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We have a president who has openly said he might not respect the outcome of our election. We have to be ready if he claims victory before votes are counted, tries to stop counting, or refuses to accept a loss.
Some days I feel confident it will happen. A poll showed over 75 percent of Democrats think this is possible — and a shocking 30 percent of Republicans do too!
Other days I feel confident this is tough talk from a president not good at planning ahead. Still, he is good at the kind of misdirection that can keep us complacent and reactionary — which could lead us to stop doing the important groundwork of getting out the vote, protecting the post office and fighting voter suppression.
So what I’m offering isn’t asking us to stop what we’re doing now. Instead I’m part of an effort called Choose Democracy, which is prepping people for the possibility of a coup while keeping people focused on a strong, robust election process. After all, the best way to stop a coup is to not have one.
These guidelines are drawn from the wide body of experience and evidence from the many countries that have experienced a coup since World War II. You can read some fuller case studies from Choose Democracy or a longer evidence-based handbook for this moment from “Hold the Line: A Guide to Defending Democracy.”
1. Don’t expect results election night.
Election season 2020 is shaping up to be very unusual. Many mail-in ballots may not be counted until days or weeks after Election Day. Since Democrats are expected to use them more frequently than Republicans, voter tallies are expected to swing towards Democrats post-election night (they call it a “blue shift”). As a result, a wave of confusion may unfold starting election night.
The strange Electoral College creates multiple intervention points. After election night (Nov. 3), trumped up claims of fraudulent ballots may cause a wayward attorney general or other government officials to try halting counts or excluding ballots.
As election results start coming in the message needs to come through loud and clear: Count all the votes and honor the result.
On Dec. 14, the delegates of the Electoral College meet and vote for the state’s outcome. This is typically done without fanfare, but in contested states we might see governors and state legislatures sending in different results — one reflecting the results from voters, the other claiming “it’s a fraud” and “we know best.” This is worrying in swing states like Pennsylvania, where the governor and state legislature are of different parties.
All these issues then get resolved on Jan. 6 by the new Congress. And if the House and Senate don’t agree about the result, then a convoluted process unfolds where the newly seated House — via one state, one-vote — determines the president. Meanwhile, the Senate (by majority) votes for the new vice president. (#ShutDownDC provides a visual break-down of these steps.)
During this time expect false flags and outlandish claims. Be very cautious with news. Don’t simply pass on whatever seems like dramatic examples of wrongdoing — but take the time to check if it has been verified, already debunked, or from a source you don’t trust. Encourage people in your community to prepare for some uncertain weeks. As election results start coming in the message needs to come through loud and clear: Count all the votes and honor the result.
2. Do call it a coup.
One reason to use the language of a coup is that people know it’s wrong and a violation of Democratic norms — even if they’re not familiar with the exact definition of a coup.
We have to be ready to declare loudly and strongly: This is a coup.
Language like “election tampering” or “voter suppression” signal deterioration of the democratic process. But if we get ourselves into a coup situation — like where Trump just won’t go — we need to help people help our country move into a psychic break.
We know it’s a coup if the government:
These are sensible red lines that people can grasp right away (and that the majority of Americans continue to believe in).
People who do power grabs always claim they’re doing it to save democracy or claim they know the “real” election results. So this doesn’t have to look like a military coup with one leader ordering the opposition to be arrested.
If any of those three principles are violated, we have to declare loudly and strongly: This is a coup.
3. Know that coups have been stopped by regular folks.
Coup attempts have happened all over the world, and over half have failed. That’s because coups are hard to orchestrate. They are a violation of norms that require quick seizure of multiple levels of institutions with a claim that they are the rightful heir.
Coups tend to fail when government institutions (like elections) are trusted, there is an active citizenry and other nations are ready to become involved.
The role of citizenry is crucial. That’s because during the period right after a coup attempt— when the new government is claiming it is the “real” government — all the institutions have to decide who to listen to.
To start preparing, talk to at least 5 people who would go into the streets with you — the safest way to take to the streets is with people you know and trust.
A failed coup in Germany in 1920 gives an example. The population felt beaten down by defeat in World War I and high unemployment. Right-wing nationalists organized a coup and got the help of a few generals to seize government buildings. The deposed government fled but ordered all citizens to obey them. “No enterprise must work as long as the military dictatorship reigns,” they declared.
Widespread nonviolent resistance quickly began. Printers refused to print the new government’s newspapers. Civil servants refused to carry out any orders from the coup. And leaflets calling for an end to the coup were spread by airplane and by hand.
There’s a story of the coup leader wandering up and down the corridors looking in vain for a secretary to type up his proclamations. The acts of resistance grew and eventually the democratic government (which still had grave problems) was returned to power.
The moments after a coup are moments for heroism amongst the general population. It’s how we make democracy real.
4. Be ready to act quickly — and not alone.
Typically power grabs are organized in secret and launched suddenly. Most campaigns that defeat coups do so in days: The Soviet Union in 1991 took three days, France in 1961 took four days and Bolivia in 1978 took 16 days.
It’s rare for any country’s leader to publicly admit they might not respect the results of an election. There’s some good news in that — because people who stop coups rarely have the chance to get training, warning or preparation. In that way, we’re ahead of the game.
A group of D.C. insiders called the Transition Integrity Project ran multiple simulations, such as what might happen if Biden wins by a slim margin or if Trump simply declares victory when there’s no clear winner. In every simulation they concluded that a “show of numbers in the streets may be decisive.” Regular people make the difference.
To start preparing, talk to at least five people who would go into the streets with you — the safest way to take to the streets is with people you know and trust. Talk to people you know in civil service and various roles about how they could non-comply with coup attempts. Use this time to get yourself ready to act.
5. Focus on widely shared democratic values, not on individuals.
In Argentina in 1987, a coup got started when an Air Force major, resenting attempts to democratize the military and bring it under civilian control, organized hundreds of soldiers at his base.
While the civilian government tried to quietly negotiate a settlement, people took to the streets. Against the government’s pleading, 500 regular citizens marched to the base with the slogan “Long live democracy! Argentina! Argentina!” They could have spent time attacking the major. Instead, they were appealing to their fellow citizens to choose democracy.
The major tried to keep them away with a tank, but the protesters entered the base anyway, and he knew that open firing on nonviolent civilians would cause him to lose more credibility. Soon 400,000 people took to the streets in Buenos Aires to rally in opposition to the coup.
Coups are not a time to just watch and wait until “someone else” figures it out. No matter who you are you can be a part of choosing democracy.
This gave strength to the civilian government (which had largely been absent). Civic organizations, the Catholic church, business groups and labor unions united under a pledge to “support in all ways possible the constitution, the normal development of the institutions of government and democracy as the only viable way of life.” The coup plotters lost their legitimacy and soon surrendered.
This approach is different than protesters going in the street with a list of issues or a grievance against a vilified leader. Instead, it’s exalting widely-shared core democratic values. In our project we use the language of “choosing democracy.”
This affirms another finding from the research on anti-coups: Because coups are an attack on the current institution, loyalists to the traditional way — who may never join other movement causes — are open to joining actions in the street. That’s if we make the invitation about democratic values they can connect with.
6. Convince people not to freeze or just go along.
Imagine that at your job a corrupt boss gets fired and a new one is brought in. Instead of leaving, your old boss says, “I’m still in charge. Do what I say.” A bunch of your co-workers say, “We only take orders from the old boss.” At that point, doubt arises.
That doubt is how coups succeed. Enough people freeze. Even when only a few people go along with the coup and act as though that’s normal, people may reluctantly accept it as inevitable.
In all the research on preventing coups, there’s one common theme: People stop doing what the coup plotters tell them to do.
In Germany, from military commanders to secretaries, they refused to obey the orders of the coup. In Mali they called a nationwide strike. In Sudan protesters shut down government-supported radio stations and occupied airport runways. In Venezuela all shops were closed.
