisive leadership being shown in this crisis by President Ramaphosa of South Africa. He’s extended the lockdown and announced that he and his cabinet are all cutting their pay by 1/3rd and donating it to a Solidarity Fund for workers. Leadership
Until there’s a curfew against racist policing. Until there’s a curfew against mass incarceration. We’re going to march because these streets are our hall of justice.
Make people in power uncomfortable.
The United States of America has to air drop aid into Gaza because the Netanyahu govt isn’t allowing food in to starving population, while firing on hundreds of civilians overnight gathered to receive flour on Rashid Road.
This is the surreal, Impotent, and cruel reality.
Scoop: The White House is exploring the possibility of airdropping aid from U.S. military planes into Gaza as deliveries by land become increasingly difficult, four U.S. officials told me. My story on
@axios
If people feel threatened when college students chant this, imagine how it feels in Gaza when this is being uttered by a man who is dropping 2,000 lb bombs on your homes, schools, and hospitals, with the support of the most powerful nations on earth.
Senator
@CoryBooker
performed a mitzvah today with his graceful unpacking of the Republican attacks against Judge Jackson. A real exemplar of servant leadership.
Hmm. I guess that they were blocking humanitarian aid after all.
And I guess that some deaths count a whole lot more than others.
Keep the pressure on.
BREAKING: The Israeli security cabinet approved the opening of the Erez crossing with the Gaza strip for the first time since October 7 in order to allow more humanitarian aid to go in, Israeli official said
Some of us are old enough to remember when peaceful Black Lives Matter protestors were tear gassed near the White House so that Trump could have his bible toting photo op. But today, this cabal is allowed to storm the House Chamber without resistance in an act of domestic terror.
Some photos emerging from the South of Haiti this morning where a major earthquake struck. Prayers for people in the towns of Les Cayes, Jacmel, Jérémie.
Note to the WH Chief of Staff:
Best part about receiving honorary degree from Columbia Univ was sharing the moment with my mother who arrived in the US without English or a marketable trade. We “assimilated” well enough. Immigrants, we get the job done.
I’m in pain for my hero
@chefjoseandres
and his remarkable team at
@WCKitchen
. Let’s speak plainly - using starvation as a weapon is a war crime. Attacking people seeking food is a war crime. Assaulting angels delivering aid is a war crime
What on earth is FIFA waiting for to ban Russia? Shameful to force others to make these decisions. I’ve seen FIFA ban African nations for “football offenses”, but you won’t immediately ban Russia for launching a brutal war?
Act now. Make Russia a pariah
The force of condemnation from our govt and the response from Netanyahu are only possible because these weren’t Palestinian civilians and these particular aid workers were tied to a high profile humanitarian. Otherwise there would have been more drivel about “the most moral army”
As the year winds down and we look toward 2019, I’m asking you to make a commitment: find something you want to change in your community and take the first step toward changing it. If you need some inspiration, take a look at some of the young leaders who inspired me this year.
30 years ago today I was young activist about to have honor of a lifetime as I greeted Nelson Mandela when he arrived in the US, helped to lead him through a ticker tape parade and to UN address. His first words to me - “young man, can I trouble you for water?” I nearly fainted
At the end of this insane week in US, I have to say that I’m enormously proud to have served with a President who always displayed deep integrity and to have worked alongside colleagues who put human interest above personal profit - and who all had zero tolerance for corruption
I’m sick to my stomach right now. But I’m not shocked. We know what we know. We live this every day. We are killed while unarmed and innocent. If Kyle Rittenhouse looked like me, there wouldn’t have even been a trial. The whole world knows this about our country. Again and again.
Senator Joe Manchin says that he can’t explain the Build Back Better bill to West Virginians. So I thought I should help him out -
STATEMENT: CAP’s Patrick Gaspard Explains How Build Back Better Will Benefit West Virginians - Center for American Progress
School attendance this week in New York will be a tale of two cities, with kids from affluent zip codes at home while economically challenged families risk exposure, unless options are organized by leadership.
Four years into this mess, let’s not applaud Facebook and Twitter for finally acting against the daily toxic soup of Trump only after a shocking act of treasonous insurrection. They’ve profited from this every day while avoiding accountability. Let’s get real.
This is why I love the Olympics - 18 year old Ahmed Hafnoui of Tunisia barely qualified in the 400 meters, and shocks the world by upsetting the Americans and Australians to take his nations first gold medal ever in the event. Wow!
What a great honor to meet with
@FranciaMarquezM
from Colombia - environmental activist, racial justice leader, candidate to become the first black Vice President of her nation.
