The marathon of resistance
We are still in its early miles, and have a long way to go. But so far, we are pacing the run for authoritarianism, and have a clear path to surpassing it.
Dear friends:
A blizzard of executive orders intended to “flood the zone” with drastic changes to government institutions and functions, breaking democratic norms.
The elevation of “dominance” as the singular quality of leadership, supported by demonization of groups of people to be dominated.
The establishment of “loyalty” as the primary (and often only) qualification to share in the power of the so-called leader.
The use of threats and intimidation, of everything from withholding money to hints of violence, to extort compliance with ever-changing orders.
A willingness to ignore any checks on power, including legal authorities.
A divide-and-conquer strategy, attempting to prevent coalitions from forming to protect themselves.
The insistence that the so-called leader is the one and only salvation for a people who have experienced themselves as unjustly kept away from prosperity.
Over the last three months, we have seen this administration use all these tactics, and more. But that is not where I drew the items on this list. This is the authoritarian playbook that has its roots in the mid-twentieth century, and led to the rise and temporary, destructive dominance of fascism.
If we do not see this pattern, we are doomed to repeat it. But wait - there’s more.
Street protests that use peaceful, joyful, humorous means to resist, engaging hundreds of thousands of community members.
Calling campaigns that tie up the phone lines of Congress.
Private companies and organizations that stand firm in their principles and do not give in to extortion.
Writers and journalists who make the authoritarian tactics visible and do not back down from their right to do so.
Lawyers and state attorneys-general who are ready with lawsuits insisting on the rule of law and equality before the law.
Coalitions of community activist groups - new and seasoned - who band together in common purpose to protect their neighbors and families.
Representatives who buck the trend of compliance or “concern” to take action - 25 hour speeches, travel to offshore gulags, rallying votes and voters, reminding the people of our power.
These items are also from the last three months. The marathon of resistance is still in its early miles, and has a long way to go. But so far, we are pacing the run for authoritarianism, and have a clear path to surpassing it.
We must keep putting one foot in front of the other until authoritarianism collapses of its own inherent weakness.
We will hold one another up, and do this together.
Be safe and well, and take good care.