This is very different than mass marches at the capital or street protests shutting down intersections. It’s not about protest but about getting people to reassert core values — like showing up at elected officials’ offices to get them to agree to honor election results. And it’s not about single points of actions like marches in D.C. — but instead actions like mass strikes from youth and students refusing to go to work or school until all votes are counted.
Coups are not a time to just watch and wait until “someone else” figures it out. No matter who you are you can be a part of choosing democracy.
7. Commit to actions that represent rule of law, stability and nonviolence.
Stopping a coup is dependent on the size of mobilizations and winning over the center. It is really a fight for legitimacy. Which voice is legitimate? Some people will have already made up their minds. The aim, then, is convincing those who are uncertain — which may be a more surprising number than you expect.
Mass resistance to coups wins by using walk-outs and strikes, refusing orders and shutting down civil society.
To swing them to our side, that uncertain center has to be convinced that “we” represent stability and “the coup plotters” represent hostility to the democratic norms of elections and voting.
We prevent that possibility when we dehumanize potential defectors, make sweeping statements like “the police won’t help,” never encourage people to join our side and create chaotic scenes on the street.
Historically, whichever side resorts to violence the most tends to lose. In a moment of uncertainty, people pick the side that promises maximum stability, respects democratic norms and appears to be the safer bet. It’s a contest of who can be the most legitimate.
Mass resistance to coups wins by using walk-outs and strikes, refusing orders and shutting down civil society until the rightful democratically-elected leader is installed. For mass movements to succeed against coups, they should refuse to do violence to the other side.
8. Yes, a coup can happen in the United States.
It may be hard to imagine that a coup could happen in this country. But whenever there is an order to stop counting votes, we call it a coup.
Even by the strictest definition of coups, there has been a militarized coup in the United States. In 1898 after reconstruction in Wilmington, North Carolina, seeing the rise of a prosperous and successful Black population, white racists organized a coup. They gave rallying cries like, “We will never surrender to a ragged raffle of Negroes, even if we have to choke the Cape Fear River with carcasses.”
Despite a terror campaign before the election, Black turnout was high and a slate of Black candidates was voted in. Black power was met with white supremacist violence, with white squads killing 30 to 300 people, including newly elected officials. Over 3,000 Blacks fled this extreme violence, and the era of Jim Crow began.
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Support9. Center in calm, not fear.
It’s scary to believe we’re having to talk about a federal coup in the United States. And we know that fearful people are less likely to make good decisions.
Let’s aim for calm and avoid hyperbole. Be a reliable source by double-checking rumors and spreading high-quality facts. Sure, read social media… but spend some time, you know, doing real things that ground you.
Breathe deeply.
Remember how you handle fear.
Play out scenarios, but don’t become captured by them.
We’re doing this to prepare, just in case.
10. Prepare to deter a coup before the election.
The best way to stop a coup is to never have one. People are doing lots of good work on issues of voting rights, urging turn-out, stopping repression, uncovering fraud and getting people to commit to democracy. That may be enough.
The best way to stop a coup is to deter it.
Another way to prepare is to get people into the mindset of taking action so they don’t freeze. The classic formulation of this is the “if-this-then-that” model designed by the Pledge of Resistance. In that model people prepare themselves for an action by saying “If it comes to this bad thing, then I’ll act.” By signing a pledge before the crunch moment, you get wider buy-in.
In that spirit, Choose Democracy has created a pledge:
You can sign the pledge to Choose Democracy and join with folks across the political spectrum! These public commitments ahead of time increase the political cost of attempting a coup — because the best way to stop a coup is to deter it.
This was a very informative article. Will reread it and digest the info more fully. Thank you.
There is much to think about here. We are are friends who have been meeting for support since the inauguration and working on ways to Resist. This gives us some new directions. Thank you.
Awesome info in an uncertain moment, esp. after Justice Ginsberg’s passing. Will post this on my FB page and get people thinking. What was once impossible to believe could happen has now become a plausible circumstance.
While I don’t participate in the voting process, I can as easily conceive of Democrats refusing to honor the final tally of votes if things don’t go their way. In fact, such has seemed to me the case over the past three-four years.
Perhaps this is an article that both sides of the table could share and appreciate as the stakes appear to be high, and a large segment of American culture is accustomed to having its way or flipping the chess board over.
Let’s try to be civil and tantrum-free, even if things don’t go our way. Who wouldn’t be embarrassed to own the violent and stroppy mobs that foul the streets in Portland and Seattle on a nightly basis?
We can all do better than this, no? Perhaps a commitment to nonviolence requires an anchor beyond oneself if such a commitment is to weather the storms of idealogical conflict.
Seeing that empty sloganeering is shameful on either side of the dividing line, let’s weed out our own fascist roots and try to produce something of integrity despite whay we might see surrounding us.
I am in Western Montana. Been active in peace/human rights issues for decades here. Let’s start forming some affinity groups for when we have to show up on the streets. I’d prefer phone calls cuz of data miners on the internet. Bill at 406-363-1329 Here’s who I am:
https://billlacroix.blogspot.com
I’m so grateful you are sparking this defense against a coup. It sounds SO extreme, but it’s truly possible. Please continue to send info on ways to prepare, and if there will be something like a “central communication center”–or a coup-centered Fact Check site. Love powers us!
I am not at all worried about Mr. Trump. I’m worried about those who will NOT accept a Trump victory, and will riot, desecrate and destroy. Look at our cities…the hate and destruction are NOT from the President, Republicans or decent law-abiding citizens. Where is it coming from? Who’s stoking it? Open your eyes, be honest and work to stop the madness!
I like these ideas
Good article. It is definitely time to focus and educate on the power of nonviolent intervention and resistance. Thank you.
I will vote.
I will refuse to accept election results until all the votes are counted.
I will nonviolently take to the streets if a coup is attempted.
I will do what I can to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
Thank you for this.
I will do what it takes to protect the integrity of the democratic process. Please let me know how I can help.
Thank you for giving me a ray of hope for the future of this country. I hope everyone who is concerned about saving our democracy reads this article. We absolutely need to be prepared and to be willing to act should the need arise.
Lynn Aksinoris: Actually Trump has been calling for violence at his rallies dating back to 2015, whether yelling, Get him otta here,” saying he will pay for lawsuits if arrested for assaukt, declaring he wants to punch someone, not being able to sort out the Tiki Torch marchers yelling Jews will not replace us to sending in camouflaged, unidentified Army-police types to grab people, throw them in unmarked cars and drive away. Trump provokes violence by encouraging the Michigan Militia, armed protestors to “ Liberate Michigan from that nasty woman, (the governor) as they enter the Mi capitol to terrorize Dem. legislatures. You have blinders on as do most of Trump’s deviant cult.
Hello, In the 90’s I coordinated a nationwide campaign, involving people of all ages from almost every state trying to end the US Embargo of Cuba. Clearly we were not successful but we raised a lot of consciousness among the public and eventually, under Obama, there was major change. Of course now, under tRUMP, all that is destroyed (temporarily we hope). My question is, have you reached out with the campaign to organizations with large grassroots support across the US – like BLM, Indivisible, Swing Left, as well as key legal organizations like the ACLU, CCR, and so many others, as well as progressive inside the beltway think tank? Now is the time to get the Network in place to implement a nationwide plan that can spring into action immediately should the need arise. I would like to know which organizations you are already working with to implement this plan. When we first began our project, we didn’t even begin to recruit those who would actually engage in civil disobedience by openly traveling to Cuba, until we had over 50 powerful, influential and well-funded organizations working with us to ensure success. Thank you for initiating this. Warmly, Pam Montanaro, former Program Coordinator, Global Exchange, San Francisco, CA.