We exchanged thoughts on economic inclusion, peace, and climate action
Que viva la berraquera!
Rudy Giuliani called for “combat” today in front of the Capitol. Any corporation that pays his speaking fees, every legitimate media outlet that routinely invites him on should be asked why they are giving a platform to this person who actively sabotages democracy
I’m beyond thrilled to take on a new role as president of
@Amprog
and
@CAPAction
! Our country faces a set of existential and global challenges, and I’m eager to dive in with my new colleagues and the progressive community to improve the lives of ALL!
This story on
@facebook
reveals vicious and false black ops attack they launched against George Soros to discredit critics during Russia probe. Disturbing tactics that Sheryl Sandberg and Jeff Zuckerberg need to be called to account on today
@NYTimes
Thinking of the hundreds of victims of lynchings who never received justice. George Floyd was lynched on camera. That’s what it took. Believe your eyes. But also believe our history.
Incredible selection by
@GavinNewsom
!!!
@LaphonzaB
is a brilliant organizer, innovator, strategic thinker, who leads with integrity and courage and can always be counted on to be on the side of those most in need.
Love this!!!
“When I was 5 years old, my mother told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
John Lennon
Of 120 people arrested in New York for social distancing violations, 92% of them are black or Hispanic. If you walk through our parks and streets and see the people who are treating quarantine like a vacation, you’ll realize how racist this policing is.
Something I learned when I was 16 yrs old at first civil disobedience action - whenever police are called in, chaos ensues. What would have been a peaceful and short demonstration becomes a siege. Young activists only become more emboldened and determined. Positions harden.
101
There will be more energy and public resources expended to police every word that college students chant at rallies - but nary a word about someone with actual power in America calling for the genocide of a people.
Just left the Administration briefing on Coronavirus. Bottom line: they aren't taking this seriously enough.
Notably, no request for ANY emergency funding, which is a big mistake. Local health systems need supplies, training, screening staff etc. And they need it now.
So
@facebook
decides to drop a turkey on Thanksgiving eve, with admission that Definers was tasked by company leadership to target and smear George Soros because he publicly criticized their out of control business model. Sorry, but this needs independent, congressional oversight
My 9-11 memories center on two fallen firefighters I knew at different points in life. Michael Carroll went to school in Yorkville with me. Fantastic athlete. David Fontana was my neighbor in Bklyn. Gentle giant who was a gifted sculptor. Our sons played together.
Heroes both
This was a peaceful protest against police abuse in Union Square. How on earth did it devolve to this? Why were police making arrests at this demo? There have to be answers. We can’t have our NY public officials tweeting solidarity with George Floyd while NYPD lack accountability
I was at this townhall as a young staffer supporting Madiba’s first trip to US after his release. This undressing of Ted Koppel was legendary and unpacked the lies in the veneration of De Klerk
Can I Haitian-American brag for a second? Haitian nation is swelling about our pride in the way that
@K_JeanPierre
leads with brilliance but a fierce kindness. You don’t have to be loud to be strong. She is a force.
.
@joyannreid
to
@K_JeanPierre
: "You made history, my dear friend, as the first Black woman Chief of Staff to a Vice Presidential Candidate in the United States. That is a big deal."
#TheReidOut
As Alfonso Cuarón claims Oscar for Roma, a salute to over 70 million domestic workers in the world, mostly women, who toil on our behalf and are some of the most vulnerable people on earth. Solidarity.
Once the dust settles on today’s results, we have to get serious about a real campaign to do away with the antiquated, deeply undemocratic Electoral College. We need to make it dead.
A transformational move by President Biden to enact largest permanent increase in food stamp benefits, reflecting actual cost of food in this rough economy for poor families. Personal experience tells me that this will transform lives.
On this day, in this year, for this generation of Americans, it’s not enough to merely quote Dr King and move on with our passively wired lives. We must take forward the march.
I’ll be joining thousands of Americans from all nations in Times Square at 3pm
#DumpTrumpsRacism
This
@Politico
piece is why I gave up on most US political coverage years ago. Extraordinary to string together anonymous quotes, with a framing condemnation by a discredited white man to basically pit one black woman against another. This is trash.
My Mayor. David Dinkins was grace itself. Healways went high when they went low. He taught me that you don’t need to be loud to be strong. He took a quiet pride in the small kindnesses. He accomplished much with humility and more strength than the world knew. Rest in our hearts.
My heart is in my throat with this news. One never wants to hear the words earthquake and Haiti linked again. Reports from the south of the country appear to be devastating - homes collapsed, roads split down the middle. Major devastation. Prayers up for minimal fatalities.
