The No Kings rally in October was attended by 7 million people nationwide! (With additional protests in other countries.) We can definitely get to 12 million! 🇺🇸
I love this article more than words can say. It need to be enshrined somewhere and then taught in civics classes and posted on the walls of election precincts (along with the Declaration & Constitution).
I was getting pretty cold on Walz and the Democrats for fraud and misguided DEI training at MN. agencies. But now that’s ended. I’d march every day if I could. Reagan, growing up listening to WW2 documentaries, growing up watching people shot at the Berlin Wall, everything we ever learned about American values prepared me to drop everything and fight these thugs along side whatever socialist or activist Minneapolis has. I’m finished with questioning. I’m finished with republican alternatives. This is spiritual warfare for the idea of a republic of laws.
I wish I could say thay ir was my idea, but it isn't. I saw it in an IG post by Richard Denniss an economist who works at The Australia Institute, a progressive think tank in- you guessed it! - Australia.
I went to a rally today. It wasn't huge, but I think there were a other rallies going on in the area. Indivisible and a local organization were involved in organizing. It was a memorial for Renee and for people who have been abducted by ICE, together with practical information on what to do if your see ICE, or if you or someone you know is threatened by ICE. An attendee was circulating a petition to get our wonderful local congressman on the ballot for re-election. There is always a practical side to rallies organized by Indivisible and its partners, and I'm sure they've helped to make a difference here in Virginia since 2016.
In addition to the rally speakers and presentations, which were so meaningful, one of the things that moved me the most was the signs people brought. I've seen great signs at the Women's March, Black Lives Matter, No Kings, and others, but more than ever before I was struck by the sheer density of signs (number of signs per attendee), and the high proportion of incredibly creative, wise and often heart-wrenching hand-made signs.
I guess it helped that Renee Good's name lends itself to so many wonderful plays on the word "good," as does ICE, for that matter, but other signs obviously reflected what people had been feeling this entire year and had to get out (quotes form Orwell were prominent). I alway leave rallies thinking of the signs I wished I had photographed, so today I was on a mission to photograph signs. Some people told me with tears in their eyes how they had stayed up late making the sign, or what it meant to them.
I think that we get to 3.5% based on the depth of revulsion for what ICE is doing to our fellow human beings -- who are not just a philosophical concept in communities where workers and small businesses and care workers are needed, appreciated, and loved. Also, the fear of where Trump's contempt for the law is leading, and horror over what we've already lost through what Trump and his team are doing: destroying our federal government capability, science, PEPFAR, the Republican Party, our country's reputation and leadership, our economy, and on and on.
The depth of feeling and commitment that I saw today was so heartening!
I would also add, I think one of the most important things we can do these days is to support journalism and independent media. We can rightly criticize the New York Times and Washington Post for both-sidesism, etc., but they still have reporters who are doing incredible investigative journalism and analysis. Non-profits such as ProPublica, Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington (CREW), and Wikipedia are indispensable. Don't forget people like Mike Madrid ❤️ on Substack and elsewhere. I'm leaving out so many but the point is, if you can, support some of the journalists you depend on to get the truth -- which would have been so easily hidden in the case of Renee Good, and I'm sure has been already too many times.
When the young people got energized, Boomers got activated - that's why we are still out here because we know the power in protests. We've seen it before. My brother was tear gassed in the sixties at an anti-Vietnam protest. I grew up with it all around me. I'm still out here. Don't sit down, people. We need everyone of you 🗽🇺🇲
There is a publshed study or book somewhere about that 3.5% rule. There is a bit more to it than just getting 3.5% out for one large protest. It has to be a sustained 3.5% or more over a period of time for enough pressure to build to topple the regime. I do believe, however, that we are already close or have surpassed the 3.5% participation and that the dissatisfaction with the Trump regime has been and will continue to grow to the point where we have sustained protest by more than 3.5% of US citizens; the steadily tanking poll numbers for Trump and his sychophants are evidence of that. The very public shooting of Renee Good, an unarmed civilian peacefully protesting without threatening anyone, and the immediate villification of her, the victim, through a multitude of blatantly false statements by Trump, Vance and Noem, which are contradicted by the video evidence, is already exponentially accelerating the publics' discontent which will continue to grow as the government repeats the lies and hides the evidence from local authorities to prevent an independent investigation. I believe that this murder is the tipping point that will result in the sustained protest from which this regime will not recover.
