Radical Recovery?

Six months from now, the United States could be bracing for a transformation into a; rural, reactionary, right-wing authoritian, state like Hungary. There seems little zeal to defeat Trump at the polls, and little preparation to confront him, and his supporters, in the streets.

Could a disaster recovery model, from cyber security, provide a model for preparing for an authoritian America? It may, at least, provide a framework.

At the foundation of the plan are people. There must be representation and committed leadership. In the case of planning for a post-Trump future, that could come from the affected communities; LGBTQ+, women, especially of color, communities of color in general, Muslims, and immigrants and refugees should be the driving forces. Well-meaning, cishet, Whites would need to put their egos aside and let the affected take the lead.

The systems, in this case the movements and associated organizations need to be assessed. This is an area where there is some strength. Opposition to police brutality, the genocide in Gaza and reactionary attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are in place. There's the matter of these movements coordinating and making the difficult pivot from opposing policies to opposing the government itself; a shift many activists may find uncomfortable. The fears of activists would have to be eased to get as many people as possible on board.

A final issue is what the objective should be? With the short time frame for the possible catastrophe of a second Trump term, and the rural, reactionary, right wing authoritian state that would create, any objective would need to be along the lines of restoring basic functions. One good initial objective might be to have co ordinated networks of mutual assistance in place. Being able to provide support for a family whose breadwinner is now in one of Trump's internment camps, or assist a direct action campaign would pave the way for more complex organization like community defense brigades or education campaigns.

The plan would need to be dynamic. As the tactics and attacks shift, so would responses. Report backs from the affected communities and the boots on the ground would shape the ongoing struggle.