Rules of Engagement: Coup Edition
The choice? Authoritarianism or a renewed focus on The Constitution...
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I’m still getting my “writing legs” under me, but here’s a look at how my family is adapting and preparing.
For the past three weeks, like many of you, I’ve been reeling from an endless barrage of headlines. This psychological warfare is designed to convince us that our world is crumbling and that the rule of law no longer exists.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t Russia—with its thousand-plus years of barbarianesque leadership and its wars of aggression. This is the United States of America. Eventually, people will realize that there are more of us—spread across countless positions in our nation—than there are of them. A small segment, perhaps as much as one-third of the population, is determined to transform our country into an authoritarian, human-rights-deficient wasteland. The other two-thirds are the ones we should be focusing on. We already have the numbers if we’re willing to act.
With those numbers on our side, we need not fear what a weakened and overstretched executive branch can do. Resistance exists at every level, and they simply cannot fight us on all fronts. Bold, articulate action can do wonders to undermine an already limping “Trump-Musk-Project 2025” team.
We’ve been hit with the political equivalent of a sucker punch—even though it was telegraphed months in advance. The impact hurt, and while we’re still shaken, we’re already picking ourselves up. It’s time to clear the cobwebs and counterattack.
I realize that my tone might seem simplistic, but my goal is to help you adjust your mindset so you can navigate these complex times. Throughout my experiences in combat, politics, and life, I’ve learned two fundamental principles:
Control what you can while preparing for what you can’t.
Meet aggression with equal or greater aggression.
Control What You Can (and Prepare for What You Can’t)
Let me use my family as an example. We’re a small, lower-middle-class unit: I work for the Federal government, my wife holds a part-time job, we’re dealing with car issues, and we still have a house payment to cover.
Exercise Control
Transportation: I recognized early on that our unreliable vehicles could be a liability if we need to travel. We’ve been focusing on repairing our most problematic car—and planning for a replacement if necessary.
Health: With one of my children diabetic, we’ve leapt into action by sourcing and stockpiling insulin and other critical supplies.
Financial Safety: I’ve pulled a safety net from funds (retirement savings, etc.) tied to my Federal paycheck, in case the job market takes a hit.
Material Possessions: My family is on the verge of hoarding, so we’re cutting back on unnecessary items—selling what we can and donating the rest to those in need.
Tech & E-Waste: As a tech guy, I’m managing my mountain of e-waste and scrap by breaking it down and, hopefully, selling off the useful parts.
Everyday Expenses: We’re gradually stocking up on necessities while resisting the urge to panic-buy, and we’re trimming expenses like subscription services that have crept up on us.
For me, this proactive “defense” helps purge bad habits and sets us up for success down the road.
Meet Aggression with Equal or Greater Aggression
This is where my personal philosophy takes center stage. While we’re busy exercising control, the adversaries are still attacking. Defense might keep you safe, but a strategic offense is what will end this war.
Counter Their Moves: Understand their tactics, then counterpunch.
Economic Resistance: If they undermine your ability to pay your bills, then the bills suddenly lose their importance. Protect your loved ones by refusing to comply. Chances are, you’re not the only one facing financial disruption. If everyone halts payment when the game is clearly rigged against us, the institutions that oppress us will crumble.
Workplace Resistance: If they try to physically remove you from your workplace, make it as difficult as possible. Remember those toddler tantrums? Sometimes, a bit of stubborn resistance can be a huge inconvenience for the oppressors.
Access is Power: If they block you from your workplace, then block them from accessing everything you can. Trust me—if I can’t get into my workplace, I’ll find a way to turn the tables.
Don’t treat this situation as if you have anything to lose—because if they win, we lose everything.
A Personal Update
In my Federal workplace, our collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was completely sidestepped with the executive orders mandating a return-to-office. As a result, I’m drafting an individual grievance over my rights being violated—specifically, my right to have union representation involved in all workplace changes.
As I refine my grievance letter this week, my aim is to make it replicable for any Federal employee. I’ll share it here for everyone. For those of you who are union members in the Federal service, I strongly encourage you to contact your local representation and learn about the actions they’re taking to fight what I see as an ongoing coup.
Let’s stand together, exercise control, and meet aggression head-on. The fight for our nation’s future isn’t over until we take it back.
If you want to fuel these grassroots strikes against authoritarianism:
Experimental: BITCOIN
Bless you for sharing. Good luck to you and your family.
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