I whole heartedly agree with your title. The work you put in to your Substacks is appreciated. But, please, cut down on the length of your posts. You have very important information to share, exceptional assessments and impactful recommendations to help us all BUT I can not read your Substacks to the end. And I’m someone who ALWAYS reads every word, even stuff other people won’t. Break it up into 2 posts, cut back on descriptors and streamline what you want to say. Sorry, I had to say it. More people will follow you and read the important information you have.
People who are capable of the kinds of complex, iterative, creative, complex thoughts needed to solve seemingly intractable problems often write in styles similar to Martin's. He will likely heed your message as best he can, knowing what you say is true when one must appeal to a mass audience; yet, to some extent, it just goes with the territory. It may mean that, while he is clearly the critical mastermind in this developing strategy to save American Democracy, he may not be the right person to present the final directives to the public. That's okay. Along with economists, he could recruit marketers and advertisers, or even influencers who know how to work a crowd.
Personally, I am delighted that you care enough to follow the project despite the difficulties it presents, and I am grateful that you spoke up with suggestions that could help to grow the audience. Thank you!
Hear hear. I’m more than aware I can be an acquired taste at times and my writing often doesn’t hide the thought process as is evident from the past three days.
I have been a back room boy all my life. I have a face for radio and am I big picture thinker who then drills in.
I’m not a writer by profession, and have always acknowledged I’m a work in progress but I do listen and hopefully learn.
Defeating the fascists in WWII did not happen without sacrifice from the citizens of the Allied countries. We will have to sacrifice to stop and reverse the fascist takeover of our country. We can sacrifice a little now or a much greater amount later. What kind of world will our children and grandchildren live in if we allow this to continue?
Spending Strike, Spending Freeze, Spending Suspension, Spending Pause, Economic Disengagement, Economic Warfare, Stop Spending!, even Boycott. Choose your favorite but Do It, and Spread the Word!
If a single dollar doubles every day for 30 days, it reaches a total of over $536 million ($536,870,912) at the end of the 30th day.
So, would it follow, that a single voice that doubled everyday would become 536 million voices after 30 days? That seems doable.
From Mark Mansour:
Sacrifice has always been the price of renewal. Democracy, if it is to survive, cannot be the cheap luxury item of a populace too comfortable to fight for it. The Trump regime can be resisted through civic courage, legal challenge, and organization. But it can also be starved—one deliberate, withheld dollar at a time.
America got away from Harry Truman's philosophy of the buck stopping here. Everyone is blaming each other for everything out of ignorance, regardless of political affiliation.
I love reading Martin’s articles…I love his assessments, ideas, and how he literally ‘threads the needle’!! However, I am in agreement w/you on the length of all the Substack articles and podcasts I read/ watch & support. I just can’t keep up with 100+ emails and podcasts that I receive. I even like reading the commentary on the article/podcast. This is challenging time in our collective histories where reading a book for pleasure is secondary to Substack!
How can I help? And yes I’m serious, I always listen. For the record I would also mention that I am very conscious that posts must fill up people’s inbox. Unfortunately Substack is very limited in that you can’t setup a no send flag for subscribers who would prefer to go get a post on their own. It’s an all or nothing.
That’s one of the love/hate characteristics of Substack. Another challenging issue for me as a “Senior Citizen” is the subscription pricing. I wish there was an AARP discount! Lol! Seriously, I subscribe to my fav Subs, and I want to support good independent media writing and reporting, but I can only afford 2 per month…. So I have tried changing them up on a bi-monthly basis so I can support different Substack creators… I do very much appreciate you Martin. Keep up the great work! We are all in this together!
My friend, rest easy, you willl never need to pay to subscribe to enjoy reading my work.
My generous paid subscribers support my work so people like you don’t have to pay. Truth Matters is a community and you are family. We look after family here.
I always read your posts!! I flag them in my inbox if I don’t get to them on any given day. I also have them Archived. I am just aware of how much time I spend online, and I’m trying to keep it to a healthy time limit.
Cheers to you Martin!! Thank you for all the support your writing convey!
