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https://theconversation.com/has-the-trump-resistance-been-too-passive-here-are-7-ways-to-effectively-protest-authoritarian-rule-268208>
"The United States, it has long been claimed, is organically disposed towards
democracy. When the Puritans founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early
1600s, the first governor, John Winthrop, called the new settlement a “city
upon a hill” that inspires the world.
This notion of American manifest destiny, however, has always depended on a
blindingly obvious precondition: you cannot claim to be a beacon for democracy
abroad without being a democracy at home.
Over the centuries, these democratic credentials have been tested numerous
times. And now the US faces its biggest test in decades: the Trump
administration’s blatant slide into authoritarianism.
Having studied authoritarian rule and democratic backsliding for two decades, I
have watched with dismay how little – or sporadic – the non-violent resistance
has been to Trump’s dictatorial ambitions.
Yes, the No Kings protest in October saw an estimated five million people march
across the country. This followed a No Kings protest of similar magnitude in
June.
Organised mass protests are certainly important, but by one estimate, the Trump
administration carried out approximately 963 anti-democratic actions between
these two rallies.
Mass protests are laudable, but insufficient. And the absence of Gen Z
protesters has been particularly conspicuous.
What more could Americans be doing? Here are seven lessons from those who have
resisted authoritarian rule around the world."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
