If America is to be saved from itself, it's time for a political ice bath, because there is no magic bullet. It's time for the audacity of hope to fuel bold ambition for transformative change.
Martin has been implying it all along: it's consumer power. Hitting the nerve of the elites. As a nation, we have been here before: the robber barons of the late 1800's and the "Roaring Twenties," leading to the Great Depression. Both situations resulted in a correction. Then Lyndon Johnson was forced, reluctantly, into some socio-cultural changes that allowed our society to be more inclusive.
We do face *major* challenges now though, as tech speeds up and the power to stamp out change quickly becomes even more ominous. This time we might have to endure what eastern Europeans faced for a while before we have our own Velvet Revolution to overthrow the power. We have been made weak and vulnerable. Bread and circuses. Soon there will be no bread.
The irony is that the elites, in their ferocious greed, are so self-destructive. The wealthy are fundamentally dependent upon the ability of the labor class to perform. It might have to go through several layers, but ultimately, if they have no workers or consumers, they're going down themselves.
Thank you. Please let us know how your "refining" process went? It sounds interesting. Or did I just misunderstand something originally? I have been known to do that. ;)
Go read The ExistentialistRepublic. Chris Armitage has hard lists of Constitutional Now actions. Also CommonSenseRebel. The former is very formal/scholastic the latter more literary but both always give at least one or 2 takeaways.
For example, Chris has a prewritten indictment that can be used by any AG against any violent federal officer, complete w supporting legal histories.
Excellent assessment of yesterday with positive feedback for everyone. You and many other people have asked ‘What next?’ Several even before the protest. I’m glad to see you have a plan. Today’s column did what it was supposed to do; debrief the event and acknowledge there’s more to be done. That you have a solution to keep the momentum moving is a very positive thing. I look forward to reading Part Two - the solution- tomorrow and sharing it out. Well done.
Indivisible, which is responsible for organizing the protests originally, implied that the next step is on May Day, when there will be no work, no shopping, and generally no participation in the consumer/worker stream. They are hoping that it will be a gentle nudge to the powers that be that we do have the power. There will be planning first.
Then, depending on the reaction, we bring more. And more. And even more! Just like the protests, every time, there were more people. Not all liberals either. Republicans are free to come and protest because THIS has become more than political -- it affects our very democracy.
At least one of the organizations that promoted NO Kings III is encouraging everyone NOT to spend, shop or travel unnecessarily on May 1, 2026. So, we've got approximately 4 weeks to go for the next big "event" for the resistance.
And you're correct Martin, about how it felt to be a part of the 8 million people in the streets yesterday. It was exhilarating, empowering, joyful and fun. I don't think anyone there was operating under the delusion that the evil vermin in Washington, DC would just give up and leave the People's House after seeing all our clever signs and hearing all our clever chants. But, we're building the resistance bigger each time we march. And now, one of the organizers is calling for a day of economic disengagement. Maybe we still have time to get the Repugnican's attention.
I will never let go of the hope that we can course-correct and get back on the path of building "a more perfect union." Thanks for this piece!
It’s so good to have the opportunity to read your eruditions again.
I am certain that those of us who have been following you have understood your Reminders for economic disengagement. I’m also certain that a lot of us appreciate and agree with what you, a person who’s not even from here, but who is looking at this catastrophe from the outside, are trying to do to help in as much as you can.
I look forward to reading the second part of this strategy, which, I know, is one you can suggest and we can choose to implement or reject at our own peril if we choose the latter.
Thank you for believing in freedom, truth and courage.
Many of us need to learn to eat humble pie at one time or another, and that is something a lot of Americans will not learn to do until reality hits them.
For the record, I did not vote for Kamala as a democrat, but against Trump. I don’t think Democrats have the spine they need to have to combat this regime, and they showed that at the time when Donald Trump should have been impeached and tried for what he did in his first administration. They showed that lack when seven of them gave in and voted with Republicans to reopen the government this past year. They showed it when some of them voted against the war powers’ resolution. I do agree with you, but there is a lot of talent within the Democrat party, but there is also talent within the Republican Party, though short-leashed on the one hand, and, perhaps, suppressed on the other hand.