This is an excellent statement of principles and proposals. I support it completely and will act accordingly.
There was not mention of the radical armed supremacists who support the current administration. They are violent. If anti-coup folks hit the streets, these radicals will likely fire in them. How do we protect against this group?
This useful information, however, this is my question: How do we get people to join in a general strike and other economy-related actions? I believe they are the only things that will force a change but we certainly haven’t been successful in that so far. Also, I am not optimistic that we will have a substantial enough number of defectors from the party or the authorities. In other words – all of this is great in theory but how do we implement it in practice?
We should put 3 minute adds out on all media and bill boards in radio shows and post upside down flags as we are a nation in distress. Many dont believe this is happening or could happen.
We all need to work together.We are the ones who can save our democracy.And remember to always stay safe.Wear your mask .If we do have to go out and march.
Daniel, I’m glad you’ve had success with this kind of idealistic approach elsewhere, but it ain’t been working here since Trump descended on the escalator.
Listen to what the wanna-be dictator for life has been saying this week! He’s been spelling it out, as is his wont. He says he’s going to seize the “scam” mail-in ballots, then have his new Supreme Court give him the OK to name his own delegates to the Electoral College, where they will elect him. This is also what the shame-stricken members of the Trump team who are leaking what’s being plotted inside the White House are describing to journalists.
What Democrats need to do immediately is to PIVOT and urge all their voters who can to vote in person at early voting centers ASAP, especially in swing states. It would be insane to pretend it’ll be OK to give Trump this opportunity to seize and destroy mail-in ballots. Change the damn plan, immediately! And then move heaven and earth to persuade people to vote for Biden in person ASAP!
Then get the legal team prepared to scare the new Trump Supremes that Dems are going to so swamp them with new Biden Supremes they’ll never win a hard right decision for the rest of their lives. DO IT NOW!
I agree we MUST BE PREPARED
I applaud the intention, but 40% of voters support the coup and they are backed by armed gangs of white supremacists who are known to have infiltrated the police across the country and who kill with impunity. They are already on the streets killing protestors. How do we deal with that?
We must stand in unison against the Trump adminstration and their supporters who will supress a true democratic vote. Your friends and family may be among them. We must fight for truth.
This is fascinating. I really appreciate this perspective and will keep looking into it!
I am kind of blown away.
Thank you!
how can I join?
This is a very timely and informative article. I feel that more attention should be directed to the issue of inciting a coup by the office of the President. It appears that we are helpless to stop it and that is plainly WRONG, and I am frustrated by it.
This is absolutely wonderful. I am so very encouraged by these insights. Thank you Daniel. I am a 79-year-old retired schoolteacher from Nashville Tennessee.
Sign me up. 45 is laying ground work for civil war and planning to change Constitution to allow him a third term which he intends to turn into his dynasty. We must stop him NOW. It’s up to the people…Congress lacks intestinal fortitude to say “no” to Caligula.
Ready for duty!
Time for All Americans to Become Antifada:
Here Comes the Coup!
Art Tortolero
Putin’s Russian sleeper spies drumming,
So Trump’s tyrannical tongue is thrumming,
Of course, America’s coup is coming…
Of course Biden will win a legal election,
And Republicans support an insurrection
With their racist and fascist Nazi connections,
The Russia press predicts a violent civil war,
Time for all American soldiers to stand up and roar
For freedom of country all patriots adore!
I choose democracy.
Time for All Americans to Become Antifada:
Here Comes the Coup!
Art Tortolero
Putin’s Russian sleeper spies drumming,
So Trump’s tyrannical tongue is thrumming,
Of course, America’s coup is coming…
Of course Biden will win a legal election,
And Republicans support an insurrection
With their racist and fascist Nazi connections,
The Russia press predicts a violent civil war,
Time for all American soldiers to stand up and roar
For freedom of country all patriots adore!
Thank you. Can you please fix the broken link to the longer description of the House /Senate process for seating the next Pres / VP? I’d like the share this. Ready to defend our democracy. The conversations we must have now – as you mention – about not accepting a coup are essential.
Thank you for these suggestions THINK THINK THINK CONTRA coup.
We need to stand together for true democracy. Just like our forefathers did.
I felt we would be in this space as soon as the 2016 election was final. I have watched the gas lighting & each new item crossing out our democracy & how apathetic our population has become…It is like the frog that gets boiled to death in the pot & never tried to get out…. Scary…thank you for giving calm & proven ways of working with this. Wake Up America
This is scary but sounds like a plan. Thank you.
Everyone: PLEASE READ THIS!
Tried to register for newsletter but haven’t gotten the confirming email.
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I will stand with democracy!
I am in.
Your website won’t pick up my e-mail. I tried repeatedly. Better check it.
rhipkens@yahoo.com
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I am frightened. I live in a rural area. What can I do, if necessary.
We must stand up for our country. It has been the best example of democracy for so many decades. Let’s not let it go to keep a gross criminal out of jail.
As of 9-23-2020, based on Trump’s declaration that mail-in ballots are fraudulent and should not be counted we can conclude his plan for a coup is definitely in motion. We must prepare to act and save our democracy.
I am ready. I will not give up my American Democracy
Thank you for the information. I have been very frightened but this has given me more hope.
I’m in.
Great article except for one error in #2. It’s the electoral college that will determine who wins, not the person with the most votes.
PS. Please don’t put me on an email list. Please.
Great article, we must all be willing to fight for democracy. Peacefully but an overwhelming commitment to the goal of preserving our democracy for the future. We should uphold the constitution and not trample on it.
Thank You, I needed to see this. I reccommend that everyone read it and then discuss it.
Thank you so much for this, an actual blueprint for dealing with the terrible fear we are experiencing on so many levels, the Trump agenda underlying most of them.
Protest is not enough. This should include a call for a nationwide general strike until the coup ends.
I am ready to advocate for this. I will stand up to whomever wants to steal the election. I will do this non violently.
Excellent advice and instruction. I’ve passed this article on to dozens of others.
Excellent book: The 43 Group Battling with Mosley’s Blackshirts, by Morris Beckman.
This book describes how the anti-fascist “43 Group” was able to disrupt and eventually end the reign of terror of organized pro-fascist groups in London immediately after World War II. It is lively narrative about how an effective counter-protest was successfully orchestrated.
C072288_J@yahoo.com. How do I get more involved?
Thank you, just what we were looking for in anticipation of Nov 3.
The current BLM “movement” is rudderless, leaderless and without focus.
Rev. Jim Lawson of the original 50’s – 60’s Civil Rights Mobilizations taught that we need preparation, leaders and focus, at the least.
We need a Mobilization for Freedom, not random, scattered “marches”, “protests” with people in flip flops occasionally chanting very unoriginal slogans. The Montgomery Bus Boycott and Memphis Freedom March had specific purposes, and people were trained and prepared to be beaten and imprisoned. What kind of training do we need now?
What weapons will be brought to bear against mass civil disobedience?
Sound devices? Heat? Light?
The media right now, the large media, is co-opted and controlled by the power elites and trump is manipulating them with his inflammatory crazy making language, travelling and behavior. We need wrest control of the media back from him. how that happens will require very smart people, not the current democratic party leadership. Zynap Tufecki and Jaron Lanier come to mind. thank you for the posting
This is very good to know. I commit to democracy.
I agree and take the nonviolent pledge to insure our Democracy.
This is fantastic. Thank you!
Thank you for this. It is the direction I have been searching for. I am with you all.
VERY GOOD PRECISE AND EXACT…. NOW SPREAD THIS AS SURELY AS DAY UNFOLDS FROM THE NIGHT FOR RIGHT SHALL EMERGE WITH THE GOODNESS OF MANKIND TO THROW SHADE TO THOSE OF BADNESSES EVIL… THEY MUST BE MADE AWARE AT ALL COSTS THE DECREE OF SAID WRITINGS.