Here, here. Kudos to
@donnabrazile
for laying out double standard faced by VP Harris as she puts her shoulder to it every day to improve life for average Americans while strengthening our global standing. Great counter to offensive Greg Craig piece
Germany is resuming critical funding to UNRWA following the independent report which found no evidence for the claims by Netanyahu’s govt.
Germany.
It’s past time for the U.S. to correct this misstep that has exacerbated forced famine in Gaza.
We welcome the report by
@MinColonna
on
@UNRWA
, whose recommendations must be implemented swiftly. Like other partners, we will resume cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency in
#Gaza
shortly. For details, read our joint statement with
@BMZ_Bund
👇
This was nothing short of an attempted coup. Donald Trump had a clear strategy that banked on the violence of the very mob he incited to march on the Capitol. The damn Secret Service was the stopgap?? This makes Watergate look like a parking ticket.
“History will not be kind to us. So you have a moral obligation, a mission and a mandate, to speak up, speak out and get in good trouble. You can do it. You must do it. Not just for yourselves but for generations yet unborn."
Hon John Lewis, our patron saint of Good Trouble. RIP
Every time I make the mistake of thinking of Twitter as a community, I get bombarded with ignorance like the folks who are on here making fun of icon Jesse Jackson who is suffering from Parkinson’s but still showing up for our people.
Shame.
The indictment against Sen Menendez is sweeping and damning with credible evidence of brazen corruption. He’s entitled to a presumption of innocence in the process, but he’s not entitled to public office. He needs to resign immediately.
Every single time that someone in Congress says in solemn tones that impeachment of Trump will do “great harm to our institutions” my mind comes back to this image
For once I have to commend this Administration on an appointment. Ambassador Debbie Birx is a serious public servant and scientist who will follow the data and lead a comprehensive response without bias. She inspires confidence.
And still we persist...
We were told to go home. We were told that we’ve been heard. You haven’t heard anything yet. Show us real reforms and we’ll give you back your quiet.
If you attempt to launch a coup against our democracy, the reward should not be a luxurious retreat to your gold plated toilet in Mar-a-Lago. Donald Trump knew the truth. Donald Trump incited a mob he knew to be armed in order to subvert an election. Donald Trump must be indicted
This was nothing short of an attempted coup. Donald Trump had a clear strategy that banked on the violence of the very mob he incited to march on the Capitol. The damn Secret Service was the stopgap?? This makes Watergate look like a parking ticket.
Max, you know where I stand on South Africa and the entire continent. Serving in S Africa, which has a more inclusive Constitution than even my country, was an honor of a lifetime.
Dear US ambassador in SA, I'm sorry your president sent you to 1 of the countries he regards as shitholes. Must be tough slumming it in Pretoria & Cape Town. Please inform us shitholers if you disagree with your president's characterisation of our continent
@USEmbassySA
The human rights crisis in Gaza is so alarming that the State Dept must be made accountable in sharing with the American people all evidence that has led to this unbelievable assessment that Israel is complying with humanitarian protocols as U.S. weapons support this assault
The assertion that the Netanyahu govt is complying with international law in Gaza is a gross disregard of overwhelming evidence and a dangerous precedent in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. The sale of offensive weapons to Israel should be halted
If we’re saying Black Lives Matter, we need to say Black organizations matter. Humbled with colleagues at
@OpenSociety
to stand squarely on the just side of history as we make this bet on the generation tearing down walls of structural racism
You know those cities that Trump has been disparaging the last four year for obvious reasons? Well, African-Americans in Milwaukee, Detroit, Atlanta, and Philadelphia, are about to make Joe Biden the next President of the USA.
I never had a moment with The Arch that didn’t come with some levity. I would try to maintain my formal comportment but always fell victim to his mischievous humor. In all settings he joked and teased. He showed me that even in deep distress we had to move to the light.
Kofi Annan was the gold standard for international leadership – on everything from human rights to nonproliferation, conflict mediation to development, humanitarian assistance to peacekeeping – he injected new energy into the UN at a critical juncture. This is a profound loss.
What a humbling honor to help to lead this remarkable organization at a time in history when our work on justice, rights, and citizen engagement is more needed than ever
I’ve never typed the name Kardashian in a tweet. I have to today to say I’m impressed with Kim Kardashian’s courage and humanity in discussing Kanye’s mental health challenges. The stigma is real. The mockery is ugly. Black men in particular go undiagnosed and untreated. Big-ups.