<nettime> How You Can Help Minnesota Today

[Max Herman via nettime-l <nettime-l@lists.nettime.org>]

Hi all,

Minnesota needs all the help it can get right now to survive the aggressive actions of the administration.  So far we have been amazingly united, effective, and lucky.  We need your support to stay that way.

What happens here will have massive repercussions everywhere.  If you don't want to help I understand -- that's OK.  I'm not here to convince you otherwise.  But if you do want to help I have a couple ideas.

1.  Catchy slogan: "Ice Out / Stay Cool."  The goal of the orchestrators is likely to at least include the hope for a disastrous escalation they can smash with even more disproportionate military force.  This is autocracy 101 and we all know it.  Gotta keep it top of mind to stay peaceful and leverage that strength which favors the defenders.

2.  Name the Sleaze Factor: local GOP are very sensitive to the s-word.  They know it is their demagogue's Achilles heel and by association their own.  It's a truth they don't want named, so it must be.  Say it early and often: this is sleaze on every level, sleaze of historic proportions.  See Martin Jay's "The Age of Rackets" re the use of sleaze by the European far-right in the 1920's and 1930's.  Hang it on their imitators today like a scarlet letter.

3.  Use the Word "Demagogue":  just read wikipedia about this word.  It's the regressive movement's leader to a T.  His followers get very uncomfortable when this word is applied to their idol (I've tested it).  Quietly and calmly, it still works.  Add the word in item #2 and -- voila -- you have Perry Mason, Atticus Finch, the play within the play.  All of Western history from ancient Greece on down cries out in unison.

4.  Focus on the First Amendment: using it, that is.  All US branches today are controlled by the demagogue, as are all the corporations and all or almost all the institutions to a greater or lesser degree.  The DIY chops of regular folks must be the backbone of the opposition movement.  If that holds, other forces will join it.  With enough repetitions it can transform the landscape.  If it fails all else will rapidly follow.

5.  Unify the Opposition: that means everyone.  For now, unite.  Make common cause.  Disagree again later, after the danger has passed.  It's not easy at all and Big Algorithm is busy targeting this so again fine chops are in demand.  Wellness and stress reduction resources, be they songs, hugs, or meditation groups, are essential health measures.

6.  Defend the Midterm Vote: putting soldiers and violent mercenaries in the street has one main goal, to degrade midterm turnout in democratic areas.  Defend the right to vote in every way shape and form.  Concede and abandon it at everyone's great peril.

7.  Pens Not Swords:  It bears repeating that the First Amendment still exists and still provides real protection (for now).  The Regressives are not yet bold enough to revoke it.  Before they can, it must be used and used as well as we are able.  The regime has all the swords so fighting with pens is not cowardice but common sense and requires great bravery.  We must speak both for ourselves and on behalf of those who cannot speak.  Satire, caricature, epic verse, and incisive prose all count as do all forms of drawing, painting, and filmmaking.  And just plain talking, it goes without saying.

All best and may the force be with you,

A Minnesotan

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