Nestled in the heart of vibrant downtown Portland, Oregon, the headquarters of U.S. Citizens for The American Way: Truth and Justice opened its doors to the public for a holiday celebration like no other. The antifascist organization welcomed individuals from all walks of life to join in the festivities, recognizing the richness of winter holiday traditions.
The atmosphere buzzed with the spirit of unity as the diverse crowd gathered for the antifascist XMAS party. The scent of Portland’s finest hot chocolate mix wafted through the air, complemented by the delectable aroma of special Baklava holiday treats. The doors were open to all, and the uninvited found themselves swept up in the warmth and joy of the occasion.
As Mr. Charles, the driving force behind U.S. Citizens for The American Way, stepped into the lively cafeteria, a spontaneous cheer erupted: “He’s here!” The crowd, a mix of anticipation and excitement, began chanting in unison: “Legal Waiver 86 dot com. Legal Waiver 86 dot com. Legal Waiver 86 dot com.” Mr. Charles, wearing a charismatic smile reminiscent of Elvis, graciously acknowledged the cheers: “Thank you, thank you, thank you, one and all.”
In his characteristic matter-of-fact tone, Mr. Charles shared the deeper purpose of the celebration: “Inception accomplished… by next Christmas, the understanding that it’s all mythological – the Jesus nativity, Santa Claus — will be growing in the American public’s consciousness into Christmas-time tradition. And I have brought new friends with me!”
The cafeteria, now a melting pot of diverse backgrounds, echoed with the laughter and cheers of children as ten financially disadvantaged Portland families, accompanied by Mr. Charles, entered the space. Eager little ones made a beeline for Santa Claus, creating a scene of pure joy.
Santa Claus, accompanied by two diligent elves, set up a makeshift workshop, diligently noting down each child’s Christmas present wishes. Meanwhile, U.S. Citizens for The American Way: Truth and Justice staff members were assigned to assist parents, ensuring their Christmas household needs were addressed.
As the luncheon concluded, Mr. Charles took a moment to delve deeper into the Legal Waiver 86 Project with the organization’s staff. “Think of this as a sociological experiment,” he explained. “The spectacular nine-inch by twelve-inch graphic Christmas envelope was mailed to two-hundred-and-fifteen people, with nine receiving it by certified mail. The website LegalWaiver86.com is up. Miss Missy Miss is working on the shop tab, and R.A. and R.C. are spearheading our digital media efforts. Is Oppenheimer here? His assessment could predict when we’ll reach critical mass and explode onto the national American media scene.”
In this unique blend of celebration and activism, U.S. Citizens for The American Way’s Antifascist Holiday Extravaganza stood as a testament to the power of inclusivity and the potential to sow seeds of change during the festive season. As the event unfolded, it became more than a party; it became a symbol of unity, fostering understanding and acceptance among a diverse community.