Podcast Summary: Next Comes What – "We've Tried Nothing (and We're All Out Of Ideas)"

Host: Andrea Pitzer
Release Date: December 13, 2024

In this compelling episode of Next Comes What, host Andrea Pitzer delves into the pressing concerns surrounding the potential return of Donald Trump to office. Drawing parallels from historical instances of authoritarianism, Pitzer explores effective strategies of resistance and community organizing that can be employed to counteract the rise of strongmen around the world.

1. The Looming Threat of a Second Trump Administration

Andrea Pitzer opens the episode by addressing the anxiety among Americans about Trump's possible return to the White House. She highlights the fears related to immigration, civil rights, and the rollback of protections for marginalized communities.

Andrea Pitzer [00:45]: "We're right at the edge of this, right? But we are not like Nazi Germany. We see these echoes of it that are extremely disturbing."

Pitzer emphasizes the unprecedented power Trump would bring if re-elected and underscores the importance of collective action to prevent authoritarianism.

2. Historical Lessons: Organizing Under Authoritarian Regimes

Pitzer presents three historical examples of effective resistance against oppressive governments, illustrating how ordinary people can create significant change even in the direst circumstances.

a. Chile Under Pinochet (1973-1990)

Pitzer recounts the grassroots pro-democracy movements that emerged in Chile following the 1973 military coup led by Augusto Pinochet. Women played a pivotal role by forming sewing and craft groups called arpegillas, which became avenues for political expression and support.

Andrea Pitzer [12:30]: "They made tapestries, which is where the name Arperias comes from... They were empowered to say, 'I'm not commenting on the politics, but as a mother, where is my son?'"

These groups not only processed personal grief but also sustained families economically by selling crafts, thereby maintaining resistance against the dictatorship.

b. Soviet Gulag Resistance (1952)

Drawing from Alexander Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago, Pitzer discusses the resilience of prisoners in the Soviet Gulag system. She highlights the 40-day resistance at Vorkuta concentration camp, where prisoners organized strikes and managed to temporarily overthrow the camp administration.

Andrea Pitzer [25:15]: "Their organizing led to clear victories and affected the conditions and resilience of people in detention in the Soviet gulag."

This example illustrates how even the most oppressive environments can foster solidarity and resistance.

c. Civilian Protests in Myanmar's Kachin State (2023)

Pitzer examines recent protests in Myanmar's Kachin State against exploitative mining practices detrimental to the environment and local communities. Amidst ongoing civil war, over a thousand villagers united to protest illegal mining, successfully halting operations in certain regions.

Andrea Pitzer [35:50]: "They were forced to accept reservations which have been diminished and disturbed again and again. This is a history because they brought it to light."

These protests not only addressed immediate environmental concerns but also shifted regional geopolitics by challenging powerful corporate interests.

3. Domestic Struggles: US History of Resistance

Pitzer shifts focus to American history, highlighting instances where communities successfully fought against segregation and racial discrimination.

a. The Lemon Grove Incident (1931)

In Lemon Grove, California, Mexican American families confronted school board-imposed segregation during the Great Depression. Without prior warning, Mexican children were redirected to a separate school, prompting parents to organize and file a lawsuit.

Andrea Pitzer [45:20]: "Parents called a strike, a welga against the school... They brought a lawsuit."

The legal battle culminated in a landmark victory when Judge Claude Chambers ruled in favor of the parents, effectively ending classroom segregation in that district.

b. Elizabeth Freeman's Case (1780)

Pitzer recounts the story of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who challenged her enslavement by invoking the rhetoric of equality that would later be enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.

Andrea Pitzer [50:35]: "Her struggle became one of the test cases for slavery in Massachusetts, leading the state to abolish slavery."

Freeman's legal victory was a foundational moment in the fight against slavery and set a precedent for future civil rights advancements.

c. Dakota Access Pipeline Protests (2016-2017)

Pitzer discusses the Standing Rock Sioux tribe's resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which threatened sacred lands and water sources. The use of social media was pivotal in organizing protests and raising national awareness.

Andrea Pitzer [55:10]: "If it wasn't for Facebook or social media, then nobody would know about our story."

Despite eventual legal allowances for the pipeline, the protests significantly highlighted the struggles of Native Americans and influenced future environmental and indigenous rights movements.

4. Contemporary Organizing: Roanoke, Virginia

Transitioning to the present, Pitzer shares a recent example of local community organizing in Roanoke, Virginia, spearheaded by Dina Imbriani. Faced with the imminent threat of a second Trump administration, Imbriani mobilized community members to protect vulnerable populations.

Andrea Pitzer [1:10:25]: "You don't have to devote 40 hours a week to this stuff. If you just pick a few targeted things and do it regularly, just the people in this room will make an enormous difference."

The initiative, named Do Good Virginia, focused on issues such as women's reproductive health, refugee support, LGBTQ rights, and veteran benefits. By leveraging local networks and diverse community groups, the movement fostered a resilient and supportive environment.

5. Actionable Insights and Conclusion

Pitzer concludes the episode by offering actionable advice for listeners to engage in local organizing. She emphasizes the importance of identifying personal strengths, building community networks, and taking incremental steps to effect change.

Andrea Pitzer [1:15:40]: "Figure out who you like to work with, what you want to work on, who you trust, get engaged and know who you could be interacting with if things get much worse down the road."

Pitzer urges listeners not to succumb to despair but to actively participate in shaping their communities, drawing inspiration from historical and contemporary examples of successful resistance.

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Parallels: Understanding past resistances against authoritarian regimes provides valuable lessons for current and future activism.

• Community Strength: Localized efforts, even by a small number of dedicated individuals, can lead to significant societal impacts.

• Collective Action: Building diverse coalitions and leveraging community networks are essential for effective resistance against oppressive policies.

• Empowerment Through Organization: Empowering marginalized communities to organize around shared concerns fosters resilience and safeguards civil rights.

Andrea Pitzer's Next Comes What episode serves as both a warning and a guide, urging listeners to learn from history and engage proactively in their communities to safeguard democracy and protect vulnerable populations.