SIGNED LEE CRAWFORD
Must split the military in order to succeed in any significant shift in Power. Colin Powell has finally chosen “conscience” over “duty”. He and all those who share his awareness must be rewarded at the highest levels of consultation by any or all who try to prevent a coup or manage one of their own.
Change what matters now and build a movement for more change as success is achieved.
Otherwise, stay strong and keep working for a greater unity.
Thank you for your constructive advise for how to proceed to prevent a coup and what to do if and when one is enacted. There is power in peaceful numbers. We MUST stand firm in our faith and stand firm for democracy!
Good information. Thank you. If the need arises, I am in!
On business and in health I have found prevention to be a remarkably efficient way of action. Thanks for setting this up.
Do you have a plan of nonviolent noncooperation to shut down the country in the event of an attempted coup. If so, I’d like to be involved in implementing that plan. If not, I’d like to be involved in creating it. Thanks.
So glad you exist. Thank you.
Thank you, Daniel, for giving me hope and concrete action plans. I will share this valuable information with as many family members and friends as I can.
Keep in keepin on.
I like this peaceful, sensible plan of action in the event it is needed. Let’s hope and pray it is not.
I do believe Democracy is at stake.
Thank you for your information regarding a coup.
I will vote.
I will refuse to accept election results until all the votes are counted.
I will nonviolently take to the streets if a coup is attempted.
If we need to, we will shut down this country to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
I will resist any attempt by Trump at a coup and will encourage my friends and neighbors to do the same. If we must take to the streets, so be it!!
You are correct that he is planning a coup. It is necessary to have the military prepared because Trump is openly calling for his cult followers to get arms. These people have guns. Many guns. While I agree with your points, Trump’s direct call to arms will be a BIG problem.
Interesting that you never mentioned any of the coups that the US (CIA) has orchestrated. Chile, Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Georgia. Read ‘Confessions of an Economic Hitman.’ The coup has already occurred in the US. It’s the corporate takeover of democracy, and I’m not sure it matters who wins the election (though I’m voting AGAINST Trump).
c
I am a Senior Citizen; extremely concerned with the way ” things “are progressing ( relative to the upcoming Presidential Election.) I cannot take to the streets if a coup is attempted.
I can, andWILL pledge to Choose Democracy.
Watch the fine line between what you know is true and fact by staying with people you know and trust.
Anyone hiding in the rear of your group who is not known by any people in your group must leave after they show their ID.
Anyone claiming leadership must be known to all the groups.
No one tells you to disperse or disband.
The only leaders are people you know well.
Good article with some good advice. There is one mistake: Reconstruction ended in 1877 and that is when Jim Crow laws began to be passed, mostly (though not exclusively) in the South. There is no doubt that Trump and his GOP minions are preparing a coup. Trump will never leave office willingly.
Thank you Daniel Hunter! This u3s very practical, useful information. Knowledge is power, and together the two are reassuring. Getting my list of five (or more) people together, and sharing this with others, starting with those on the list. As a native of Wilmington, NC it is chilling to think of the parallels between the coup of 1898 and today. Getting ready to act!
I take the importance of this post seriously, but I have to offer another perspective. Highlighting a thwarted coup in 1920s Germany seems like an interesting choice, given that the result of thwarting this coup was that democracy was restored…and less than twenty years later there was kristalnacht, following Hitler’s orderly and legal election.
I’m not sure what conclusion or lesson I’m supposed to draw other than that a right wing coup was averted because it was seen as illegitimate, giving centrist democracy a handful more years to prove just how worthless it truly was at addressing people’s needs. In other words, the restoration of “normalcy” (represented presently by Biden & co) merely provides the right wing both the context and the time it needs to consolidate sufficiently to get a legitimate electoral win in place. It is disturbing to think about cheering for an averted coup in the Weimar Republic, knowing what came next.
Just as today, a major mechanism pushing Germany rightward in the 20s and 30s, toward eventual consolidation and legitimate electoral victory, was centrist willingness to choose fascism over socialism. Apart from ethnic and social minorities, the Nazi’s most hated enemies were communists. People who otherwise didn’t support Hitler’s agenda went along with him because he possessed the force to destroy the threat communism posed to continued capital accumulation by a small class of elites. In the face of deepening contradictions and crises of capitalism we see today, those advocating for normalcy drive us ever-rightward because they will choose fascism over socialism every time.
Excellent article, Daniel. I hope it doesn’t come to this, but thanks for the preparation.
“If this, then that,” similar to, “If you___, I will ___,” is an important part of mindful self defense training. We are preparing to defend democracy. When humans are traumatized, a very common response is to freeze. Freezing is a hard-wired defense mechanism, and the best way to prepare for a successsul outcome is to mentally and physically rehearse an action in response to an aggression, so one knows exactly what to do when the shocking happens.
So tell me, would peaceful, supportive vigils outside the places where votes are counted be wise? Singing softly so the counters can hear we are between them and the crazies.
Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of out country.
All this is good to keep in mind certainly because, as a senior and a student of history, this coup has been ongoing since the 2016 election stuck this Russian-loving person behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office but it began in earnest after the 2010 republican take-overs of both houses of Congress, multi governorships and state legislatures. It has been a relentless and systematic undermining of our civil rights. Laws that maintained some normalcy in election integrity were struck down(Voting Rights Act)which then led to massive gerrymandering in states. That led to lawsuits, counter suits, appeals, decisions, more appeals, yada, yada, yada and a semi return to “normalcy”. Then we encountered Voter ID laws via Constitutional amendments and more court actions.
Trump & Co.’s continual undermining of the election process in addition to the mayhem his intentional mis-handling of the Covid pandemic has just been the icing on the cake for his goons in what’s left of the government. Yes, he’s eliminated a few of “his” voters(collateral damage no doubt)but Covid has taken out a huge number of potential Biden-Harris voters. So added all together, and I know I’ve left a lot out, this coup has been actively underway now for 10 years and we’ve sat back, many of us, and said it would all get better in 2016 and when that didn’t happen, we shoved it off until this year.
Protesting now might be problematic in a lot of places now for several reasons.
We’ve watched as peaceful BLM protests have been invaded and infiltrated by bad actors who’s sole aim is to make protesters look bad ‘through mass media’s lenses’(namely FOX, Face Book, Twitter). Local laws have been passed that limit where protesters can protest. While a small crowd can be limited to city sidewalks(where protesters in so many places now have to stay)or city plazas, very large crowds cannot always be limited to just sidewalks but will spill over into city streets. As this is against the law now in many places, it gives the maybe already antsy police force free rein to get protesters out of the streets. Everyone who is going to be exposing themselves to protesting had better make sure they know the laws in their respective cities, towns, and states. It might be a good idea to have an understanding with an attorney if you can afford to that is, that they may be needed. Carry a minimum of personal info on you. Get a burner phone or a cheap one that can still document what’s happening. Go low tech so that your cell history can’t be traced and used against you. Since a lot of our local newspapers(low tech again, I know)have been bought, consolidated, co-opted or just done away with, every area needs a way to get their word out so that local organizers can get the word out. I know it sounds silly in this electronic era, but what happens if, god forbid, the worst comes to pass. Forewarned is forearmed folks.
Thank you! Who ever in their life would have thought we needed this? I am almost 70 and have some health issues but I will suit up and march if I have to!!
I am in.
This article is a very long-winded way of saying: if Trump wins, break things.
Grandmothers! We need to take the hands of those troubled young men, who think they are a patriotic militia, and earnestly listen with compassion, speak from our hearts, and bring them back to connection and sanity. It is up to us to defuse their mistaken militarism.
please put me on your email list. great great article
I will join the Resistance if Trump declares himself the winner before all votes are counted.
