Frankly what I’m describing is mostly focused on the federal level and specifically the old guard who I think are fundamentally incapable of dealing with Trump. On the state and local level that’s an entirely different question which varies wildly depending on regional factors, but for example Mamdani is extremely effective against Republicans in general since he is actually trying, it’s the same reason why the progressive caucus is able to somewhat bite back. Best that can be done as of now on the federal level is gridlock Congress, states and local should be actively fucking with the feds and any international shit IMO for example California should pull out of anything to do with the Olympics and schedule all the roadwork in LA while working to sabotage it further.
Also I was mostly sticking to the whole ralley thing, my bias against rallies, parades, and ceremonies cannot be overstated. It’s a blind spot that I am very aware of but I can’t really correct for since I see it as a form of braggartry, it’s to the point my friends joke that I would’ve skipped my own birth if it was possible hence why I was a C-section so it could be over with the fastest instead. Point is my default response to the concept of an oppositional ralley isn’t protest, counter rallies, or even statements it’s to call it profligate and to consider it a target rich environment.
I’m describing is mostly focused on the federal level and specifically the old guard
Totally agree and understand.
Mamdani is extremely effective against Republicans in general since he is actually trying
Agree but I think “rationalizing” this is missing why its effective.
whole ralley thing, my bias against rallies, parades, and ceremonies cannot be overstated. It’s a blind spot that I am very aware of
Same. I’ve worked as an organizer for decades and can’t stand these things. I’m very much so from the anarchist/ direct action tradition and have always and will always just prefer taking actions to address the issues we identify. If people are hungry, feed them; if people are unhoused, house them: you do not need to ask for permission.
However, I guess I don’t see the connection between visibility politics and your broader thesis. I mean its not like Schumer is avoiding visibility politics (which I think is you’re suggesting to be the reason why Mamdani has been effective?). Schumer is doing a form of visibility politics, but one which entirely misses the issue. What is winning or moving the ball down the field is resistance politics, which you seem to be advocating against at a national level, because your argument is that the Schumer’s of the world aren’t competent at it, so they shouldnt try.
Frankly what I’m describing is mostly focused on the federal level and specifically the old guard who I think are fundamentally incapable of dealing with Trump. On the state and local level that’s an entirely different question which varies wildly depending on regional factors, but for example Mamdani is extremely effective against Republicans in general since he is actually trying, it’s the same reason why the progressive caucus is able to somewhat bite back. Best that can be done as of now on the federal level is gridlock Congress, states and local should be actively fucking with the feds and any international shit IMO for example California should pull out of anything to do with the Olympics and schedule all the roadwork in LA while working to sabotage it further.
Also I was mostly sticking to the whole ralley thing, my bias against rallies, parades, and ceremonies cannot be overstated. It’s a blind spot that I am very aware of but I can’t really correct for since I see it as a form of braggartry, it’s to the point my friends joke that I would’ve skipped my own birth if it was possible hence why I was a C-section so it could be over with the fastest instead. Point is my default response to the concept of an oppositional ralley isn’t protest, counter rallies, or even statements it’s to call it profligate and to consider it a target rich environment.
Totally agree and understand.
Agree but I think “rationalizing” this is missing why its effective.
Same. I’ve worked as an organizer for decades and can’t stand these things. I’m very much so from the anarchist/ direct action tradition and have always and will always just prefer taking actions to address the issues we identify. If people are hungry, feed them; if people are unhoused, house them: you do not need to ask for permission.
However, I guess I don’t see the connection between visibility politics and your broader thesis. I mean its not like Schumer is avoiding visibility politics (which I think is you’re suggesting to be the reason why Mamdani has been effective?). Schumer is doing a form of visibility politics, but one which entirely misses the issue. What is winning or moving the ball down the field is resistance politics, which you seem to be advocating against at a national level, because your argument is that the Schumer’s of the world aren’t competent at it, so they shouldnt try.