By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The No Kings Day festivities, attracting a large crowd, highlighted the need for a unified grassroots movement rather than a Democratic Party-focused spectacle. The article criticizes the event’s emphasis on speeches from Democratic Party figures and calls for a shift towards civil disobedience and a broader coalition. The author suggests three key tasks for the movement: preventing Democratic Party control, expanding the coalition to include marginalized groups, and transitioning from protest to acts of civil disobedience. Ultimately, the author believes No Kings Day must evolve beyond mere political platitudes and embrace a more expansive vision to effectively counter the growing threat of fascism.
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The No Kings Day Project, born from a desire for change and a rejection of authoritarianism, has demonstrated the power of collective action, showcasing a vast, peaceful gathering in the face of division. It is time for this movement to evolve from mere protest to something more impactful: civil disobedience. The current administration, indifferent to peaceful demonstrations, perceives such acts as little more than a nuisance. We must recognize that the path to real change requires a shift in tactics, a move toward actions that disrupt the systems of power and force those in control to acknowledge the will of the people.
The limitations of traditional forms of dissent, such as voting or boycotts, must be acknowledged. These systems have been manipulated and gamed, leaving little room for meaningful change through conventional means. Even strikes, while potentially impactful, can be challenging for those living paycheck to paycheck, leaving individuals and families vulnerable. Therefore, we must focus on strategies that hit the administration where it hurts most: in its ability to function and generate revenue.
Civil disobedience, in this context, needs to be more than just symbolic. Obstruction of commerce is a key tactic. This means disrupting the flow of goods and services, making it harder for businesses that support the administration to operate, and impacting those in positions of power. It could take many forms, from organized boycotts of companies supporting the administration to coordinated efforts to shut down major thoroughfares during the week, impacting businesses and their bottom lines.
The scale of action must be considered. While small demonstrations are helpful, the power comes from coordinated action. The goal is to make the system ungovernable. If millions participated, we could shut the country down. While this would cause temporary inconvenience for many, the aim is to apply significant pressure, pushing our leaders to consider the public’s demands and address the concerns of the people. This is how we make the uncontrollable controllable.
Such a large movement also requires the building of trust and community among its participants. The people must be prepared for the consequences of their actions, and they must support each other during times of hardship. If a Nationwide Strike is called, those who are able should share what they have. This mutual aid can help ensure that people feel safe and supported, so that they will feel empowered to participate.
The evolution of the No Kings Day Project necessitates a strategic focus. The emphasis should be on disrupting the functions of the government, and the economy. The aim is not to antagonize or provoke, but to force those in power to confront the will of the people. A general strike, where citizens refuse to work, would be a strong move. This would be a massive statement, showing a complete lack of faith in the current system.
The movement must also be built from the ground up. Organize workshops to help communities. Give a voice to people from all walks of life. This includes farmers, local business owners, and those from communities that have been ignored and villified. By building a broad coalition, it ensures that diverse interests are represented. The goal is a grassroots movement, not one led by political operatives.
Civil disobedience does not necessarily require violence. It is about disrupting systems and drawing attention to the injustices in the nation. It is also important to remember that such a movement could face opposition, potentially leading to increased surveillance or government action. A peaceful, disciplined approach is crucial to maintaining the moral high ground and minimizing the risk of escalation.
Ultimately, the future of the No Kings Day Project lies in its ability to adapt and evolve. The project has proven its ability to mobilize and gather a massive showing of solidarity. The next step is to channel that energy into a sustained campaign of civil disobedience that forces the nation’s leaders to take note and respond.