Time To Get Serious About Resistance

One of the biggest movie franchises in history, George Lucas’ Star Wars, is all about a subject that is more pertinent now than ever: Resistance. Over the years, since 1977, audiences have cheered on the ‘rebels’ who stood up to the emperor Palpatine and his powerful enforcer, Darth Vader. The original movie, which is now known as Episode IV, was called ‘a western in space’ by critics who saw only the good guy vs. bad guy scenario. The more people watched the movies, however, the more they realized that Vader and Palpatine weren’t just ‘bad guys,’ but the incarnation of evil itself. Even as episodes I-III tried to humanize the Dark Lord, the end of the third movie shows a willful and deliberate embrace of evil.

Lucas intended the movies as escapist cinema, something to distract from personal struggles and problems. It was never his intention that the movies might serve as a metaphor for as US President and his unelected ax man. Yet, here we are, drawing that exact parallel and worried about what is to come. We’ve already seen that both Felonious Punk and Elroy Muskrat are willing to blow up entire agencies just to prove their power. The one factor that’s missing is the Resistance: the Rebel Alliance, a rag-tag group dedicated to the restoration of the Galactic Republic.

Over the past week, it has felt as though once-noble fighters against evil have disappeared into the desert of some far-removed planet. Democrats in the Senate buckled under pressure and passed a continuing resolution that funds such a drastic destruction of government as to be comparable to a type of Death Star. With no one standing in his way, Punk wasted no time this morning gutting numerous federal agencies, including the Voice of America. United Nations agencies were sent a questionnaire asking questions such as whether any of their members were communist or anti-American. He expelled the South African ambassador who dared to stand up to him.

We need a true, organized Resistance, one that is capable of infiltrating government at every level, one whose sole purpose is toppling this regime of evil, and one that is willing to make sacrifices in order to achieve its goal. That sounds like a tall order. The current generations of Americans are easily described as weak, unmotivated, and largely unskilled in taking on a behemoth government that could end up killing them all.

Overthrowing a fascist dictator is an incredibly difficult and dangerous undertaking. Non-violent resistance, strategically applied and rigorously maintained, offers the best chance of success with the least bloodshed. Escalation should be a last resort, carefully considered, and only undertaken with a clear understanding of the risks and potential consequences. The key is to build a resilient, unified, and informed movement that can adapt to changing circumstances and maintain its commitment to a just and free future.

That raises a significant question: Can anyone actually spearhead such a movement? Sure, there are some individuals in places of limited power. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York might stand out to some as a ‘Princess Leia’ figure, one who’s willing to fight and stand up to the evil. But the Princess didn’t win the battle on her own, and there’s a realistic question as to how far AOC is willing to push back against the evil.

From the outset, we have to be fully aware of the dangers that any kind of rebels face. Fascist regimes are notorious for using informants and infiltrators. The resistance must be constantly vigilant about security. Who can we really trust? As we saw this past week, even those at a high level are subject to being compromised.

The government will likely respond to resistance with violence and repression. The president has said numerous times that he thinks those who disagree with him should be arrested. We’re already seeing how he is using immigration resources to forcibly remove students who stood up for the rights of others. The resistance must be prepared for this and have plans to protect its members.

The administration will try to exploit existing divisions within the population (ethnic, religious, class, etc.). This is exactly what the president’s anti-DEI movement is attempting to do. Subjugating people based on race, sexual identity, religious beliefs, education, and country of origin is intended to splinter the American population before we have a chance to create a cohesive resistance. Maintaining unity is paramount.

It’s also crucial to maintain ethical standards and avoid becoming as brutal as the White House. We already know they’re willing to hit below the belt. We already know they’re willing to use violence without regard to who is hurt. An effective resistance avoids using the same tactics against them because doing so makes us as evil as they are. This is both morally important and strategically vital for long-term success.

We’ve been thinking about this issue for a while now. At various points, we’ve wondered whether it was absolutely necessary. After all, some might view resistance as an act of treason, especially given the mood of the current Supreme Court. This is not a matter to be entered into lightly and is not a discussion we open without being aware of the potential consequences.

Nonetheless, there seems to be little choice now than to start building a coalition of like minds with the express intent of ending this government of evil before it can become all-consuming. While we’re still putting meat on the bones, here is the working outline we’ve developed.

