Schiff Happens

On the third Wednesday of each month, a vigil is held outside Congressman Adam Schiff's Pasadena office (North Raymond & Holly) from 12 to 1. Due to redistricting, Schiff, who currently represents areas including Pasadena, South Pasadena, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Temple City, Monterey Park, Burbank, and parts of Glendale, will soon “represent” La Canada Flintridge, Glendale, Burbank, Echo Park, Silver Lake, Hollywood, and West Hollywood. This vigil will continue up to and after the redistricting goes into effect in January 2013, organizers say.

In 2002, Schiff voted to give President Bush powers to invade Iraq--despite very large protests held outside his office beforehand. Those of us present at the demonstrations foresaw scenarios like these (click on images to enlarge):

Recently, he has talked of an orderly U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan but has not followed through with any concrete actions. However, some of his current constituents are thankful for his recently introducing a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United.

Nine people turned out for the June 2012 vigil. Other issues addressed included universal healthcare (via Congressman Conyers's Medicare for All Act), support for Representative Pete Stark's Save Our Climate Act, and job creation (via Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act and Representative Conyers's 21st Century Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment and Training Act, which would establish the National Full Employment Trust Fund to create employment opportunities for the unemployed). In regards to Afghanistan, Congresswoman Barbara Lee has introduced HR 780, which would fund an orderly withdraw.

The vigil is organized by local members of Progressive Democrats of America.