It's time to get ready for the next big step

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the growing calls for a general strike in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of non-violent direct action in the fight for democracy. Referencing an article by Jeremy Bretcher, the speaker highlights how social strikes, including mass participation, can disrupt oppressive political regimes. They discuss historical examples of strikes and their impact on democracy, drawing parallels with other countries where non-violent revolts brought down tyrannical governments. The video calls for solidarity and action, encouraging viewers to engage in non-cooperation and forms of disruption to build momentum toward a general strike that can challenge current political structures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of raising awareness about a general strike in the U.S. is emphasized, as it faces restrictions on social media platforms.
• 😀 Calls for a general strike are increasing, with growing support from unlikely figures like Anthony Romero (ACLU) and Senator Jim McGovern.
• 😀 A general strike could be a key tool in overcoming authoritarian regimes and is being explored as a response to political failures.
• 😀 The concept of a 'social strike' is introduced, where people withdraw cooperation to disrupt societal functions and demand political change.
• 😀 Waging Nonviolence, particularly through figures like Dr. Erica Chenoweth, highlights the role of non-violent resistance in toppling oppressive regimes.
• 😀 The push for a general strike is largely driven by the failure of U.S. democratic institutions, including the courts and Congress.
• 😀 Historical examples of general strikes in the U.S., such as the 1886 Chicago 8-hour workday strike and the 1946 Oakland strike, show the power of mass action.
• 😀 Strikes for political purposes, such as deposing political leaders, are rare in the U.S., but they have been more common in other countries like Serbia and Brazil.
• 😀 The 2018 flight attendant strike demonstrates how workers' collective action can influence government policies and decisions.
• 😀 A general strike is a tactic, but the true power lies in the solidarity of the people, requiring mass mobilization and willingness to take personal and institutional risks.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the transcript?

The central theme of the transcript is the growing movement for a general strike in the U.S., as a form of nonviolent direct action to address the erosion of democracy and increasing authoritarianism, particularly in response to the Trump administration's actions.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of nonviolent resistance?

The speaker emphasizes nonviolent resistance because it has been proven to be effective in toppling authoritarian regimes worldwide, and it provides a means of exercising power when institutional avenues like courts and Congress fail to address pressing issues.

What role does the concept of 'social strikes' play in the argument?

Social strikes are presented as a broad form of nonviolent resistance that extends beyond labor strikes to include other disruptive actions like boycotts, civil disobedience, and mass mobilizations. The speaker suggests social strikes as a crucial tactic for achieving political change when traditional means are ineffective.

What are some of the historical examples of strikes mentioned in the transcript?

Historical examples of strikes mentioned include the general strikes in 1886 for the 8-hour workday, the Seattle general strike of 1919, the Oakland general strike of 1946, and the 1969 West Virginia coal miners' strike. These strikes were often responses to workers' struggles, and sometimes involved political goals as well.

How does the article by Jeremy Bretcher contribute to the understanding of a general strike?

Jeremy Bretcher's article, 'What would a general strike in the US actually look like?', discusses the growing calls for a general strike in the U.S., outlines the historical context of strikes, and emphasizes the importance of broad public participation in such actions as a means of counteracting authoritarianism.

What is the significance of Erica Chenoweth's work mentioned in the transcript?

Erica Chenoweth's work on nonviolent resistance is significant because it provides a theoretical foundation for successful resistance movements. Her research helps explain how large-scale nonviolent actions can bring down authoritarian regimes, making it relevant to the idea of a general strike in the U.S.

What role do public figures like Anthony Romero and Jim McGovern play in the discussion of a general strike?

Public figures like Anthony Romero, executive director of the ACLU, and Jim McGovern, a senior Democratic Rep., contribute to the conversation by expressing support for large-scale actions, such as a national strike, as a response to political tyranny, emphasizing the need for mass mobilization.

What challenges are mentioned regarding the use of strikes in the U.S.?

The transcript highlights several challenges, including the legal restrictions on unions from engaging in strikes for political reasons, such as sympathy or political strikes. There are also concerns about the potential repression and criminalization of strike actions by government authorities.

How do the calls for a general strike relate to the current political climate?

The calls for a general strike are a reaction to the current political climate, particularly the perceived erosion of democratic institutions, the rise of authoritarianism, and the failure of political leaders to effectively oppose these trends. The general strike is seen as a means to challenge this situation and assert the power of the people.

What actions does the speaker suggest can help lay the groundwork for a general strike?

To lay the groundwork for a general strike, the speaker suggests incorporating non-cooperation and disruption into actions such as boycotts, commercial shutdowns, picket lines, and civil disobedience. These actions can help build solidarity and raise awareness, progressively evolving toward larger-scale social strikes.