Absolutely agree with all of your points and the plan to cut off the money feeding the rich. Their immoral rape of our economy and willingness to let others suffer is a great motivator. I appreciate your honesty in bringing out the fact that many cannot stop going to work. But they can definitely buy local. I like the 5 day test, the non partisan messaging, too. Punishing the billionaires is attractive across all parties and is a great way to attract independents. I hope the big problem groups like Indivisibles and 50501, Common Cause, etc., step up and listen and work with you. I am ready.
I agree with the need to distance the push from solely party associated organizations, although like you, I support them and work with them. We often are blissfully (though dangerously ) unaware of how we sound to those not submersed in daily political conversation, and the jargon, the seeming far-out solutions (like some you have mentioned which involve possibly getting fired), the lack of desire to actually connect with, understand, and help those who may have mistakenly or not gotten us into this situation (those who didn't vote, those who voted MAGA etc) REALLY make our important message and information fall on deaf ears, turn people away or make them hostile to learning how a solution like this helps ALL of us in the 90% who are getting steamrollered. For example, I saw a campaign recently that blared "Boycott Christmas!" in an effort to have people not spend over the holidays. Stupid marketing--who in their right mind thinks that families across America want to try to boycott the seemingly most celebrated holiday in the year and not buy toys for their kids or put up Christmas trees. Better to say something like "Let's keep Christmas simple this year! Here's how. " and go on to discourage corporate type buying and encourage local buying and reaching out efforts for those in need.
In these days of scamming and vengeance targeting, so many including myself are wary of signing up for yet one more way that we might get skewered and thus might not be willing to actually "join" but feel better lurking and using. So having a broad, easily accessible, non-partisan, level headed and strong but moderately worded approach will reach the most number. I especially feel that the category of non-voters might yield as many or more participants as among the "hurting from MAGA" swath. For each outrage, there is a tremendous amount of disbelief and rage and name calling -- we just need to harness that rage and sorrow into a focused action.
Janice you are like a breath of fresh air swirling through my mind right now. YOU GET IT. I got some pretty hard left abuse yesterday for pushing back on the general strike and not showing up for work objections.
Ideology can be societally devastating as we have seen with Trump and his acolytes. I’m a progressive thinker, but not a political suicide bomber. I’m trying to find a balance between casual participation that leads to buy-in through trust.
Lordy--how can anyone advocate for something that likely could lead to job loss in these economic and political times?? We want massive buy-in in order for this action to be effective, and our opposition will jump on, amplify and misrepresent bigly any mis-steps along the way, using them to turn less savvy people off or even against their own self-interest (less savvy only because they are spending every minute trying to keep their business /farm/family's head above water in the face of the tariff disaster, job lay offs etc., not because they can't connect the dots). That's what fanaticism on any end of the political spectrum will get you -- people that are out of touch with the current reality of most people's lives, and only pushing their ideological agenda rather than looking at the ripples and consequences that truly affect what gets put on the table.
I will tell y’all that the ‘generations’ see things differently. A ‘general call out’ may work for the millenials , but not the ‘baby boomers’ who are still working! I do like feeding ‘X’ w/an apolitical message that goes viral!! Of course, I’m not on ‘X’ because I’m on the tail end of the ‘baby boomers’, but I’m willing to grow! Maybe ‘Bad Bunny’ would be willing to help us??!!
You have just pretty much wrote my comment for me! Let’s get the focus of Dems vs Republicans and focus on the bottom 90% vs the top 10%. That is what the rich are always worried about people finding out. That’s why they constantly put us against each other, so that we never look up!
You are spot on. I listen to a number of right wing podcasters so I can get a sense of what their fears are and I am hearing more and more that they are pushing people towards a socialist agenda which is really interesting.
I imaging French royalty had the same conversations before the French Revolution.
Agree that people cannot afford not to go to work: most people are just a couple paychecks from hurt. Focus on consumption-- that is the fire that creates and maintains tge economy. Coordinate that message. Europeans w/ their general strikes have far better work protections. That model is theirs. Here pain can be caused by stopping consumption for more than a day. THAT black Friday/ Cyber Monday boycott will wake up corporations.
Exactly Cathy, this is a serous matter and I don’t want to join in the performative frenzy. My proposal goes way beyond a spending strike it’s about a new form of political engagement. I know I’m the weirdo on the team but I’m a deep thinking on with substantial technical knowledge in the web development space.
