Before the American Fascist movement, led by Trump, came into popularity in 2016, I knew very little about the concept of a “General Strike.” It intrigued me and I decided to learn more about it from historical accounts as well as current activists and labor leaders with expertise in this areas.
At that time I thought to myself, “Well, we’ll never need a general strike, but good to know.”
I emphatically believe success against fascism here in the U.S. will be the sum total of all the strategies: boycotts, protests, activism, pushing Congress to have a spine, asking international leaders to be brave, working in communities with neighbors as a collective voice against tyranny, regardless of party. While we have made progress, I do think we are going to have to make a major move. It will need to be an economic power move because money is the only thing fascists and oligarchs understand.
The good news is we have made progress…
Our state AGs have successfully pushed back on several immigration issues, the courts have ruled the tariffs are illegal and states are building vaccine protection systems. Chicago pushed back on militarization and it worked. There are lots examples of elected leaders or groups pushing back and it works.
This past week, we all stood in solidarity and boycotted ABC, Hulu and Disney. The hurt was deep. Disney lost $4.2 billion and some estimates indicate 500,000 subscribers. The hurt resulted in Jimmy Kimmel being returned to the air.
Find out what's happening in La Grangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Target has lost over $12.4 billion in market value. Other companies are feeling it in the wallet. We must keep all of that work moving.
Trump’s polling continues to decline. From the Reuter’s poll fielded September last week:
Trump’s overall approval: 41%
Trump on approval on immigration: 42%
Trump’s on economy: 35%
Find out what's happening in La Grangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
It is obvious, he is not doing what those who voted for him wanted him to do.
What is the lesson here? Money talks. To that end and immediately, the Democrats must shutdown this corrupt administration and budget on September 30th. If the Republicans will not reverse the healthcare cuts, it should be game over and shut-it-down time. For the record, I would have never supported a shut down until these precarious times. Shutdowns hurt everybody and should only be used in the most desperate of times.
After that, we must escalate and prepare to send a louder and more pervasive economic message: A General Strike.
What is a General Strike?
The General Strike is a historic event where workers across multiple industries simultaneously cease work to demand better conditions, wages, or political change. It is a powerful form of collective protest that has played a significant role in labor history worldwide.
Origins and Early Examples: The concept of a general strike dates back to the 19th century, rooted in the growth of industrialization and the rise of organized labor. Early instances include the Paris Commune of 1871, which involved widespread worker protests, although not a formal general strike. The first well-documented general strike took place in St. Petersburg in 1905 during the Russian Revolution, where workers and soldiers protested together against the Tsarist regime.
The 20th Century and Prominent Examples:
One of the most notable general strikes occurred in the United Kingdom in 1926. Known as the General Strike of 1926, it was called by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to support miners facing wage cuts and worsening conditions. The strike lasted nine days and saw millions of workers across various industries abstain from work. Although it ultimately did not succeed in achieving its aims, it demonstrated the immense power of worker solidarity and brought attention to working-class issues.
Another key example is the 1919 Seattle General Strike in the United States, which involved 60,000 workers demanding better wages and working conditions. Though it lasted only five days, it marked a significant moment of labor activism in America.
In more recent history, the 1984-1985 UK miners' strike was a prolonged industrial action against pit closures, highlighting the ongoing significance of collective labor actions, even if not strictly a "general strike."
Effectiveness and Impact
The effectiveness of general strikes varies based on context, goals, and political climate. They have often been successful in raising awareness and pressuring governments or employers, but outright victory is rare. Typically, they influence public opinion, lead to policy discussions, or set the stage for future negotiations.
Examples of effective general strikes include:
- The General Strike in the UK in 1926, which, despite its failure to prevent mine closures, galvanized the labor movement and led to stronger labor laws in subsequent years.
- The 1938 general strike in Spain, which was successful in ousting Franco’s opponent and strengthening the Republican government for a period.
- The 1968 France protests, which involved widespread strikes that challenged the government and prompted significant social reforms.
Who Will Lead the General Strike?
Likely, Indivisible.org, other activist groups such as Project 50501 and labor leaders will show us the way. This administration has left us with no other choice.
I will be sharing more each week as this measure matures. In the meantime, remember, nobody is coming to save us - join the fight: October 18 is No Kings Day.
No excuses - get out there:
https://indivisible.org/
Keep going and have a great week.
