Jack, I'm so worried about the midterm elections. The Republicans have been way too silent during these protests. I guarantee they are up to shenanigans. They definitely stole the 2024 POTUS election.
They're pure evil.
I don't even know what we can do about it.
But you have laid out a lot of great info. Thanks.
"The Paradox of Our Situation: Voting for Democracy Despite the Odds
Even as we face the unsettling reality that the 2026 election may not be free and fair...we must take a resolute stance: we cannot afford to sit back and do nothing.
It’s a paradox that demands our unwavering commitment: we may not have a fair election...but we must fight for democracy by voting as if we do.
If we let the belief that the system is rigged or manipulated paralyze us...we lose the very essence of our agency and our power as citizens."
The solution that has most often prevented a dictator from crushing a democracy during times of violent rebellion is popular resistance...through mass mobilization and nonviolent resistance.
While violent uprisings or rebellions have occurred throughout history...it is the resilience of the people...organizing protests, strikes, civil disobedience, and other forms of nonviolent resistance...that has often proven to be the more effective means of challenging authoritarian regimes.
People often ask if I think a violent rebellion is the answer. The answer is, "No." I am a huge advocate of the mindset and attitude that takes our neurology right up...to almost that intensity...but not across the line of actual violence.
Why not?
One of the critical components of this resistance is its ability to disrupt the functioning of the regime...whether through strikes, protests...or withdrawing consent...while maintaining moral authority.
In many cases, this puts pressure on the dictator’s ability to control the country through violence alone...often leading to cracks within the military...political elites...and even the public, who may refuse to continue supporting a regime that faces mass opposition.
In contrast...when rebellions turn violent...they can often strengthen authoritarian control, as governments use violence to suppress the rebellion and justify further repressive actions, making it harder to overthrow them.
Thus, the most enduring solution against dictatorship and violent repression has often been unified...nonviolent resistance...which combines both popular participation and international pressure to hold dictators accountable.
Here's the thing I didn't include in the article, at least not in these words. The importance of showing up to vote in such a way that, when the world watches...they can be see was an election we won, we garner world-wide support, and...hopefully intense political pressure on the USA....that will assist in our effort to prevent a complete switch to an autocratic...dictatorship from hell.
Thanks Jack. Voter suppression here in NC and many other states is so obvious. Ie, Allison Riggs and the recent GOP takeover of the election board. It would be great to go through each day getting “safe” as I used to. Now our nation has a disease. I only hope it’s chemotherapy works.
Jack, I'm so worried about the midterm elections. The Republicans have been way too silent during these protests. I guarantee they are up to shenanigans. They definitely stole the 2024 POTUS election.
They're pure evil.
I don't even know what we can do about it.
But you have laid out a lot of great info. Thanks.
"The Paradox of Our Situation: Voting for Democracy Despite the Odds
Even as we face the unsettling reality that the 2026 election may not be free and fair...we must take a resolute stance: we cannot afford to sit back and do nothing.
It’s a paradox that demands our unwavering commitment: we may not have a fair election...but we must fight for democracy by voting as if we do.
If we let the belief that the system is rigged or manipulated paralyze us...we lose the very essence of our agency and our power as citizens."
The solution that has most often prevented a dictator from crushing a democracy during times of violent rebellion is popular resistance...through mass mobilization and nonviolent resistance.
While violent uprisings or rebellions have occurred throughout history...it is the resilience of the people...organizing protests, strikes, civil disobedience, and other forms of nonviolent resistance...that has often proven to be the more effective means of challenging authoritarian regimes.
People often ask if I think a violent rebellion is the answer. The answer is, "No." I am a huge advocate of the mindset and attitude that takes our neurology right up...to almost that intensity...but not across the line of actual violence.
Why not?
One of the critical components of this resistance is its ability to disrupt the functioning of the regime...whether through strikes, protests...or withdrawing consent...while maintaining moral authority.
In many cases, this puts pressure on the dictator’s ability to control the country through violence alone...often leading to cracks within the military...political elites...and even the public, who may refuse to continue supporting a regime that faces mass opposition.
In contrast...when rebellions turn violent...they can often strengthen authoritarian control, as governments use violence to suppress the rebellion and justify further repressive actions, making it harder to overthrow them.
Thus, the most enduring solution against dictatorship and violent repression has often been unified...nonviolent resistance...which combines both popular participation and international pressure to hold dictators accountable.
Here's the thing I didn't include in the article, at least not in these words. The importance of showing up to vote in such a way that, when the world watches...they can be see was an election we won, we garner world-wide support, and...hopefully intense political pressure on the USA....that will assist in our effort to prevent a complete switch to an autocratic...dictatorship from hell.
Thanks Jack. Voter suppression here in NC and many other states is so obvious. Ie, Allison Riggs and the recent GOP takeover of the election board. It would be great to go through each day getting “safe” as I used to. Now our nation has a disease. I only hope it’s chemotherapy works.