FYI I don’t mind the length of your posts. Audio makes it easier to get through them. I hang on every word. I think you are the best proactive communicator and planner out there. Super grateful.
Appreciate it Dana, I always fear that if I start editing myself something will get lost in the edit. I don’t really pre plan a post, I start with an idea and we go where we go. Not orthodox I know, but if I go back and read them later, it’s not often I’m unhappy.
Also I don’t really obsess over subscriptions, of course, I appreciate everyone whose joined the Truth Matters family, but nobody is held hostage.
Absolutely agree that we need a web page and everyone advertise it on all their social media. To me the important part is the economic advisors to set us on the right path; we need brains for this operation!
Absolutely. The panel needs to be a modular element that can be switched out to bring in different teams for different policy issue campaigns. I’m getting a feel for it now. The feedback from the likes of you have helped me refine my thinking.
I love the way your thinking is evolving, Martin. You're right; while Indivisible has a great brand and provide reach to mostly Democrats, the engine behind this effort needs to be non partisan in order to expand to other populations. Indivisible and other orgs would become in essence "distributors."
We'll also need to make sure that when sales reports are announced afterward, it's clear that the lower sales figures were the result of this action and not because people didn't have as much to spend. People need to know that WE we caused this.
Lastly: I took the liberty of jotting down some of the statements you've recently made. I think a combination of them will help with our messaging:
* The US economy is highly vulnerable to a targeted strategic spending strike
* Strategic, targeted disengagement can only be effective through large-scale, coordinated economic hits
* Target an attack on corporate America, who should be the focus of this whole operation.
* We hold all the cards; it’s just that we've never weaponised them before
* We are the ones with the economic gun in our hands
* Dispensing economic justice in the absence of corporate responsibility
* Peaceful, bloodless economic revolution
Eager to see this effort come together! Truth Matters is proving to be an integral part.
"Yesterday’s version relied on using the Indivisible database as a foundation for a mailing list, which I now think is a vulnerability, and what I’m unsure about is ....."
From years of activism, my alarm bells went off in your first paragraph regarding mass mailing lists/ a large database, and then I got lost in the details.
And because I'm not an economist, or current "thinker" in the know, and because I'm disabled, surviving on Social inSecurity and Medicaid, spending my time, emotional and physical energy on advocating for my health care, with a disabled/ chronically ill partner, among other things, I didn't initially comment. I appreciate your work and thinking out loud process, but I don't know how in touch many of the the writing class (like on Substack or other outlets) are with those of us already heavily impacted by the marmalade madman and his crew.
Margy, thank you for taking the time to contribute to this conversation. I want to ensure you from the bottom of my heart that you have no stronger advocate in your corner than me,
I have spent my life advocating for social justice and as a retiree myself I absolutely empathize with your position.
We are living through dangerous times and I want you to know that my sole focus is to try and be part of creating a better tomorrow.
We are fighting a formidable adversary and we need to deploy all the weapons at our disposal to counter the threat in a social media dominated world. Be assured, me and many others are fighting for the both of you.
I felt your post yesterday was about all people all parties. I was telling my husband after reading it that this would be good for all of us red blue purple just wanting democracy to prevail. Thank you!!
How about start with the companies that are financing the Whitehouse destruction? Get the word out via social media, pick a day and SHOW UP. This “wording” on sm doesn’t get results. People actually at the doorstep is what counts. Coordinate the boycotts, people are ready.
Please let me know how I can help you develop this idea, set it up, etc., to get it rolling. I am a retired online business owner and past project and product manager in the tech industry.
Not sure what skills I have to offer that may be of assistance, but I have time to help in any way possible.
Thank you so much John, appreciate you reaching out. I’m actually quite excited where my thoughts and readers feedback have taken me over the last three days.
I’ll put you on my list. I’m thinking it organising a zoom session next week as there appear to be a few of us on the same page.
I agree! Especially with the spending boycotts! And yes people cannot afford to walk off their jobs right now for political gains! Another way that we can be involved is with the people and families losing their SNAP benefits! I know food banks and churches that support food assistance will need help! I think low income families will really struggle! As far as I know, there are not too many governors or mayors who have spoken out about how to manage support for their communities! Senior housing as well as low income housing centers will need support…
This is brilliant! Geohussar touched on this and i have always felt this is the only thing that can work. I have tried to encourage more of this. How do we get Bulwark and others involved?!