You and I are undoubtedly on the same page my friend. I have refined my thinking on economic disengagement which I hope will make sense. Thank you for your continued support.- Martin
I mean no disrespect, and I appreciate the effort you put into your research and into your writing, but you might consider editing the length of your columns.
The action Martin has been talking about is to stop spending. The same message that other brilliant analysts have said for over a year. I’ve been doing my part. But I recently needed a few items from 2 different sellers. What made me slap myself was the confirmation text of the shipping. The shipping conglomerates! I’m paying shipping oligarchs to stay in power! I’m home bound. This woke me up. I’ll find another way or go without!
Yesterday I attended the protest alone and spent three hours there listening to speakers and traversing the 3-mile route. I encountered no familiar faces. Afterward, while walking to my car, a woman several feet away was hit by a car. It was an accident. I was on scene merely as a bystander. I responded by recording the immediate aftermath.
Today I feel as if yesterday's traumatic experience was an apt illustration for this very article Martin. I'm a loner. I live in a community that votes Republican. My household and immediate social circle do not share my alarm. It seems to me that America is in a death spiral of its own making and we are mostly unbothered.
That is so discouraging. Many other people went home energized and ready to go to the next step. It took so much courage for you to do that alone. I am deeply moved that you did. I know what it's like to be in a community like yours.
Did you reach out and try to get to know someone? Usually there is opportunity to engage, but you have to take the first step to make new friends. Perhaps it was all too intimidating. But you *did* have an opportunity to help afterward, during the accident.
You were there for that woman. Impressive!
There are many activist groups that would have offered a way to connect and accompany you. You're obviously in one, or you wouldn't have known about the protests. Please don't give up! Anybody can have a crap day.
You are a kindly and empathetic person. Thank you! Please don't worry about me. I am an introvert, but am not lonely. I discovered Substack in the Fall of 2024. It serves as a great source of entertainment and diversion. Sometimes I find myself paying for subscriptions as a way of quietly supporting the resistance.
Indeed, it is though that we need more frequently protest on the streets.
‘SUSTAINED PARTICIPATION’
The "grassroots" unions they are the force behind the any outdoors rallies and you're right, we need to STOP buying or shopping in those businesses that are providing support to the administration.
The Social Media Platforms, if the younger generation can create NEW social media and work with the government at all levels, we can de- rail those who are helping to promote his lies.
Pass the word: When the Trump dollar bills come out, scratch out the signature. Never leave one intact, so that every bill in circulation becomes a protest. All influencers should pass this along to their followers.
My plan, although not my original idea, is to write "is corrupt" or "is incompetent" or "is a pedophile" under his signature on every single one of those bills that come through my grubby little hands! He is NOT "the King" and his stupid name/signature should not be on our money!
Where are labor unions. Years ago if workers were expected to work with no pay they would have called for a national strike. That would fix TSA and show we're serious
First came 50501 and Hands Off. Next came Indivisible with NoKings but in some places stated with the latter 2. Something didn't feel right, so did some comparisons between them. Starting with Wikipedia, the organizers are different. Further digging Indivisible is primary and has Indivisible Project and Indivisible Action also. They are non-profit organizations under 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4). Nokings mission statement also can be called structure, falls under one of these classifications exactly to remain a tax-exempt organization and to receive donations under IRS CODE. When you look at all three and who has become dominate, you will have clarity. Hands Off in my opinion was closer to what people were expecting in a protest.
So let's get to the meat. What is your plan and how can we implement it?
Tune in later today. I’ve discussed it before, it really is not rocket science.
YES! What is the magic solution that no one seems to recognize???????
Martin has been implying it all along: it's consumer power. Hitting the nerve of the elites. As a nation, we have been here before: the robber barons of the late 1800's and the "Roaring Twenties," leading to the Great Depression. Both situations resulted in a correction. Then Lyndon Johnson was forced, reluctantly, into some socio-cultural changes that allowed our society to be more inclusive.
