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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Time for a Civic Uprising
A pervasive sense of urgency underscores the need for a significant civic uprising. Many feel that the current political climate demands immediate and substantial action, yet previous attempts at resistance have been hampered by internal divisions and a reluctance to unite across differing viewpoints. The sheer scale of the issues at hand necessitates a unified front, regardless of past disagreements or preferences for specific news sources. We can’t afford to be overly selective about who joins the fight if we truly want to effect meaningful change.
The call for a national civic uprising isn’t merely rhetorical; it’s a desperate plea for collective action.… Continue reading
Obama’s recent call for citizens, colleges, and law firms to resist the current political agenda is sparking intense debate. It’s a direct challenge to the status quo, a call to arms against policies viewed by many as detrimental to the country.
This isn’t just a plea for passive resistance; it’s a demand for active engagement. He’s urging people not to simply accept the current state of affairs, but to actively fight back against policies considered harmful. The underlying message is clear: complacency is not an option.
The focus on colleges and law firms is particularly strategic. Colleges, as centers of learning and intellectual discourse, are seen as vital in shaping future generations and resisting attempts to suppress critical thinking.… Continue reading
Millions participated in the nationwide “Hands Off!” protests against President Trump’s administration, encompassing various issues such as tax cuts favoring the wealthy, detrimental cuts to social programs, and harmful policies targeting marginalized groups. Organized by a broad coalition of established and emerging activist groups, the protests unexpectedly drew massive crowds in both liberal and conservative areas across the country and even internationally. The demonstrations remained overwhelmingly peaceful and showcased widespread civic engagement, defying claims of outside funding and highlighting the diverse range of concerns fueling the resistance. This unprecedented display of popular opposition signals a potential turning point in the ongoing struggle against the current administration’s agenda.
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A wealth of resources on civil resistance readily exists, empowering citizens to effectively oppose injustice. The US boasts a rich history of successful nonviolent movements, from securing voting rights to impacting climate change policy. While setbacks occur, nonviolent resistance proves historically more effective and safer than armed struggle, and is a recognized human right. This strategy works by limiting the government’s ability to act, relying on the cooperation of civil servants and the public to effectively counter oppressive policies. Even a relatively small percentage of the population engaged in sustained nonviolent resistance has historically proven capable of significant political change.
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Georgia is experiencing its third consecutive night of large-scale protests, a powerful demonstration of public dissent following the ruling Georgian Dream party’s unexpected decision to suspend the country’s aspirations for European Union membership talks. The scale and persistence of these demonstrations underscore the deep-seated anxieties and frustrations within Georgian society regarding its future trajectory.
The protests are fueled by a palpable sense of betrayal and disillusionment. Many Georgians feel that the suspension of EU talks represents a significant setback for their hopes of closer integration with the West and a departure from the democratic path they have been striving to follow.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood