Thank you, Mary, for your thoughts and tireless energy toward sharing them!! Thanks for the guidance and giving clear voice to the thoughts that so many of us have but lack your facility in putting those thoughts forward in such an articulate manner!
The Rx you offer is spot on. But let us not romanticize by thinking it’s people assembled in the park singing “Bella Ciao.” What you outline is the more difficult action and not without risk.
One potential I fear as this progresses, federal agents will become more emboldened. The raid in Chicago will seem almost quaint. The “Kavanaugh stop” a clear violation of the 4th Amendment (I live in NM with a lot of Hispanic Americans) will exacerbate. Seditious libel will become a thing costing those outspoken jobs or even confinement. Joining the federal forces may be the “Rittenhouse punks.” Essentially vigilantes stoked by the rhetoric, armed, spoiling for trouble. The Civil Rights movement succeeded but not without cost. John Lewis, if alive, would remind us. The Freedom Riders from the north experienced violence, in some cases homicide. What is true then and now, when the true Americans saw the violence the they spoke out.
I would much prefer the Republicans call bull shit on Trump. I understand they have their agenda, Project 2025 is it. But the price if they persist? It will consume all Dem, Republican, the politically disaffected.. The 25th Amendment would be a start, I’m just not holding my breath.
If you don't earn a journalism award for this, it will have been robbery. Between the call to nonviolent arms and the list of doable actions you've outdone yourself. I will share your essay far and wide.
Re the four students at the Woolworth's sit-in: and Rosa Parks was only one woman, but she also sparked a torrent of resistance.
FWIW, I was heartsick about that Chicago raid, yet they (the usual government thugs) seem to be getting away with it.
We the people at least have a few tools. While most victims of ICE and regime abuses are not in a position to file lawsuits, some are, and the judicial system occasionally prevents further abuses. Mass boycotts that affect business bottom lines have had impact. Flooding legislators and representatives with demands they stand up and fight have had some effect. Strategic donations, yard signs, urging pro-democracy friends and family to vote - these still can help. Arguing effectively against MAGA lies and propaganda is more important than ever. Not looking away (too often - breaks are essential) or “complying in advance”….
Coming up: No Kings: October 18 - numbers matter; they can’t put all of us in detention centers. Vote “Yes on 50” (CA voters): now through poll closing on November 4.
Thank you, Mary, for your thoughts and tireless energy toward sharing them!! Thanks for the guidance and giving clear voice to the thoughts that so many of us have but lack your facility in putting those thoughts forward in such an articulate manner!
A - FREAKING - MEN (And WOMEN)
Brilliant piece. I hope your fellow Americans take note.
The Rx you offer is spot on. But let us not romanticize by thinking it’s people assembled in the park singing “Bella Ciao.” What you outline is the more difficult action and not without risk.
One potential I fear as this progresses, federal agents will become more emboldened. The raid in Chicago will seem almost quaint. The “Kavanaugh stop” a clear violation of the 4th Amendment (I live in NM with a lot of Hispanic Americans) will exacerbate. Seditious libel will become a thing costing those outspoken jobs or even confinement. Joining the federal forces may be the “Rittenhouse punks.” Essentially vigilantes stoked by the rhetoric, armed, spoiling for trouble. The Civil Rights movement succeeded but not without cost. John Lewis, if alive, would remind us. The Freedom Riders from the north experienced violence, in some cases homicide. What is true then and now, when the true Americans saw the violence the they spoke out.
I would much prefer the Republicans call bull shit on Trump. I understand they have their agenda, Project 2025 is it. But the price if they persist? It will consume all Dem, Republican, the politically disaffected.. The 25th Amendment would be a start, I’m just not holding my breath.
If you don't earn a journalism award for this, it will have been robbery. Between the call to nonviolent arms and the list of doable actions you've outdone yourself. I will share your essay far and wide.
Re the four students at the Woolworth's sit-in: and Rosa Parks was only one woman, but she also sparked a torrent of resistance.
FWIW, I was heartsick about that Chicago raid, yet they (the usual government thugs) seem to be getting away with it.
We the people at least have a few tools. While most victims of ICE and regime abuses are not in a position to file lawsuits, some are, and the judicial system occasionally prevents further abuses. Mass boycotts that affect business bottom lines have had impact. Flooding legislators and representatives with demands they stand up and fight have had some effect. Strategic donations, yard signs, urging pro-democracy friends and family to vote - these still can help. Arguing effectively against MAGA lies and propaganda is more important than ever. Not looking away (too often - breaks are essential) or “complying in advance”….
Coming up: No Kings: October 18 - numbers matter; they can’t put all of us in detention centers. Vote “Yes on 50” (CA voters): now through poll closing on November 4.
It’s a long game.