A general musing on tactics and strategy: Rallies and Protests
While vast numbers of people in Washington DC is always satisfying, I suggest a new tactic for major efforts. Borrowing a term that people my age might recognize, I think we need to go "Time on Target" with large-rally efforts. The idea here is to enable the greatest possible participation by the largest number of people, and to do it in a clearly-targeted way.
So rather than saying "everyone get to Washington on >date/time< for the Big March" I'd like to see "Everyone gather at YOUR TARGET on >date/time< for the Big March," in which "YOUR TARGET" offers a choice that will ensure maximum impact.
Where is maximum impact?
Start with this: The GOP has the whole enchilada. All three branches. And the majority of governor's offices and state legislatures.
Then add this: The traditional "Fourth Estate" of major media outlets are also under the control of factions benefiting from a GOP hegemony.
So "maximum impact" is no longer just getting on the evening news to get the widest possible attention level from the widest number of people. Equally, maybe even MORE important, is getting the attention of very specific individuals who wield power, and demonstrating that they, themselves, are under a magnifying glass.
So a ToT protest strategy encourages the following:
Northeasterners show up at the Capitol Mall, as always.
For others, identify either a) the Governor's mansion; b) the State legislature WHILE IN SESSION; or c) the IN-DISTRICT (home) office of a Republican congresscritter as the regional target for gathering. Designated targets will naturally vary based on the focus of the protest, but should be coordinated, so that everyone knows where to show up. There should be at least ONE target in every state except those that have a Democratic Governor, Democratic-controlled legislature, and entirely Democratic Congressional delegation. (If there are any such.)
For states with multiple GOP Congresscritters, rotate the targeting appropriately.
How this would work:
Let's take a likely hypothetical "Save the ACA" nationwide protest. A date is chosen. On that date, not only do large numbers of people, mostly from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas, plus those representing organized groups with the resources to mobilize busloads, show up on the Capitol Mall, but at the precise same time crowds of anywhere from a few hundred to ten thousand or more show up at one or two locations in every state-- and those locations are ADJACENT TO THE HOME OFFICES OF GOP CONGRESSCRITTERS.
Even if Louie Gohmert isn't anywhere near that office, the staff WILL let the DC staff know that 8,000+ peaceful-but-determined people showed up in his district to let him know they don't want the ACA demolished.
ToT personalizes the protest, gives larger numbers of people a focus, reason, and place to show up. I probably couldn't make it to DC for such a protest. But I could certainly show up at Steve Pearce's Las Cruces office.
It's time to get personal.
They need to know we're holding them personally responsible. They won. They're in charge. They're responsible. We will hold them, each and severally, individually and collectively, responsible.
And when the stakes are high, we'll show up on their doorstep.
determinedly,
Bright
P.S. Whadday'all think about starting by giving them a chance to prove they're NOT misogynists? That they can actually do BETTER than the Democrats in terms of equal rights for women? Betcha we can find some Democrats willing to introduce a re-drafted ERA in both houses... It'd give the Trumperor a chance to show how much he respects us!
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