Ocasio-Cortez Addresses Crowd in Syracuse

On September 28, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) spoke at All Saints Church in Syracuse, New York. She cautioned her audience that some “people” and “cynics” aim to sow discord among Democrats, especially in relation to their support for immigrant and transgender communities.

During her speech, which was intended to be a “private” gathering, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of voter turnout ahead of the midterm elections. She commended the community for standing against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“The power of community organizing,” she noted, referring to local efforts that successfully advocated for the release of two individuals detained by ICE, “showed that when we unite, we can protect our community and keep us together.”

She expressed concern that “people” and “cynics”—likely referring to Republicans—are attempting to demobilize efforts to promote unity through “cynical narratives from the right” that create divisions among allies, like immigrants and transgender individuals.

As is often the case with some leftists, she seemed to blend together legal and illegal immigration issues. Inside the church, a sign welcomed “immigrants” and “refugees.”

Ocasio-Cortez also reminded those present that Democrats should not take their House seats for granted, saying, “The goal here is not just to persuade conservative voters but to expand the electorate.”

This church had previously held a “pride mass” this past summer, which proclaimed the rainbow as a “beautiful” emblem of God’s diversity. Interestingly, the Bible describes the rainbow as a promise from God to never again flood the Earth, an event depicted in Genesis as a response to human corruption.

Yet, churchgoers appeared to overlook this biblical context, as they applauded the display of pride flags at the event.

Ocasio-Cortez has addressed audiences in religious settings before. Most recently, she spoke at the National Baptist Convention in Orlando, Florida, where she employed scriptural language to advocate for her secular, progressive ideals.

She remarked, “We said we must have the faith of a mustard seed. We must organize anyway.” She referenced a significant legal change in Utah as a result of grassroots organizing, expressing her amazement at how divine influence can align with progressive political movements.