Fear

Hi, it’s me, Jonah, the baritone saxophonist. Remember?

I’ve been feeling pretty fearful lately.

• I’m afraid my spouse will be arrested in the street for not being white or American.

• I’m afraid I’m not doing enough to oppose this latest onslaught of state-sponsored injustice.

• I’m afraid that established media outlets like The New York Times are more interested in justifying the status quo than in reporting the news accurately.

• I’m afraid that social media chooses the most sensational voice over the one closest to the experience.

• I’m afraid that the government sponsored violence occurring on the streets of Minneapolis is a feature not a bug of American-Style Democracy.

• I’m afraid that if I log off social media I will be turning my back on suffering inflicted on my behalf.

• I’m afraid that the only reason I’m worried I’m not doing enough is because I care too much about what people think of me.

• I’m afraid of giving up on the country where I was born, and what that means about my loyalty to the people who can’t.

• I’m afraid that if things get a little better, everyone will forget. I’m afraid I will too.

• I’m afraid that in the end this fight and all other fights will be erased by the results of human caused climate change, and we will wonder how we squandered so much time.

Sometimes saying your fears out loud can weaken their grip. I’ve been feeling paralyzed. I think this is helping a little. If you’ve been feeling the same way, maybe you’ll try it too. You can email them to me if you want. The next step is accepting the fear and taking action.

If you’re interested, there have been calls for a nationwide shutdown this Friday January 30 to protest ICE. This is building momentum towards a future general strike, and any kind of participation makes a difference. Perhaps, those who can’t stop all activity for the day, can contribute by choosing not to shop.

Read more here: nationalshutdown.org

Speaking of shopping, for the remainder of January, if you buy any of my We Jazz Records releases (the 5 most recent), they will donate 25% to support mutual aid in Gaza, The Red Cross in Ukraine and marine ecosystem protection in The Baltic Sea. In addition, starting today, I will match that 25% with a donation to Mutual Aid Organizations in Minneapolis. So many battles all at once. All are worthy.

Find the music here: jonahpj.bandcamp.com

If you live in New York, and you’re interested in gathering to support the release of a powerful protest album by Public Speaking (out this week), I will be playing a duo set with Matthew Ryals (modular synth) at C’Mon Everybody for their album release show on February 11.

Find tickets here: link.dice.fm/E5142c0121b3?dice_id=E5142c0121b3

Let’s keep going,
Jonah