It’s important for us to equip ourselves to prevent the illegal takeover of our country. We can’t allow ourselves to fall into a state of helplessness and despair. We must be disciplined and follow a plan.
It’s important for us to equip ourselves to prevent the illegal takeover of our country. We can’t allow ourselves to fall into a state of helplessness and despair. We must be disciplined and follow a plan.
HCR’s video talk of 9/22/20 was jarring when she called trump’s election plan a coup. Her “pep talk” included these elements (paraphrased):
- Stick to principles and non-violent resistance instead of reacting to trump as a person.
- Recognize that an abuser seeks control by causing constant fear and terror which in turn function to destabilize and paralyze, so stay grounded, stay calm.
- Trump cries wolf to get attention, so decenter him by ignoring his bluster, moving him off the stage.
- Remember we own our government. Don’t obsess, but do pay attention. And carry on with doing “what you love.”
I would add, from the 9/22 lecture, two vital conditions for a democracy to exist: 1) it must represent the majority of the people and 2) in a two-party system the voters must trust the legitimacy of the opposing parties. Finally, non-violence is the only way to challenge a coup.
Non-violence is indeed the way as long as you can get multi-millions of people onto the streets in every part of the country and have them face down the armed thugs, local police and Republican militias to protect our democracy. The masses of people is the only thing that will intimidate these armed morons. They must be so afraid for their lives that they either cut and run or join the people protesting....then you are talking successful counter-coup strategy. Before the Trumpian forces understand that they have lost, lives will be lost in the cause of Democracy and people must be prepared to pay that price...for at this moment "doing what they love" cannot mean getting on with their lives as if nothing was happening that threatened that very life!
The key question is what to do/what will happen when the "armed thugs, local police, and Republican militias" appear in the streets. These will use more lethal means than the attack dogs and fire hoses "Bull" Connor used against MLK and many others.
Agree. This is a great article with lots of good ideas. I really like the one that states we need to get with our elected officials at all levels to have them sign a pledge to agree to count all the votes. If you read the article, there is a link to a previous article embedded which talks about "what will it take to defend the election". Our HCR community is all over the country. This could really be a great tactic.
I fear you may be right---we are moving toward active shooting in the streets right now. I was in Durham NC in seminary during the protests/actions. I knew a SNCC organizer---they went through hell for the rest of us.
Catherine. Thanks so much for that link. It was very informative and encouraging. I was especially grateful for its stress on non-violence. We can win this struggle and save our republic if we keep our heads and refuse to “say uncle”.
Thank you, Catherine, for sharing this article. Never have I considered that we, in the USA, would have to prepare for a coup. Heather’s discussing it in her ‘History and Politics’ chat this past Tuesday, introduced that soberingly real possibility to me, and this article provides practical points to consider and actions to take in the event that the Trumpists attempt to stop the counting of ballots.
Yes Catherine L (from another Catherine L), Last night I attended training on nonviolent resistance to deterring a coup or defeating a coup if it happens. George Lakey, a Quaker, is a wonderful historian and researcher on social change and now defeating coups and shares his learnings from history to apply now. Another website to check out is https://choosedemocracy.us/ We must prepare to defend democracy!
Non-violent opposition is not a passive strategy but a demandingly active one! It must be extremely "forceful", unending and practiced in a coordinated fashion by the largest possible part of a nation's people.
It’s important for us to equip ourselves to prevent the illegal takeover of our country. We can’t allow ourselves to fall into a state of helplessness and despair. We must be disciplined and follow a plan.
https://wagingnonviolence.org/2020/09/10-things-you-need-to-know-to-stop-a-coup/
HCR’s video talk of 9/22/20 was jarring when she called trump’s election plan a coup. Her “pep talk” included these elements (paraphrased):
- Stick to principles and non-violent resistance instead of reacting to trump as a person.
- Recognize that an abuser seeks control by causing constant fear and terror which in turn function to destabilize and paralyze, so stay grounded, stay calm.
- Trump cries wolf to get attention, so decenter him by ignoring his bluster, moving him off the stage.
- Remember we own our government. Don’t obsess, but do pay attention. And carry on with doing “what you love.”
I would add, from the 9/22 lecture, two vital conditions for a democracy to exist: 1) it must represent the majority of the people and 2) in a two-party system the voters must trust the legitimacy of the opposing parties. Finally, non-violence is the only way to challenge a coup.
Exactly! Thank you, Ellie, for listing the key poiBT’s Heather made.
*points
Non-violence is indeed the way as long as you can get multi-millions of people onto the streets in every part of the country and have them face down the armed thugs, local police and Republican militias to protect our democracy. The masses of people is the only thing that will intimidate these armed morons. They must be so afraid for their lives that they either cut and run or join the people protesting....then you are talking successful counter-coup strategy. Before the Trumpian forces understand that they have lost, lives will be lost in the cause of Democracy and people must be prepared to pay that price...for at this moment "doing what they love" cannot mean getting on with their lives as if nothing was happening that threatened that very life!
The key question is what to do/what will happen when the "armed thugs, local police, and Republican militias" appear in the streets. These will use more lethal means than the attack dogs and fire hoses "Bull" Connor used against MLK and many others.
I think it is crucial that we all read the guidance provided in the link Catherine L shared above. I’ll repeat it here: https://wagingnonviolence.org/2020/09/10-things-you-need-to-know-to-stop-a-coup/
Agree. This is a great article with lots of good ideas. I really like the one that states we need to get with our elected officials at all levels to have them sign a pledge to agree to count all the votes. If you read the article, there is a link to a previous article embedded which talks about "what will it take to defend the election". Our HCR community is all over the country. This could really be a great tactic.
Stand together and move against them despite the cost. The fear must change camps.
And try NOT to project. That’s what trump is doing out of fear. Let’s not follow.
I fear you may be right---we are moving toward active shooting in the streets right now. I was in Durham NC in seminary during the protests/actions. I knew a SNCC organizer---they went through hell for the rest of us.
Catherine. Thanks so much for that link. It was very informative and encouraging. I was especially grateful for its stress on non-violence. We can win this struggle and save our republic if we keep our heads and refuse to “say uncle”.
Agreed. Non-violence is key to our credibility.
Thank you, Catherine, for sharing this article. Never have I considered that we, in the USA, would have to prepare for a coup. Heather’s discussing it in her ‘History and Politics’ chat this past Tuesday, introduced that soberingly real possibility to me, and this article provides practical points to consider and actions to take in the event that the Trumpists attempt to stop the counting of ballots.
Yes Catherine L (from another Catherine L), Last night I attended training on nonviolent resistance to deterring a coup or defeating a coup if it happens. George Lakey, a Quaker, is a wonderful historian and researcher on social change and now defeating coups and shares his learnings from history to apply now. Another website to check out is https://choosedemocracy.us/ We must prepare to defend democracy!
So get out and help the Democratic Party win! Volunteers are welcome and so are donations!
Thanks so much for this! I subscribed to this publication, Waging Nonviolence.
Non-violent opposition is not a passive strategy but a demandingly active one! It must be extremely "forceful", unending and practiced in a coordinated fashion by the largest possible part of a nation's people.
Thank you, Catherine, for this link!!
Thank you for the link!!!
Thanks! This gives some really good ideas. I subscribed to their newsletter and encourage all of you to share this link.