The survival of secular democracy based on the rule of law depends on whether its defenders stand strong and united during these very perilous times in the history of the United States.
Historically speaking, we have reached a "fork in the road." At this junction it will be decided whether the American experiment ends, and the country turns into a Corporatocracy, or whether the Republic itself, based on Liberal progressive values and democracy can be saved.
So it is now that strong and principled leadership is needed. We can't wait any longer for a charismatic leader to arise and lead us against the regressive corporate, theocratic, and right-wing ultranationalist onslaught that is now taking action against our democracy.
It is now time for every freedom-loving citizen that cares about justice, democracy and the rule of law to make the oath of allegiance and fully engage in the defense of "the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic."
This is no time to hesitate when it comes to the realization that there is an oppressive and very dangerous cabal now acting against our democracy, meeting the definition of a domestic enemy.
All people of good will need to find a way to unite and act against the rise of an oppressive regime which is now trying to consolidate power. Men, women, young people, older folks; we have to all join forces with a full understanding that Liberalism, which is based in "fundamental ideas [such] as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights, free trade, [and] freedom of religion" is the ideology that inspired the founding fathers and contributed to the birth of the nation and its drive to always thrive to be a more perfect union.
One of the most important things to realize in this struggle is that we need to act with conviction.
Challenge
Corporate forces have taken over much of the government and major institutions, including the mainstream media. They have also forged alliances with religious fundamentalists, and right wing reactionaries, ultranationalits and hate groups. They are now trying to consolidate power. They represent the biggest threat to the survival of our democracy. They are the enemy within. They meet the definition of domestic enemy.
Liberal Progressive Agenda
Don't always react, explain, defend, retract, retreat, have fear, hesitate. We need to be bold. We need to be on the offensive. We need to have our own agenda based on solid principles and strongly-held convictions.
- Message: Understand that the overall effect of the corporate-own media in the United States is that of propaganda for the benefit of a very small group of people who are trying to destroy our democracy. Reject its message, and free your mind off its detrimental and manipulative effects. Stay on message: Liberalism based on progressive values is the only ideology upon which a true democracy based on freedom, justice, and equality under the law can survive.
- Stand your ground: Reject and repel any attempt at intimidation by anybody, or any group. Do not retreat nor give any ground to bullies, loud-mouthed bigots, or ignorant thugs. This is extremely important. On the Right there is a campaign of intimidation going on from multiple sources, including right-wing radio (funded by corporate money). Any threats or allusion to violence or intimidation needs to be immediately addressed, and confronted, and repelled. Historically, that's one of the tools of nascent fascistic regimes: They demonize certain groups which are eventually targeted for harassment and acts of violence. When we rally, let's always have a security component in mind. There should be people assigned to security (bouncer types), and people in charge of documenting any type of aggressive or threatening action (video, photos, witnesses). No act of intimidation, threatening behavior, or violence should ever be ignored. Any such act should be immediately addressed through proper legal channels, and should be brought up to the attention of the media and the public. It should be understood that people always have a right to defend themselves against violent acts.
- Bold action: Unite and act boldly in the defense of democracy. Confront every challenge head-on. Do not retreat. Organize around the country to act at the political level. When "war" is waged against workers' and women's rights, fight back with conviction using every single resource at our disposal. Push to organize workers and increase union membership. Engage in an national education (and media) campaign focused on counteracting the effects of the propagandist media against all the pillars of democracy: education, human rights, constitutional protections, workers rights.
- Conviction: It is extremely important to act out of a sense of conviction. You have to believe and know you are right. There is currently a war of ideologies in the United States. Regressive and oppressive forces which had never gone away in our history, have risen to confront the secular, democratic, and constitutional State, head on. This is no time to be shy about confronting these forces. Not only do they need to be confronted, they need to be utterly defeated. Only the power of your (our) convictions will be able to take on this powerful foe.
If you would like to exchange ideas about how to help bring about a more focused, organized, united, and disciplined progressive movement, please contact me via email, or private message.
Update 6:00pm: Thanks for the feedback. I got quite a few emails with ideas. I will share some of them in my next diary.
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