In George Orwell’s seminal 1984, the three slogans of the so-called Ministry of Truth are:
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
The dystopian novel, which came out in 1949, warns of the consequences of dictatorship, mass surveillance, and repression. And here we are. Or rather, here I am, a liberal who bleeds blue in a state governed by Ron DeSantis who boasts about freedom while
enacting a Don’t Say Gay law
pushing a 6 week abortion ban
rejecting Black history AP studies
So what kind of freedom are we talking about, governor? One that erases free thought, rejects the truth, and removes a woman’s right to choose? You can’t fool me. It is my duty as a citizen to fight for real freedom, to fight repression and injustice.
And now, on to the rest of the month:
April 2 Palm Sunday
April 5 Passover begins at sundown.
April 9 Easter
Vegan chocolate Easter bunnies make wonderful gifts. Real bunnies, adorable as they are, aren’t gift material. They’re real, living, breathing, needy creatures, as we all are.
April 13 6pm ET Free online event -- Get Happy! Plant-based Foods to Boost Your Mood
Chocolate makes us happy! So do mushrooms, nuts, beans and leafy greens. Cook alongside vegan Chef Ellen Kanner as she demonstrates easy, delectable recipes using all these foods to raise your spirits. Class is free and virtual, hosted by the Pinecrest branch of Miami-Dade Public Library. Registration is required and space is limited, so sign up now.
April 18
This was the historic date in 1775 commemorated in the Longfellow poem, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere,” when Paul Revere and others warned the colonists that British troops were invading to shut down rebellion. What would you do today to uphold American democracy?
At the very least, you can pay your taxes. As Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society.” Coincidentally, today is also tax deadline day. Y’all get a day or two’s grace, as April 15 falls on a Saturday, but as a CPA’s wife, I’m beggin’ ya — file your taxes in a timely manner. Our democracy depends on it.
April 20 6pm ET Free online event -- Let's Do (Plant-based) Brunch!
Give your favorite brunch dishes a plant-based spin. Vegan chef Ellen Kanner shares recipes for a brunch worth getting out of bed for. Class is free and virtual, hosted by the Pinecrest branch of Miami-Dade Public Library. Registration is required and space is limited, so sign up now.
April 22 Earth Day!
Show the planet some love.
Be plantbased
Be organic
Organize a vegan Earth Day march
Join an event like SoFloVegans’ Heal the Planet Day
Plant a pollinator-friendly garden
Recycle
Compost
April 28 - May 7 New Orleans Jazz Fest
I so appreciate you calling it! Thank you for keeping a focus on what we need to be aware of!