On June 8, I posted a call-to-action regarding a portion of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, and today intended to post an update. Well, I’m embarrassed to admit to being utterly confused about its status. I’ve spent the past half-hour trying to track down what has and hasn’t happened yet and the only thing I can say with certainty is that it’s not a done deal. Also? I believe that the Section 224 mentioned earlier is now Section 219. Either way, they are both known as the “United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative.” Whatever the section number, it’s an absolutely horrifying initiative. I came across several posts on social media saying a vote is expected before the electeds leave for their July recess, so if you’re able please do reach out to your representatives both in the House and Senate. My earlier post stated the House had already passed its version but according to this Military.com article, it’s back. There’s very little info out there so I apologize for the confusion and welcome the scoop if you have it! My linked post has contact info for Senate and here’s how you can find your Representative in the House.

Before  I move onto the next topic, here’s a view from First Beach in Forks where Zippy and spent some windy time on Saturday. A visual palate cleanser, if you will.

Okay, we’re moving onto the Prairieland Defendants. Don’t feel bad in case you haven’t heard about them because the Democrats who should be screaming from the rooftops about their sentencing yesterday have, with the exception of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, been silent. Here’s a quick summary:

• The Prairieland Detention Center is in Alvarado, Texas.
• On July 4, 2025, activists gathered to protest the detention and inhumane treatment of those inside. They created a “noise demonstration” which is a way to let those incarcerated know that people on the outside haven’t forgotten them. They set off fireworks.
• A few protesters broke away and spray-painted graffiti on employees’ cars and a security post, slashed the tires on a government van and broke a security camera. The facility’s guards ordered the protesters to disperse, and most of them did. When a police officer arrived at the scene, drawing his gun, an armed protester shot her rifle, hitting the officer in the shoulder. The officer survived.
• A total of 19 people were arrested, including partners and roommates who hadn’t even been in Alvarado.
• There was a trial and after three weeks, a jury found eight of the nine activists guilty of “providing material support to terrorists”, and other “crimes” such as owning a printing press used to print zines, and for belonging to a “leftist” book club. Also? The people who owned the printing press had left before guns were drawn.
• Yesterday was federal sentencing day for the Prairieland Defendants.
• Benjamin Song who fired a gun at the police officer was sentenced to 100 years in prison by Judge Mark Pittman. You can read Song’s statement here.
• Maricela Rueda was sentenced to 70 years by Judge Mark Pittman.
• Zachary Evetts was sentenced to 50 years by Chief District Judge Reed O’Connor.
• Savanna Batten was sentenced to 50 years by Chief District Judge Reed O’Connor.
• Autumn Hill was sentenced to 50 years by Chief District Judge Reed O’Connor.
• Elizabeth Soto was sentenced to 50 years by Judge Mark Pittman.
• Meagan Morris was sentenced to 50 years by Judge Mark Pittman.
• Daniel “Des” Rolando Sanchez Estrada was sentenced to 30 years by Chief District Judge Reed O’Connor. (He wasn’t at the demonstration and was convicted of “moving a box of zines.”)
• 3 more Prairieland Defendants will receive sentencing on July 1.
• 20 more people have state charges related to this case and will be tried in the future.

A combined 450 years in prison. Classic authoritarian fear-mongering. This is all part of the regime’s effort to stamp out “antifa” which, as you know, is shorthand for “anti-fascist.” Sorry, but if you’re not antifa, you’re a fascist and/or fascist sympathizer. The Prairieland Defendants are people you know. I’m anti-fascist. I make zines (and never even considered being sentenced to 30 years in prison for doing so). I also protest wrong and inhumane policies. I read all sorts of “leftist” books. Maybe you do all or some of these things, too.

I’m at a loss for words and really don’t know what else to say except that this outcome should horrify all of us. And if the “opposition” party remains silent on this rather than demanding/promising, at minimum, clemency for all once a Democrat is in the White House, they are worse than worthless. They are complicit and are enabling fascism. Clemency for Prairieland Defendants is an absolute must for any presidential candidate.

Here are some links including PrairielandDefendants.com where you can read more about the people involved, write letters, donate, keep current with info regarding the state trials, etc. Here’s another Guardian article in addition to one linked above. Please share links if you’ve found other good articles.

Thank you for reading this far. Solidarity!✊🏽