r/50501

Gabriela Soto is 6 months pregnant with two young children, all U.S. citizens. Her husband Martin has been detained by ICE since he took part in a hunger and labor strike, and he has been held in solitary since being transferred to Elizabeth Detention Center over Memorial Day weekend. On the eve of America's 250th anniversary, I sat down with Gabriela and spoke with Martin from inside detention about the conditions, the retaliation, and why he still refuses to sign a voluntary departure.
This is their story, in their own words.

✍️ SIGN THE PETITION TO FREE MARTIN: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/free-martin-soto

A video of inspiration and solidarity.

I'm writing this today, because I know I'm not the only one who feels conflicted on America's 250th. On the one hand, I want to be proud of our nation's people, history, diversity, struggles, and triumphs. But on the other hand, I can't be proud or support the Trump Administration's actions. I feel so conflicted because being proud of this country feels like I'm supporting Trump's fascist rhetoric. I hate that Trump makes me ashamed to be an American.

Which got me thinking, since when did the Republicans become the patriotic party? Why do they get to act like they are America's chosen when the people they elected are actively destroying every institution we've spent years building? It makes my blood boil when I see them cover themselves head-to-toe in American flag colors and then praise the degradation of our nation's morals.

Fascist regimes have a tendency to appropriate positive symbols and corrupt them. Before the Nazi party, the swastika was a symbol of well-being, prosperity, harmony, and more. I'm worried that the same thing is happening to our flag. What should be a symbol of freedom, diversity, and unity is becoming a propaganda tool for the fascist regime.

Republicans have been driving this narrative for decades now, that the left hates America and the right loves America. And to make matters worse, we've been playing into this narrative. At every protest I've gone to, I've seen tons of American flags being flown upside down. While I appreciate the enthusiasm, I think we are sending the wrong message.

Aren't we the true American patriots? We're the ones out here putting ourselves in danger to protest this administration. And why are we protesting? Because we care. Because we love this country and want to see it flourish. We are the ones fighting for liberty and justice for all. We are the ones fighting for the American dream. We are the ones fighting for freedom. Anyone who supports the Trump administration stands against these ideals.

I think we need to make a bigger effort to push back against their narrative. Call them out on their false patriotism. When they raise an American flag, we raise one higher. When they say you hate America, show them how much you love this country. When they stand proud, you stand taller. The left needs to stop conceding on this narrative. We need to show the nation just how much more we truly care about America. They are the ones who should feel ashamed, not us.

So do me a favor on this 250th. Don't ever, EVER, let a Republican make you feel like less of an American than them. This administration doesn't represent us. Don't give them the satisfaction of ruining this holiday for you. You can simultaneously be proud of this country and be opposed to those who are destroying it. Show some patriotism. You've earned it.

I think signs with "All men are created equal" would be nice. fuckin idiots.

whatever you guys decide to do please be safe. heat exhaustion/stroke can hit suddenly. bring at least two gallons of water with you in cleaned out milk jugs with a camelbak and electrolyte powders. I don't know how widely available water will be down there.

With it being the 250th 4th of July, I feel as though it’s only natural, to remind all Americans what the document we’re all celebrating actually says, and how it compares to today.

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Nice reading by Ben Franklin