Economic Blackout

February 24, 2025 – John Abrams

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As I struggle with the uncertainty of what to do in the face of the crushing assault on democracy, it has occurred to me that an economic response to Trump and his broligarchy could be valuable. I’m not alone, because I have received news, as you may have, about an upcoming “economic blackout”—reducing or stopping spending that further enriches the Musk-Bezos-et al. cartel. Apparently, it originated with an organization called The People’s Union, about which I know little. But I like their idea. I am going to participate, and I urge you to join me and spread the word to others.

Here’s the deal:

The 24 Hour Economic Blackout

• As the initial act (hopefully the first of many), we turn off spending for one day by not doing certain things.

When

• For 24 hours on February 28th, this Friday, from midnight to midnight.

What Not To Do

• Do not shop online or in-store at Amazon, Walmart, and all major retailers.

• Do not spend money on fast food, restaurant chains, or gas.

• Do not make discretionary purchases.

• And DEFINITELY don’t buy a Tesla (on Feb 28th or any other day, for that matter), something I have been guilty of in the past.

What To Do

• Only buy essentials (food, medicine, emergency supplies), and only if necessary.

• If you must spend, only support small local businesses.

Spread The Message

• Talk about it, post about it, and document your actions that day!

Why This Matters

• If we disrupt the economy (somewhat) for just one day, it may begin something that becomes powerful over time.

• If they don't respond (they won’t), we make the next action longer and keep building the effort.

• Already there is an Amazon blackout scheduled for March 7-14 (please join that one too).

What We Want

• To build resistance to the destructive and unconstitutional actions of the Trump administration, Elon Musk, and the broligarchy of billionaires.

We all have a voice, we all make spending choices, and our collective pocketbooks may have impact.

In addition, there is a movement slowly building towards a general strike, with a goal of 11+ million participants, which may become important if we come to a full constitutional crisis. Historically, around the world, general strikes have been effective at catalyzing change. Have a look!

Protests against the administration’s cruelty and law-breaking are beginning to mount, although they are barely reported in the legacy media. See this article.

This week’s one-day economic blackout is just a toe in the water, but it’s an easy entry—the sand is soft and the water’s warm.

Can it get traction and make a difference?  We will only find out by jumping in.

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