I understand why this call is going out but I can't help recalling how such efforts led to rancor and strife within the Anti-War movement during the run-up to the second war on Iraq. So much energy goes into creating and supporting a hierarchy and it just replicates the same old top-down structures. Yes, a one-stop site to find actions seems like a good idea, but if it's hacked and gets taken down, what then? Small and dispersed networks who share info are less vulnerable, they whack one down, pop up again somewhere else. Bird-dogging like VT did to Vance, let's do more. Protests with specific theme, like the National Parks one, are easy to organize, involve more people when long-distance travel isn't involved, pull in people for whom the issue is near and dear to their hearts, and can even be unifying rather than divisive.
Yes, I agree. Separate but together. I hear from people that they're overwhelmed trying to find information. If we had days we worked together and then separate events, it would be easier to drive mass numbers to those days.
Regarding unity of resistance resources, I received this today from Jess Craven at Chop Wood, Carry Water: "A group of wonderful wonderful organizers and volunteers, including the stellar Rebecca Solnit, have launched the Resist List, a list of all the forms of resistance planned and going on across the country." Here's the link to the Resist List: https://choosedemocracy.us/resist-list/
There has been. I saw several articles. I think it was more about getting people to put a toe into resistance. Now there are calls for a weekly boycott. It's step one.
I'd say what works is when it becomes a springboard to changing basic habits. I participated and as I result, have stronger resolution to not use Whole Foods (in addition to Amazon, which I was already not using), and to use more cash in daily transactions.
We need to make clear that we will be supporting our immediate community members who are working for democracy and the rule of law alongside us. Canceling all Friday nights otherwise could hurt some local mom+pop restaurants that otherwise are partners in this work.
I have been trying to find or create a demonstration against cuts to Social Security since the first office closures were announced. I belong to People Power United. I have attended all local demonstrations (President's Day, National Park Protest) and participated in the economic blackout on February 28. I have been to online and phone meetings with my Congressperson and the Washington State Attorney General. I have contacted the county Democratic Party. I cannot get traction on this. If we wait until more harm is done, we may not be able to save it. I would love to see a large action on this.
SAME!! It is so hard doing all this stuff and not getting traction within my personal community :( Thanks for doing everything you're doing. It helps to know that there are others out there like me doing this - we might feel alone but we're not.
There is a Stand Up for Science march on March 7: https://standupforscience2025.org/, with protests nationwide. Is it too late to add? Hadn't heard about the Women's march so thanks for sharing that.
I have been saying this for weeks. This country will not gather in the thousands without some sort of a push. We need one organization with same day marches in DC, NYC, LA and Chicago. I will gladly render assistance.... Please.
You’re on the right track, especially as regards a central source of information. Not all of us have the time to keep track of multiple actions or events, much as we might like to. But, we’d still like to do what we can.
The economic boycott must grow until at least the millionaires (who want to be billionaires!) sit up and take notice.
I would like to suggest that instead of a total economic blackout every Friday, that we choose to support only small local businesses with cash… we would still boycott the corporations….
The biggest and most obvious way to get noticed is by urging our Former Presidents to speak up! We need to be shouting for them to get loud! Deluge their emails/FB pages. I Sent this to: BARAKOBAMA.COM (and Clinton)
Dear President Obama,
We need you. Where is your voice when it is so powerful and so respected across the nation? Please explain the silence from you and the other Former Presidents?
President Trump has already done so much harm in his second term that it has become unacceptable, cowardly and even unpatriotic for former presidents not to speak out and raise hell. It is past time to blow it up!
Trump has, in effect, given you and former presidents a green light to come off the sidelines and speak out. Not only that, but he has made it imperative for you to do so. Please don't remain silent when Trump has taken a wrecking ball, if not a chainsaw, to the government you once served so well.
There is too much at stake for you to remain on the sidelines. We once trusted you to lead this nation. Now we need you to speak out — and help us all save it. Kindly yours, JP Julie Peacock Meyer PLEASE EVERYONE SEND HIM YOUR THOUGHTS
I think a less accusatory message to Presidents Barack Obama and Clinton would be preferable! I wrote expressing my appreciation and admiration for their past leadership and asked them to please speak up strongly now.
Might need to rethink the day of the week for the economic blackout. Friday is payday for a lot of people. They need to buy groceries, etc. Just a thought.
Why not quit corporate shopping altogether and patronize small businesses and those who have stood up to trump. For instance, there is never a need to shop at Amazon, ever! And Costco, trader Joe's, and Aldi's are good food shopping for those who need bigger stores.
I understand why this call is going out but I can't help recalling how such efforts led to rancor and strife within the Anti-War movement during the run-up to the second war on Iraq. So much energy goes into creating and supporting a hierarchy and it just replicates the same old top-down structures. Yes, a one-stop site to find actions seems like a good idea, but if it's hacked and gets taken down, what then? Small and dispersed networks who share info are less vulnerable, they whack one down, pop up again somewhere else. Bird-dogging like VT did to Vance, let's do more. Protests with specific theme, like the National Parks one, are easy to organize, involve more people when long-distance travel isn't involved, pull in people for whom the issue is near and dear to their hearts, and can even be unifying rather than divisive.
Yes, I agree. Separate but together. I hear from people that they're overwhelmed trying to find information. If we had days we worked together and then separate events, it would be easier to drive mass numbers to those days.
Regarding unity of resistance resources, I received this today from Jess Craven at Chop Wood, Carry Water: "A group of wonderful wonderful organizers and volunteers, including the stellar Rebecca Solnit, have launched the Resist List, a list of all the forms of resistance planned and going on across the country." Here's the link to the Resist List: https://choosedemocracy.us/resist-list/
Love it. I'll share this in my next newsletter.
