LA DSA condemns lawmaker for accepting endorsement from pro-Israel group
Nithya Raman Censured by Los Angeles DSA
The Democratic Socialists of America’s Los Angeles chapter took a bold step over the weekend by censuring one of its own members. The reason? A pro-Israel Democratic group endorsed her reelection bid for L.A. City Council.
In a letter sent to L.A. councilwoman Nithya Raman (D.), the DSA expressed disappointment, stating that her acceptance of support from Democrats for Israel-Los Angeles contradicted the group’s commitment to fighting imperialist capitalism and the exploitation of working people worldwide.
“This most recent action continues a pattern in which the Councilmember has avoided embracing and organizing alongside the movement, while accepting support from its enemies,” the DSA letter said.
Raman, who made history in 2020 as the first DSA member to win an L.A. City Council seat, now finds herself at odds with the organization that helped propel her into office.
Meanwhile, the DSA’s L.A. branch, which boasts three L.A. city council members, two L.A. school district trustees, and the city controller among its ranks, is facing financial challenges after its involvement in anti-Israel activities. The group is currently grappling with a $2 million budget shortfall following its “All Out for Palestine” rallies, which saw protesters displaying offensive images and cheering on terrorist “freedom fighters.”
Los Angeles’s DSA has been actively engaged in anti-Israel organizing, with a series of events and protests scheduled this week alone.
Despite the censure, the chapter has not withdrawn its endorsement of Raman. Instead, leaders are urging her to take action by pushing for a “permanent ceasefire” resolution in the L.A. City Council and rejecting the endorsement from Democrats for Israel.
Neither the DSA’s L.A. chapter, Raman, nor the Democrats for Israel-Los Angeles have responded to requests for comment.
Raman, who won her city council seat as part of a progressive wave in 2020, is now facing a tough reelection race after her district was redrawn to include more moderate areas. Her leading opponent, a deputy city attorney, has been critical of her DSA ties. However, Raman’s progressive alliances have helped her secure significant financial support from Hollywood stars like Scarlett Johansson and Tina Fey, making her the best-funded candidate.
How does the decision to censure Nithya Raman reflect the Los Angeles DSA’s commitment to solidarity with marginalized communities, including Palestinians?
Workers. The DSA argued that the endorsement undermined the organization’s mission to advocate for social and economic justice.
The controversy began when Democrats for Israel-Los Angeles (DFI-LA) announced their endorsement of Nithya Raman’s bid for reelection. As a member of the DSA, Raman’s acceptance of this endorsement sparked outrage among fellow DSA activists. Many argued that DFI-LA’s pro-Israel stance contradicts the values of the DSA, which has been vocal in its support for Palestinian rights and criticized the Israeli government’s policies towards the Palestinian people.
The decision to censure Raman was not taken lightly by the Los Angeles DSA. In its letter to Raman, the organization emphasized its commitment to solidarity with marginalized communities, including Palestinians. The DSA argued that accepting an endorsement from a group that supports a government that has been accused of human rights violations goes against the principles of justice and equality that the organization stands for.
It is important to note that the DSA’s decision to censure Raman does not mean that she has been expelled from the organization. Censure is a formal reprimand that expresses disapproval and calls attention to a member’s actions that contradict the organization’s principles. It signals that the organization does not endorse or support the actions of the individual in question.
Raman, for her part, has defended her decision to accept the endorsement, stating that she welcomes support from a wide range of groups and individuals. She acknowledges that she may not align with every position held by those who endorse her, but she believes in the importance of building coalitions and finding common ground to advance her progressive agenda.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the progressive movement when it comes to the issue of Israel and Palestine. While there are many activists and organizations that have taken a strong pro-Palestinian stance, there are also those who believe in the importance of maintaining a balance and pursuing a more nuanced approach to the conflict.
The Los Angeles DSA’s decision to censure Nithya Raman has sparked a wider debate within the organization and the progressive movement as a whole. It raises questions about the boundaries of solidarity, the role of endorsements, and the strategies for advancing progressive causes. As the movement continues to grow and evolve, these debates will undoubtedly shape its future direction and effectiveness in fighting for justice and equality.
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