This is very small-scale and local but our neighborhood association (not an HOA!) in our low income urban community, is a center of organizing and mutual aid. We were able to push for redistricting so that we'd be part of a new district with other similar communities, and now have a city councilwoman who truly represents us. I wonder if this is how we need to begin - in places where we have connections. I know it's harder for me to imagine large national movements, even though we desperately need large scale reform.
Wow! This is excellent information. I understand about neoliberalism but your explanation of how it works is excellent. I will definitely keep reading and listening to your podcast. We need to know how to push back. I’m not giving in even an inch!
"The Democratic Party will not suddenly “wake up” and “come to its senses” anymore than the Republican Party will. That’s not how any of this works. We’ve been fed a line of bullshit that change and progress came from the parties, when in fact parties, throughout U.S. history, have hindered change and served the wealth class until regular people mobilized and forced them to advocate on their behalf. "
Kamala Harris came bearing gifts - downpayment for a house, Medicare payment for caregivers, seed money for small businesses, drug price reductions, regulations controlling price gougers, .... So why were this gift offerings rejected? Trump did not bring any such promises to his base.
My first reaction to this question is the media and what and how everything was reported. All that stuff got lost in all the other noise. How many undecideds or lower info voters did you hear all election cycle say things like "I don't know what her policies are"? I don't know if I read or saw one mainstream news, and definitely not on the local news, get into policy comparisons and that assumes that one is even watching these sources and not relying on social media or what their friends say.
I’ve found that the initial idea of organizing can seem huge & overwhelming- but it can begin in a very small way. With the last hurricane that reached my city- our block had a lot of flooding - waterfalls pouring into our kitchens etc- My neighbor & I invited the block for a living room talk about what to do - and we tracked down a local expert on flood mitigation.
What grew from that living room chat were actions on different ways to mitigate flooding— more folks got involved, after nagging our local electeds, they started to pay attention - (will take more prodding to get some solid advocacy from them) - and I’m really glad our efforts are going to include more neighborhoods- and underserved neighborhoods- in updating them on what we’ve learned.
But it does take a truckload of patience dealing with anxious people, it takes a lot of diplomacy and a willingness to do a lot of footwork in researching & keeping folks as enthusiastic as they were when they were mopping the water out of their homes.
But I think that organizing around any local issue is a reachable goal.
Excellent summary of the situation. Thanks. I hope all is not lost.
This is very small-scale and local but our neighborhood association (not an HOA!) in our low income urban community, is a center of organizing and mutual aid. We were able to push for redistricting so that we'd be part of a new district with other similar communities, and now have a city councilwoman who truly represents us. I wonder if this is how we need to begin - in places where we have connections. I know it's harder for me to imagine large national movements, even though we desperately need large scale reform.
That’s an excellent start. Talk with people. Hey a sense of what needs done and bud common cause. The national structure will come.
Wow! This is excellent information. I understand about neoliberalism but your explanation of how it works is excellent. I will definitely keep reading and listening to your podcast. We need to know how to push back. I’m not giving in even an inch!
This part is delicious
"The Democratic Party will not suddenly “wake up” and “come to its senses” anymore than the Republican Party will. That’s not how any of this works. We’ve been fed a line of bullshit that change and progress came from the parties, when in fact parties, throughout U.S. history, have hindered change and served the wealth class until regular people mobilized and forced them to advocate on their behalf. "
Forgot to ask a question:
Kamala Harris came bearing gifts - downpayment for a house, Medicare payment for caregivers, seed money for small businesses, drug price reductions, regulations controlling price gougers, .... So why were this gift offerings rejected? Trump did not bring any such promises to his base.
My first reaction to this question is the media and what and how everything was reported. All that stuff got lost in all the other noise. How many undecideds or lower info voters did you hear all election cycle say things like "I don't know what her policies are"? I don't know if I read or saw one mainstream news, and definitely not on the local news, get into policy comparisons and that assumes that one is even watching these sources and not relying on social media or what their friends say.
The price of eggs. 😢
I’m looking forward to expanding my education.
I knew some of this, but your column has put it in order, so that I can understand it better. Thanks.
Ho boy...but what I didn't know...
Yes, you laid it all out. Understandable how we got here. Now how to buck the authoritarianism.
I’m thinking after the era of the robber barons, we went through a depression and recovered. I’m guessing the same will happen with us?
Great work for the majority who haven't a clue.
Very insightful article! Thanks!
Thank you so much. Yours is the voice I rely upon most right now to keep from feeling alone with what I see and know.
Same, Amy. JYS is my go-to for understanding the context for all of this. Also too: he’s awesome.
Excellent article! Thank you.
So glad to have this space, Jared.
I’ve found that the initial idea of organizing can seem huge & overwhelming- but it can begin in a very small way. With the last hurricane that reached my city- our block had a lot of flooding - waterfalls pouring into our kitchens etc- My neighbor & I invited the block for a living room talk about what to do - and we tracked down a local expert on flood mitigation.
What grew from that living room chat were actions on different ways to mitigate flooding— more folks got involved, after nagging our local electeds, they started to pay attention - (will take more prodding to get some solid advocacy from them) - and I’m really glad our efforts are going to include more neighborhoods- and underserved neighborhoods- in updating them on what we’ve learned.
But it does take a truckload of patience dealing with anxious people, it takes a lot of diplomacy and a willingness to do a lot of footwork in researching & keeping folks as enthusiastic as they were when they were mopping the water out of their homes.
But I think that organizing around any local issue is a reachable goal.
And there are issues galore.
I read a Bluesky comment where someone described working with her local library to engage with and teach civics to folks in the community.
Excellent!
Just to add: patience is worth cultivating when you’re working w others.