Thanks for your support Steven, I’ll be in better shape to answer your question after the weekend when I’ve refined my thinking a little further. Really pleased with where I am though right now.
Thank you for your brilliant post (& the lengthy explanation). I am impressed that you answer the comments thoughtfully. I have always been apolitical (and not a good strategist- too impulsive), but your plan seems very realistic and I love your consideration of working people. Again thank you for doing the intellectual work.
You’re most welcome. Readers matter to me very much. Call me old fashioned, but if someone can take time to add to the conversation, but the very least I can do is reply.
Not sure they’re always polite though. I’m only human 🤣
…also to Steven S - Kinsinger and Bulwark are good ideas to spread this message - what about Scott Galsworth (? Economist with podcast maybe too establishment?).
The idea of posting info on economic boycotts on a website which people can visit is the best I've heard so far. A great big NO to signing up for am email list. That only provides a fascist regime with an easy one-stop shop when they start rounding up their perceived enemies-of-the-state. Palantir or Musk would hack such an email list in a second.
I whole heartedly agree with your title. The work you put in to your Substacks is appreciated. But, please, cut down on the length of your posts. You have very important information to share, exceptional assessments and impactful recommendations to help us all BUT I can not read your Substacks to the end. And I’m someone who ALWAYS reads every word, even stuff other people won’t. Break it up into 2 posts, cut back on descriptors and streamline what you want to say. Sorry, I had to say it. More people will follow you and read the important information you have.
Noted.
Thank you for acknowledging what I wrote. And thank you for being open to hearing what I shared. I appreciate your hard work.
I am always open to feedback. You will note I am keen to engage with readers because it matters to me. Have a great weekend
Martin
Thank you for what you do.Have a great weekend
People who are capable of the kinds of complex, iterative, creative, complex thoughts needed to solve seemingly intractable problems often write in styles similar to Martin's. He will likely heed your message as best he can, knowing what you say is true when one must appeal to a mass audience; yet, to some extent, it just goes with the territory. It may mean that, while he is clearly the critical mastermind in this developing strategy to save American Democracy, he may not be the right person to present the final directives to the public. That's okay. Along with economists, he could recruit marketers and advertisers, or even influencers who know how to work a crowd.
Personally, I am delighted that you care enough to follow the project despite the difficulties it presents, and I am grateful that you spoke up with suggestions that could help to grow the audience. Thank you!
Hear hear. I’m more than aware I can be an acquired taste at times and my writing often doesn’t hide the thought process as is evident from the past three days.
I have been a back room boy all my life. I have a face for radio and am I big picture thinker who then drills in.
I’m not a writer by profession, and have always acknowledged I’m a work in progress but I do listen and hopefully learn.
Have a great weekend
Defeating the fascists in WWII did not happen without sacrifice from the citizens of the Allied countries. We will have to sacrifice to stop and reverse the fascist takeover of our country. We can sacrifice a little now or a much greater amount later. What kind of world will our children and grandchildren live in if we allow this to continue?
Spending Strike, Spending Freeze, Spending Suspension, Spending Pause, Economic Disengagement, Economic Warfare, Stop Spending!, even Boycott. Choose your favorite but Do It, and Spread the Word!
If a single dollar doubles every day for 30 days, it reaches a total of over $536 million ($536,870,912) at the end of the 30th day.
So, would it follow, that a single voice that doubled everyday would become 536 million voices after 30 days? That seems doable.
From Mark Mansour:
Sacrifice has always been the price of renewal. Democracy, if it is to survive, cannot be the cheap luxury item of a populace too comfortable to fight for it. The Trump regime can be resisted through civic courage, legal challenge, and organization. But it can also be starved—one deliberate, withheld dollar at a time.
https://open.substack.com/pub/mmansour/p/its-time-to-recognize-that-this-ordeal?r=5f62tm&utm_medium=ios
America got away from Harry Truman's philosophy of the buck stopping here. Everyone is blaming each other for everything out of ignorance, regardless of political affiliation.
