On National Strikes and Peaceful Resistance

I’m in for Jan 30th, but I still believe we need to do a lot more.

This is happening. It’s gathering steam. You a register your support at NationalShutdown.Org and pledge to pull your contributions to this national under siege for the day.

There’s a ton of organizations behind it - and it’s gathering steam. But what I do not see? Large fundraising groups. Democratic organizations and fundraisers. Huge unions.

Maybe that’s okay. Maybe we need those groups for a larger and more sustained #NationalStrike. We know it works. Minnesota has showed us the way.

Back when an SEIU leader was arrested and detained for exercising his first amendment rights, I thought “This is when the big strike begins.” It did not.

But THAT’S what needs to happen to get the right people to pressure the evil people to cease, desist, step back and step down. And it it’s gotta get companies, politicians to demand it. If the money dries up, so does power and incentive.

I remember the first Muslim ban. People showed up at the airports. It gummed up the works for a few days and Trump folded like a deck chair. Protests need to be peaceful, sustained and targeted - like Minneapolis. And it needs to happen NOW, while these fascists are on their back foot trying to figure out what lies, distractions or actions can put them back into terrifying control.

But this week, we do this. It is what I hope to be a powerful dry run for something that will create the kind of economic statement that forces lasting change.

Be loud. Be unified. Be massive.

And be safe.

• Steve