When searching for an ICE Out protest, I discovered that, in cities, small towns and villages throughout NY state, there are regular weekly or twice weekly general protests in the streets against the Trump regimes attack on our Constituion and democracy with addittional ad hoc ones added in as specific atrocities like this shooting arise. There are also a multitude of other protest activities other than taking to the streets that people can sign up for such as attending strategy meetings, writing or phoning government officials to demand action against the attrocious policies and actions of the regime, get out the vote campaigns and so much more. I am sure this must also be the case in other states. For those of you who can take to the streets in protest, please continue to do so. For those of you who can't please partticipate in one or more of the other protest activities organized by Indivisible.org, 50501.org, No Kings.org or another organization of your choosing. If you can't find a resistance group in your area, start one - Indivisible.org, 50501.org, No Kings.org have people to help you with that.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR FIGHTING WITH EVERY OUNCE OF STRENGTH WE CAN MUSTER. ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE ARE WAY MORE OF US THAN OF THEM AND WE CAN OVERWHELM THEM WITH OUR PEACEFUL SHOW OF SUPPORT AND CARE FOR EACH OTHER.
This is good . One part everyone leaves out is another part of this research regarding the 3.5% rule. The protests must be frequent and sustained. Frequent more frequent that thaw have been so far and sustained until we have ousted this regime. A long slog . We are equal to it of course . Just include the frequent and sustained part of the rule of success. At the same time we must add targeted rolling strikes and ultimately a general strike. They only understand money. We know this. So hit -’em in the Pocketbook.
I am not being critical . I am a protestor. I want people to know frequency and sustained action is part of that research by Chenowith. In solidarity.
Another great essay, Mike. Thanks for articulating (and the research) on this point. The growing resistance to this regime is certainly encouraging - the willingness to show up to protest as the regime becomes more violent!
1300 gatherings nationwide within 24-48 hours of the news of Renee Good's assassination confirms that protests work. Some protests get the masses but all protests reflect change. Next is January 20th 2:00 local time WALK OUT. Soon NO KINGS III - 12Million! Not enough to get out in the streets. Got to get new blood in local, state and national government.
Consistency is what makes protests work. Daily. Morning, midday and evening. Show up when you can, just show up. We have the numbers. We lack the willingness to commit to a goal. Look at Iran. For 2weeks every evening. Those people are so committed, they’re willing to risk their lives. Many have, yet the people still show up. Many may lose their lives here in America. Many already have. But lives will not or we’re not be lost in vain.
Go out and build community. Say Hi to someone at the coffee shop, grocery, church. Start a bookclub and get social, recruit. Folks are feeling alone, bring them in the fold to assist and facilitate change 💙
We may really be witnessing that 3.5% rule right now in Iran. It's why the Ayatollah's regime has been answering the protests with sheer brutality, it senses it's in mortal danger. It's so interesting to seeing a pratical example of this rule, but one has to hope the horror, suffering and blood of the last few days in Iran ends with something better for the Iranian people.
The No Kings rally in October was attended by 7 million people nationwide! (With additional protests in other countries.) We can definitely get to 12 million! 🇺🇸
I believe Rachael Maddow that protests work!! We have to do it, and it gives us hope!
I love this article more than words can say. It need to be enshrined somewhere and then taught in civics classes and posted on the walls of election precincts (along with the Declaration & Constitution).
