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Since the election of our first fascist dictator I have been getting many emails about organizing for the “resistance.” Most are exhorting us to not give up hope (and to send money to their organization). 
I won’t criticize those with the energy to attempt continuing the struggle. But, as I said in my pessimistic article of several weeks ago, I doubt any amount of resisting, protesting, marching, sending online petitions, getting arrested or suing the bastards is going to accomplish anything.

Given that the fascists now control both houses of Congress and the Supreme Court traditional forms of protest and political action will be futile. The incoming administration doesn’t care about public opinion and will pay no attention to existing law or normal legal and political processes. They intend to rule by executive fiat and will be successful because the courts will not stop them. They intend to use military force, if necessary, and they will find – after a few protest resignations or firing of top generals – compliant military officers to carry out their illegal actions.

We are also up against the fact that more than half the voters chose the path we are on. Many of them were not the MAGA base of white men. Until the consequences of these electoral choices affect them personally these people are unlikely to change their beliefs. 

There will have to be (and probably will be) a major economic meltdown, public health disaster, environmental catastrophe or loss of a critical government services that personally impacts them or their family. So, things will have to get much worse before they get better.

On a positive note (if you want to call it positive) the Trump transition team is charging ahead to implement the most unqualified, incompetent, chaotic, destructive, corrupt administration ever. They may self-destruct in a few years. Even if they don’t, the damage they do will be long lasting.
In the meantime, what can we do to keep hope alive? 

I would suggest an immediate action to demonstrate opposition and several long-term strategies to maintain progressive ideals.

Use our power as consumers. The Trump administration’s plans for deregulation, deportations and tariff-induced trade wars are likely to crash the economy. Abolishing, de-funding or privatizing social programs will exacerbate the hardships. Many people are going to suffer financially from the destructive agenda of the incoming administration.

If we are to oppose and eventually reverse these harmful policies the hardships must be shared broadly. The business owners, bosses, investors, speculators and  upper classes must feel the pain as well. The 99% does have a tool to share the pain. This tool is our collective spending power. 

About 70% of the economy depends on consumer spending. This gives people power if they would collectively use it. What we buy and use – or do not buy and do not use – can have an impact. If enough people would reduce their spending, get off the social media platforms and stop buying from businesses that supported Trump things might change. 

Economic boycotts can hurt the rich and powerful. These spending decisions are easy to use  and available to everyone. Everyone can take action in ways that are good for them and fit their situation. Plus, economic actions are risk free. The government can’t stop people from altering their spending with intimidation, arrests and police violence. 

Ultimately all governments require the cooperation, or at least acquiescence, of the people. Large-scale civil disobedience, protests or a general strike could force policy changes. But these actions ask people to risk losing their jobs and personal security These public actions can get you beat up, jailed or even killed. Most people can’t, or won’t, take these risks. But you won’t get arrested for staying home, buying less or canceling your streaming service.

In addition, getting off the consumer spending treadmill will be good for your own personal finances and may be necessary to survive coming economic meltdown and gutting of the social safety net.
Economic actions can start small and grow or expand in scope. But they also need to be visible. There must be no ambiguity as to why spending is off and business is down. To accomplish this, I would suggest organizing “Family Values Weekends.” On the first weekend of every month simply stay home. Don’t go anywhere or buy anything. 

As more and more people stay home, as the mall becomes less crowded and as the traffic is less congested maybe the business community will get a clue. As more people stop using X, FaceBook or Amazon maybe the billionaires will get a clue. 

These actions must impact local small businesses and the nationwide corporate giants. Both need to see a drop in customers and profits. They need to feel the pain to realize that fascist dictatorships are not good for business. Liberal democracies where “we all do better when we all do better’ are the foundation of prosperity.

Once the fascists are in power, democratic institutions will be weakened or destroyed. Resistance may be a long struggle. I would suggest several alternatives to standard protests and civil disobedience to maintain and grow a progressive movement. 

Educate young people. Educating young people about the progressive movement is essential to rebuilding a civil society in the future. The schools (public and private) will not be teaching accurate history, science or other “woke” subjects. So alternative instruction will be needed. This may involve establishing private progressive schools or supplemental tutoring, weekend classes, webinars or summer camps. It may require going underground with banned book libraries.

Build alternative services. After the fascists cut or repeal many public services alternative services will be needed. Organizing nonprofit, cooperative or volunteer services can help people, promote a sense of community and reinvigorate support for progressive ideals. Initiatives for affordable housing, medical care, child care, food security or elder care come to mind. 

There will also be a need for underground actions for reproductive health care or access to contraceptives and abortion pills. 

In the 1930s President Roosevelt initiated many programs to help people survive the Great Depression. As a result, Democrats dominated national politics for decades. 

Today the Democratic party needs to lead on creating alternative services that help people (instead of constantly fund raising). Doing this may allow them to regain the support of the American people.
We should at least try alternative tactics of resistance.