Trigger Warning! Radical leftist snowflake ahead!
Do you believe that the current govenment is working for you? For your best interests? What is the role of the government in our lives? It's getting harder every day to deny that fascism is on the rise in the United States, and more of our rights are being threatened every day. Giving up and feeling helpless only helps the facists and republicans. They want you to feel hopeless. They want you distracted. And they want you numb.
It is your choice to read further, but I encourage all to enter with an open mind and be open to potentially uncomfortable, but civil, discussions regarding all trains of political thought (even those you do not necessarily agree with!).
I want to make a place where civil and polite conversation facilitate the class war - not a culture war.
Quick Vocab
Establishing definitions and baseline assumptions is an important step in ensuring discussion and conversation remains productive.
Fascism
A far-right political ideology and mass movement that emphasizes extreme nationalism, militarism, suppression of opposition, support for a dictatorial leader, and the supremacy of the nation or race over the individual.
Neoliberalism
The philosophical view that a society’s political and economic institutions should be robustly liberal and capitalist, but supplemented by a constitutionally limited democracy and a modest welfare state. The government should exist to find the right state and the right law to serve the market order.
Socialism
An economic and political ideology that calls for collective or governmental ownership and administration rather than private ownership or control of property and natural resources. The people/government own the means of production.
why ?
It's easy to believe everything is bleak and that it's impossible to change the status quo. When you believe change is impossible, you don't do anything that threatens the current power structure. This kind of thinking helps those in power maintain their positions. We have more power than we think! When we all make small efforts, no matter how small, we can disrupt the system.
Build community to eliminate loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness
The sensationalized 24/7 news cycle and social media feed into both moral panic on the right and fearmongering/existential dread on the left. If we all stop doomscrolling and getting overwhelmed, what kinds of changes can we get done?
Give the power back to the people
When the government doesn't represent the interests of its constituents, there can be no change until the people hold those in power accountable. Looking to the past, such as after the 1929 market crash and after the end of the second World War, can provide examples on how to effectively protest and disrupt tyranny.
Persuade others to feel similarly and connect with like-minded individuals
Sometimes, a single conversation or new viewpoint can help a person break free from their echo chamber. Fear and anger are powerful emotions, but so is love and empathy. You're more similar to the average American than billionaires.
Bite-Sized Short-Term Action
How you can make a positive change quickly in a broken system. Feeling satisfied may or may not be included.
Call your representatives
Classic leftist talking point. Allegedly, they track each call closely. It doesn't take a long time to do, though, and it does give a fairly decent feeling of accomplishment/satisfaction.
Get vaccinated
Stop the spread of infectious disease! Make sure you're up to date on your COVID vaccines and wash your hands well. Wear a tight-fitting mask if you're sick in public.
Stop Using AI
There's far too many reasons to stop using AI. It's shown to decrease the capacity of your brain function, the inherent biases its coded with, rising numbers of AI psychosis cases, the AI CEOs who support the regime & are just trying to cash out before the crash, and the environmental impacts are just a few reasons to not use it.
Bite-Sized Long-Term Action
Things to consider over time to build a better system and future.
Join a local activist or political group
Find a cause you're passionate about and get more involved. Invest your free time in volunteering or attending meetings and events.
Consider your consumer habits
Make deliberate and precise decisions about how to spend your money. Supporting local businesses is often more sustainable and puts money back into your community members' pockets.
Spend less time online
It's good to log off. What we see online is largely dictated by algorithms and tech bro's. Reduce your screen time, talk to people in real life instead of online, or find a hobby that doesn't involve a screen.
some people working to change the state of things:
Matt Dodson
A Democratic Socialist running for Senate in New Mexico!
Zohran Mamdani
The democratic socialist mayor of New York City! He's inspiring other city governments around the country to utilize their powers to create change for the local community in mind.
Greta Thunberg
Climate activist who was detained by Israeli forces after unsuccessfully trying to deliver emergency aid to Gaza with the Global Sumud Flotilla. BBC Story here.
Other ways to make an impact!
Here are some organizations and actions that can help bring forth positive change.
✽ Resources & Groups
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)
The democratic socialist party organizes based on chapters, and there are active groups across the country, including in both Buffalo and Rochester. These groups are working on the ground to try to improve the material conditions of those most vulnerable in our community.
A group of people committed to a three-front assault on the regime. With thorough legal, economic, and physical plans, they are ready to disrupt the status quo. Highly recommend following and reviewing their actions - they've been a big inspiration for my John Fortnite.
to be announced
.
✽ Social Change
Stop using AI and encourage others to do the same
ChatGPT's co-founder & CEO, Sam Altman, donated significant amounts to the regime. His comments regarding how he views intelligence as a commodity and his ideas about AI in general are deeply disturbing to me.
Talk to others about how you feel
In uncertain times, we must reach to those around us and discuss how the current events are affecting us. From shared feelings to informing others of pieces of news they may have missed, connections to others are important.
Create art, music, & community
Use creative outlets to express dissent and frustration to bring change non violently.
✽ Legal
Contact your attorney general
.
Get your pistol permit
The process for applying for a New York State pistol permit takes a few months to complete. The requirements vary per state, but for Erie county, it includes a 16 hour class, 4 character references from people who live in Erie county, and fingerprinting. John Fortnite personally recommends Wolcott Guns for the 16 hour course.
in progress
.
✽ Economic
Boycott/Avoid Brands that support the regime
I would highly recommend avoiding businesses and brands that are or have leadership that are supporting the current policies and regime. Your financial choices are supporting those people. Trying to research every brand isn't feasible, but small changes such as not purchasing from Amazon, Walmart, or Starbucks, sends a message. I'm making a list of brands and business to avoid here.
Divest stocks and 401k elections
This may take a bit more time, but pulling your future elections is a great place to start. Large stock portfolios aren't perfect, and usually they do invest in a number of unsatisfactory industries. You can find a list of their holdings publicly usually. The investment market is inherently ammoral. Try your best with this one.
Shop local only
It's difficult to completely avoid spending money in the current times. Again, it's nor feasible or always cost efficient to buy only from local businesses. Obviously there will be circumstances that make this difficult, but making a conscious effort to purchase from small local businesses does make a difference.
Helpful Leftist Tips
State & Federal Officers
"Don't let the cats out or the cops in." Don't talk to state or federal officers. Learn more about how the Fifth Amendment applies to you here.
Kill the Cop in Your Head
Stop looking for rules to follow or people to punish for not following; pay more attention to actions, intentions, and consequences.
Spread Joy Instead of Hate
When things are difficult, we must come together and ensure we do not give up hope.
Pay Attention, Don't Look Away
Close your eyes when you need to, but don't forget about those suffering. We must stay educated to protect ourselves and our communities.