By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Organizers, including the group 50501, are planning hundreds of “Rage Against the Regime” protests across the country for the first weekend in August, targeting former President Donald Trump’s policies. These protests, which follow a series of prior demonstrations, are a response to his immigration policies, leadership, and perceived attacks on democratic institutions. The group is encouraging peaceful assembly while emphasizing collective resistance, using templates with explicit language against Trump and ICE. The movement, mirroring similar protests in Europe, aims to exercise First Amendment rights and transform anger into action.
Read the original article here
Nationwide “Rage Against the Regime” Protest Planned for August 2, that name immediately grabs your attention, doesn’t it? It’s got a real energy to it, a sense of urgency that seems to be resonating with a lot of people. There’s a feeling that the “ante needs to be upped,” that the usual methods aren’t cutting it anymore. The consensus seems to be that simply showing up for rallies is a good start, but perhaps it’s time to escalate things.
The idea of targeted action is gaining traction. Instead of just marching, some are suggesting focusing on specific companies, agencies, or groups. The concept of mass calling campaigns to corporations, or even weekend boycotts, is being floated. It’s tough to keep those boycotts going long-term, but some short, sharp campaigns could be really effective, especially if they’re aimed at businesses that are seen as giving in to what’s perceived as the regime.
The timing of the protest is being considered as a factor. The fact that the previous protest wasn’t as effective, due to a Thursday rally being difficult for many, suggests that a week day protest might be more effective. The hope is that media outlets will pick up the story and amplify the message, helping to bring even more people into the fold.
A lot of people feel that regular protests are not enough. To truly be effective, protests need to be ongoing, until change is achieved. The emphasis is not on being cutesy, or taking the high road, it’s about getting things done.
There’s a clear understanding that any kind of demonstration is going to be framed a certain way. The expectation is that “Rage Against the Regime” will be portrayed by certain outlets to portray demonstrators in a negative light, perhaps even being classified as a fringe group.
The importance of community building is also apparent. It’s all about building solidarity with co-workers, friends, and family. It’s also about encouraging each other to attend protests and organize, even if that means starting with a simple Facebook group. The core message is to advocate, to make your voice heard, because silence only helps the system.
Some are critical of past demonstrations, arguing that they haven’t accomplished much. The emphasis is on action, and a general strike is the ultimate goal. It’s understood that achieving that level of disruption requires a lot of groundwork and organization.
There’s a recognition that mass organizing is necessary, and it starts at the local level. That means organizing your workplace and community, and using all the resources available to spread the message.
The discussion has been made aware of the limitations of a general strike without increasing union density across the country. The emphasis is on being involved in your own sphere of influence, taking on the challenge to drive the action.
The challenge of a general strike is clear, especially when a lot of people are struggling financially. It’s a huge undertaking that requires a lot of careful planning and coordination.