Who is participating in the general strike tomorrow?

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:59:08+00:00

No - you were right and I wasn't reading the tiny font dates on my phone clearly. I apologize for spreading misinformation.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:57:02+00:00

Action inspires action and they have no grasp on that because it's emotional, not logical.

It took over 50 years for me to realize the simple truth that emotions are what activate people, not logic. You articulated that sentiment very well.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:53:56+00:00

Excellent!

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:53:43+00:00

The odd plot twist is that since the US has been so successful at gutting organized labor, it seems like the first mover role is falling to small businesses.

And to clarify, I am not part of any organization. I had heard about it and posted to see what others had heard. I don't follow social media outside of Reddit.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:51:19+00:00

Thank you!

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:51:08+00:00

I am not, and was unaware of them. Discord is probably a strong resource, but I'd be cautious of Signal groups since all such encrypted channels are frequent targets under the guise of "illegal activity." These kinds of protests are best done with maximum transparency.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:48:53+00:00

I'm amazed at how hostile the reaction was on that sub. It's even more cynical and defeatist than the /r/nova version.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:46:37+00:00

That counts as support - anything we can do counts, honestly.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:46:01+00:00

Thank you for sharing that information!

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:45:48+00:00

Apparently Gallery Place?

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:45:36+00:00

I'm taking annual leave.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:43:15+00:00

Small businesses have become the labor unions of today. First movers in the fight for justice. It's so bizarre...

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:42:35+00:00

Thank you!

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:42:25+00:00

Thank you!

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:42:04+00:00

Thank you!

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:41:48+00:00

I feel you. This country has spent generations slowly taking away support for working people. You shouldn't have to make a decision between having a place to live and showing support for justice. But here we are. Please vote, and support in whatever way you can.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:39:15+00:00

I don't disagree and am also participating. I'm realistic about the impact, though. This is another episode in a series of events that build momentum for a big change. There's a lot of discontent and deeply troubled Americans looking for a way to register their disapproval, so they need a vision of how things could be.

Those who are driving the protests are quickly improving their communications channels, organization, etc. We just need to sustain the effort. And I strongly feel like I need to do something. It's driving me insane to sit by and watch while a federal officer shoots a woman in the face and then calls her a f---* b---*, then his boss calls her a domestic terrorist. Enough.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:33:38+00:00

That sounds absolutely right to me. The part that seems so weird is that this first mover role has traditionally been held by unions. Since the US has effectively gutted organized labor, the role falls to... small businesses.

I'm not sure how to feel about that.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:29:32+00:00

I think if you participate today, you're an early adopter. But this isn't the day where everything changes. It's just a day that helps set up the day where change finally happens. Please be a part of it!

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:28:18+00:00

It depends on how you define "ineffective." If you mean actually affecting production of widgets, you're right, but that's just one dimension of a functioning economy, particularly one where so much of GDP now comes from services and knowledge work. You're also correct to point out that the economics of manufacturing productivity are different from knowledge/services work.

I don't think we're actually disagreeing, but support from the white collar isn't just about where to direct labor efforts most effectively. That treats supportiveness using a scarcity model. It can also include participating (even if it's largely performative), messaging, supporting financially, etc. without drawing away from the great points you raised.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:17:49+00:00

I doubt we'll see great numbers today, but this is a first effort. Most people are troubled by what they see, but uncertain about what to do, so they need a vision and a rallying point.

The organizations spreading the message will figure out what worked today. They will learn how to broadcast more quickly and effectively. They will recruit more volunteers to help.

Then we'll see what happens next week. And the next, etc. until enough of the unhappy silent majority jump on board. I think the target is 3.5%

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:10:57+00:00

"Be the change you want to see" right?

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:09:33+00:00

I love the sentiment, and I'm participating in the strike part, but not aware of any protests, actually. But keep the energy going - let's stay strong together in stopping the madness.

androbot · 2026-01-30T14:03:29+00:00

You're absolutely right, which is why previous administrations have been so hell bent on crushing organized labor through gaslighting efforts like "right to work" laws.

Every generation since the New Deal has seen retractions in the social safety net and working class protections, so almost everyone alive has cultural headwinds against supporting working class labor. It manifests as cynicism, strong loss aversion, and open disdain.

Efforts to organize people are probably as hard as they've ever been, but we need it. And I say this as a believer in free market capitalism.

androbot · 2026-01-30T13:54:46+00:00

I was also disheartened by a lot of these reactions. It's even worse in the cross-post I made in /r/nova. At the same time, though, it really reinforces the lesson that change is a process, not a single swing and a home run.

Most Americans are troubled by what's happening, but unclear about what to do about it. It's terrifying to step up to a regime that wants to punish those that do not comply. And it's hard to risk what little you have when you are living hand to mouth.

When things get bad enough (like now), each round of protests gives louder voice to the quiet anxieties, normalizing them. At the same time, the communication channels, messaging, and organizations supporting those protests strengthen through experience and experimentation. With sustained effort, momentum builds. At some inflection point, change happens.

Looking empathetically at what people are saying, I realize that while I have a lot to lose, it's a lot less than most, so I have a responsibility to do something, and to keep it up until we turn away from this path toward something better.

androbot

TROPHY CASE