Annika Freeling
Annika Freeling was a member of University of Puget Sound Students for a Democratic Society.[1]
'U.S hands off Iran'
On April 14, 2024 in Tollefson Plaza, approximately 30 protesters gathered in Tacoma to demand “U.S hands off Iran” at a rally called for by several New Students for a Democratic Society chapters (SDS).
As activists began to gather at Tollefson Plaza, they chanted, “We demand justice, we demand peace! U.S. out of the Middle East!” Students and community members then gave speeches to condemn the provocation of Iran by the U.S. and Israel, amid the ongoing genocide being committed by Israel in Palestine.
SDS chapters present included the University of Puget Sound Students for a Democratic Society, School of the Arts Tacoma Students for a Democratic Society, the University of Washington Seattle Progressive Student Union, and the University of Washington Tacoma Progressive Student Union.
Xanat Romo, a member of School of the Arts Tacoma Students for a Democratic Society, added “Israel is starting to realize that the United States is steadily growing weaker and unstable and soon, they won't have the one of the world’s most hellish empires backing them up. Israel is starting to realize that whatever they get from the U.S. now is the most they’ll be getting.”
Annika Freeling, a member of University of Puget Sound Students for a Democratic Society, continued as to why the decline of U.S. imperialism has led to Israel’s genocidal aggression. She explained, “they’re scared that they can no longer launch air strikes on other countries without consequence. They know the time of their dominance is ending. This is why they were scared of Yemen; this is why they were scared of Lebanon, and most of all, this is why they were scared of Palestine.”
Talison Crosby, a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization said, “This is a critical moment in history. The U.S. empire is declining. It's trying desperately to maintain its hegemonic grip, but the people of the world are not having it. The people want freedom and national liberation!”
As speeches wrapped up, Mantak Singh, a member of University of Washington Seattle Progressive Student Union, took to the stage to encourage attendees to join the march on the Democratic National Convention planned for August 19, stating, “The Democratic Party has shown itself, especially in the past few months, to be more than willing to continue and further arm the genocide in Gaza.”
Singh continued, “This is why we are planning to march on the Democratic National Convention come August. In Chicago, the Democratic Party, with all their donors, delegates and politicians will descend on the city to coronate Genocide Joe as their nominee once again. They are going to celebrate themselves, clap themselves on the back, and prepare for another four years of arming a genocide.”[2]
Anti-Kilmer rally
According to Talison Crosby, on Wednesday, February 21 2024, over 100 students and community members gathered to protest a lecture by a Washington state representative, Derek Kilmer, hosted by the University of Puget Sound. Kilmer was originally scheduled to speak at 7 p.m., however, he never got the opportunity after protesters flooded the auditorium and took the stage.
Killmer's record was laid bare in a statement prepared by members of University of Puget Sound Students for a Democratic Society:
“We requested that the university revoke the invitation” said Lauren Garelick, student and founding member of UPS SDS. “UPS’s President Isaiah Crawford refused to do so.”
The connection between the Israeli occupational forces and police in the U.S. was articulated by UPS SDS member Clem Russel, “As a comrade shouting ‘Free Palestine’ was dragged out of Dallas City Hall on Valentine's Day this past week, the cop apprehending them replied ‘we learned this from Israel.’”
“We replaced a pro-genocide speaker with a group of students all stomping their feet and demanding better,” said UPS SDS member Annika Freeling. “Those moments on the stage showed just how much power we have when we unite.”[3]