I worry about a fear spiral where people are (reasonably!) worried about violent suppression of protests and thus don’t turn out to marches and rallies when in fact the larger the protest, arguably the safer it is.
I screwed up. As part of todays boycott I wasn’t going to use a credit card, but I donated to you via cc and I blew it. But I won’t regret it because it’s important work you’re doing. And, I’ll make up for my transgression in some other way.
I think its safe to say that spending money on something positive is another good way to wield your economic power. Like getting people to cancel WaPo and support the good work going on substack.
Unfortunately I agree with you. The only reason they haven’t violently suppressed any demonstrations yet is because there haven’t been any large enough yet to get national attention.
RE: ‘Surely they will not violate the norm against [X],” and then seeing that norm violated, and then putting out a statement to the shrinking press corps decrying this violation, is a week wasted.’ This was my mental state every day under the Bush 2 admin. He would do some bloodthirsty genocidal act, and I would think, ok that’s it, he is toast. And then nothing
No, you're not wrong. They don't give a damn about dead children--killed by the stupidity and cruelty of RFK, jr., or anybody who knows and cares that they HATE America. Two of the most vengeful and callous people on the planet seem to be doing a great job of destroying our government, and nobody seems to have any idea of how to stop them. I'm sure that Roberts and his "court" will do all they can to serve the New-Born "KIng" in his cardboard crown, and I hope that someday we'll all get over the craftily Trump -made fear, which is crushing decency and democracy, and that the de-throning of the traitors will happen sooner than later.
It’ll take a 3-5% threshold of the population ready to perform nonviolent civil disobedience for the fever to break, and for a sustainable oppositional movement with teeth to flourish. Right now, we’re not close. A couple of overreactions by the security state goons might get us there. Blood will be shed. We’ve never had the radical change we need without it. Buckle up.
You’re not wrong. I think it could get worse: lots of concentration camps being set up; no chance of these yahoos solving real problems; plenty of need for internal enemies. Whom they’ve already labeled the main threat.
My wife and I start weapons training Sunday. We all should—and loudly announce it. Deterrence. Hit ‘em in the 2A-capitalist. Discard reasonable concerns about guns. I share them, but the context has changed. It’s not a solution, but they will empower armed bands of yahoos to rampage before this is over. While the cops (maybe) and the Kash Patel SS (definitely) stand by and stand down.
It’ll sure help if and when roving bands of Proud Boy-types waltz by, with guns, demanding whatever. Don’t think that can’t happen. In fact, here’s your use case:
Anything that raises the costs or would threaten to helps.
Moreover, guns aside, there is simply no way this gets done without all kinds of casualties. Be Gandhian (more power to you): same thing.
Expect audits, harassment, violence. And fucking resist anyway: there is no other choice. If you woos out, you won’t be able to live with yourself.
If that enrages you, and it should, direct it at these literal world-destroying lunatics who will physics-guaranteed destroy your children’s (the species’) future.
I had not seen that story - thanks. We'll see a lot more of this, from both sides of the spectrum. Trump will encourage his vigilantes, either with dog whistle statements or who knows maybe just outright offer support and more pardons for whatever they do. Then he'll announce he is saving the taxpayers money by getting volunteer yahoos to "save the country."
The one tool they can never take away from the working class is the ability to withhold our labor. Yes, they can make it illegal to strike, but unjust laws are begging to be broken by just people.
One thing no one has mentioned yet, as far as I know, is the probability that T-bag requires the IRS to revoke the nonprofit status of charities that are fighting his efforts. They'll continue their work, I'm sure, but their ability to do so will decrease as funding decreases. I also imagine many will see employees hounded by the FBI. I'm hoping I'm wrong, but it seems on par with efforts thus far.
In addition to the three methods of control that you explore, there is another that MAGA has been wielding for some time, but which usually takes place out of public view, and that is the threat of physical harm to any, and to the families of any, who show signs of wavering from the party line.
I believe that Trump no longer has to care about popularity - because they now control all the systems, the money, and have all the cards. The only thing that will stop him is a mass uprising of regular people. The 2025 ppl in the form of JD Vance has basically said it will be very painful for awhile and then it will be great. Trump lately has been saying this as if to reassure. I take solace in the fact that history has shown that it only takes 3.5% of a population to topple a dictator. My biggest fear is that too many people are in denial and when they finally wake up it will be too late. No one’s coming to save us.
A typically insightful analysis that frankly scares the shit out of me. In particular because I live in a red state and have been watching closely to see what my congressional and Senate reps have been saying. And they are completely captured in the Trump / MAGA orbit as it appears most GOP’ers are even when face to face with their angry constituents. God help us.
This is excellent advice. Anyone who thinks that institutions like the courts or the electoral system will somehow reign in these tyrants is in utter denial. Get ready for the fight. But please fight. We in Canada are in Trump's crosshairs as well and we are counting on you to fight back in any way you can. Good luck my friends.
--Trust our systems to resolve legitimate electoral disputes
--Accept the election outcomes as being the result of the current electoral system (ie, including the electoral college and federal and state actions)
--Trust our current electoral schedule (elections in 2 years for the house and 1/3 of the senate and in 4 for the presidency) to enable timely course corrections
--Trust our current constitutional system’s checks and balances to put a brake on extremism by the winners
--Work with those on the other side as if they are wrong, not as if they are evil
--Work to educate/convince more people so that my views prevail in the next election
I worry about a fear spiral where people are (reasonably!) worried about violent suppression of protests and thus don’t turn out to marches and rallies when in fact the larger the protest, arguably the safer it is.
I screwed up. As part of todays boycott I wasn’t going to use a credit card, but I donated to you via cc and I blew it. But I won’t regret it because it’s important work you’re doing. And, I’ll make up for my transgression in some other way.
