How a New Generation of Progressive Activists Is Leading the Trump Resistance

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

During the Fourth of July congressional recess, grassroots activists in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, flooded a town-hall meeting hosted by Republican Rep. James Sensenbrenner. The crowd had come to hold their barrel-bellied congressman accountable for his vote in favor of the House Trumpcare bill, legislation that would have led to 23 million Americans losing their health insurance.

Ninety minutes later, as Sensenbrenner fled the public library parking lot in a black sedan – under police escort, sirens bleating through chants of "Shame! Shame! Shame!" – these protesters had demonstrated the power of a new wave of local activism in the age of Trump.

Nationwide, this tide of progressive resistance has sent GOP members of Congress into hiding from their own constituents, and steeled Senate Democrats into a unified opposition. "When you see Charles Schumer out there calling for 'resistance,' you realize something's happening," says Theda Skocpol, the famed Harvard political scientist who studies American civic engagement. "That's not his natural state."

This explosion of political action has the Democratic Party's new leadership wagering that success in 2018 will hinge on its ability "to channel people's energies not only into town-hall meetings," says Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez, "but also into the ballot box." But this mission-critical job stands as an uneasy work in progress. Despite calls from national leaders to make common cause with resistance activists, state and local Democrats are often missing in action. Perhaps more troubling: The unifying purpose of opposing Trump has not papered over the party's rawest policy divides.

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/how-progressive-activists-are-leading-the-trump-resistance-w499221?utm_source=rsnewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=daily&utm_campaign=082417_16

[BigmanPigman]

1. I have been "resisting" since Nov 8th.

I was the first one to RSVP for The Women's March in San Diego and went to my first anti-45 rally a week after the election. After the Women's March I was told by many that the enthusiasm wouldn't last and I was wasting my time. I have called all 100 senators almost 4 times each (mainly for issues such as the ACA repeal, releasing 45's tax returns and to investigate Russia). This is not for fun. I do not take videos and pictures and think my marches (9 so far) are a party. This is work and I go alone for myself because I take it very seriously. I am ill and broke but I feel it is my duty as a citizen and before I die and want to see my country in the hands of a rational, responsible, empathetic leader(s).

Resist! Peace.

[SharonClark]

4. Thank you for all you do.

[oxbow]

2. Great rundown of the grassroots groups that've arisen since 11/9

If anybody is looking to become more politically active, I will refer them to this bookmarked article...thanks!

[murielm99]

3. State and local Democrats are

often missing in action? That is bullshit. I believe, and I have seen it with my own eyes, that state and local Democrats try to get people active and staying active year round. We have tried to keep people interested in running for county board seats, library board seats, dog catcher. Most of them don't care and they are AWOL until it is time for the Presidential election. They are like the people who come to church on Christmas and Easter, but they expect the church to be there year round, just in case they need it.

I hope the new grassroots groups succeed. But it is up to them to work with the existing structures, not the other way around. Those of us who have stayed on the job have begged them for help in the past. They can benefit from our experience, and we can benefit from their enthusiasm. However, they need to learn from those of us who are experienced.

I predict that most of the grassroots groups will dwindle and die. If they do not get immediate gratification, most of their members will go home and stay there - oh, except for once every four years when there is a Presidential election.