366… and counting

Today’s opine, number 366, drops just a few days before the official 8th anniversary of The Weekly Opine. The journey began on Thursday, November 2, 2017, with the still topical current events column “It’s Raining Creeps.” Who’d a thunk that, nearly a decade later, some of the same wealthy creeps would still be slithering among us as free pedophiles and rapists?

In a nod to The Weekly Opine editorial thrust – which is to cover politics, sports and current events – on November 9, 2017, a sports piece titled “Come Clean, Tom Brady” was delivered. The great Super Bowl champion was asked to level with us, given his dalliance with Jeffrey Epstein’s one-time best friend, the birthday book laureate and likely pedophile, Trump.

The launch of The Weekly Opine’s editorial triumvirate was completed with a November 16, 2017, piece on politics titled “Time’s Up Hillary.” That opine told Hillary – and Bill and Chelsea Clinton – that it was time to slide off the political stage. Make room for a new generation with less baggage.

Now, a full eight years later, The Weekly Opine still has fresh legs for attending protests. A curious mind to dig beyond blinding hype, such as that which accompanies artificial intelligence. An independent streak that isn’t shy about offering rebukes of Democrats, as well as Republicans. And stinging critiques of my favorite teams (Indiana U., Chicago Bears). Not left, not right, just real.

TWO stakes positions that may be unpopular with people I’m closely aligned with politically. For example, my belief that trans-women/girls should not be allowed to compete in sports against biological women/girls is uncompromising. However, I am equally unyielding in the belief that individuals should be free to live their lives as who they are and not who someone else, or who the government thinks they should be.

Research reveals that 3.5% of the population protesting is the magic number. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

5-step plan

Do I tire of cable news and social media and the inherent gloom, as we digest destruction foisted upon us by Trump and his fascists? Yes, the daily barrage sometimes makes all of us weary. But it’s our reality. Putting our heads in the sand will ensure American democracy’s demise.

At this moment, democracy is on life support. Everyone needs to acknowledge this fact. The situation is more dire than at any time in my lifetime. Not since the Civil War have troops roamed the streets of American cities and towns harming citizens. Our duty is to defend the U.S. Constitution and defeat MAGA fascism.

So first we must understand we are in a desperate, ominous place. Not on the verge of authoritarianism but already living within it. Authoritarianism has moved beyond theory; it is happening to us right now. If Trump unilaterally destroying the historic White House East Wing hasn’t gotten your attention, you are in deep denial or looking the other direction.

To win, here are five key things that must be done.

1. Admit it

As stated above, the path to normalcy requires us to admit America is currently more authoritarian than democracy. It can be reversed. But it will take enormous effort.

2. Push back

The media, political leaders, business leaders, higher education leaders, the judicial system, and religious leaders must stop capitulating. Giving in is no way to win this fight.

All who voted against their self-interest can fix things in upcoming national, state and local elections. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

3. Achieve 3.5% protesters

Peaceful protests must continue with a goal of attracting 3.5% of the population. Political researchers, including Erica Chenoweth, studied protests dating back over a century and determined peaceful protests that attract 3.5% of the population are very effective at changing the power dynamic and ushering in change.

These large-scale protests cause a shift from authoritarian rule toward democratic rule. Regime change and/or significant concessions occur. In the U.S., just in the past year, the Hands Off protest attracted 3 million protesters. No Kings protests have drawn 5 million, and most recently 7 million protesters. We still have a way to go to reach 3.5% of the U.S. population (target is 11.5 million protesters). But we are amassing momentum with each national protest. We need everyone who can do it to come out and protest.

4. Be transparent

People with information must put it out there. Almost two months ago, Epstein victims held a press conference at the U.S. Capitol. They said they have their own list of wealthy Epstein clients. OK, release the list. Don’t mimic Robert Mueller, Bill Barr, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, Merrick Garland, Jack Smith and others whose dilly-dallying and accommodation of Trump enabled him to avoid prosecution and prison. Laissez-faire attitudes coupled with selfish greed by those with the power to stop Trump paved the way for what is now happening to us.

5. Vote

Voters must come out and vote. In the 2024 presidential election 89 million eligible voters stayed home. (Some were registered voters; some were not registered.) Writing letters, protesting, and contributing to campaigns are all good and necessary. But the ultimate power to force change rests with voting.

Much more to come

Given what is transpiring around us, political resisting is the priority in terms of subject matter. However, I will attempt to balance things out with more current events and sports topics. And Mags the MAGA’s family will continue to appear periodically.

Thank you for continuing to read The Weekly Opine.

EIGHT YEARS