God will forgive you for this Patric.
I think its safe to say that spending money on something positive is another good way to wield your economic power. Like getting people to cancel WaPo and support the good work going on substack.
Same. I subscribed today with a credit card. Forgot!
God will forgive you for this Lynn.
Me too...paid subscription today...but I think this doesn't count for the boycott?
God will forgive you for this Penny.
Well, “they” suggested using cash only today. But, some things need a cc unfortunately.
You are not wrong.
Unfortunately I agree with you. The only reason they haven’t violently suppressed any demonstrations yet is because there haven’t been any large enough yet to get national attention.
RE: ‘Surely they will not violate the norm against [X],” and then seeing that norm violated, and then putting out a statement to the shrinking press corps decrying this violation, is a week wasted.’ This was my mental state every day under the Bush 2 admin. He would do some bloodthirsty genocidal act, and I would think, ok that’s it, he is toast. And then nothing
No, you're not wrong. They don't give a damn about dead children--killed by the stupidity and cruelty of RFK, jr., or anybody who knows and cares that they HATE America. Two of the most vengeful and callous people on the planet seem to be doing a great job of destroying our government, and nobody seems to have any idea of how to stop them. I'm sure that Roberts and his "court" will do all they can to serve the New-Born "KIng" in his cardboard crown, and I hope that someday we'll all get over the craftily Trump -made fear, which is crushing decency and democracy, and that the de-throning of the traitors will happen sooner than later.
It’ll take a 3-5% threshold of the population ready to perform nonviolent civil disobedience for the fever to break, and for a sustainable oppositional movement with teeth to flourish. Right now, we’re not close. A couple of overreactions by the security state goons might get us there. Blood will be shed. We’ve never had the radical change we need without it. Buckle up.
I think your comments are spot on.
You’re not wrong. I think it could get worse: lots of concentration camps being set up; no chance of these yahoos solving real problems; plenty of need for internal enemies. Whom they’ve already labeled the main threat.
My wife and I start weapons training Sunday. We all should—and loudly announce it. Deterrence. Hit ‘em in the 2A-capitalist. Discard reasonable concerns about guns. I share them, but the context has changed. It’s not a solution, but they will empower armed bands of yahoos to rampage before this is over. While the cops (maybe) and the Kash Patel SS (definitely) stand by and stand down.
We seem to have typed similar sentiments at the same time. I am not sure however that more guns in anyone's hands will help.
It’ll sure help if and when roving bands of Proud Boy-types waltz by, with guns, demanding whatever. Don’t think that can’t happen. In fact, here’s your use case:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/02/27/village-armed-guards-ohio-neo-nazis/
Anything that raises the costs or would threaten to helps.
Moreover, guns aside, there is simply no way this gets done without all kinds of casualties. Be Gandhian (more power to you): same thing.
Expect audits, harassment, violence. And fucking resist anyway: there is no other choice. If you woos out, you won’t be able to live with yourself.
If that enrages you, and it should, direct it at these literal world-destroying lunatics who will physics-guaranteed destroy your children’s (the species’) future.
I had not seen that story - thanks. We'll see a lot more of this, from both sides of the spectrum. Trump will encourage his vigilantes, either with dog whistle statements or who knows maybe just outright offer support and more pardons for whatever they do. Then he'll announce he is saving the taxpayers money by getting volunteer yahoos to "save the country."
More here: https://zeteo.com/p/trump-maga-civil-war-violence-congress
The one tool they can never take away from the working class is the ability to withhold our labor. Yes, they can make it illegal to strike, but unjust laws are begging to be broken by just people.
One thing no one has mentioned yet, as far as I know, is the probability that T-bag requires the IRS to revoke the nonprofit status of charities that are fighting his efforts. They'll continue their work, I'm sure, but their ability to do so will decrease as funding decreases. I also imagine many will see employees hounded by the FBI. I'm hoping I'm wrong, but it seems on par with efforts thus far.
In addition to the three methods of control that you explore, there is another that MAGA has been wielding for some time, but which usually takes place out of public view, and that is the threat of physical harm to any, and to the families of any, who show signs of wavering from the party line.
I am afraid that you are right. I'm living in the UK but my family is in the US.
I believe that Trump no longer has to care about popularity - because they now control all the systems, the money, and have all the cards. The only thing that will stop him is a mass uprising of regular people. The 2025 ppl in the form of JD Vance has basically said it will be very painful for awhile and then it will be great. Trump lately has been saying this as if to reassure. I take solace in the fact that history has shown that it only takes 3.5% of a population to topple a dictator. My biggest fear is that too many people are in denial and when they finally wake up it will be too late. No one’s coming to save us.
A typically insightful analysis that frankly scares the shit out of me. In particular because I live in a red state and have been watching closely to see what my congressional and Senate reps have been saying. And they are completely captured in the Trump / MAGA orbit as it appears most GOP’ers are even when face to face with their angry constituents. God help us.
This is excellent advice. Anyone who thinks that institutions like the courts or the electoral system will somehow reign in these tyrants is in utter denial. Get ready for the fight. But please fight. We in Canada are in Trump's crosshairs as well and we are counting on you to fight back in any way you can. Good luck my friends.
I will
--Trust our systems to resolve legitimate electoral disputes
--Accept the election outcomes as being the result of the current electoral system (ie, including the electoral college and federal and state actions)
--Trust our current electoral schedule (elections in 2 years for the house and 1/3 of the senate and in 4 for the presidency) to enable timely course corrections
--Trust our current constitutional system’s checks and balances to put a brake on extremism by the winners
--Work with those on the other side as if they are wrong, not as if they are evil
--Work to educate/convince more people so that my views prevail in the next election