I love reading Martin’s articles…I love his assessments, ideas, and how he literally ‘threads the needle’!! However, I am in agreement w/you on the length of all the Substack articles and podcasts I read/ watch & support. I just can’t keep up with 100+ emails and podcasts that I receive. I even like reading the commentary on the article/podcast. This is challenging time in our collective histories where reading a book for pleasure is secondary to Substack!
How can I help? And yes I’m serious, I always listen. For the record I would also mention that I am very conscious that posts must fill up people’s inbox. Unfortunately Substack is very limited in that you can’t setup a no send flag for subscribers who would prefer to go get a post on their own. It’s an all or nothing.
That’s one of the love/hate characteristics of Substack. Another challenging issue for me as a “Senior Citizen” is the subscription pricing. I wish there was an AARP discount! Lol! Seriously, I subscribe to my fav Subs, and I want to support good independent media writing and reporting, but I can only afford 2 per month…. So I have tried changing them up on a bi-monthly basis so I can support different Substack creators… I do very much appreciate you Martin. Keep up the great work! We are all in this together!
My friend, rest easy, you willl never need to pay to subscribe to enjoy reading my work.
My generous paid subscribers support my work so people like you don’t have to pay. Truth Matters is a community and you are family. We look after family here.
Martin
❤️
I always read your posts!! I flag them in my inbox if I don’t get to them on any given day. I also have them Archived. I am just aware of how much time I spend online, and I’m trying to keep it to a healthy time limit.
Cheers to you Martin!! Thank you for all the support your writing convey!
Absolutely agree with all of your points and the plan to cut off the money feeding the rich. Their immoral rape of our economy and willingness to let others suffer is a great motivator. I appreciate your honesty in bringing out the fact that many cannot stop going to work. But they can definitely buy local. I like the 5 day test, the non partisan messaging, too. Punishing the billionaires is attractive across all parties and is a great way to attract independents. I hope the big problem groups like Indivisibles and 50501, Common Cause, etc., step up and listen and work with you. I am ready.
Thanks Vickie. Together we’ll get there.
Totally agree!!
I agree with the need to distance the push from solely party associated organizations, although like you, I support them and work with them. We often are blissfully (though dangerously ) unaware of how we sound to those not submersed in daily political conversation, and the jargon, the seeming far-out solutions (like some you have mentioned which involve possibly getting fired), the lack of desire to actually connect with, understand, and help those who may have mistakenly or not gotten us into this situation (those who didn't vote, those who voted MAGA etc) REALLY make our important message and information fall on deaf ears, turn people away or make them hostile to learning how a solution like this helps ALL of us in the 90% who are getting steamrollered. For example, I saw a campaign recently that blared "Boycott Christmas!" in an effort to have people not spend over the holidays. Stupid marketing--who in their right mind thinks that families across America want to try to boycott the seemingly most celebrated holiday in the year and not buy toys for their kids or put up Christmas trees. Better to say something like "Let's keep Christmas simple this year! Here's how. " and go on to discourage corporate type buying and encourage local buying and reaching out efforts for those in need.
In these days of scamming and vengeance targeting, so many including myself are wary of signing up for yet one more way that we might get skewered and thus might not be willing to actually "join" but feel better lurking and using. So having a broad, easily accessible, non-partisan, level headed and strong but moderately worded approach will reach the most number. I especially feel that the category of non-voters might yield as many or more participants as among the "hurting from MAGA" swath. For each outrage, there is a tremendous amount of disbelief and rage and name calling -- we just need to harness that rage and sorrow into a focused action.
Janice you are like a breath of fresh air swirling through my mind right now. YOU GET IT. I got some pretty hard left abuse yesterday for pushing back on the general strike and not showing up for work objections.
Ideology can be societally devastating as we have seen with Trump and his acolytes. I’m a progressive thinker, but not a political suicide bomber. I’m trying to find a balance between casual participation that leads to buy-in through trust.
