While I do believe that individuals have influence, I see that we live in a society where actual power is accumulated in the hands of only a few individuals.
While I do believe that peaceful protest has an influence on the powerful, I see that peaceful protest without the participation of individuals with accumulated power has limited influence.
I believe that a general strike that shuts down the workings of the economy from the bottom is the only way to stand against the cultural revolution that is taking place in our government, but I see that such an action is not possible without the participation of labor leaders, career diplomats, military leaders, state and local political figures, and conscientious financial agents (if they exist).
To create the conditions whereby a general strike can be effective, I believe that social media is of little utility. We must communicate to and through channels which most of us are not accustomed to speaking with.
If you are a member of a union of some kind, speak directly to the head of that union, if possible, about your concerns about the dismantling of protections for workers in your field. Enlist their support for an organized general strike.
Communicate directly with your elected representatives at the federal, state, and local levels, and speak directly about how you and your family are impacted by the current administration’s actions to dismantle government agencies that support education, healthcare, national parks, the arts, protection for immigrants and the environment.
Communicate directly with the heads of your financial institutions, your insurance companies, your utility companies, your primary, secondary, and higher education institutions. Let them know about how you are impacted by the current administration’s dismantling of oversight and protections, frankly and without blame.
If you are an immigrant, or are connected with the diplomatic community of another country, communicate with the consulate and let them know about any human rights violations that directly concern you.
If you are a present or past member of the military, communicate with the highest member of your branch that you can reach, and let them know your real concerns about the policies that the current administration is implementing.
We have influence as individuals, but at this time we must concentrate that influence by putting pressure on the organizations and institutions where power is accumulated. Posting on social media has limited utility, and does not put pressure on the real centers of power.
I hope to join you on General Strike Day!