Hard Knock Radio Hosts Critical Discussion on HR 9495 and the Fight for Civil Rights with Lara Kiswani and Ethel Long-Scott

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On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D delved into a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to civil liberties in the United States—House Resolution Bill HR 9495. This bill, if passed, could grant the executive branch the authority to label and target nonprofit organizations as terrorist groups based on their advocacy for issues like police brutality or Palestinian rights. This could have wide-reaching consequences for organizations and individuals engaged in activism, particularly those advocating for marginalized communities.

Joining Davey D for this critical conversation were Lara Kiswani, Executive Director of the Arab Resource Organizing Center (AROC), and Ethel Long-Scott, a long-time human rights advocate and leader at the Women’s Economic Agenda Project (WEAP). Together, they offered invaluable insights into the significance of this bill and its potential to reshape activism in the U.S.

### HR 9495: A Threat to Nonprofit Advocacy and Free Speech

Davey D opened the discussion by highlighting the alarming nature of HR 9495, which seeks to empower the government to target nonprofits involved in political advocacy, labeling them as “terrorist organizations” with little to no evidence. The bill’s vague language has raised concerns across a variety of activist communities, as it could open the door for increased surveillance, harassment, and suppression of political speech.

Lara Kiswani discussed the historical context and bipartisan nature of the bill, emphasizing how it targets Palestinian solidarity movements as part of a broader trend to silence dissent. She explained that the bill’s introduction reflects a growing bipartisan effort to suppress movements that challenge the status quo, including those fighting for Palestinian rights, Black Lives Matter, and other marginalized groups. “This is a test run for broader authoritarian control,” Kiswani warned, urging activists and organizations to remain vigilant in opposing such legislation.

### A Wider Strategy of Silencing Dissent

Kiswani pointed out that the ongoing criminalization of Palestinian solidarity movements is not just about targeting one group but is part of a broader strategy to quash any challenge to the political and economic systems in place. She explained that the same tactics used to suppress Palestinian advocacy in the 1980s have now expanded to include other communities of color and working-class groups. These efforts, she argued, could embolden further attacks on organizations advocating for racial justice, labor rights, and other progressive causes.

Ethel Long-Scott expanded on this point, recalling the historical tactics used to undermine movements like the Black Panther Party and SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) in the past. She compared the current political climate to the “second imposition of Jim Crow,” noting the deeply entrenched links between capitalism, government, and the suppression of civil rights. Long-Scott stressed that understanding these historical precedents is crucial for resisting today’s efforts to silence progressive voices.

### The Anti-Fascist Nature of the Palestinian Struggle

Both guests emphasized the anti-fascist core of the Palestinian struggle, which they framed as part of a broader global movement against authoritarianism. Kiswani pointed out that Palestinian solidarity is inherently aligned with anti-fascist principles, drawing parallels to struggles for racial justice in the U.S. and Indigenous sovereignty movements. “The Palestinian movement is an essential part of an anti-fascist political program,” she said, urging that if we are serious about defeating fascism, we must recognize and support the Palestinian struggle as integral to this fight.

In this context, HR 9495 and similar legislative efforts are not just attacks on one community but part of a larger campaign to suppress all forms of resistance, particularly those rooted in anti-colonial and anti-imperialist ideologies. Long-Scott also echoed this sentiment, highlighting how this moment calls for a unified movement across class, race, and nationality lines, stressing that “it’s not just history repeating itself, but it’s at a higher level now.”

### The Importance of Building Unity and Political Education

As the conversation deepened, both guests discussed the importance of base-building and political education in countering the growing threat of authoritarianism. Long-Scott emphasized that political education must be a core component of any resistance effort, urging activists to focus not only on resistance but on offering a clear political vision that can unify people from all walks of life. “It’s about building solidarity and knowing that we are all in this together,” she stated.

Kiswani also underscored the importance of understanding the political landscape and engaging with communities at the grassroots level to build a more robust and widespread resistance. She noted that while the fight against HR 9495 and other bills may seem daunting, there is power in collective action. “We need to show up and build relationships that allow us to act when these attacks come,” she said.

### Taking Action: How to Get Involved

For those looking to take action, Kiswani encouraged listeners to visit the AROC website (araborganizing.org) to learn more about their work and how to support efforts to oppose HR 9495. AROC is also involved in pushing back against harmful legislation and advocating for Palestinian rights through local and national organizing.

Long-Scott similarly urged listeners to remain vigilant and involved in both local and national organizing efforts, particularly around labor movements and community solidarity. She emphasized that while the political situation may seem bleak, there is still an opportunity to build a united front to fight for justice, peace, and freedom for all marginalized communities.

### Conclusion: Standing Together for Justice

The conversation concluded with a call for unity and resilience in the face of growing repression. As both guests noted, the struggle against fascism and authoritarianism is not just about defending specific communities but about ensuring the survival of civil liberties for all. Whether it’s through organizing against harmful bills like HR 9495 or building solidarity with international movements like Palestinian solidarity, the fight for justice is interconnected and must be fought together.

By standing in solidarity with each other, we can confront the rising tide of fascism and protect the rights of all communities to speak out and fight for their futures.

To learn more about AROC’s work or take action, visit [araborganizing.org](https://araborganizing.org).

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

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