Last month, three dozen people gathered at the Noe Valley Ministry, all clad in black, as they silently filed into the front pews of the venue.
Accompanied by the solemn strains of a cello played by Hans Kolbe, a long-time international business consultant and community activist, the atmosphere set the tone for a poignant event designed to lament the perceived loss of justice in the United States.
This event was inspired by European protesters who marched in silence in 2020, voicing opposition against judicial repression in Poland.
As the participants settled in, other attendees trickled in, exchanging warm greetings, hugs, and lively gossip near the snack table.
Some tried to join the discussion via Zoom, but technical difficulties hindered their participation.
When the event commenced and the speakers began their dialogues, the pews were filled with community members eager to learn about emerging threats to democracy.
Prominent figures in the discussion included attorney Steven Taylor, retired judge Suzanne Ramos Bolanos, and sitting judges Linda Colfax and Michael Begert.
During a pivotal moment, the moderator posed a question regarding the greatest threat to the judiciary.
Judge Michael Begert expressed concern that a lack of credibility within the judiciary, both with the public and authorities, poses a serious danger.
Judge Linda Colfax elaborated that judges are trained to make independent decisions to best interpret laws, yet retired Judge Bolanos noted that politicians who label judges as corrupt can severely undermine public trust.
As the conversation progressed, the floor opened for public commentary, allowing Kolbe to voice his apprehensions.
He cautioned that the community might be underestimating the gravity of the situation, invoking memories of his youth in post-war Germany.
Drawing a parallel between historical intimidation tactics and the current environment, he warned of the chilling effects such political discourse could have on judicial decisions.
Kolbe recounted his childhood spent among the ruins of bombed buildings, highlighting how deeply rooted fears can emerge from history.
His call to action was not just for the community but for the judges themselves to remain vigilant against the erosion of justice.
“We wanted this to be a wake-up call for all of us,” Kolbe shared with a sense of urgency.
Known for his community activism, Kolbe, who has lived in San Francisco for over three decades and has made significant contributions to local issues such as street cleanliness and legal matters, communicated his concerns with a courteous demeanor, thanking the judges individually after the event.
He expressed his hope that gatherings like this would initiate ongoing dialogues rather than fleeting demonstrations.
Reflecting on the state of political activism, Kolbe posed rhetorical questions about the effectiveness of large marches and trivial gestures, pondering how they translate into real change.
“I march here with 50,000 people. Does that move the needle?” he asked wryly, before highlighting the challenges of political burnout among his peers.
While he encouraged potential strategies to engage younger individuals in activism, he jokingly speculated that perhaps appealing forms of entertainment could reinvigorate interest.
At the July event, organizers made a deliberate effort to include younger voices, inviting someone under 60 to contribute to the discussion.
The selected young man expressed frustration regarding the sluggish pace of governmental processes, likening it to waiting for pages to load in an outdated web browser.
In a poignant moment, a mother, whose children attended San Francisco public schools in the mid-90s, brought attention to the fact that many communities of color have long experienced urgency in addressing these issues.
Her voice resonated within the predominantly White audience, particularly in a neighborhood characterized by high income levels.
Kolbe expressed gratitude for her contribution, recognizing the significance of diverse perspectives within these conversations.
Despite Noe Valley seeming like an unlikely epicenter for a national movement, the community remains committed to making a difference locally.
During their latest meeting, they discussed various strategies for defending immigrant rights, such as observing corners for ICE activity and hiring day laborers.
In a positive turn of events, Kolbe shared that technological issues from the previous meeting had been resolved, noting that the Zoom connection functioned adequately, though sound quality still needed improvement.
As the group continues their efforts to engage with pressing social issues, the atmosphere remains hopeful in the face of growing challenges to justice and democracy.
image source from：missionlocal
