STRIKE
- Barrie Friedland
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Despite what the ruling class will insist, this country cannot function without workers, the real value creators. Jeff Bezos is off prancing around with wife #2: putting Venice in further peril and becoming the sole lead sponsor of the Met Gala. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of underpaid workers get the product out and delivered at nearly unbelievable speeds.
Could and should Bezos double or triple the pay of hourly workers and increase the wages of low level salaried employees? Of course! He would go down in history as a hero, rather than a predatory capitalist who humiliates himself to a cruel and illegal ruling cabal.
Do you think Donald Trump demolished the East Wing of the White House by himself? Or cheated countless vendors and employees while stealing from charities alone? No, he had lawyers to do that. And now he is using craven littlespittles to crater our democracy.Â
 STRIKEÂ
Nonstop hearts and flowers and total respect to the state of Minnesota and the amazing people there. From the neighborhood volunteer ICE watcher, to the Mayor, the AG and up to their governor, the solidarity, bravery, and steadfast resistance has been an inspiration and much needed light in this dark winter. Deep sadness and outrage for Mr. Pretti, Ms. Good, Mr. Porter who was murdered by ICE in California and all those who have died in the inhumane ICE camps. As well as the untold number of people faced with violence and death after being illegally expelled from our country.
 A General Strike was called for last Friday with much of the country slowed or stymied by snow. But many people showed up. It is a great initial step. It won't be the last.  #DSOT loves a general strike. For a day, or a month. Our origin story included plans around a specific work strike but immediately expanded to consumer action and the goal to enlist everyone. The trouble is, strikes are tricky. Yes, when executed correctly they are very powerful. That the ad hoc one in Minnesota got the attention of the mercantile class prompted by the onscreen execution of Alex Pretti hints at the potential. But strikes are very hard and expensive to organize. They require training, strike funds, and other preparations for the possible employment retaliation and financial stresses.
Do we support a General Strike? Absolutely. But to truly build the economic power for change it must be aligned with other actions. #DSOT is heartened by the increased economic protests that have occurred in the past few years. Sadly, that is offset by the diminishing of labor unions and especially now, the establishment's attacks on workers. What we need are strong, visceral acute actions like, walkouts, or A General Strike. Then safe, easily sustained economic strategies. Targeted boycotts- like Target. Making the brand a pariah- Tesla. Or supporting local and small businesses from Wednesday to Monday and then no discretionary consumer purchases on Tuesday. Is #DSOT hard to do? Not for most people. It just takes a little planning to use your money and decide when/how and where you shop. What if you forget or have an emergency on Tuesday? No problem. Even though we are 85 seconds away from midnight on the Doomsday Clock- more Tuesdays should come every week. And bonus- some of the changes we collectively demand is to protect this planet and the people living here.
We are like the young elephant tied up in a circus tent. As a calf, he keeps trying to raise his leg, but he is bound to the ground. By the time the rope is removed, the elephant doesn't believe he can run, play or escape. Or challenge the people who have tricked the pachyderm into thinking he has no power.
 We have the power, the people and the aggregate financial heft. Make preparations to Strike if you can. We must stand now with Minneapolis, because unless there are fundamental changes ICE is coming to your town. Believe in our collective strength
And Don't Shop on Tuesday.
 p.s we will continue to highlight issues that most people support- or oppose- but will include some information about strategies and actions.cen
t unrepresentative outrages:
Long after the legal deadline- additional Epstein files are released and boy are they awful. More to come.
ICE funding and murdersÂ
Voter files taken from Fulton County Ga illegally with no chain of custody
Minnesota being blackmailed in order to reduce or remove ICE presence
Account in Qatar for trump from Venezuelan oilÂ
trump's Board of Peace/ billionaire dollar fee participation fee payable to him
Non science non medicine while measles explodes. Wait for polio and hepatitis to return.
 etc to infinity. FIGHT