I very much like your article. It impresses me to see that someone is serious enough to talk about the possibility of a coup as a reality. That possibility has occurred to me many times during Mr. T’s reign, and I’M relieved at seeing it discussed openly. I am an 83 year old, disabled veteran (disabled as a civiliian, not due to military service), living in the Californa State Veterans Home in Yountville, Ca. Should there actual ly be a coup, I’M not sure of what I could do about it, excrpt, as you suggest, try to stay calm and think rationally. However, you have given me a lot of food for thought.
Thank you. This helps.
Tamara Arment
I am old but ready to take to the streets should a coup happen. Now I will write my senators and Congress people. Thanks for this info.
This is probably the most important article I have read regarding peaceful resistance to a coup. While I am in my 70’s, I am distraught over what is taking place in our beloved nation. Thank you for this important information.
Thanks gives me hope!
Choose democracy pledge
Where can a person print off this pledge?
What about Trumpsters Goons and the right-wing extremist group!
Commitment to nonviolence is critical.
I am all in!
Good post! 1. Suggest a follow-up that analyzes the circumstances when coups succeed. Why did the 1920 putsch in Germany fail but the 1933 putsch succeed? What could have stopped it? (Answer: persuading big business that Hitler was a threat, not a solution.) 2. I’m an old guy, 77 and pretty much homebound by the Coronavirus threat. There are lots of us like that who won’t swell demos but want to help. Who can and will coordinate a national e-mail protest campaign? Thanks much, David in Fresno, California
I LOVE the way you stress non-violence, calmness, and deterrence.
Thank you . I saw this coming in 2015. I want to get involved. Anything I can do to help. I am myradalland@gmail.com
Tough to read – tougher yet is the need to read this.
We should contact our members of Congress NOW and our representatives to our state legislatures, especially if we live in swing states, and ask them to commit to waiting until all votes are counted before declaring who they think the winner is. Ask the state legislature to commit to NOT putting forward a slate of electors that does not reflect the vote in their state.
I pledge to vote, to refuse to accept election results until all the votes are counted, to nonviolently take to the streets if a coup is attempted and shut down this country to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
Democracy
Thanks for your hard work!
It all seems so scary to me. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to this. I will contact my Democratic leaders and do whatever I need to do to make him leave if he loses big.
Among all the previous statements I have read supporting Daniel Hunter’s analysis, I did read ONE Trump-follower reply (vitriolic, foul language, as always). This demonstrates that We, The People, do read and understand what is happening. Lets vote early. Preferably in person or, if by mail, taking the ballot PERSONALLY to the voting place. Do not rely on the mail. You can not be sure your mailed ballot will get there in time or at all. Do not wait to vote at the very last minute.
I am a Cuban-American since the 1960’s, who was registered Republican until the Senate was taken over by the useless and hypocritical politicians of the worst Congress in US history.
Thank you for this.
You have an incorrect line, though. “The deposed government fled but ordered all citizens to obey them. ‘No enterprise must work as long as the military dictatorship reigns,’ they declared.”
The deposed government didn’t declare that, the people did. Hence they stopped working.
Great stuff. But how do you “shut down” civil society without hurting lots of people. Medical services, transportation, social services, supermarkets, postal, social security, public safety, etc., if shut down will be terrible in impacts on the most vulnerable. What can be “shut down” without hurting, even endangering, masses of people.
Only 117 comments? Where else can this be published so more people see this?
I think watching some movies about this might help. Additions to my short list would be good. My short list: “Watch on the Rhine,” “The Moon is Down,” and even “Schidler’s List.”
Thank you for this easy to read and understand piece. I have been asking myself the questions that this piece answers. This is a godsend to me! Again, thank you.
This article must go viral.
We have to support each other so we can stay positive
Thank you for so clearly describing a coup. I had heard of them but never took the time to educate myself because I never thought this would occur in the US, but I’m afraid I do fear for one now.
This is a valuable list for strategic action against those who would seize power in violation of our Constitution and our democracy. Citizens must be prepared ahead of time rather than react wildly when a coup suddenly takes place, especially now, when we have a president who is giving strong indications that he is planning a coup.
I am just arriving here as a progressive activist who was linked here by a friend. Overall, I agree with the article and like the direct way that Mr. Hunter is teaching here.
But I struggle when activists or people with privilege lecture on non-violence. I believe in non-violent activism to my core. In my personal experience, it is also the case that many, many racially or economically privileged activists end up siding with the oppressors and purveyors of violence in situations where oppressed people are not always able to act in a completely non-violent way. The lightning-quick defense of the police state when faced with a small amount of property destruction that was (often incorrectly) associated with the incredibly peaceful BLM movement is a current example. Don’t you dare tell me with a straight face that you’re non-violent if you are siding with a state that values a CVS store over its black citizens’ lives.
To that end, this article is a bit sanguine about the idea that in the case of a Trump coup, which I believe is quite likely to be attempted, that the military or local police will want to “defect.” Local cops here in liberal-as-hec Massachusetts are extremely clear which side they’re on. (It ain’t the non-violent one.) I didn’t grow up in a liberal place, and I know very well how bad it can get outside of the “bubble.”
Trump is a symptom, not the cause, of the anti-democratic current that has always been at the core of this nation. We need to trust in the activists, the vast majority of them non-white, who have fought this fight for generations.
Overall, the article is more optimistic than I am about America’s belief in democracy. I do not think we’ve achieved true democracy yet, and therefore maintaining what progress we’ve achieved will be challenging. I will be delighted to be proven wrong here.
I’m grateful to see a well thought out plan to RESIST a coup. I’ve been feeling so hopeless and helpless, one step at a time, as this government is veering towards an autocracy run by a despot. I’m definitely for a nonviolent march or and/or something similar. The Women’s March was a prime example. Let’s talk, let’s think, let’s prepare, and then let’s do!
Is there a plan for citizens to stay home stop spending and stop consuming if all votes aren’t counted?
We must honor democracy. Jerry Woehr
I am with you. As a 74 year old woman, I will take to the streets wherever I am needed.
https://columbusfreepress.com/article/columbus-institute-contemporary-journalism-election-software-project-protect-software-keep
COLUMBUS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY JOURNALISM ELECTION SOFTWARE PROJECT: PROTECT THE SOFTWARE, KEEP THE REPUBLIC
BACKGROUND
The Project focuses on the prevention and deterrence of vote tampering via corrupted election machine software.
Our Solution
Combine State and County-level staff working with local attorneys and groups to set up deterrence mechanisms and prepare for any required post-election proceedings.
Post-Election Litigation Preparation: By obtaining documentation and information from Boards of Elections, staff will also indirectly notify the election machine software programmers and any contracting companies that (on the morning after the election if one or more apparent thefts of a state’s electoral votes are identified) CICJ will be supporting appropriate applications for one or more court orders. The court orders requested are expected to seek depositions of the programmers and their companies as well as production of certain documents.
In the event of an apparent election theft, prepare articles for publication by The Columbus Free Press based on information gathered before the election which indicates means by which such theft was facilitated in any Battleground State.
..
You can support this Project and participate in this effort to protect the election and the essence of our country – government by the people.
The CICJ donation page is here: https://freepress.org/donate. After completing an electronic donation, please send an e-mail to Dr. Robert Fitrakis, a CICJ director, at robertfitrakis@gmail.com stating your name and the amount of the donation to be credited to the account of the “Election Software Project.” When donating by check, please write “Election Software Project” on the memo line…
………….
https://freepress.org/article/general-strike-answer-trump-coup
Is a General Strike the Answer to a Trump Coup?
by Bob Fitrakis and Harvey Wasserman
………….
https://twitter.com/Greg_Palast
https://www.gregpalast.com/
https://www.gregpalast.com/warning-trump-and-his-rioters-can-win-using-the-xii/
Warning: Trump and his Rioters can win using “The XII”
Election won by Fire and Fury—and Loophole in Constitution
What’s the solution?
