Your examples and the words of Noam show how people could organise when in a crisis, may this still be the case now. It must be desperate for some, that is why mutual aid is so important now.
So very well written JP Hill, and an interesting history lesson regarding the Great Depression. It appears history is repeating itself, with gross wealth inequality, and people running the US government who are actively causing the societal harm and upheaval, and doing nothing to further the common good of all Americans.
Americans have been brainwashed over the last four to five decades that any kind of unionization or collaboration, even sharing amongst themselves is "Anti-American" - "Communist" and leads to terrible outcomes. That only the rugged individualism of Capitalism and the holy grail of corporate greed, can lead to a successful life.
But it turns out that after 40+ years of declining wages, declining living standards for the majority of working Americans, while at the same time year after year record profits for ever bigger corporations, and the super rich whom own these corporations (Amazon, Boeing, Facebook, Google, etc.) .. it turns out that this model of extreme greed at any cost, and extreme self-reliance has created a system where 40 million Americans (40% whom are children) now have found themselves relying on food stamps to just get by every day, while the same system is about to produce the first Trillionaire.
And now we're about to see even the food stamps taken away, deliberately ... like being in an abusive relationship that depends on continuing abuse - abuse of a nation founded on the myth of competition and greed, rather than collaboration and sharing.
Incredibly gauche to link my own Substack in the comments, but a few indie writers are pledging November royalties to local food banks. Could use a few more hands if anyone wants to sign up.
Well said (as always). I really appreciate how you highlighted Dean Spade’s amazing work in this area, and expand on it so thoughtfully. Thanks for that Great Depression history, too!
JP, this is a fantastic post, I love the story of the Black Panthers and their visionary leadership. Your call to action and organizing is on point. What are your thoughts on The Poor Peoples Campaign, Party for Socialism & Liberation, DSA and other working class groups?
Growing up going to Church, this reminds me of the beginning of the book of Acts. The believers sold all they had, gave to the poor, and their numbers swelled. Today, many churches spend their wealth on insulating themselves.
Do you have any suggestions for organizing in a small town? Or any books you might recommend?
Agreed, she references Octavia Butler quite a bit which was one of those amazing little synchronicities as Butler is not be of my favorite speculative & science fiction authors. I also recommend "Generation Hope- how inclusive economics can help us all thrive, " by Arunjay Katakam, ISBN 978-1-955671-34-7
Your examples and the words of Noam show how people could organise when in a crisis, may this still be the case now. It must be desperate for some, that is why mutual aid is so important now.
So very well written JP Hill, and an interesting history lesson regarding the Great Depression. It appears history is repeating itself, with gross wealth inequality, and people running the US government who are actively causing the societal harm and upheaval, and doing nothing to further the common good of all Americans.
Americans have been brainwashed over the last four to five decades that any kind of unionization or collaboration, even sharing amongst themselves is "Anti-American" - "Communist" and leads to terrible outcomes. That only the rugged individualism of Capitalism and the holy grail of corporate greed, can lead to a successful life.
But it turns out that after 40+ years of declining wages, declining living standards for the majority of working Americans, while at the same time year after year record profits for ever bigger corporations, and the super rich whom own these corporations (Amazon, Boeing, Facebook, Google, etc.) .. it turns out that this model of extreme greed at any cost, and extreme self-reliance has created a system where 40 million Americans (40% whom are children) now have found themselves relying on food stamps to just get by every day, while the same system is about to produce the first Trillionaire.
And now we're about to see even the food stamps taken away, deliberately ... like being in an abusive relationship that depends on continuing abuse - abuse of a nation founded on the myth of competition and greed, rather than collaboration and sharing.
Incredibly gauche to link my own Substack in the comments, but a few indie writers are pledging November royalties to local food banks. Could use a few more hands if anyone wants to sign up.
https://jkyleturner.com/p/read-a-book-feed-a-neighbor
Well said (as always). I really appreciate how you highlighted Dean Spade’s amazing work in this area, and expand on it so thoughtfully. Thanks for that Great Depression history, too!
JP, this is a fantastic post, I love the story of the Black Panthers and their visionary leadership. Your call to action and organizing is on point. What are your thoughts on The Poor Peoples Campaign, Party for Socialism & Liberation, DSA and other working class groups?
Growing up going to Church, this reminds me of the beginning of the book of Acts. The believers sold all they had, gave to the poor, and their numbers swelled. Today, many churches spend their wealth on insulating themselves.
Do you have any suggestions for organizing in a small town? Or any books you might recommend?
@mrroy12345 the Emergent Strategy series by adrienne maree brown is good. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/emergent-strategy-shaping-change-changing-worlds_adrienne-maree-brown/11456719/#isbn=1849352607
Agreed, she references Octavia Butler quite a bit which was one of those amazing little synchronicities as Butler is not be of my favorite speculative & science fiction authors. I also recommend "Generation Hope- how inclusive economics can help us all thrive, " by Arunjay Katakam, ISBN 978-1-955671-34-7