In an apparent refusal to acknowledge a definitive electoral defeat, left-leaning activists are preparing to assemble in Washington, D.C., and other major cities across the United States on January 20, the day of Donald Trump's inauguration.
They purport their objective is to "defeat Trump's extreme right, billionaire agenda."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to prosecute individuals who participated in the tumultuous riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Given this, one might wonder if these left-leaning activists harbor concerns about potential legal repercussions for their planned demonstrations. Will the FBI and Department of Justice distribute their photographs, conduct door-to-door inquiries, interrogate their acquaintances, haul them into court, and potentially incarcerate them?
It's unlikely. Conservatives typically refrain from imprisoning political adversaries, viewing such actions as fundamentally un-American and unconstitutional. Moreover, this group has been vocal for years, yet their message seems to fall on deaf ears. They previously rallied in 2017 at the commencement of Trump's first term.
Even when they occupy college campuses, espousing antisemitic rhetoric, or force entry into secured buildings, arrests have been minimal. This is often because their disruptive actions occur in areas where the political climate is favorable to their cause.
The group, which is actually a coalition of various factions, is united by identity politics and a proclivity for public demonstrations. They are known for their "Free Palestine" chants. They are coordinating their efforts via the website wefightback2025.org, which provides maps, meeting times, and locations for the January 20 gatherings. Supporters are urged to distribute flyers in public spaces to attract more participants.
At a cursory glance, their political grievances appear to mirror those of the Democratic Party. However, their agenda extends beyond this. The website's messaging requires a certain level of leftist interpretation. For instance, when they claim that Trump will "destroy worker's rights," they are implying that he may not cater to the demands of labor unions. When they assert that Trump will "deport millions of immigrant families," they are referring to his plans to expel illegal immigrants from the U.S.
They caution that Trump will "pave the way for a complete corporate capitalist takeover," suggesting that the strides towards socialism made under Biden will be undone. They argue that Trump will terminate "regulations to protect the environment," indicating that Trump will not enforce mandates such as electric car quotas.
One tactic in identity politics is to amalgamate smaller groups focused on singular issues, such as the environment or immigration, and then unite these groups with other identity factions. Organizers provide them with a time, place, and unified message, thereby amplifying their collective voice. This is the strategy being employed here, with various groups uniting in their shared opposition to the Trump agenda.
The movement appears to be orchestrated by The People's Forum, a nonprofit organization, as indicated by the donation button on the website. The website also lists other organizations involved in the planned January 20 disruptions, including The ANSWER Coalition, Party for Socialism & Liberation, Democratic Socialists of America, Palestinian Youth Movement, US Palestinian Community Network, Labor on the Line, Black Men Build, Artists Against Apartheid, Bangladeshi Americans for Political Progress, CODEPINK, Los Angeles Tenants Union, Palestinian Feminist Collective, the Korean group Nodutdol, and others. Many of these groups are interconnected, as evidenced by their similar graphics and messaging on social media.
The recruiting website asserts that both the United States and the Democratic Party have shifted to the right. It proposes a socialist solution: "We can defeat the Trump program. Not by following the Democratic Party establishment, but by building a massive movement against the ruling class and the political system that gives everything to billionaires while impoverishing an ever larger section of the population."
Their agenda did not resonate with the majority of voters. If this were 2021, they would be advising conservatives to accept the loss, remain silent, and refrain from protesting. However, many patriots refused to be silenced.
Numerous individuals have been incarcerated over the past four years for exercising their right to free speech, even when their views were unpopular. Public outrage at the persecution of these patriots drove many to the polls in November. They voted to safeguard the First Amendment. The right to free speech remains intact, provided no crimes are committed.
Americans who support Trump's agenda should not underestimate these "progressive" agitators. Their growing presence and disruptive activities in Europe, coupled with the radicalization of Americans, such as the alleged terrorist involved in the New Year's attack in New Orleans, suggest a future where they might deny others the very free speech rights that currently allow their voices to be heard.
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