I’ve been wondering what the 2/28 boycott accomplished. Has there been any coverage of it? Did it have an impact?
There has been. I saw several articles. I think it was more about getting people to put a toe into resistance. Now there are calls for a weekly boycott. It's step one.
I'd say what works is when it becomes a springboard to changing basic habits. I participated and as I result, have stronger resolution to not use Whole Foods (in addition to Amazon, which I was already not using), and to use more cash in daily transactions.
We need to make clear that we will be supporting our immediate community members who are working for democracy and the rule of law alongside us. Canceling all Friday nights otherwise could hurt some local mom+pop restaurants that otherwise are partners in this work.
This is a good point. We are boycotting corporations, not Pop's Diner or Sal's Tavern.
Sort of unless Pop or Sal have been undermining democracy and breaking laws.
True, in my town, one place flew a dozen MAGA flags. I'd eat worms before I ate their pizza.
I have been trying to find or create a demonstration against cuts to Social Security since the first office closures were announced. I belong to People Power United. I have attended all local demonstrations (President's Day, National Park Protest) and participated in the economic blackout on February 28. I have been to online and phone meetings with my Congressperson and the Washington State Attorney General. I have contacted the county Democratic Party. I cannot get traction on this. If we wait until more harm is done, we may not be able to save it. I would love to see a large action on this.
SAME!! It is so hard doing all this stuff and not getting traction within my personal community :( Thanks for doing everything you're doing. It helps to know that there are others out there like me doing this - we might feel alone but we're not.
Do you happen to have any connections in Port Angeles, Washington? I moved here in October and know few people.
Keep an eye open here and on Resistance Rangers. There were protests near Olympic yesterday. Here's what's happening in the area.
https://www.mobilize.us/?address=Port%20Angeles%2C%20WA%2C%20USA&lat=48.118146&lon=-123.4307413
I was AT the protest yesterday. I have been at every one I can find. None of these are near me (I don't drive and can't travel).
Oh darn, sorry I don't!
Thank you - will spread the word!!
There is a Stand Up for Science march on March 7: https://standupforscience2025.org/, with protests nationwide. Is it too late to add? Hadn't heard about the Women's march so thanks for sharing that.
I updated and amended the list. I'll be doing a mid-week one because there are several happening the 4th, 7th, and 8th.
Speaking for myself, I can manage to do a local protest maybe once every other month, but definitely not once a week or every other week.
I'm also wondering when we will have a REALLY BIG one in DC. (I'm within driving distance but would have to stay there overnight.)
I'm with everyone in spirit & am so glad to see this movement growing!
It seems like a lot of local protests are gaining traction. They started as dozens. Recent ones have grown to hundreds and thousands.
Jacksonville Florida grass roots effort are they connected ?
People Power for Florida Volunteer Orientation Call: Jacksonville!
Virtual Meeting · Hosted by People Power For Florida, with Anna For Florida
Monday, March 3
6 – 7pm EST
I have been saying this for weeks. This country will not gather in the thousands without some sort of a push. We need one organization with same day marches in DC, NYC, LA and Chicago. I will gladly render assistance.... Please.
You’re on the right track, especially as regards a central source of information. Not all of us have the time to keep track of multiple actions or events, much as we might like to. But, we’d still like to do what we can.
The economic boycott must grow until at least the millionaires (who want to be billionaires!) sit up and take notice.
Even I who literally scan the internet for hours a day to find it all, can't keep track. I just revised the graphic to add one for science.
There should be representatives from each organization on each media platform.
I would like to suggest that instead of a total economic blackout every Friday, that we choose to support only small local businesses with cash… we would still boycott the corporations….
I agree. I'll share this. :)
Thank you!!
But shop at small local businesses, or you might put them out of business and add to the profits of the oligarchs!!
Yes, agreed.
Perfect!
The biggest and most obvious way to get noticed is by urging our Former Presidents to speak up! We need to be shouting for them to get loud! Deluge their emails/FB pages. I Sent this to: BARAKOBAMA.COM (and Clinton)
Dear President Obama,
We need you. Where is your voice when it is so powerful and so respected across the nation? Please explain the silence from you and the other Former Presidents?
President Trump has already done so much harm in his second term that it has become unacceptable, cowardly and even unpatriotic for former presidents not to speak out and raise hell. It is past time to blow it up!
Trump has, in effect, given you and former presidents a green light to come off the sidelines and speak out. Not only that, but he has made it imperative for you to do so. Please don't remain silent when Trump has taken a wrecking ball, if not a chainsaw, to the government you once served so well.
There is too much at stake for you to remain on the sidelines. We once trusted you to lead this nation. Now we need you to speak out — and help us all save it. Kindly yours, JP Julie Peacock Meyer PLEASE EVERYONE SEND HIM YOUR THOUGHTS
I think a less accusatory message to Presidents Barack Obama and Clinton would be preferable! I wrote expressing my appreciation and admiration for their past leadership and asked them to please speak up strongly now.
I agree with you. The only time I hear from him is when the Dems quote him as a part of fundraising.
https://barackobama.com/contact/
Might need to rethink the day of the week for the economic blackout. Friday is payday for a lot of people. They need to buy groceries, etc. Just a thought.
Why not quit corporate shopping altogether and patronize small businesses and those who have stood up to trump. For instance, there is never a need to shop at Amazon, ever! And Costco, trader Joe's, and Aldi's are good food shopping for those who need bigger stores.