We Do It Or No One Will
Revamped for the new site but mostly the same information as its previous substack version.
Trump is actively trying to grab power as quickly as he can, and in the process is passing heinous executive orders that have far reaching implications for all of us. Unfortunately the regime will come for everyone in the end, even the people that support them.
Though some law enforcement and retired military have openly declared Trump a dictator who is not to be followed, that doesn’t mean we’re in the all clear to trust the system. We’re only two weeks in and more than one state is suing the federal government, funding for many social programs is up in the air, and the IRS may be disbanded along with the concept of income tax. Many of the people in power who are attempting to do something are still trying to uphold previous values and go through the legal system, and very frankly it isn’t working. So, what do we do in between stretching our money to cover the rising cost of eggs? The answer is not “nothing”.
Information is our most powerful asset against a regime that seeks to deny what we can see happening with our eyes and ears. It’s why they go after journalists and seek to squash creative mediums. They want you tuned in 24/7 to their bullshit and their bullshit only. They want you afraid of immigrants so you don’t care that they’re being put in camps. They want you terrified of transgender individuals in your bathrooms and choking on your fear until you’ll give in to any of their demands just to make it all stop.
But it doesn’t stop. Unfettered it rolls downhill, gaining speed and power until it consumes all in its path. There is no time left to be neutral. If you’re really itching to get out there and do something, I would push you to connect with local groups you can find and see what they’re doing to combat it. This isn’t always an accessible option, though, so let’s go through some other ones that might be helpful to you or someone you love.
Cybersecurity- It’s time to lock it down, folks. It’s time to update passwords, get a password manager, and think seriously and rationally about your online footprint. White supremacists have routinely used people’s lack of online security to harm them, and they’re going to be very bold from now on.
I’m not the most advanced in this area, but I recently started using a VPN, or a virtual private network that masks your IP address (moves your computers address around so it isn’t as easy to pinpoint your location) and encrypts your data (scrambles your traffic into codes that can’t be read by outside sources). There are both paid and free options available and you will have to do a little research to find one that suits you. I use Proton, it’s Swiss based and has a free version for one device or the option to pay monthly/annually to use on up to ten devices, and it is INCREDIBLY simple to set up. With the paid version you also get access to their ad blockers, email service, their password manager, and a cloud-like backup space for photos and files. Yes, this is usable for mobile, but some of them won’t be so think about what you need it for when you’re looking. I’ll link proton here, but there is also NordVPN, Surfshark, the Opera browser comes with a built in VPN, and plenty more.
Another thing I’d recommend is the service DeleteMe. This is a paid service, but it removes your personal information so that it’s not stored by data brokers (a service that sells your info to third parties), and continues to do so as long as you pay for it. If you’re interested in this idea but not interested in paying, they also have a DIY guide on their website. One of you, shout out to Kevin, linked me to a consumer guide in the comments that suggests the DIY version may be more effective. You’ll have to balance time, effectiveness, and cost here.
If you’re worried about the messages you’re sending, I’d recommend Signal. It’s a messaging app that has disappearing messages and calls and encrypts your data so it can’t be read by them or anyone else. I would consider using it to connect with the groups you form, or the people you love, to discuss where we’re at. Otherwise, my suggestion would be to get off X, and to limit your time on facebook and instagram. The main alternative I’m seeing come alive is Bluesky, a twitter -esque alternative, but there are other options available.
Now is also the time to preserve information. Download things to flash drives, buy physical media, find a way to share it.
Personal Security - This is the topic of the hour, and not without reason. We know their feelings about guns, so we know they’ve got them. A few things on that. Getting a gun isn’t for everyone. They take time, and understanding, and rationality, and it isn’t something you should just pick up because you figure if they have them you should too. If you’re hell bent on getting one and aren’t sure where to start, I’ll leave you with a link to the Socialist Rifle Association who has already put out literature on becoming a new gun owner in this climate. Outside of that, even if you’re not a person guns are for, I do recommend everyone find someone safe to teach them to shoot, just once.
If you’re more unsure about getting a gun, or you think that’s not the best thing to do for your mental health, or you want to approach this climate without violence, my next few suggestions are for you. We take care of us, and it’s going to be far more useful to learn to be prepared for violence rather than prepare to inflict it.
