Surgical Strikes! Effective 2025 Counter-Authoritarian Tactics

Prioritize MAGAMUSK defeat above Democratic Party victory

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They want us silent and scattered, convinced we can’t push back against their machinations. They want us to wait and watch them bulldoze everything our republic stands for. But here’s the truth: we don’t need a massive organization or piles of cash to make a difference. All we need is clarity, focus, and persistence to conduct these surgical strikes—targeted efforts to undermine the core pillars propping up Trumpism, no matter where we live or what resources we have on hand. Frankly, scattershot outrage isn’t cutting it anymore.

We’ve seen Trump’s enablers and sycophants continue to push our country down an authoritarian path—through legislation, propaganda, and ruthless exploitation of public trust and our institutions. They’ve invested in weaponizing entire media ecosystems, flipping local races, and stacking every level of government with loyalists. That’s the real face of “MAGA.” Our job is to disrupt this machine at the critical joints.

Why 2025 Matters: Targeting the Mechanisms

A surgical strike means picking points of maximum leverage. It isn’t about drama; it’s about strategy. Throw away your YouTube panic feed, your political theater, and start thinking like you are Ukraine and MAGA is Russia.

Why?

We are all freedom loving and resilient. We are all Ukraine.

MAGA? They are no longer even pretending to hide their ties to Russkiy Mir.

MAGA has force and volume right now, shocking and awing every second of every day. They appear to have freedom of movement. I’m advocating for crippling this movement. Support any halfway-decent opponent to these MAGA foot soldiers in local, state, or federal elections. Donate a small amount, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word to those who might still be on the fence. Do you have a slightly more moderate Republican in your district? Chip away at Trumpism. Turn their base into a fractured mess of questions and doubts. We’re not here to pledge fealty to the Democratic Party, or any other party for that matter. Our objective is to ensure the worst elements of Trump’s regime lose.

Period.

It’s 2025, and though it’s not a presidential election year, make no mistake: key battlegrounds are already taking shape. There are special elections in Florida this year, for example:

• A special election is scheduled for April 1, 2025 for Florida's 1st Congressional District to fill the vacancy left by Rep. Matt Gaetz's resignation. The primary elections were held on January 28, 2025. Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis won the Republican primary, while democratic challenger Gay Valimont was uncontested in the Democratic primary. Valimont faced former representative Matt Gaetz in the general election in November, losing with just 34% of the vote. The deadline to register to vote in the special election is March 3. You have until March 20 to request a vote by mail ballot. Early voting for this special election gets underway March 22.

• A special election is scheduled for April 1, 2025 for Florida's 6th Congressional District, following Rep. Michael Waltz's appointment as National Security Adviser. The primary elections took place on January 28, 2025. Randy Fine won the Republican primary, while democratic challenger Josh Weil won the Democratic primary. The deadline to register to vote in the special election is March 3. You have until March 20 to request a vote by mail ballot. Early voting for this special election gets underway March 22.

There are also state and municipal contests that often fly under the radar. If you dig a little, you’ll see county commission races, school board seats, and state legislative offices up for grabs. These local positions can shape policy on education, public health, voting regulations, and more. By focusing on these spots—where our efforts are magnified—the authoritarian machine can be slowed or even stopped.

We know that MAGA loyalists excel at turning out their base. They exploit low-visibility elections, quietly placing people in offices that control your kids’ curricula or how your tax dollars get spent. So if you’re frustrated or worried, lean into those races that build momentum for bigger fights down the road.

A scattershot approach—doomscrolling or venting online—won’t cut it. We need specific, legal, and strategic ways to chip away at the foundations of Trump’s power.

For me right now that means:

1. Identify a vulnerable seat where a MAGA hardliner is running or holding office. Contribute a small donation to a credible opponent. Volunteer, canvass, or phone bank if you can.

2. Correct misinformation calmly, using verifiable facts. Share relevant data on local forums and social media groups.

3. Not all Republicans are die-hard MAGA. Many voters feel uneasy about extremism. Show them what’s at stake—for their families, their jobs, their finances. Offer a path to vote for sanity without feeling pressured into a partisan corner.

This is not about championing the Democratic Party, or any party, for that matter. My objective—and I believe yours—is straightforward: ensure that the most destructive elements of Trump’s movement lose elections and lose power.

Lets do a quick application of these strategic actions on the special for Florida's 1st Congressional District:

1. Florida’s 1st Congressional District is a prime example of where a MAGA hardliner currently holds power. If you’re in this district—or have ties there—look at the upcoming April 1 election. Make sure you’re registered before March 3, and consider casting an early vote starting March 22. Small donations, phone banking, or even a weekend of door-to-door canvassing for a credible opponent can shift votes in a place where every ballot matters.