Massive in-person early voting.
Go mid-week when there are no lines.
Bring mask, gloves, sanitizer, ID and resolve.
Read the Book! – https://www.gregpalast.com/how-trump-stole-2020/
How Trump Stole 2020
The Hunt For America’s Vanished Voters
Protect your right to vote!
Spread the word!
…………..
https://twitter.com/jennycohn1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3whvWY3jJ0E&feature=youtu.be
…………..
https://twitter.com/BevHarrisWrites
http://blackboxvoting.org/
http://blackboxvoting.org/fraction-magic-1/
Fraction Magic – Part 1: Votes are being counted as fractions instead of as whole numbers
……………
https://twitter.com/Spoonamore
https://twitter.com/Spoonamore/status/1179383023718031367
Paper Ballots. Hand Marked. Hand or Machine Counted at the Precinct. Public can view. Posted locally. Confirmed at county level. Ballots kept for audit and recount. This is how all working democracies do it. Anything else is hackable. There, hackers are out.
………….
Thank you. Excellent reading. Although the mention of the 1961 coup in France is not very relevant or helpful. That was a coup of 4 generals against the de Gaulle government. The government, then as now, controlled the levers of power (the Senate, the DoJ, the SCOTUS in this case). In the US case, the people in power would be the perpetrators of the coup.
Thank you
Thank you.
There’s been an ongoing failed coup attempt in this country ever since President Trump was elected. You just haven’t been paying attention.
Thank you. I’m in.
What I fear more than anything is that he’ll win illegitimately, like he did in
2016. There’s no doubt Putin hacked voting machines/election systems. It has been proven voting machines in almost two dozen states were hacked. Putin and Hillary hated each other. She knew what kind of murderous criminal he was and he feared she would use her presidential power against him, including, at minimum, more sanctions.
NYT wrote Hillary was given a 95% chance of winning by every reputable national poll but one, on Election Day. There is no way all those polls were wrong and no way Trump and many Republicans who were way down going into the election could have legitimately won.
All Putin, and now Trump, have to do is hack the voting machine systems in the critical swing states and the numbers will come in saying he won. And most Americans will just believe it like they did in 2016.
So how do we deal with an election we believe was rigged but can’t prove it, because hacks can often leave no traces.
What is planned if that happens, or do we simply have live under a dictatorship?
I know I’m thinking the worst, but it’s too easy to become a reality.
Thanks for this excellent article. I will save it and share it with like minds. And thank you for the work you are doing. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Leslie
Hooray! A great lesson on coup prevention. A way forward!
Hadn’t really thought about this so concretely. Good to know!
Thank you for this timely and cogent advice!
I will react quickly and take to the streets in the event of a coup. I will encourage others to do the same.
Good advice
Thank you for this very helpful information. It’s good to know that plans are being made.
In the spirit of “stopping the coup before it stars,” we should all be loudly encouraging people to vote early and, most importantly, VOTE IN PERSON. It’s clear that Trump is going to declare mail in ballots “illegitimate” and try to take the issue to the Supreme Court.
Biden’s victory needs to be overwhelming and the margin of victory needs to be large enough to withstand mail-in votes being thrown out in key states.
Of course, Trump’s claims of fraud are baseless. But that doesn’t matter. All he needs to do is get something…ANYTHING…in front off the Supreme Court. They will, of course, rule for him. How do we call it a coup if the Supreme Court has “lawfully ruled”?
VOTE IN PERSON. VOTE EARLY.
This is one of the few things I have heard from the liberal side that actually makes sense. Full disclosure: I’m a liberal.
Thank you.
Twice in recent presidential elections, both Gore vs Bush and Clinton vs Trump, the popular vote has been rendered mute by the votes of the Electoral College. This is the key difference between this country’s version of democratic elections and most other democracies.
This article doesn’t address this issue adequately, in enough depth to stir any imagination for what can be done if the coup is in the Electoral College’s over riding the popular vote. The Supreme Court is stacked for a Republican victory, just as it was for George Bush.
The streets filled up back then and it made no difference. I know, I was in those streets.
This well thought out guidance should be as widely disseminated as possible, as quickly as possible. Democracy is the lifeblood of our country! I can’t contribute much money, especially for a couple of weeks, and even thereafter I will only be able to contribute a small amount. I am 79, twenty years retired US Navy, and I don’t have much physical strength due to surgery three years ago, but my mind works pretty well. I am deeply concerned about the reactions here in my southern Alabama community. My email is crewblues@yahoo.com, and my phone number is (334) 343-5417. I trust this site. What can I do NOW? Thank you for providing this guidance! John D Blue, Jr., 16604 Moore Rd., Andalusia, AL, 36420-9200.
Thank you for this article. I have been thinking a lot about this lately. One thing I would add, though, is that I think the word “electoral” needs to be in front of the word “votes” for this sentence to be accurate : “Declares someone a winner who didn’t get the most votes”.
Didn’t that already happen a few times?
I’ve thought we should have done this when immigrant families were being separated by ICE.
Yes. This is possible. We must demand that our leaders follow the constitution and are not just about abusing power.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
This is an excellent piece, and I will do my best to circulate it widely among friends, students and colleagues. I have one quibble, concerning this line:
“In Germany, from military commanders to secretaries, they refused to obey the orders of the coup.” As someone who has spent over a quarter century studying and teaching German history, I am completely in the dark as to what this refers to. The other historical citations too might benefit from greater specificity (for example, add a year to the points about Mali, Venezuala etc).
I just reread the article and see you referring to the Kapp Putsch of 1920, and while that example seems of limited historical value, I guess it counts. My bad.
Obviously we have some Trump supporters here in the comments (and/or demotivators with their own agenda…”I don’t participate in voting” guy, I’m looking at you).
I suggest not engaging.
I also suggest sharing this carefully. There are a lot of good strategies here, and cards should generally be kept close to the chest, otherwise we lose our advantage. Social media will allow you to share selectively. FB will even allow you to exclude certain people from seeing it.
This is great thank you. I’m tired of being scared, hopeful one day and fearful the next. Most fears power is s in the nit knowing, the strangeness of it all. Knowledge is power, planning is power and knowing we’re up to the task is key.
This has really helped, thank you again.
I will hang on to this and do what I can if it becomes necessary. Am no physically able to do a lot. nw
Fareed Zakaria spent his first five minutes today discussing this same thing. i wanted to turn it off but of course i couldn’t. now i’m seeing this message twice in one day.
I Choose Democracy!
I never imagined even thinking about our democracy being threatened by a coup but now I plan to do all I can as a citizen to prevent it. By voting, talking to people, contributing time and money, and being aware of what’s going on politically I feel I’m actively doing my best to prevent it.
Well done.
Being prepared and offering concrete action to take sets the course ahead. I have my five people and in fact have ten all ready.
Meanwhile the recommendations to deter a coup and emphasize Democracy is beautiful.
I am ready.
Kindest regards,
Sarah
Thank you for the useful recommendations. I felt alone fearing a coup. I felt our democracy was finished. United we stand. I am 71 and in poor health, but I pledge to do what I can to save our democracy.
Excellent to receive this helpful information. Thank you 🙏
Thanks for this info! I’m down for preparation, and am sharing this post with family and friends. ✊🏼💙🇺🇸
Fascinating article, and room for thought.
A nation was created knowing that no-one lives for himself alone.
Let that acorn grow into a stable oak tree.
Through peace and war you have fought preserving the proud tradition
you learn in youth, taking as a guide with course unswerving a compass
needle that points to truth.
No government since the Pilgrim fathers has had so many untruths cloud
issues so well. Conspiracy theories abound, and misinformation becomes
so prevalent that finding truth is like knitting fog. America must learn from this using the profound knowledge of Jefferson and the oratory of Patrick Henry.
