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Shaun Dakin's avatar

I love this quote which is where I am at the moment... "Finally, if we are to make our protests as effective as possible, we should recognize protest for what it is: a tactic. Protest is not an end in itself. Tactics require larger long-term power-building strategies. Absent strategy, protest can sometimes still hold some short-term strategic value (eg, showing that dissent exists), but if we want to accomplish more than a flash in the pan – if we genuinely intend to shape history, as powerful movements before us have done – then we need to figure out what to do after the protest ends and everyone goes home."

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Susan Wagner's avatar

I get it that you want to move us from doom and gloom, good for you. But, the notion of, it's not like we didn't warn you, still rings in my head for those who we thought knew better. Maybe I've read and watched too much on the Nazis and Stasis, but the image that keeps coming to mind for me is a billboard that has the sink running full force while two people are trying to have a conversation. I am not by nature an anxious person but, like you, I am not shy about to expressing my views, I would hate for us to have to do it with fear as our backdrop. So ho do we start to collect those who may be open to seeing the writing on the wall?

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Dez Mond's avatar

One has been known to not throttle my own tendency to be a tad Doomsayer-ish and this article slapped me hard. An excellent and timely reminder to keep your head and not succumb to #DisasterPorn click-bait.

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Carl Van Ness's avatar

I agree with your assessment of Sanders and AOC. What are we building here? Sadly, the same was true of the April 5th demonstration in my area. There was no tabling or any way for people to interact. A thousand people showed up, protested for two hours, and then went home.

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Joyce's avatar

I had a sense that mobilizing greater numbers of people was kind of the point. Keep increasing the numbers until the GOP recognizes that they are losing support, as an active Congress, along with the Courts, may be the most likely key to stopping the unlawful actions of this administration.

My question to you is what you would want to see for these rallies and protests? I have attending all in my State, and one in DC so far; interaction with other protesters was inspiring.

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Cate's avatar

Who's

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Apr 15
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Diane D’Angelo's avatar

As I read this I wondered if Mr. Sifry was trying to find a job. Good points made, but the patronizing gets old.

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Micah L. Sifry's avatar

I am not looking for a job!

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