I was getting pretty cold on Walz and the Democrats for fraud and misguided DEI training at MN. agencies. But now that’s ended. I’d march every day if I could. Reagan, growing up listening to WW2 documentaries, growing up watching people shot at the Berlin Wall, everything we ever learned about American values prepared me to drop everything and fight these thugs along side whatever socialist or activist Minneapolis has. I’m finished with questioning. I’m finished with republican alternatives. This is spiritual warfare for the idea of a republic of laws.
Something to consider. If protests DIDN'T work, governments of all persuasions wouldn't try to ban them.
Brilliant Rick! That hadn’t occurred to me
I wish I could say thay ir was my idea, but it isn't. I saw it in an IG post by Richard Denniss an economist who works at The Australia Institute, a progressive think tank in- you guessed it! - Australia.
Source: Instagram https://share.google/UZ604deGFRNDEK2ta
I went to a rally today. It wasn't huge, but I think there were a other rallies going on in the area. Indivisible and a local organization were involved in organizing. It was a memorial for Renee and for people who have been abducted by ICE, together with practical information on what to do if your see ICE, or if you or someone you know is threatened by ICE. An attendee was circulating a petition to get our wonderful local congressman on the ballot for re-election. There is always a practical side to rallies organized by Indivisible and its partners, and I'm sure they've helped to make a difference here in Virginia since 2016.
In addition to the rally speakers and presentations, which were so meaningful, one of the things that moved me the most was the signs people brought. I've seen great signs at the Women's March, Black Lives Matter, No Kings, and others, but more than ever before I was struck by the sheer density of signs (number of signs per attendee), and the high proportion of incredibly creative, wise and often heart-wrenching hand-made signs.
I guess it helped that Renee Good's name lends itself to so many wonderful plays on the word "good," as does ICE, for that matter, but other signs obviously reflected what people had been feeling this entire year and had to get out (quotes form Orwell were prominent). I alway leave rallies thinking of the signs I wished I had photographed, so today I was on a mission to photograph signs. Some people told me with tears in their eyes how they had stayed up late making the sign, or what it meant to them.
I think that we get to 3.5% based on the depth of revulsion for what ICE is doing to our fellow human beings -- who are not just a philosophical concept in communities where workers and small businesses and care workers are needed, appreciated, and loved. Also, the fear of where Trump's contempt for the law is leading, and horror over what we've already lost through what Trump and his team are doing: destroying our federal government capability, science, PEPFAR, the Republican Party, our country's reputation and leadership, our economy, and on and on.
The depth of feeling and commitment that I saw today was so heartening!
I would also add, I think one of the most important things we can do these days is to support journalism and independent media. We can rightly criticize the New York Times and Washington Post for both-sidesism, etc., but they still have reporters who are doing incredible investigative journalism and analysis. Non-profits such as ProPublica, Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington (CREW), and Wikipedia are indispensable. Don't forget people like Mike Madrid ❤️ on Substack and elsewhere. I'm leaving out so many but the point is, if you can, support some of the journalists you depend on to get the truth -- which would have been so easily hidden in the case of Renee Good, and I'm sure has been already too many times.
". . .a previously sedentary generation becomes energized."
Yes and this Boomer says, "Thank you!"
When the young people got energized, Boomers got activated - that's why we are still out here because we know the power in protests. We've seen it before. My brother was tear gassed in the sixties at an anti-Vietnam protest. I grew up with it all around me. I'm still out here. Don't sit down, people. We need everyone of you 🗽🇺🇲
There is a publshed study or book somewhere about that 3.5% rule. There is a bit more to it than just getting 3.5% out for one large protest. It has to be a sustained 3.5% or more over a period of time for enough pressure to build to topple the regime. I do believe, however, that we are already close or have surpassed the 3.5% participation and that the dissatisfaction with the Trump regime has been and will continue to grow to the point where we have sustained protest by more than 3.5% of US citizens; the steadily tanking poll numbers for Trump and his sychophants are evidence of that. The very public shooting of Renee Good, an unarmed civilian peacefully protesting without threatening anyone, and the immediate villification of her, the victim, through a multitude of blatantly false statements by Trump, Vance and Noem, which are contradicted by the video evidence, is already exponentially accelerating the publics' discontent which will continue to grow as the government repeats the lies and hides the evidence from local authorities to prevent an independent investigation. I believe that this murder is the tipping point that will result in the sustained protest from which this regime will not recover.
