Sunrise Movement: It’s Our Generation and Our Lives at Risk

Latest

Editor’s note: These are excerpts from Varshini of the Sunrise Movement writing about President Biden’s State of the Union address.

Protesters holding a sign that reads: Biden No Votes for Fossil Fuels
Photo / Sunrise Movement Facebook page

We wanted Biden to be the best President on climate when young people elected him in 2020. We need him to be because it’s our generation and our lives at risk. And look, we still think he can be this President, but there is a massive course correction this administration must take to get there.

It makes sense that our movement feels disillusioned. We’ve gone through a year of working our asses off, just for our government to disappoint. It’s hard. We had really high hopes for what would happen . . .

A few takeaways from our state of the union:

One, we are strong.

Two, this isn’t a huge surprise to us … we knew [their] strategy of moderatism and “relationships” wouldn’t work, and now we know for sure that the “adults in the room” should be listening to us, not their glass door consultants.

And the last thing I want us to hold is that we still believe in the vision we’re fighting for.

Our shot at collective liberation and even just a livable planet relies on us acting, even if our government does not. It relies on our faith in the movement and the work we’re doing, even if at times it can get really hard. And it relies on us leaning on our community when things get hard and bringing them into the fold as we still charge ahead.

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘We Need Urgent Global Climate Action’

Eighty-nine percent of people worldwide want their governments to do more to address the global climate crisis. Conference on tipping points says situation is urgent. Meanwhile U.S. govt does more to boost fossil fuel forms of energy.

May Day 2025: United We Will Win

International Worker’s Day is celebrated on May 1st around the world. Today, the entire U.S. working class, of which immigrants comprise an integral part, is under attack. The defense of immigrants is vital to the defense of the entire working class.

White School Officer Pepper-sprayed and Kneed Black Beaumont, TX Student, Complaint says. Will Feds Act?

A 6-second video, recorded by a teacher and reviewed by the Texas Observer, shows an officer grabbing a student’s hair, kneeing her in the face, and knocking the 100-pound girl on her back.

Pope Francis Dies After Easter Plea to End War in Gaza

"In his final public message, Pope Francis decried the “terrible conflict” in Gaza.

Bring Union Brother Kilmar Home: His Deportation Is an Attack on All of Us

The deportation of union brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a gut punch to the labor movement, a slap in the face to every worker who dares to organize.

More from the People's Tribune