I. Core Principles for the Resistance:

• Unity and Organization: Disparate, disorganized efforts are easily crushed. Building a unified front, even if it’s composed of diverse groups with slightly different long-term goals, is crucial. This requires:
  • Underground Networks: Secret communication channels (encrypted messaging, coded language, trusted couriers) are essential for coordinating action and sharing information.
  • Leadership Structure: While avoiding centralized, easily-targeted leadership, a decentralized, networked leadership structure is needed to make decisions and strategize.
  • Mutual Aid: Systems to support those who are arrested, injured, or lose their jobs due to resistance activities. This builds trust and solidarity.
• Non-Violent Discipline (Initially): This is not just a moral stance; it’s strategically crucial. Fascism thrives on justifying violence against “enemies.” Non-violent resistance:
  • Deprives the regime of justification: It’s harder to crack down on peaceful protesters without looking like the aggressor.
  • Appeals to broader support: More people, both within the country and internationally, are willing to support a non-violent movement.
  • Creates divisions within the regime: Some members of the security forces, civil servants, etc., may be less willing to use violence against unarmed civilians.
• Strategic Thinking: Every action should have a clear purpose aimed at weakening the dictator’s power and building the resistance’s strength. This requires:
  • Understanding Power Structures: Identifying the pillars of the regime’s power (military, economic elites, propaganda apparatus, etc.) and targeting those.
  • Long-Term Vision: Knowing what a free society would look like after the dictator is gone. This helps maintain morale and provides a positive goal.
  • Adaptability: The dictator will react and adapt. The resistance must be able to do the same, changing tactics as needed.
• Information Warfare: Fascist regimes rely on controlling information. Countering this is essential.
  • Alternative Media: Underground newspapers, radio broadcasts, internet-based communication (using VPNs and encrypted platforms), and even word-of-mouth networks to spread the truth.
  • Documenting Abuses: Gathering evidence of human rights violations, corruption, and brutality. This is vital for later accountability and international pressure.
  • Counter-Propaganda: Exposing the regime’s lies and inconsistencies, using humor, satire, and art to undermine its authority.

Yes, this is long and involved but we believe such detail is necessary for success. Here’s the second part:

II. Non-Violent Resistance Tactics:

These are the primary tools and should be exhausted before considering anything else:

• Mass Protests and Demonstrations: Large, visible displays of dissent, even if they are quickly dispersed, show the regime’s lack of legitimacy. Key: Pick locations and times strategically, and have clear escape routes.
• Strikes and Boycotts: General strikes can paralyze the economy. Targeted boycotts of businesses that support the regime can weaken its financial base.
• Civil Disobedience: Refusing to obey unjust laws, paying taxes, or cooperating with the authorities. This can range from small acts of defiance to large-scale non-cooperation.
• Symbolic Resistance: Using art, music, literature, and cultural expression to defy the regime and maintain a sense of identity and hope. This can include secret gatherings, coded messages in public art, and underground performances.
• Parallel Institutions: Creating alternative structures for education, healthcare, and other essential services to bypass the regime’s control and build community resilience.
• International Pressure: Appealing to international organizations, human rights groups, and foreign governments for support. This can involve:
  • Providing evidence of abuses.
  • Lobbying for sanctions.
  • Seeking asylum for activists.
  • Building relationships with diaspora communities.

While there have already been a few marches and demonstrations, none of them have been sufficiently organized well enough to create a genuine disruption. Millions of people need to participate. Every event needs to be media candy, so strong and disruptive that no media outlet can ignore what is happening. We know the president is glued to his television and makes decisions based on what he sees there. We’re not being disruptive if he’s unaware that we exist.

And if that doesn’t work? Well… here’s part three:

III. Escalation (Only as a Last Resort and with Extreme Caution):

Escalation should only be considered if non-violent resistance is met with overwhelming, brutal force, and if there is a reasonable chance of success. It should never be the first option.

• Self-Defense: Protecting protesters from violence by security forces, without initiating attacks. This requires careful planning and training to avoid escalating the situation further.
• Sabotage: Targeting infrastructure that supports the regime (e.g., communication lines, transportation networks), while minimizing harm to civilians. This is a high-risk tactic with potential for severe consequences.
• Armed Resistance (Extreme Last Resort): This is the most dangerous option and should only be considered if all other avenues have been exhausted and the population faces imminent annihilation. It requires:
  • Significant popular support.
  • Access to weapons (however limited).
  • A clear military strategy.
  • A plan for the aftermath.
  • Guerrilla warfare tactics: Focusing on hit-and-run attacks, avoiding direct confrontation with superior forces.

There is a lot of disagreement within the room here as to whether escalation can be a legitimate option. A lot depends on what kind of effect non-violent activities have. Being able to recruit critical people away from the military and key government offices, such as those being currently laid off or fired, makes escalation more workable as it provides information as to possible government strategies and weakens government forces. We believe the potential is there or else we wouldn’t include escalation as part of the conversation.

This is a huge step. We’re not sure anyone is going to pay attention. We’re relying on our readers to spread this information anywhere they feel it might be safe to do so, and perhaps some where it is not. Just the threat of forming a strong resistance may force the government to show its hand sooner than it wanted. The more we know, the better able we will be to fight against them.

Don’t join the dark side. Resist.