Trigger Warning! Radical leftist snowflake ahead!
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!).
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.
I want to make a place where civil and polite conversation facilitate the class war - not a culture war.
Short-Term Action
How you can make 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.
Attend a protest
Do I believe that protests work? No. However, I do believe that they can act better as a visual act of solidarity, community, and resistance, even if they can be performative. Protests are a launching point, not a landing point.
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 the pockets of your community members.
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.
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 ?
Give the power back to the people
When the government doesn't represent the interest of its constituents, there can be no change until the people hold those in power accountable. Looking to the past can provide examples on how to effectively protest and disrupt in the modern era.
Persuade others to feel similarly and connect 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 out of touch rich people.
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?
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!
looking
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Organize & Connect!
Here are some good organizations that you may be interested in learning more about or joining.
✽ Political
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 must vulnerable in our community.
looking for more
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to be announced
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✽ Social
in progress
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in progress
in progress
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Helpful Leftist Tips
State & Federal Officers
"Don't let the cats out or the cops in." Don't talk to Learn more about how the fifth amendment applies to you here.
Be Gay
Queer joy is resistance.
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.