By John Q. Hosedrinker 
This episode of “Movement Memos” features Ejeris Dixon, a strategist with extensive experience in various social justice movements, discussing the current political climate and strategies for confronting rising fascism. Dixon emphasizes the need for broad, even temporary, coalitions spanning a wide political spectrum to effectively counter the consolidation of power by the current administration. Key elements of a successful strategy include a compelling shared vision, strong inter-community relationships, multi-faceted approaches, and preparation for potential violence and repression. Ultimately, building larger, more interconnected movements is crucial for both safety and effective resistance.
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Fascism isn’t coming; it’s already here, deeply entrenched in our systems and society. This isn’t a hypothetical threat; it’s a present reality demanding immediate action. The urgency is palpable, and the comfortable illusion of gradualism is shattered. We can’t afford to debate the perfect response while the foundations of democracy crumble around us.
The belief that voting alone will solve the problem is naive. Impeachment, too, seems insufficient, given the current political landscape and the depth of the rot. Protests are a start, a necessary act of resistance and visibility, a collective statement of defiance against the encroaching darkness. We need to stand together, united in our opposition to those who seek to dismantle our freedoms. It’s a time for collective action, not for individualistic detachment.
Preparing for potential violence is a crucial step. Understanding our rights, especially the Second Amendment, becomes necessary in the face of potential threats from armed groups empowered by the current climate. The rise of vigilantism, often encouraged implicitly by certain governmental agencies, presents a grim new reality. We must be prepared to defend ourselves and our communities, even while striving for peaceful solutions. Learning from past successful uprisings against fascism, however, shouldn’t be used to justify violence as a first resort; this demands careful consideration and ethical planning.
The depth of the problem is undeniable; the number of people who actively support this rise of fascism is startling. Many are genuinely ignorant or misinformed, but their votes matter just as much. There’s a critical need for increased voter turnout, particularly among those committed to democratic values. Political donations to progressive parties, coupled with an insistence on accountability from elected officials, are vital components of our resistance. This isn’t about one party or another; it’s about defending the fundamentals of a just society.
The historical parallels to Italy under Mussolini are chilling. The collaboration between law enforcement, judicial systems, and the military aided the rise of fascism, demonstrating the vulnerability inherent in institutional complicity. Even opposition leaders, fearing a left-wing revolution, inadvertently paved the way for fascism. This highlights the importance of scrutinizing all institutions and identifying points of vulnerability and complicity.
The very real danger of being targeted, abducted, and disappeared is upon us. We must recognize this risk and prepare accordingly. Building community networks for mutual support and protection is essential. Carrying self-defense items is now a necessity, a harsh reality of our time. If abducted, remember that resisting may mean fighting for your life. Documenting these encounters and reporting them publicly is paramount. We cannot be silent; we must fight back.
A general strike is another powerful tool, capable of crippling the system and forcing a reckoning. But these actions demand preparation and careful planning. Saving money, creating food reserves, and fostering community resilience are crucial steps towards long-term sustainability. Neutrality is no longer an option.
The speed at which we’re sliding towards a full-blown dictatorship is alarming. The historical precedent of Hitler’s rapid consolidation of power in Germany after 1933 provides a stark warning. We have precious little time, and any sense of complacency could prove fatal. The lack of any organized, widespread resistance plan is a major weakness. We need a unified strategy and we need it immediately.
The apathy of many people is horrifying. The nonchalance, even active support of the rise of fascism from some quarters, suggests a grim and perhaps inevitable path unless something drastically changes. The response to this threat must be swift, decisive, and unified. We need more than empty slogans and political posturing; we need concrete action. We need to take back our nation from the forces of fascism, whether that entails peaceful actions or more drastic measures. The current state of affairs calls for all hands on deck, a mobilization of the entire population to fight for the very survival of our democracy. The time for debate has passed; the time for action is now.