First suggestion, mask up and update your vaccines. All of your vaccines. You’re groaning, you’re rolling your eyes, maybe you have to drag yourself to do it kicking and screaming, but it is the single easiest thing you can do to protect yourself and your community. Masking and vaccinating are going to become radical action as RFK Jr. potentially takes the reins of our national health. COVID is still here and as debilitating as ever, and Bird flu is making a slow ascent into the collective conscious (not unlike the early days of COVID, and both are transferable to your pets). If you stopped, it’s not too late to start up again. If you’ve never masked, now is the second best time to start. N95’s are the talk of the town and some of them are reusable for months at a time. I’ll leave a few links here, one of them to MaskBloc, who provides masks, tests, and other equipment to their communities for free.
Second, grab an IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit). There are a LOT of options, and some of them even come with a course to teach you how to use them. I’m going to link to a few I’ve seen recommended, but this is another area where you should research what’s best for you.
Okay, so you’ve got the kit, now what do you do with it? Use it! Learn what each component does, learn how to tourniquet. I’m leaving a link to an interactive Stop the Bleed course here (they also have in person events, so make sure you check out the site).
Third, alternatives to a firearm. Peppergel is an alternative to pepper spray that lessens the blowback so it’s good for close contact or indoor spaces. Bats, chunky rings, innocuous items you can keep on hand for an in-case basis that might stop an attacker but also mitigate harm. If anyone else has suggestions I’d be glad to add them!
Organizing - This is probably the scariest for a lot of people because no one wants to set out to do more harm. So, we need to organize, but we need to be mindful that there’s no group leading the charge. No one of us is the chosen one, and we can only build together. My main suggestion is to look for groups that already exist, look at their work, and if it’s something you can agree with then get involved. I’m going to link to a community giving guide (Michigan based) by Ryan Henyard (UofM activist and educator), a mutual aid hub (national), and a few causes and groups looking for donations or help.
If you go through these and don’t see anything you align with, or nothing is close enough for you to get involved, then I would suggest putting together some sort of group of your peers or people just in your community who might also be looking to get involved. Skill shares, events where someone displays a skill for the group to learn, or even reading groups (reading anything!) are radical action. Art, poetry, and gathering are all radical action that we can do right now. I’m going to link to a guide to putting together a skillshare event, but honestly any event where you’re meeting and talking and caring about each other is good enough. I’m also going to link to a book on mutual aid that is very helpful in getting started.
Abortion Access - This one is going to become important very quickly so I want to make sure you guys have shareable resources. Aid Access was founded in 2018 by Dr. Rebecca Gomperts and they work with abortion providers to provide abortion pills to all 50 states.
This is a reference sheet for people who might be seeking sterilization or abortion access. The doctors are vetted before being added to the list.
Trans Issues - Trans issues have been the forefront of attack for the Trump campaign and they will be on the receiving end of a lot of hate and discrimination because of this. I’m going to list a link to a DIY hormone replacement therapy guide and a few places to donate. If anyone wants something included here, please let me know. Some advice I’ve seen floating around, for whom it’s possible, update your ID’s and passports now before the laws start to change. Another bit of advice I didn’t think to include is a basic one: Call your congressman. Let them know right now that they do not have your support unless support for trans individuals is a priority for them.
Immigration - Another major issue for the Trump campaign is immigration. They are of the first on the receiving end of major policy changes. The organizations I’m listing here are looking for donations, help, or both. There are a lot of immigration lawyers offering help, and every area is different, so I would also keep an eye on what people in your community are doing to stop ICE raids and deny them access to vulnerable members of our society.
Links To My Sources and Where I’ve Drawn Comfort This Week
Left To Our Own Devices- New Ongoing Resource Blog Emily Gorcenski talks about preparedness in times of Fascism
Organizing My Thoughts Kelly Hayes shares tips and reading resources
Margaret Killjoy Birds Before the Storm Margaret Killjoy discusses optimism even now
It Could Happen Here Robert Evans and company discuss the election results and what the world might look like going forward
Live Like The World Is Dying A podcast about showing up in the end times, also Margaret Killjoy
I hope you find comfort here, and I hope you’ll share this to anyone you think it could help. Start a discussion in the comments, or let me know I’m missing something by sending me a message.
Thank you so, so much for reading. I’m so grateful to be here and to have all of you here with me. Stay safe, keep each other safe, and if you’re going to organize you need to organize now. Join organizations now. It’s time to get to work.
AF