I do believe tRump will try anything to deter peaceful voting and he will keep on bullying and putting fear into the hearts of people. We cannot allow tRump to have the upper hand. TRUMP HAS NO POWER OVER ME.
this is definitely something that is needed right now.
I have health issues plus am over 65 which gives me the right, in my state, to vote by mail-in ballot. After hearing trump’s ranting and threats about mail-in, I have decided I will go and vote, probably early voting, wearing a mask to make sure my vote against trump definitely is there “in time” and he has no way of “disallowing it” illegally.
As usual, trump is claiming “extensive fraud” which it is my opinion that he is the more likely of the two to be guilty of fraud.
thank you. What street do we meet on in Ann Arbor?
Pamela Montanaro – here’s a major coalition already coalescing:
https://indivisible.org/statement/protect-results-expands-80-groups-coalition-prepares-mobilize-should-trump-contest
http://www.protecttheresults.org
I signed up with them months ago to organize locally but haven’t heard back.
Thanks for this. I hope we never need these lessons but I am so grateful for them, in case we do.
Thanks. Good information.
This is a wonderful article. Thank you so much! And I agree with another commentor here. One way that we might prevent a coup is if Democrats and Democrat leaning independents, who live in a swing states and are not high risk for COVID-19, vote in person. If, on election night, the votes show that Biden is in the lead, then even if Trump was successful in preventing additional ballots from being counted, Biden would still be seen as the winner. I think the scary thing is that if on election night, it shows that Trump is ahead in the swing states (known as the “red mirage”). Then he has tremendous incentive to try to stop additional mail in ballots from being counted. And I’ve heard one potentially safer way to vote “in person” is to fill out a mail-in ballot at home and then drop it off at the voting location. I truly think that if those that want Trump out, can vote in person (if they are healthy enough), than it could be a powerful way to prevent a coup.
Very useful.
I try to keep in mind that before Hitler was Hitler, he was just an obnoxious loudmouth, but with a plan. Millions paid the price for not resisting him.
People need to also stock up on food and the like now, in case an extended general strike needs to happen.
Despite the advice of remaining calm, I would not be willing to take part in actions to stop a coup unless my sense of personal outrage, invasion of my psyche to submit (“Kool Aid”) or frustration level at having no control of the situation were violated. Of course, I’ve always been pretty much a doubting Thomas who tends to read the eyes and body language of someone spewing dictatorial garbage and exhibiting lying behavior. Not all people are that thoughtful or introspective so a sense of reality must be used to try to convince others and help them see the truth. Can this even be taught? And, by the way, I’m an old, disabled woman in a wheelchair who would be willing to be present in the front lines – willing even to relinquish my life – to prevent a coup (and I am Jewish !).
Please add me to your email list. I am a non violent protester since my College years and the Vietnam War
Peace
This document is sensible and calm and deliberate. It certainly brings to sharp focus what’s happening in our country…to our complete dismay and disbelief. I hope it never comes to fruition, but it does present a clear and orderly response. The current issue of the Covid 19 spread and fear of contracting the disease will limit certain segments of the population from action (the older and possibly experienced protesters)….but there should be enough others to act. Thank you for the article.
Useful information; many thanks😍
So appreciate the thinking ahead and providing advice for preparations. Thank you.
Thank you! You can be added to the list and sign onto the pledge here- choosedemocracy.us
Better to prepare and not need it, than let it go, & let the Republican chaos reign!
Thank you for this article.
Hard to imagine this country coming to such a state, but one candidate has made statements that sound just like these threats. The same candidate has demonstrated an Authoritarian attitude he could use to prevent counting all the votes. Thank you for this warning.
inspiring!
Thank you for your work, Daniel and partners!
Wow! Really good! Intense, but so right on what’s happening here.
I am committed to do whatever I can to prevent a coup in America in 2020. I have been very concerned with the direction our country has taken since the last election, particularly the extreme divisiveness and move away from democratic principles.
I have begun studying this and so far it looks excellent. My friends and associates are wondering what–specifically–we can do. And this is an answer similar to the answer the indivisibles guide was in 2016. Thank you so much for this work.
I am in.
We must have Non Violence in our Peaceful Protest to win over the American people. Violence in our marches ruins our cause.
We must have Non Violence in our Peaceful Protests to get the support of the American people.
Thank you for this excellent presentation — so lucid and grounded. I will be sharing it with many friends and family.
Yes, we might well need a mass movement, and yes it is best to be prepared for the worst case scenario and hope it doesn’t happen. Danny Burns and Cordula Reimann remind us in “This is Not a Drill” (the extinction rebellion handbook), that a mass movement is built from the ground up, not by a “centralized strategy.” A huge portfolio of actions must be encouraged and allowed to EMERGE “from letter writing to mass demonstrations.” The task of the movement organizers is “more akin to planting trees than giving orders.” Most important is the ability of the combination of grass-roots actions to ADAPT constantly and rapidly in a very fast-moving process. GOOD LUCK and THANK YOU. I and my five peeps are all in.
Support!
This is quite a read. Good to know someone is thinking and preparing for the worst. We all must be ready to stand up for democracy. I will do the best I can with these guidelines in mind.
Thank you for something no one wants to anticipate but we will all be well advised to have read. Very helpful.
I can’t figure out how to sign the pledge.i was a part of “the pledge of resistance“ and think its a great idea. Where do we sign?
Thank- you, for making the resistance of a coup sensible and detailed. You give us a comprehensive way to defend our country from a threat that most of us have never seen before. I know what I shall do and who I will be with. I hope it won’t be necessary.
Thankyou for this information…I have felt powerless since Trump took office, watching the reality tv show unfold, appalled at the injustices, the irreverence for life itself. Yes, i expected our leaders of democracy to succeed in ousting him already. Yet, it appears to look as if he is untouchable. A veil of protection around him, absolutely stunning! So i have withdrawn into my everyday life where i knew i could make a difference and have a sense of controlling a result by my own actions. Yet what will my everyday look like in our very near future if we allow this dictatorship to continue. Today…a friend sent this post out. I have renewed hope and determination to be part of democracy. This is a foundation for democracy, our plan . i am not alone, i can make a difference. Plan, work the plan, succeed through working together as a people. Be love, nonviolent and steadfast in the success of democracy for ALL people. I am energized!
Thanks for your information about past coups and how they were stopped. Very helpful!
“It’s scary to believe we’re having to talk about a federal coup in the United States. And we know that fearful people are less likely to make good decisions.”
I’m in! As a member of Our Revolution North County San Diego Women’s Council I want you to know we are all in and will be discussing this at our next meeting on Thursday.
Very good info! I never in all my 78 years, thought that we might need this information and the kind of commitment we must have right now. It does help that I now know I am not alone in my concern for our beloved democracy! Keep up the work.
Corporate leaders, the NFL, etc could apply the most pressure on a strike. It would be very helpful if some CEO ‘s pledged to close their businesses if Biden wins the electoral college and Trump doesn’t concede.
I fear that it will be equally hard to accept a trump victory if he legitimately wins. Hard to imagine, but 2016 was a shock to us all. What if he does win again?! Will we emigrate en masse? I don’t know what I’d do
We, myself, my sisters and my brothers, of any age, will not give in to the tyranny and corruption of the tRump-facistas. Arm-in-arm, resist together!
Daniel,I like what you have said. Please keep up the good work. I will start talking to friends and family immediately. My email is johnlclodfelter @icloud.com. I know and respect your father who is also a good man.
Sadly, it may take a willingness to face armed white supremacists trying to use force. How many of us are willing to stand in front and be prepared to die?
I am.
We take the pledge:
We will vote.
We will refuse to accept election results until all the votes are counted.
