It is becoming clear that any sustained opposition to the wrecking ball that the Trump regime is taking to our democratic form of governance and cruel hearted attacks on our hard-won freedoms is going to come from the people.
I support the efforts of H4D, Indivisible, 50501, Live Free Indiana, and all other legitimate organizations that are leading the way of protest and opposition. I have two comments:
First, I hope everyone realizes that these efforts by themselves will have no effect on the current situation. This will not change Todd Young’s mind; in fact it may harden it even more. If the protests do not result in voter turnout in the mid-terms nothing will change. That is the hard reality, but that does not mean that it is without merit. Protest is important, and in fact it is an act of patriotism because we are petitioning our government for redress of a problem, and that is supported by the Constitution.
Second is a warning. There will be provocateurs who will infiltrate the protests and will advocate violence for the purpose of de-legitimizing the movement. I am not sure but I may have been talking to one Wednesday night. Do not fall for it, do not take that bait. We must commit to non-violent opposition because as soon as someone commits an act of vandalism or violence against persons or property that gives legitimacy to the use of force by the government. And, as problematic as this fact is, the government has the monopoly on the legitimate use of force.
The reason that the Civil Rights Movement was so successful is because of the commitment to non-violence. Maybe we should have some training in non-violence before we actually take to the streets. But I guarantee that the other side will try to de-legitimize our movement by provoking violence. Something to be aware of and be watchful for.
This film shows how Otpor, a student led organization, successfully catalyzed a peaceful resistance movement that brought down Milosevic in Serbia 2000.
Some key lessons- it took a long time, they had help from experts outside of Serbia, eventually all the people came together (coal miners and others went on strike), there was mass mobilization that made clear to military and law enforcement that it was the people against the government- not just one political party against Milosevic. Then they switched sides and joined the people.
In smaller European countries, most of the population is concentrated in a few cities. There is also foot freedom. It is not necessary to drive a car and park to reach a protest.
I would add that our screen addictions are having an impact on our ability to focus and act.
Excellent resources—-I think we are all seeing how these past 2 months have been a fast moving rolling coup and our typical responses are not enough—-no violent resistance is the strategy for stopping the coup! I love the idea of hosting educational forums for how to be in this moment! We have talked a lot about that as a team using boycotts and engaging with the Poor People’s Movement here in Indiana. Leave us a message at hoosiers4democracy@gmail.com if you would like to continue the conversation! Indivisible groups are building a great infrastructure across the state to help do that!
Is anyone aware of local actions being coordinated with this by the Third Act group founded by environmentalist Bill McKibben? This from their website:
"On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Third Act joins the Hands Off! National Day of Action to stand up against those who believe they can take whatever they want—our democracy, our future, our rights"
I support the efforts of H4D, Indivisible, 50501, Live Free Indiana, and all other legitimate organizations that are leading the way of protest and opposition. I have two comments:
First, I hope everyone realizes that these efforts by themselves will have no effect on the current situation. This will not change Todd Young’s mind; in fact it may harden it even more. If the protests do not result in voter turnout in the mid-terms nothing will change. That is the hard reality, but that does not mean that it is without merit. Protest is important, and in fact it is an act of patriotism because we are petitioning our government for redress of a problem, and that is supported by the Constitution.
Second is a warning. There will be provocateurs who will infiltrate the protests and will advocate violence for the purpose of de-legitimizing the movement. I am not sure but I may have been talking to one Wednesday night. Do not fall for it, do not take that bait. We must commit to non-violent opposition because as soon as someone commits an act of vandalism or violence against persons or property that gives legitimacy to the use of force by the government. And, as problematic as this fact is, the government has the monopoly on the legitimate use of force.
The reason that the Civil Rights Movement was so successful is because of the commitment to non-violence. Maybe we should have some training in non-violence before we actually take to the streets. But I guarantee that the other side will try to de-legitimize our movement by provoking violence. Something to be aware of and be watchful for.
I believe it's important to get educated about effective non-violent resistance methods.
Hoosiers 4 Democracy could partner with Indivisible to provide free screenings of films, and host discussions led by experts.
There is free content available.
International Center on Nonviolent Conflict
https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/
This film shows how Otpor, a student led organization, successfully catalyzed a peaceful resistance movement that brought down Milosevic in Serbia 2000.
Some key lessons- it took a long time, they had help from experts outside of Serbia, eventually all the people came together (coal miners and others went on strike), there was mass mobilization that made clear to military and law enforcement that it was the people against the government- not just one political party against Milosevic. Then they switched sides and joined the people.
Bringing Down a Dictator
https://youtu.be/r7dNLt5mC1A?feature=shared
Next Comes What
Andrea Pitzer
https://youtube.com/@degenerateartnewsletter?feature=shared
In this episode, at 24 minutes in- she explains why mass mobilization is harder in the geographically vast United States.
https://youtu.be/-v7W57Gq9qg?feature=shared
In smaller European countries, most of the population is concentrated in a few cities. There is also foot freedom. It is not necessary to drive a car and park to reach a protest.
I would add that our screen addictions are having an impact on our ability to focus and act.
Excellent resources—-I think we are all seeing how these past 2 months have been a fast moving rolling coup and our typical responses are not enough—-no violent resistance is the strategy for stopping the coup! I love the idea of hosting educational forums for how to be in this moment! We have talked a lot about that as a team using boycotts and engaging with the Poor People’s Movement here in Indiana. Leave us a message at hoosiers4democracy@gmail.com if you would like to continue the conversation! Indivisible groups are building a great infrastructure across the state to help do that!
Thank you!
Is anyone aware of local actions being coordinated with this by the Third Act group founded by environmentalist Bill McKibben? This from their website:
"On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Third Act joins the Hands Off! National Day of Action to stand up against those who believe they can take whatever they want—our democracy, our future, our rights"