We do face *major* challenges now though, as tech speeds up and the power to stamp out change quickly becomes even more ominous. This time we might have to endure what eastern Europeans faced for a while before we have our own Velvet Revolution to overthrow the power. We have been made weak and vulnerable. Bread and circuses. Soon there will be no bread.
The irony is that the elites, in their ferocious greed, are so self-destructive. The wealthy are fundamentally dependent upon the ability of the labor class to perform. It might have to go through several layers, but ultimately, if they have no workers or consumers, they're going down themselves.
I’m so glad someone has been listening. I’ve had time now to refine my thinking though.
Thank you. Please let us know how your "refining" process went? It sounds interesting. Or did I just misunderstand something originally? I have been known to do that. ;)
Go read The ExistentialistRepublic. Chris Armitage has hard lists of Constitutional Now actions. Also CommonSenseRebel. The former is very formal/scholastic the latter more literary but both always give at least one or 2 takeaways.
For example, Chris has a prewritten indictment that can be used by any AG against any violent federal officer, complete w supporting legal histories.
Fng cool imo.
Thank you I’ll check them out
Thanks for the hook ups Aleta!!
We appreciated the support, but imagine if at least half of the horn honkers put their boots on the ground with the rest of us yesterday.
Listening attentively…..
Many of us were there in spirit but unable to attend
Excellent assessment of yesterday with positive feedback for everyone. You and many other people have asked ‘What next?’ Several even before the protest. I’m glad to see you have a plan. Today’s column did what it was supposed to do; debrief the event and acknowledge there’s more to be done. That you have a solution to keep the momentum moving is a very positive thing. I look forward to reading Part Two - the solution- tomorrow and sharing it out. Well done.
Indivisible, which is responsible for organizing the protests originally, implied that the next step is on May Day, when there will be no work, no shopping, and generally no participation in the consumer/worker stream. They are hoping that it will be a gentle nudge to the powers that be that we do have the power. There will be planning first.
Then, depending on the reaction, we bring more. And more. And even more! Just like the protests, every time, there were more people. Not all liberals either. Republicans are free to come and protest because THIS has become more than political -- it affects our very democracy.
Great content thanks
You are very welcome
At least one of the organizations that promoted NO Kings III is encouraging everyone NOT to spend, shop or travel unnecessarily on May 1, 2026. So, we've got approximately 4 weeks to go for the next big "event" for the resistance.
And you're correct Martin, about how it felt to be a part of the 8 million people in the streets yesterday. It was exhilarating, empowering, joyful and fun. I don't think anyone there was operating under the delusion that the evil vermin in Washington, DC would just give up and leave the People's House after seeing all our clever signs and hearing all our clever chants. But, we're building the resistance bigger each time we march. And now, one of the organizers is calling for a day of economic disengagement. Maybe we still have time to get the Repugnican's attention.
I will never let go of the hope that we can course-correct and get back on the path of building "a more perfect union." Thanks for this piece!
So glad you enjoyed it and got that all important boost to stay in this fight. This battle can be won, if that there is little doubt.
It’s so good to have the opportunity to read your eruditions again.
I am certain that those of us who have been following you have understood your Reminders for economic disengagement. I’m also certain that a lot of us appreciate and agree with what you, a person who’s not even from here, but who is looking at this catastrophe from the outside, are trying to do to help in as much as you can.
I look forward to reading the second part of this strategy, which, I know, is one you can suggest and we can choose to implement or reject at our own peril if we choose the latter.
Thank you for believing in freedom, truth and courage.
Many of us need to learn to eat humble pie at one time or another, and that is something a lot of Americans will not learn to do until reality hits them.
For the record, I did not vote for Kamala as a democrat, but against Trump. I don’t think Democrats have the spine they need to have to combat this regime, and they showed that at the time when Donald Trump should have been impeached and tried for what he did in his first administration. They showed that lack when seven of them gave in and voted with Republicans to reopen the government this past year. They showed it when some of them voted against the war powers’ resolution. I do agree with you, but there is a lot of talent within the Democrat party, but there is also talent within the Republican Party, though short-leashed on the one hand, and, perhaps, suppressed on the other hand.
