Our Position on Current Events

The corruption, oppression, and the racist, sexist, and inhumane acts of the current Trump administration are profoundly enraging and dangerous. We stand in opposition to the absolute abuse of power used so far to strengthen and embolden the elite classes and corporations. We will continue to fight in solidarity with the vulnerable communities that, as always, will be the most impacted by these acts.

We view these events as the sudden unveiling of a truth that has been lying beneath all along - that the political and economic system is built to serve the powerful, at the expense of the people and the planet. The reason why Trump is in power is because the political system is anchored in an oppressive capitalist economy that creates: 1) economic growth through the extraction and destruction of natural resources, and 2) inequality through the exploitation of people. As political parties are drowned in monetary influence by corporations, they cater to billionaires’ desires so they can win campaigns, and then are consumed by power and the desire to remain in power. With corporations focused on growing their own profits, and politicians focused on hoarding power, inequality surges. And when inequality increases to such levels, people will do anything to get a piece of the pie - even support a fascist regime.

In times like these, we cannot forget that the root problem is not an individual or a group of individuals, but the system itself. If we want a chance to survive as a species, our species needs to rebuild a new political and economic system. One that is rooted in equality, in community, in long-term vision, and in balance with the natural world.

How will we respond to this moment?

We recognize that the reshaping of the political and economic system is a gigantic endeavor which no single organization can achieve. Steady on this path, we will stay focused on what our strengths are:

  • Telling the truth: We will communicate our message as much as possible to support the already large community of people who are energized and motivated to build a new system, and to energize and motivate those who are not yet convinced.

  • Disrupting business as usual through non-violent direct action (NVDA): We will organize actions that disrupt business as usual for government and corporations that are attacking the wellbeing of people and planet.

    We will also seek to grow in:

  • Supporting the current pro-democracy movement: Findings ways to link our campaigns with the ongoing efforts to fight Trump’s assault on democracy. Our support can take many forms (NVDA trainings, adding climate and environmental affinity groups to actions, organizing art builds…).

  • Building long-term partnerships for Citizen’s Assemblies: Findings ways to work toward a system of participatory democracy that actually includes and centers everyday people, and building relationships with aligned organizations and communities.