January 2026

1619 Group Reflects on Politics, Climate, and Democratic Strain

By Richard Myers
Posted: 01/23/2026

The 1619: Lingering Imprint Discussion Group met Friday, January 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM PST.  There was no formal agenda for this session.
The participants engaged in a lively discussion about current events and the current political climate in the country.  

Discussion included:

1.  Immigration policies and enforcement.
          Of particular concern was the ICE presence in the LA Garment District the day prior. There appeared to be no purpose other than to intimidate vendors and shoppers. No arrests or other actions were noted. Additional concerns included the recent arrests of 7 Pasadena residents who were released from custody without being charged with anything. The targeting of day labor hubs was also noted.

2.   Climate Change Denial.
       The continued denial of climate change and the reversal of climate protections was noted. Particular concern was the renewed interest in fossil fuels and their use.

3.   Erosion of democratic institutions as we have known them was discussed.

4.   Lack of integrity and accountability in those in public service was noted.

5.   Healthcare policy changes
       Particular concern were the recent changes in nutritional recommendations which do not seem based on clear scientific research and vaccination recommendations.

6.   Qualifications for public service.
       Concerns were expressed about appointments of individuals to roles for which they had no background or training.

       During the course of the discussion of these matters, one of our participants made the comment that we have never seen such a time before. As I  thought about that, I realized that it is not true. From the early 20th century up to the midcentury, we saw an absolute reign of terror where people were           taken from their homes and lynched. Masked man paraded by thousands in te streets of our Capitol in Washington. In addition to that we had the Japanese internment and the Chinese Exclusion Act. There are many more such incidents in our history that we need to be aware of and deal with the          consequences of, this the “lingering imprint.”

        The following book was recommended:
              "Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again" (2020)
               Robert D. Putnam and Shaylyn Romney Garrett

               The book addresses the fragmented movement from the Gilded Age to  "we" thinking. It explores the historical consistency of the "We- I" pattern in                economic inequality.

        While not discussed in the meeting, another recent book offers a similar analysis of the Gilded Age and inequality:
               "Placeless: Homelessness in the New Gilded Age" (2025)
                Patrick Marked

                The book explores  homelessness as a tragic, yet, inevitable consequence of shifts  in economic patterns, inequality and racism.

                Additionally, Robert Reich's Facebook post on the importance of engagement, mobilization and local organization was noted. The link to the post was sent after the meeting.

The next meeting will be February 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM PST. We are looking forward to a great presentation from a visitor but must confirm details before details can be dispersed. More information will be sent upon confirmation.