You and I are undoubtedly on the same page my friend. I have refined my thinking on economic disengagement which I hope will make sense. Thank you for your continued support.- Martin
I mean no disrespect, and I appreciate the effort you put into your research and into your writing, but you might consider editing the length of your columns.
It’s been said before, and no disrespect taken Elizabeth. I am working on it. It would also save me time which is in short supply.
The action Martin has been talking about is to stop spending. The same message that other brilliant analysts have said for over a year. I’ve been doing my part. But I recently needed a few items from 2 different sellers. What made me slap myself was the confirmation text of the shipping. The shipping conglomerates! I’m paying shipping oligarchs to stay in power! I’m home bound. This woke me up. I’ll find another way or go without!
Thank you for your contribution. I’ve refined my thinking a little over the months, which will hopefully make sense. - Martin
Looking forward to your post, as always!
Yesterday I attended the protest alone and spent three hours there listening to speakers and traversing the 3-mile route. I encountered no familiar faces. Afterward, while walking to my car, a woman several feet away was hit by a car. It was an accident. I was on scene merely as a bystander. I responded by recording the immediate aftermath.
Today I feel as if yesterday's traumatic experience was an apt illustration for this very article Martin. I'm a loner. I live in a community that votes Republican. My household and immediate social circle do not share my alarm. It seems to me that America is in a death spiral of its own making and we are mostly unbothered.
That is so discouraging. Many other people went home energized and ready to go to the next step. It took so much courage for you to do that alone. I am deeply moved that you did. I know what it's like to be in a community like yours.
Did you reach out and try to get to know someone? Usually there is opportunity to engage, but you have to take the first step to make new friends. Perhaps it was all too intimidating. But you *did* have an opportunity to help afterward, during the accident.
You were there for that woman. Impressive!
There are many activist groups that would have offered a way to connect and accompany you. You're obviously in one, or you wouldn't have known about the protests. Please don't give up! Anybody can have a crap day.
You are a kindly and empathetic person. Thank you! Please don't worry about me. I am an introvert, but am not lonely. I discovered Substack in the Fall of 2024. It serves as a great source of entertainment and diversion. Sometimes I find myself paying for subscriptions as a way of quietly supporting the resistance.
Thank you, Juliette. I was worried that my comment might have offended you. One can indeed support the resistance in many ways!
Love it!
Indeed, it is though that we need more frequently protest on the streets.
‘SUSTAINED PARTICIPATION’
The "grassroots" unions they are the force behind the any outdoors rallies and you're right, we need to STOP buying or shopping in those businesses that are providing support to the administration.
The Social Media Platforms, if the younger generation can create NEW social media and work with the government at all levels, we can de- rail those who are helping to promote his lies.
Pass the word: When the Trump dollar bills come out, scratch out the signature. Never leave one intact, so that every bill in circulation becomes a protest. All influencers should pass this along to their followers.
My plan, although not my original idea, is to write "is corrupt" or "is incompetent" or "is a pedophile" under his signature on every single one of those bills that come through my grubby little hands! He is NOT "the King" and his stupid name/signature should not be on our money!
Vote blue, the best you can do!
Where are labor unions. Years ago if workers were expected to work with no pay they would have called for a national strike. That would fix TSA and show we're serious
First came 50501 and Hands Off. Next came Indivisible with NoKings but in some places stated with the latter 2. Something didn't feel right, so did some comparisons between them. Starting with Wikipedia, the organizers are different. Further digging Indivisible is primary and has Indivisible Project and Indivisible Action also. They are non-profit organizations under 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4). Nokings mission statement also can be called structure, falls under one of these classifications exactly to remain a tax-exempt organization and to receive donations under IRS CODE. When you look at all three and who has become dominate, you will have clarity. Hands Off in my opinion was closer to what people were expecting in a protest.