2. This region, like many others, is flooded with half-truths about military wages, healthcare, and the economy. Don’t just shout; share verifiable data—like local news reports, official statements, and nonpartisan watchdog analyses—on community forums or Facebook groups. Engage calmly. Show folks the actual numbers on enlisted pay or how healthcare costs affect families here. The key is to separate rhetoric from reality and let Florida’s 1st see the real stakes, not just the showmanship.

3. Not every local Republican is a full-throttle MAGA devotee. Many feel uneasy about the extreme turn but don’t see an alternative they trust. Talk to neighbors, friends, or co-workers about why you believe the current path endangers their livelihoods, their financial security, and their family’s future. Give them an off-ramp: a chance to vote for a candidate who champions better wages for our troops or affordable healthcare—without shaming them for past votes.

By concentrating support on a clear alternative, rooting out falsehoods, and building bridges with anxious conservatives, you’re strengthening a broader, people-focused movement—one that doesn’t tie itself to a single party but to the principle of good governance and real accountability. This is how we eventually win.

From Defense to Offense

I used to be a leader. The outreach and support I’ve received recently—often just messages of encouragement—has made something clear: we’re hungry for guidance and practical steps, and I’m prepared to do my part. I’m doing it from an unaligned stance, though. I’m not interested in climbing party ranks or rubbing shoulders with political bigwigs.

Been there.

Done that.

Instead, I see leadership as accountability to the public. That is why this grassroots campaign truly begins at the ground floor with me, my family, and grew to those of you who step up. It’s a chain of small actions that collectively form a barrier against authoritarian overreach.

Since leaving political life, I’ve seen myself as someone behind the barricades, dodging incoming fire, especially while still stuck in a federal position under constant threat. But knowing I have a growing network of supporters has changed my mindset. I can’t afford to just defend. Now I feel accountable to each of you—like I once felt accountable to the constituents who elected me, before the system spat me out for rocking the boat.

Continuing the Thought Experiment

This isn’t a one-off post; it’s a long-haul effort. I plan to keep reporting new tactics, success stories, and lessons learned. If something doesn’t work, I’ll be transparent about it. If a specific region sees results, I’ll highlight what happened and how it happened.

I encourage you to share what you discover, too. Public accountability and open feedback are essential to any real movement. Whether it’s a municipal election in Ohio or a special county race in Texas, your experiences offer invaluable insights that could help another community.

Eyes Wide Open

I fully expect to lose my federal job sooner or later. Once that happens, I’ll drop any remaining filters. For now, I have to walk a fine line—documenting what’s happening and where, then passing that intel on to you. There’s no big apparatus behind me, just a sense of duty honed through military service, local politics, and an unwavering belief that we can do better.

If you’re reading this, you’re already part of that resistance—whether you knew it or not. We’re not out to make anyone a superstar. I sure don’t want that for myself. I’m done with that life. We’re just out to make sure that those who threaten our democracy and feed on our institutions lose their grip on power and our lives.

We have to remind disillusioned neighbors that democracy isn’t a spectator sport. And we have to use every small election, every volunteer hour, and every conversation to pry loose the stranglehold of those who think they can govern by fear and intimidation.

Taking Initial Actions

1. Don’t wait until national news outlets tell you which races matter. Head to your local election commission’s website and find every office that’s up for grabs—especially those that influence redistricting, voting regulations, education boards, or public spending. Mark down their deadlines, key issues, and names of declared candidates.

2. Party labels are smoke screens. Dig into each candidate’s record, attend their public events, and see who’s funding or endorsing them. If you notice MAGA talking points, bring them to light. This isn’t about canceling anyone; it’s about ensuring facts are known so voters can make an informed decision.

3. Never underestimate the local seats. A city council member today could become a state legislator tomorrow—or the swing vote on decisions that affect your daily life. Offer financial support or volunteer hours to credible, pro-democracy contenders, and talk them up in your community.

4. With disinformation lurking around every corner, it’s crucial to fact-check everything you share. Whether you’re posting on social media or discussing an issue in person, be ready to back up your claims with evidence. We set ourselves apart from the MAGA disinformation machine by sticking to verifiable truths. I, for one, conduct fact checks before posting anything.

Join the Mission

I’m not here to lecture; I’m here to coordinate an ongoing push to protect and improve our republic. So tell me what’s working where you live. Ask your toughest questions. If you see weaknesses in the strategy, point them out. We’re building this from scratch, literally.

And yes, if you’re in a position to support my writing financially, every subscription or donation helps me stay focused on delivering real reports, real facts, and real analysis. But I won’t beat you over the head with it. I’m far more interested in results on the ground than in personal gain.

I hate authoritarians.

If this message resonates, I invite you to subscribe for free to enjoy all content and support this publication. Every new subscriber and every bit of financial backing strengthens our collective voice. Your feedback, your critiques, and your resources help me plan the next steps.

We owe it to ourselves, our neighbors, and the generations yet to come.

Stay vigilant. Stay focused. Let’s push them back.

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