Have a great weekend
Martin
Lordy--how can anyone advocate for something that likely could lead to job loss in these economic and political times?? We want massive buy-in in order for this action to be effective, and our opposition will jump on, amplify and misrepresent bigly any mis-steps along the way, using them to turn less savvy people off or even against their own self-interest (less savvy only because they are spending every minute trying to keep their business /farm/family's head above water in the face of the tariff disaster, job lay offs etc., not because they can't connect the dots). That's what fanaticism on any end of the political spectrum will get you -- people that are out of touch with the current reality of most people's lives, and only pushing their ideological agenda rather than looking at the ripples and consequences that truly affect what gets put on the table.
I will tell y’all that the ‘generations’ see things differently. A ‘general call out’ may work for the millenials , but not the ‘baby boomers’ who are still working! I do like feeding ‘X’ w/an apolitical message that goes viral!! Of course, I’m not on ‘X’ because I’m on the tail end of the ‘baby boomers’, but I’m willing to grow! Maybe ‘Bad Bunny’ would be willing to help us??!!
You have just pretty much wrote my comment for me! Let’s get the focus of Dems vs Republicans and focus on the bottom 90% vs the top 10%. That is what the rich are always worried about people finding out. That’s why they constantly put us against each other, so that we never look up!
You are spot on. I listen to a number of right wing podcasters so I can get a sense of what their fears are and I am hearing more and more that they are pushing people towards a socialist agenda which is really interesting.
I imaging French royalty had the same conversations before the French Revolution.
Sorry. off
Agree that people cannot afford not to go to work: most people are just a couple paychecks from hurt. Focus on consumption-- that is the fire that creates and maintains tge economy. Coordinate that message. Europeans w/ their general strikes have far better work protections. That model is theirs. Here pain can be caused by stopping consumption for more than a day. THAT black Friday/ Cyber Monday boycott will wake up corporations.
To me the only problem with a one day consumption strike is if we all purchase on Saturday after Black Friday would we really hurt any corporations?
Exactly Cathy, this is a serous matter and I don’t want to join in the performative frenzy. My proposal goes way beyond a spending strike it’s about a new form of political engagement. I know I’m the weirdo on the team but I’m a deep thinking on with substantial technical knowledge in the web development space.
FYI I don’t mind the length of your posts. Audio makes it easier to get through them. I hang on every word. I think you are the best proactive communicator and planner out there. Super grateful.
Appreciate it Dana, I always fear that if I start editing myself something will get lost in the edit. I don’t really pre plan a post, I start with an idea and we go where we go. Not orthodox I know, but if I go back and read them later, it’s not often I’m unhappy.
Also I don’t really obsess over subscriptions, of course, I appreciate everyone whose joined the Truth Matters family, but nobody is held hostage.
Absolutely agree that we need a web page and everyone advertise it on all their social media. To me the important part is the economic advisors to set us on the right path; we need brains for this operation!
Absolutely. The panel needs to be a modular element that can be switched out to bring in different teams for different policy issue campaigns. I’m getting a feel for it now. The feedback from the likes of you have helped me refine my thinking.
I love the way your thinking is evolving, Martin. You're right; while Indivisible has a great brand and provide reach to mostly Democrats, the engine behind this effort needs to be non partisan in order to expand to other populations. Indivisible and other orgs would become in essence "distributors."
We'll also need to make sure that when sales reports are announced afterward, it's clear that the lower sales figures were the result of this action and not because people didn't have as much to spend. People need to know that WE we caused this.
Lastly: I took the liberty of jotting down some of the statements you've recently made. I think a combination of them will help with our messaging:
* The US economy is highly vulnerable to a targeted strategic spending strike
* Strategic, targeted disengagement can only be effective through large-scale, coordinated economic hits
* Target an attack on corporate America, who should be the focus of this whole operation.
* We hold all the cards; it’s just that we've never weaponised them before
* We are the ones with the economic gun in our hands
* Dispensing economic justice in the absence of corporate responsibility
* Peaceful, bloodless economic revolution
Eager to see this effort come together! Truth Matters is proving to be an integral part.
Thanks again for your input David. We should setup a zoom and have a chat.
"Yesterday’s version relied on using the Indivisible database as a foundation for a mailing list, which I now think is a vulnerability, and what I’m unsure about is ....."
From years of activism, my alarm bells went off in your first paragraph regarding mass mailing lists/ a large database, and then I got lost in the details.
