Pathways of Resistance
Donald Trump has been President for 1 year, 105 days, 22 hours, 55 minutes and 33 seconds at the moment I’m writing (there’s a webpage for that, surprise!) From that moment of his inauguration, folks who couldn’t believe he was elected President have been saying: what can I do to resist the changes he is making to our country? How can I help to protect:
- the environment
- healthcare
- voting rights
- Dreamers
- Women’s Rights (including reproductive rights)
- Middle Class incomes
- Education
- Gun control
- Our children from going to war.
America has always had a tradition of loyal opposition. In the past few years, as our politics have grown more divisive, it has become more difficult to see the “loyalty” in the actions of the opponents. Everyone claims to be fighting for the “America” they believe in, but we seem to have an increasingly different view of what that nation looks and acts like. Historically we’ve been here before, most notably in in 1850’s prior to the Civil War, but also in 1800, the mid-1820’s, the late 1880’s, early 1920’s, and the 1960’s – opposition and resistance are not new nor uncommon and it doesn’t always end in war. Sometimes, it has brought wars to an end.
So in our current climate, what can be done to “Resist?”
First of all, the primary duty of all Americans, vote. Past elections show that the more negative a campaign gets, the fewer people come to the polls. Negative campaigns are designed to drive down the opponents’ votes, and clearly the 2016 election was impacted by the negative ads on both sides. If this year’s primary is any indication, the general election of 2018 (at least here in Ohio) will be one of the “dirtiest” in history. Low voter turnout inevitably favors Republicans, don’t let the trickery of campaign advertising keep you from voting.
Keep in mind it’s not just advertising on television, radio, or newspapers (for those who still read them.) It’s ads in social media, it’s biased or faked news articles, it’s the re-tweeted or shared post that makes outlandish claims. All of these become a part of the decision making process, but, more importantly they create a climate where voters choose not to cast a vote for the “lesser of two evils,” but to sit out the whole process. Don’t be “conned” that it doesn’t matter who you vote for: if the election of 2016 taught us anything, it’s that every vote counts, even if it’s a “lesser evil” choice.
In keeping with advertising and social media, the second duty is to ascertain what is fact and what is propaganda. In our ‘post-truth” society, reaching some common truths about issues is becoming more difficult. Actual research may be required. As part of finding the truth, resistance means bringing that truth to the public, to your friends and family, even to those who you know disagree with you politically. It doesn’t have to be in an obnoxious way, but ultimately “fake news” continues because we passively accept it. If every fake item is called out, then it will be more difficult for it to become “real.”
For example, currently Facebook is trending with the claims by opponents of the Iran Nuclear Treaty that Iran lied during the negotiations, and that the American diplomats, notably John Kerry, were fooled. The primary source for this information is a speech by Benjiman Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel. Netanyahu dredged up old intelligence from several years ago about the Iranian nuclear program, information that was well known to the negotiators at the time. It has been presented as a treaty violation, but in reality, it outlined actions that Iran gave up as part of the treaty.
So resist by knowing what is true and what is “fake,” then refuse to accept the premise of the fake. Speak truth, even when it has to be whispered softly to friends who believe the falsity. Give them doubts; then let those doubts increase as they see a President who willingly lies to America.
Third: participate in the most American of activities, protest. It can change things, from civil rights to Vietnam, from the labor movement to abolitionism to women’s suffrage to the most recent marches of the Parkland kids. Step out into the world, make a sign, walk and chant and don’t be afraid to change the world. There will be political campaigns in the fall to help, and there are continual actions going on (particularly in Columbus – here’s a web calendar of events, Resistance Calendar.) If marching isn’t for you, then make your voice heard by writing about what issue concerns you most and putting it out on social media, or as a letter to Congress, or to the news media. Or, write a blog (here’s mine – Trump World). Find a way to publicly express your view: here’s what my artist sister and her friends did (Outrage – Artists Respond to Trump and Impeach.)
Fourth: the Mueller investigation is critical. Should the President take the ultimate action of trying to obstruct it by firing Robert Mueller, Congress must be pressured into reacting. The “plan” is already in place – find a march and join in if things get that far (Find a March.)
You may worry that you will lose your “friends” who disagree with you politically. While this has happened to me, I’ve found that most of my friends respect my views, even if we don’t agree. As polarized as our politics have become, most Americans are willing to accept that others may have differing beliefs, and still be “good” people. And, most Americans recognize that legitimate protest is our tradition, one that should be cherished even if we disagree. This time it’s “our side,” who knows what the next time will be. Find a way – and resist.
