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Ken Williams, PhD's avatar

One of the key ingredients of an effective resistance is taking control of the narrative. Thank you for providing factual information about the actions of the orange plague and the actions of the resistance. Thank you for recognizing the various organizations that are coming together for the resistance. Together, we can take control the narrative and push back against the propaganda and disinformation.

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Schmendryck's avatar

"Together we CAN," but we MUST, & it needs to be happening NOW, whether in the comments sections & letters pages or in the streets, or BOTH.

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Ken Williams, PhD's avatar

If we are going to overcome the orange plague, we need a multifaceted, multi pronged strategy at every level - individual, small groups, local, state, national— across racial, demographic, socioeconomic groups. Here’s a draft plan.

1. Organize Collective Action: Create Solidarity and Mutual Support. Authoritarians often thrive when dissent is fragmented. Building broad coalitions across political, ethnic, and social groups increases the strength and legitimacy of resistance. Peaceful protests, labor strikes, and civic campaigns can apply sustained pressure. 2. Build and Support Independent Institutions: Educate and Empower. Strengthen independent media, courts, civil society organizations, and educational systems. These institutions help hold power accountable and provide counterbalances to authoritarian control.

3. Control the Narrative: Protect and Spread Truth. Authoritarian regimes frequently rely on propaganda and disinformation. Supporting fact-based journalism, independent research, and media literacy can help create an informed public that’s less susceptible to manipulation.

4. Defend Rule of Law and Democratic Norms: Pushback through Legal and Institutional Systems. Advocate for transparent governance, fair elections, and accountability. Even symbolic gestures (like protesting against unjust laws) help reinforce the public expectation that leaders must follow rules.

5. Use Art and Culture to Inspire and Mobilize. Music, theater, literature, and satire can challenge authoritarian narratives and inspire courage. Cultural resistance builds emotional connections and keeps the spirit of dissent alive.

6. Plan for the Long Game. Resistance isn’t usually quick or linear. Authoritarian systems may take years to erode. Strategic patience, resilience, and adaptability are crucial. Training future leaders, preserving resistance networks, and continuing advocacy during repression all contribute to long-term change.

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Suzanne Karbowska-Hayes's avatar

Excellent draft plan. No good just wringing our hands in despair. Urgent drastic action is needed to prevent this fascist dictatorship taking hold.

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ConfirmedBias's avatar

I love all of that! Such clear, excellent, concise steps! Thanks so much for this contribution !

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Read Feathedrs of Hope. Jerry Weiss.https://jerryweiss.substack.com/

26 Senate Republicans voted to fund Ukraine, many more House Republicans. Many call Trump a liar when he says Ukraine started the war. Many didn't sign up to be members of the axis of evil.

https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2616

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3r8d7q0200o

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3r8d7q0200o

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/4/14/2316376/-Trump-blames-Putin-s-victims-for-getting-attacked-by-Putin?detail=emaildkre

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Steve's avatar

That's the least that we can do. Moreover, citizens in red districts must put pressure on their representatives and senators, who should now realize that Musk can't buy an election.

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Tricia's avatar

During Jim Acostas’ NYC townhall last night, the folks on the panel repeatedly said we need to strengthen and spread the word and knowledge of independent news sources because Americans’ are not receiving the real time truth from corporate sponsored MSM. 47’s regime has decimated news sources. It’s how fascism keeps hold. So subscribe and then send free subscription / recommendations to friends. Provide links in other subs and blogs.

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Ken Williams, PhD's avatar

Absolutely, we need to support independent news. Yes, great idea to subscribe and send subscriptions to others. Thanks.

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Brevity's avatar

Tricia, I agree! We need strategically placed billboards with eye catching content to alert Americans to independent news sources.

Another point made in the townhall-they are implementing the 2025 playbook page by page. We need to grow organization opposition starting locally, state, and federal to stay ahead of P2025 as Ken Williams outlined!

Ken also said, “plan for a long game.” We can do that with organization and self care.

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Linda Wilson-Gordon's avatar

Yes, we CAN! #resistance

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