And because I'm not an economist, or current "thinker" in the know, and because I'm disabled, surviving on Social inSecurity and Medicaid, spending my time, emotional and physical energy on advocating for my health care, with a disabled/ chronically ill partner, among other things, I didn't initially comment. I appreciate your work and thinking out loud process, but I don't know how in touch many of the the writing class (like on Substack or other outlets) are with those of us already heavily impacted by the marmalade madman and his crew.
Margy, thank you for taking the time to contribute to this conversation. I want to ensure you from the bottom of my heart that you have no stronger advocate in your corner than me,
I have spent my life advocating for social justice and as a retiree myself I absolutely empathize with your position.
We are living through dangerous times and I want you to know that my sole focus is to try and be part of creating a better tomorrow.
We are fighting a formidable adversary and we need to deploy all the weapons at our disposal to counter the threat in a social media dominated world. Be assured, me and many others are fighting for the both of you.
Have a good weekend and stay safe.
Right. I’m not getting on an anti government mailing list. I’m taking risk enough just frequenting these Substacks.
Am I suggesting you should?
I felt your post yesterday was about all people all parties. I was telling my husband after reading it that this would be good for all of us red blue purple just wanting democracy to prevail. Thank you!!
That’s exactly where I am. It’s taken me a little while to get there. Evolution of thought is a great thing.
W4 - I can't not work, but I can downgrade what IRS gets easy. And try to buy local and only needs.
How about start with the companies that are financing the Whitehouse destruction? Get the word out via social media, pick a day and SHOW UP. This “wording” on sm doesn’t get results. People actually at the doorstep is what counts. Coordinate the boycotts, people are ready.
Please let me know how I can help you develop this idea, set it up, etc., to get it rolling. I am a retired online business owner and past project and product manager in the tech industry.
Not sure what skills I have to offer that may be of assistance, but I have time to help in any way possible.
Thank you so much John, appreciate you reaching out. I’m actually quite excited where my thoughts and readers feedback have taken me over the last three days.
I’ll put you on my list. I’m thinking it organising a zoom session next week as there appear to be a few of us on the same page.
Martin
Regarding a General strike— aI think we should BOYCOTT the companies supporting Trump, and SHOP LOCAL BUSINESSES— NOT the big corporations…
Sadly it would have little impact I’m afraid. But it would contribute and every little helps.
I agree! Especially with the spending boycotts! And yes people cannot afford to walk off their jobs right now for political gains! Another way that we can be involved is with the people and families losing their SNAP benefits! I know food banks and churches that support food assistance will need help! I think low income families will really struggle! As far as I know, there are not too many governors or mayors who have spoken out about how to manage support for their communities! Senior housing as well as low income housing centers will need support…
You’re spot on and I am very mindful of these challenges.
This is brilliant! Geohussar touched on this and i have always felt this is the only thing that can work. I have tried to encourage more of this. How do we get Bulwark and others involved?!
Thanks Steven, appreciate it. It’s taken me a little while to refine the concept. Plan it to mock up a site and then I can advocate better for it.
Just subscribed. Please let us know how we can help promote this! Sent o Kinzinger too
Thanks for your support Steven, I’ll be in better shape to answer your question after the weekend when I’ve refined my thinking a little further. Really pleased with where I am though right now.
Martín,
Thank you for your brilliant post (& the lengthy explanation). I am impressed that you answer the comments thoughtfully. I have always been apolitical (and not a good strategist- too impulsive), but your plan seems very realistic and I love your consideration of working people. Again thank you for doing the intellectual work.
You’re most welcome. Readers matter to me very much. Call me old fashioned, but if someone can take time to add to the conversation, but the very least I can do is reply.
Not sure they’re always polite though. I’m only human 🤣
…also to Steven S - Kinsinger and Bulwark are good ideas to spread this message - what about Scott Galsworth (? Economist with podcast maybe too establishment?).
The idea of posting info on economic boycotts on a website which people can visit is the best I've heard so far. A great big NO to signing up for am email list. That only provides a fascist regime with an easy one-stop shop when they start rounding up their perceived enemies-of-the-state. Palantir or Musk would hack such an email list in a second.
PS I never thought I'd see this day . . .
Understand the concern and that had me scratching my head for a while.