When searching for an ICE Out protest, I discovered that, in cities, small towns and villages throughout NY state, there are regular weekly or twice weekly general protests in the streets against the Trump regimes attack on our Constituion and democracy with addittional ad hoc ones added in as specific atrocities like this shooting arise. There are also a multitude of other protest activities other than taking to the streets that people can sign up for such as attending strategy meetings, writing or phoning government officials to demand action against the attrocious policies and actions of the regime, get out the vote campaigns and so much more. I am sure this must also be the case in other states. For those of you who can take to the streets in protest, please continue to do so. For those of you who can't please partticipate in one or more of the other protest activities organized by Indivisible.org, 50501.org, No Kings.org or another organization of your choosing. If you can't find a resistance group in your area, start one - Indivisible.org, 50501.org, No Kings.org have people to help you with that.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR FIGHTING WITH EVERY OUNCE OF STRENGTH WE CAN MUSTER. ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE ARE WAY MORE OF US THAN OF THEM AND WE CAN OVERWHELM THEM WITH OUR PEACEFUL SHOW OF SUPPORT AND CARE FOR EACH OTHER.
This is good . One part everyone leaves out is another part of this research regarding the 3.5% rule. The protests must be frequent and sustained. Frequent more frequent that thaw have been so far and sustained until we have ousted this regime. A long slog . We are equal to it of course . Just include the frequent and sustained part of the rule of success. At the same time we must add targeted rolling strikes and ultimately a general strike. They only understand money. We know this. So hit -’em in the Pocketbook.
I am not being critical . I am a protestor. I want people to know frequency and sustained action is part of that research by Chenowith. In solidarity.
Another great essay, Mike. Thanks for articulating (and the research) on this point. The growing resistance to this regime is certainly encouraging - the willingness to show up to protest as the regime becomes more violent!
Thanks Lillian 🙏🏼
1300 gatherings nationwide within 24-48 hours of the news of Renee Good's assassination confirms that protests work. Some protests get the masses but all protests reflect change. Next is January 20th 2:00 local time WALK OUT. Soon NO KINGS III - 12Million! Not enough to get out in the streets. Got to get new blood in local, state and national government.
Mike, thank you for this incredibly inspiring work. Would love to know your thoughts about how we foment a General Strike.
Consistency is what makes protests work. Daily. Morning, midday and evening. Show up when you can, just show up. We have the numbers. We lack the willingness to commit to a goal. Look at Iran. For 2weeks every evening. Those people are so committed, they’re willing to risk their lives. Many have, yet the people still show up. Many may lose their lives here in America. Many already have. But lives will not or we’re not be lost in vain.
Great hopeful article.
Marvellous to see the American people correcting the lies of Trump, Vance and others in the regime’s hierarchy
Go out and build community. Say Hi to someone at the coffee shop, grocery, church. Start a bookclub and get social, recruit. Folks are feeling alone, bring them in the fold to assist and facilitate change 💙
We may really be witnessing that 3.5% rule right now in Iran. It's why the Ayatollah's regime has been answering the protests with sheer brutality, it senses it's in mortal danger. It's so interesting to seeing a pratical example of this rule, but one has to hope the horror, suffering and blood of the last few days in Iran ends with something better for the Iranian people.
Yes I agree! That’s why included a picture from today’s movement in Iran - it’s no longer a protest - it’s a revolutionary movement