Some ideas, no matter how awful, have an unfortunately long shelf life. I first learned about REX 84 in a college history class back in the early 1990s. Although it shocked and surprised me then, the memory of it resurfaced again during Trump's first term as the cruelty of the family separation policy played out on the southern border. Now, of course, it takes on renewed meaning with Project 2025 plans to "turbocharge" deportations and silence any opposition and dissent. The following is an excerpt from a book called Break-Ins, Death Threats, and the FBI: The Covert War Against the Central American Movement by Ross Gelbspan. (p. 184)
Essentially, what is being put into place as I write this is nothing new but should be deeply concerning and have us in a "All Hands On Deck" mode.
The eight-year dumpster fire of the Reagan presidency is the backdrop of my book. He got away with a lot of shit, but as I outline and emphasize, there was tremendous social, political, and artistic resistance that kept the worst tendencies of that administration in check. To be honest, I don't have much faith that we can avoid what is about to happen to our country. However, to help me cope (and hope) I've been leaning on the stories I researched for my book of people and organizations who were determined not to bow to injustice, lies, and corruption.
Can we summon that same spirit?
Book Update:
Currently, my manuscript is in the final proofread stage. It has been a five month process of editing, layout and design, securing image rights, and obtaining testimonial "blurbs" for the front and back cover. After the final proofread, I'll receive some printed copies to look over and approve. Because my project is coinciding with the holidays, I was told that there could be a backlog and my book could be ready for purchase either mid-December or early January. At any rate, I am very excited to share it with you. As soon as a release date is known, I will do a cover reveal and share details for an in-person event. I plan to make my book available to purchase directly from my website, where I'll be able to keep the lion's share of the royalties. You'll be able to order from your favorite independent bookstore as well.
As always, thanks again for all the encouragement throughout this whole process. It's been ten years since I first started writing and four years since I created this website to share the journey with you.
Oh! I would love it if you followed me on Bluesky. I'll continue to write longer posts and share videos here on the website, but I'll be more active over there:
Stay strong and steady like these Pedro boys,
-Scott
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