A local chapter of the radical organization, Democratic Socialists of America, is demanding the Pullman City Council adopt its resolution calling for a “Ceasefire and an End to Occupation and Apartheid in Palestine.”

Some background on the DSA: The national organization’s website specifically lists defunding the police, pushing the Green New Deal and replacing a capitalist society with socialism as goals.

The local chapter has presence on social media. They have two posts trying to get people to show up to Pullman City Council meetings to demand the city to pass the resolution. The social media also has photos from their events. In case you might think only the national organization is radical, the local chapter has a photo on their social media showing a sign which reads “abolish prisons.”

This is a radical position. Having a place to hold those who harm innocent members of our society is a good thing. I would love to know where the DSA plans to place those who murder, pillage, and torch. Maybe there is a better idea than a secure facility that keeps those people separated from the rest of society, but simply abolishing prisons isn’t the answer.

It was pointed out by a local news source that it appears one member of our city council is a member of the local chapter of the DSA. The social media for the local chapter of the DSA shows pictures of members at events. One of the people who has been in more than one of the photos is Pullman city councilor Carla de Lira. Let me be clear, I believe that in America people can freely associate and there is nothing wrong with belonging to a group that aligns with your beliefs.

In addition, just because someone appears in group photos doesn’t mean they are a member. Again, even if she is a member there nothing wrong with it. The specific point I am making is the possibility that she is using her position of power to push forward DSA’s agenda. I am not sure that is OK unless it is clearly announced during the city council meeting. Or better yet, recusing oneself from the topic involving the group.

The members of the DSA showed up the Pullman City Council meeting earlier this month to demand that Pullman set an agenda item to adopt their ill-conceived and false-narrative resolution.

De Lira stated that her constituents want a resolution “which calls for state and federal public officials to push for an immediate permanent cease fire and end to the US Military aid to Israel that funds the escalating humanitarian crisis.” When you listen to the recording of her words you might think you are listening to something that is happening on the national stage, not something from the council chambers in Pullman.

Mayor Francis Benjamin spoke against this resolution and cited many realities. First, he said Pullman should be a welcoming community for everyone. He pointed out the resolution picks winners and losers. He pointed out that similar resolutions have been proposed in other communities and it brought division in the community. He states that as mayor his focus is on this community.

I believe all the members on Pullman City Council should also have the same focus.

Trymaine Gaither, one of Pullman’s newest city councilors, pointed out that the resolution isn’t balanced. He said it ignores the hostages and the October 2023 attack of the civilians. More importantly, he points out that the resolution goes beyond the appropriate scope of Pullman city government. He further stated the resolution creates a perception of partisanship that is inappropriate for a nonpartisan local government. He also mentioned what Benjamin said, that this issue has torn other cities apart.

Despite these facts, de Lira brought forth the motion to put this resolution on the agenda. It would appear that pushing the agenda of an organization that she frequents is more important that the Pullman community.

Despite her pushing this resolution, it could have died there; however, councilor Eric Fejeran seconded the motion. Both of these city councilmembers ignored the Pullman community in favor of pushing the demands of the radicals. The resolution appears on the agenda of Tuesday’s city council meeting.

The division that the city faced with the downtown project is still very fresh. There are still hurt feelings over that local issue. There is absolutely zero need to have a do-nothing resolution brought to city council that will cause further division.

This resolution will do nothing on the national and even less on the international stage. Adopting this resolution pushed by the Palouse chapter of the radical Democratic Socialists of America organization would amount to nothing more that virtue signaling. This will unnecessarily cause division among Pullman citizens.

Now the community will have to battle itself. The members of the community will have to take sides which will lead to further division within the city. I hope members of the community show up in droves, pack council chambers, and explain to the DSA this resolution is garbage and city council shouldn’t even be wasting its time.

Anderson was the co-host and producer of the award-winning conservative talk radio show before hanging up the headphones. Earning a degree in Philosophy helped further sharpen his renowned logic. He has a superb sense of right and wrong and advocates educating people instead of controlling them. When he is not performing computer programming he may be seen helping and volunteering in the community. He loves feedback at crier@cityofpullman.com.