Resistance - Looking Forward

Resistance - Looking Forward seems both very unclear, as well as having parts that are vividly clear!   The Other Side has been advancing for decades.   Its recent moves are Accelerating Greatly with the recent election results!  

What is much less clear, is What we are doing, and should be doing and Who “We” are.  I will try to address this below.

It’s quite easy to explain who “we” have been, and a little trickier to define who “We” are now – and who We should and hopefully will become.

When also is Important!

Over the decades since the late 1960’s (at least) we have tended to be an often “oppositional” bunch of people who’ve rarely been united.   We opposed Richard Nixon.  We opposed Ronald Reagan.   We opposed The War in Vietnam.   We said that we opposed racism, however those of us who are white, didn’t do a lot towards ending Racism.  

Related to the “good things” like Roe vs. Wade, we tended to speak positively, but not do a lot.   The Hyde Decision, greatly limiting, access to abortions for some, was opposed, but not strongly (by white people).

In general, we were a hodgepodge of radical and liberal people who tended to speak at each other – related to our differences.  

We had some unity when there was a clear issue, and strength for our cause, such as the latter part of the Apartheid Struggles with (then) Rhodesia and South Africa.   Our commitment dropped off notably, once the pressures seemingly let up.

When Barack Obama was first elected president, there was talk of building a movement to push for major positive societal changes.   At least among white people, such a movement didn’t get going.

When Donald Trump was first elected president, there was a lot of ridiculing of him.  There wasn’t much significant organizing beyond specific – limited things that he sought to do, and individuals in his Administration.    During the latter part of Trump’s first term, there was some increased major effort to take his leadership on from the left/liberal side.   Much of this effort seemingly dissipated when he was defeated in the 2020 election. 

It seems obvious that if Harris, instead of Trump, had won, there would have been widespread relief among liberals/leftists, and that there would have been mostly “a pause” – in major organizing work.  The noted exception  related to the Palestinian Cause – and that (only) because of October 7, 2023, and what’s happened since then related to Gaza and now Lebanon and beyond.

Clearly, a lot of people are scared!   Clearly, some of those people are beginning to try to either become active, or to become increasingly active politically.

At the same time, a lot of people are waiting.   It’s not entirely clear to me what such people are waiting for, and when/how/what they may or will do, when?

Clearly, the more Privileged among us, are the most likely to be waiting.  We don’t feel the (immediate) pressures that others face already, and are aware they will be facing increasingly as the days and weeks move forward.

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I believe that we need to do a lot and do it soon, if not immediately!    We need to organize – organize – organize!  We also need to connect with “our people”.   “Our People” may be family, neighbors, co-workers, others tied to institutions and/or causes we are connected with.

Obviously, there is no single “cause” that is clearly in front of us, beyond the “no” or “stop” – type of single and/or united cause.  Obviously, there is no specific group – we are (a part of).

Causes include: Racism, Patriarchy, Abortion Rights, Taxation, Climate Survival/Justice, Palestinian Justice and more.

We are clearly radicals and liberals.  Some are “Marxists”.  Some are “Democrats”.   Some don’t have a clear Identity at all, beyond being disturbed by the status quo since November 5^th.

We need Urgency among as many of us as possible – now!   Along with the Urgency, we need recognition that we can’t scare or push others into joining us.   We need to reach them where they are at, and listen to them, as well as to try to get them to hear at least meaningful snippets of what we are trying to say.

If we are to have any hopes of succeeding, we need to develop a radical acceptance of others, as well as of ourselves.   We need to develop a real love and respect for others, who often may disagree with us on things both big and small.  

Fear – and Hatred – will feed on themselves, and help us Destroy our own efforts.

In doing what we need to be doing, we need to be both “radical” and “liberal” – and recognize the values of both these seemingly conflicting outlooks.

We need to support the others – working on racism, when we are working on climate justice.   We need to support the Trans Activists, when our issue may be Taxation and Classism.

We need to stop believing that we “are right”.  We need to see the righteousness of our Cause.   We need to adjust to our Discomfort, our Fears, our Sadness, and even our Hatred.

Being “right” – is not a narrow – path – fed deeply by our fears.  There are multiple “right ways” and much we don’t know about what may prove to be “right”.    It is much easier to see what is wrong, than to see a positive – future – beyond – things like:  “a just world” or “true equality” or “radical acceptance of others” or similar.

We need to self-care – and not – “do it alone”.   Saviorism, and elitism, and viewing ourselves as “better” isn’t going to work most of the time.   We need to both not burnout doing the work, and take the time to relax and breathe.   Finding allies – “kinfolks” – those we can relax with and feel safe with.

It is not easy to have both Urgency and Patience!   It is not easy, to see others, who appear calm, and seemingly not seeing the major Threats that exist today!    It is a huge challenge to live in deepening discomfort.

It is important for us to acknowledge the incredible work of others!   I have heroes like Esther Armah and Peggy McIntosh, who have built on the work of many others.  Malcolm X is also important!   

We all don’t know what we don’t know!   Our work is challenging!   I’m open to others reaching out to me – personally.   Learning of where growth is out there for me – is helpful.  We also can all  benefit from positive affirmations!

Thanks!