by Jean Allen A few weeks ago on Chapo Trap House (#1051), the hosts interviewed Tim from the podcast All Lawyers Are Bastards, and his conclusion was notable in how often I’ve…
Category: Local Politics
There is a Blade Over Our Heads
by Queer Solidarity Group Note: The following remarks were originally published as a zine to accompany ROC DSA’s 2026 Pride Parade float, featuring a “Gay-o-tine.” The Parade was held Saturday, July 18….
Getting Grounded, July 2026-Out in the Garden!
by Elizabeth Henderson This month’s column will be short – lots to say, but too busy gardening and digging in the dirt to write it down! New booth at the Public Market!…
A Fight Over Power and Heat
The following remarks were delivered by Aidan S. at the Anti-Rate Hike Block Party on May 31, held in opposition to RG&E’s proposed 34% increase in utility bills. We’re all out here…
Articulating Revolution Through Art: A Review of Georgie’s Scratching At The Door Until It Opens And Running Outside And Rolling In The Grass
by Jean Allen Scratching At The Door Until It Opens And Running Outside And Rolling In The Grass is the first full length album of Rochester’s local folk supergroup, Georgie. Founded by…
ROC DSA Statement on the Murders of Eryka Caldwell and Juniper Blessing
Until this murderous, genocidal intent is swept from our nation, we have a responsibility to organize and overturn the unjust systems that lead to this violence. There still exist threats to trans lives even in Seattle and Rochester which are both considered deep-blue cities. The entirety of New York State passed the Trans Safe Haven Act to protect gender affirming care and to protect trans lives. However, work continues at the federal level to strip away these protections. Work still continues to dehumanize trans lives and eradicate trans existence from our nation and from the world by any means available. That means we must continually work to uphold and protect trans lives, dignity, and freedom in the face of these attacks.
Fiume o Morte: Anti-Fascist Memory Making
by Rich J. In a small municipal park at the corner of South and Alexander, there is a statue of city namesake Nathaniel Rochester. The space itself is more of a neighborhood…
Getting Grounded: Comments on ZAP (the Rochester Zoning Alignment Project)
by Elizabeth Henderson As temperatures seesaw and heavy rains cause Lake Ontario levels to swell, Rochester is releasing the final draft of the revised Zoning code for public scrutiny. How humans behave…
Fund Our Community, Not Cops
Given all this, it is absurd that the City budget dedicates more than one-quarter – nearly $190 million – to this broken system. We know there are better alternatives available. We know that if we provide adequate housing, food, and other necessities; when we implement robust mental health and crisis interventions, that crime will be reduced. Not every public safety issue requires a response from an officer with a gun.
Protecting Ourselves from Our Governor
by Xanthe (Xan) Plymale and Jean-Paul Klem
Direct action heats up New York’s budget season this year as we approach Hochul’s bid for reelection. On Tuesday March 25, about 100 activists blockaded the State St entrance to the NYS Capital, demanding the passage of NY4All, a bill which would protect our immigrant neighbors.