UNIVERSAL, COMPLETE, AND CONSTANT RESISTANCE

The Necessity of Universal, Complete, and Constant Resistance

Resistance is not a momentary act, a fleeting gesture, or confined to a singular event, election, or movement. It must be constant, deliberate, and woven into the fabric of daily life. To counter an existential threat to democracy, justice, and the very notion of truth, we must resist at all times, in all ways, and without hesitation.

Defining Resistance

Resistance is not just opposition; it is active defiance. It means refusing to normalize what is abnormal, refusing to stay silent when injustice prevails, and refusing to be complicit through inaction. It is a mindset, a daily practice, and an unrelenting commitment to upholding the principles that define a free and just society.

How to Resist at Every Turn

We must integrate resistance into every aspect of our lives to resist effectively. Here are concrete ways to ensure that resistance is universal, complete, and constant:

1. Economic Resistance

• Boycott businesses and corporations that fund authoritarian movements to suppress workers or spread misinformation.
• Support Ethical Businesses that align with democratic values, worker rights, and human rights.
• Bank Wisely by choosing financial institutions that support ethical causes and divesting from those that enable corruption.
• Withhold Support from Media That Spreads Lies by refusing to watch or engage with networks that promote disinformation.

2. Political Resistance

• Vote in Every Election—local, state, and federal.
• Engage in Activism by attending protests, rallies, and town halls.
• Pressure Lawmakers by calling, writing, and confronting them about their policies and actions.
• Run for Office or support candidates who champion justice and democracy.

3. Cultural Resistance

• Control the Narrative by refusing to let misinformation dominate conversations.
• Wear Symbols of Resistance (e.g., certain colors, pins, flags) to signal solidarity.
• Create and Support Art That Challenges Oppression—literature, music, film, and visual art have always played a role in fighting tyranny.
• Educate Constantly—correct misinformation, share books and articles, and teach critical thinking.

4. Legal Resistance

• Challenge Unjust Laws in Court through legal advocacy and support organizations fighting oppressive legislation.
• Know Your Rights and help others understand theirs.
• Use Civil Disobedience when necessary, peacefully disrupting operations that enable authoritarian rule.

5. Community-Based Resistance

• Build Networks of Like-Minded Individuals—resistance is strongest when collective.
• Organize Resistance Groups to discuss strategies, share resources, and take action.
• Mutual Aid—support those most vulnerable to oppression by providing legal aid, shelter, or financial support.
• Use Social Media Wisely to post and organize, inform, and expose corruption.

6. International Solidarity Resistance

• Support Ukraine and Other Nations Fighting for Democracy—authoritarianism anywhere is a threat everywhere.
• Call Out Foreign Influence—recognize when adversaries attempt to undermine democracy and speak against it.
• Boycott Dictatorship-Friendly Corporations Globally—economic pressure also works on a global scale.

Stories of Resistance

Resistance thrives when people share their stories. Individuals must step forward to recount how they resist in their own lives, whether it’s a worker refusing to be silenced, a teacher educating students on propaganda, or a business owner refusing to cave to pressure. These stories need to be spread widely to inspire and embolden others.

Resistance Is a Duty, Not an Option

Resistance cannot be occasional, or selective. Every person who values democracy, truth, and justice has an obligation to resist every day. Whether in the workplace, at the ballot box, in economic choices, or through confrontation, resistance must be universal, complete, constant, and unyielding.

If we fail to resist at every turn, we will fail to protect the very foundation of democracy itself. The time is now. Resist always, resist in every way possible.

William James Spriggs