A Progressive Guide to Deploying Trump Outrage
February 1, 2017 1:05 PM Subscribe
Noah Feldman asks when should we express "panic and outrage", and when should we express "measured, reasoned disagreement".
If political energy isn’t expended wisely, it will dissipate quickly, and opposition will gradually fade.
What’s needed is a guideline to know when to declare that the sky is falling -- and when to express measured, reasoned disagreement with policies that progressives consider mistaken.
So here’s a proposed guideline: If a policy is being changed, that’s a reason to state opposition and keep an eye on how the policy changes are implemented. If the rules for making policy are being broken, it’s time to make a lot of noise.
If political energy isn’t expended wisely, it will dissipate quickly, and opposition will gradually fade.
What’s needed is a guideline to know when to declare that the sky is falling -- and when to express measured, reasoned disagreement with policies that progressives consider mistaken.
So here’s a proposed guideline: If a policy is being changed, that’s a reason to state opposition and keep an eye on how the policy changes are implemented. If the rules for making policy are being broken, it’s time to make a lot of noise.
This post was deleted for the following reason: Probably better to pop this as a link in the main thread for now. -- LobsterMitten
Yesterday I attended my third march in less than two weeks. At the start was a bit of a rally and during that rally one of the organizers - a socialist - spoke. I realized as he did that it didn't really matter if I agreed with everything he said (I didn't). What mattered was that everyone there did agree on certain things, specifically that the immigration executive order is horrible and should be fought, blocked and rescinded. I also realized that it didn't help for me, or anyone else there, to try to tell each other how to express their own values through protest.
So, basically, I get that this is a particular author's moral compass. Fine. But I reject the notion that anyone else should feel compelled to sign up for these boundaries. And, I would propose a different standard:
"It's easy to be immobilized by outrage. Or to only speak out within the safety of those who you know agree. Build the habit of expressing your outrage in outreach to decision makers and representatives. Don't let it overwhelm you, plan for the long haul, take care of yourself, and never let someone else tell you you are doing 'you' wrong."
posted by meinvt at 1:15 PM on February 1, 2017 [2 favorites]
So, basically, I get that this is a particular author's moral compass. Fine. But I reject the notion that anyone else should feel compelled to sign up for these boundaries. And, I would propose a different standard:
"It's easy to be immobilized by outrage. Or to only speak out within the safety of those who you know agree. Build the habit of expressing your outrage in outreach to decision makers and representatives. Don't let it overwhelm you, plan for the long haul, take care of yourself, and never let someone else tell you you are doing 'you' wrong."
posted by meinvt at 1:15 PM on February 1, 2017 [2 favorites]
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Apparently it really works:
Speaking directly after Collins, Murkowski said she was inundated by calls from “thousands, literally thousands of constituents” urging her to oppose DeVos.
Americans, do your thing!
Please continue with thread
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 1:12 PM on February 1, 2017 [2 favorites]