We will nonviolently take to the streets if a coup is attempted.
If we need to, we will shut down this country to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
Jon & Maxine Surprise
I have been very concerned about the possibility of a coup and have wondered how I would/should respond. It is very reassuring to have a guide about how to respond productively and nonviolently. I will continue to work on getting out the vote, but I now feel better prepared for what to do if someone or some group tries to overturn the election outcome.
Thanks.
Count me in! I am very much afraid he and his minions will try exactly what you’ve outlined. It is incredibly helpful to have information like this so we can start to prepare. For those who are expressing (understandable) fear of what to do when the white supremacists fight back – and violently, as is their style – please don’t let that scare you into inaction. I know it’s scary, but we have to stand up, or the coup – and the white supremacists – will win.
Makes sense. The main thing is to vote, and to make sure Trump eaves office JAN 20 if there election is sill being disputed in there courts at that time. Then the Speaker of the House becomes President until the winner is finally identified, most likely Biden.
I would say the JFK assasination and the W theft of FL were both coups. Then did stop the vote in FL and most analysis determined that gore was the probable winner there. It was a Supreme Court coup and a sham rigged election.
Great ideas I support in theory but how do “we” shut down the government? Who is the we??? But I do support all these ideas.
Julie Beck
Where do we go to sign this “democracy pledge” created by Choose Democracy?
Thank you Daniel Hunter, deeply thank you from my kitchen where I wonder these things.
In front of our building, we have a nightly 10-minute silent vigil on Coney Island in Brooklyn with roughly 10-22 people, ongoing since June 8. We hold sign like “Vote Vote Vote” and “Justice! BLM”. I will send this article to all of them. We are ready to look forward to Nov. 3 and further.
I know 5his man is not going to go peacefully and that being said I’m expecting a Coup from a man who is of dictator personality and very sick! I never ever thought this ever in all my lifetime would happen in The United States of America! But he has been very evil and good at making this the Divided States of America! Its evil and disgusting! But we are ready to not accept a Coup!
Thank you so much for this. I find it very helpful, and decidedly thought-provoking. I will do everything I can to spread these ideas around with people I know who should be informed. Again, thank you so very much!
Thank you for this preparation. I feel much more capable of taking action.
I will Choose Democracy and partner with American citizens to avoid or end a coup in the United States.
Thank you. I have shared this on Facebook.
Thank you for specific suggestions of things regular people can do in the event of a coup. Thanks for clarifying what would constitute a “coup”. Thanks for emphasizing that nonviolent protest is the path, and that this has worked elsewhere. Thanks for reminding us that there are effective, non-violent ways to demonstrate non-cooperation with a illegitimate government.
Thanks for this informative how to guide to resisting a coup.
However you don’t need to look around the world to see how other countries dealt with attempted coups. Try looking here for a very American coup precedent.
The legal precedent for a judicial coup was established in Bush vs Gore in 2000 when SCOTUS stopped the recount and installed Bush. They don’t need to reinvent the wheel. They have their constitutional game plan already laid out. Sow confusion and chaos in the mail ballot counting process, appeal to SCOTUS to intervene and, hey presto Trump is reinstalled as President.
The writer of this article failed to elaborate a scenario on how to resist a judicial coup when the Democratic nominee responds by accepting the SC decision as Gore did. The Trump gang are banking on the fact that the overwhelming majority of Americans are too exhausted and distracted by Covid and the struggle to make a living, to resist a coup. They didn’t lift a finger to resist in 2000 when there was no pandemic. Why would 2020 be any different?
I sincerely and emphatically hope I’m wrong!
Nick
This is a well thought out document. It completely embraces non violent direct action which has been shown to be a strong path to democratizing the country all through our history. It is a discipline and requires commitment and calm strategy. I was part of a SNCC trained group and we were able to achieve goals of integration in Texas in 1962 with many non violent actions. The pledge is excellent. We had a Coup when the Supreme Court stopped the Florida recount and thus a very important swing state went to Bush Jr.
THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING POST. YOU GIVE THE STORY OF WHY SO MANY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT TRUMP. I AM PASSING THIS POST ON TO MANY FRIENDS. I READ AN ARTICLE ON MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE WHO IS UNOPPOSED FOR A HOUSE SEAT IN D.C. AND WILL REPRESENT THE FOURTEENTH DISTRICT IN LOUISIANA. SHE IS A QANON CANDIDATE. IN THE NEW YORKER ARTICLE, SHE IS SHOWN AT ONE OF HER GATHERINGS WITH AN ARMED MILITIA. TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THIS REALITY IS GUT WRENCHING AND, YES, SCARY. HER SUCCESS IS AMPLIFIED BY YOUR EXTENSIVE AND EXCELLENT COMMENTARY IN THIS POST. YOU GIVE ANSWERS TO THOSE WHO SAY, “HOW COULD ANYONE BE A TRUMP SUPPORTER?” THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK– YOU ARE A POWER COUPLE AND A GIFT TO OUR COMMUNITY.
To prevent a coup in the U.S., I would be willing to take to the streets. I have never done this before, but our country is too important to do any less.
My primary concern is that the Democratic Party elite will be the first ones to cave, when a coup is attempted. They are a fearful and compliant group that is already in agreement with the forces for corporate power.
How can we oppose a coup if the leaders of the Democratic Party urge the people to accept the “loss” and to organize for future elections (which may or may not ever occur in a legitimate form)?
Ready
Thank you. This is important!
Thankyou for quick lesson in non-violent civil action!
Thank you for this article. We do need to prepare.
Respectfully, you appear to be a bit naïve. By that I mean, we have seen, over this summer and fall, that peaceful protests have now been highly compromised and are potentially dangerous as the opposition sends in professional agitators, burners and looters to create mayhem. The result, with the news full of the horrendous atrocities, an outraged public clamors for law and order. The president, who had a hand in coopting the peaceful assembly and creating the violence brought by his professional goons, is now the hero by squelching it will violence — police attacking innocent protestors — and at the same time gives him the “law and order” moniker that he is basing his campaign on. The president, laughing all the way to the polls, is able to discount, deride, and condemn the hateful unAmerican demonstrators and unleash the military to quell the unlawful situations which he and his henchmen have carefully orchestrated. We have already had a glimpse of these tactics.
My definition of a dictatorship is when the military is used against its citizens. Here in the U.S.A. the 1st Amendment right to peaceful assembly and protest is gone. Trumps agitators will coopt peaceful assemblies and turn them into dangerous melees. This spring and summer were previews. Already hundreds, of innocent people have been shot with rubber bullets to the head, suffered vision loss, and other horrible injuries and suffering.
As we the people see what we risk by opposing a dictator, they are likely to quickly move toward acquiescence. Trump, our new dictator, will ask the Supreme Court after 4 more years to change our Constitution to allow him to stay another 8 or more years. Democracy as we know it will be a memory.
I urge you to rethink and redo your work to include how to protest safety as well as how to recognize and neutralize professional agitators. (For example, the “Wall of Moms” in Portland, OR, brought leaf blowers with them to dispel the tear gas police were using against them.)
Save our nation for democracy!!
Each of us was born into a family of humans within an Earth Community within a Universe that we have been able to learn is 13.8 Billions years in unfolding possibilities and now through awakening to our larger identity within our fuller context we are learning that all of us as humans and all of life -plant, animals, insects, microbes, etc. are unique expressions of a 13.8 billion years process, and we all belong and have come with unique gifts to give and let us awaken to the awesome unfolding of which we belong and give our gifts enriching the whole of the community of life within our blue, green Earth Community
Declares someone a winner who didn’t get the most votes; or
Electoral College precludes above
We certainly are the silent Majority. Lets hope it doesn’t come down to a fight. The trump Cult has a devoted blind radial following and his self made Swamp guard surrounding him in Our White House (although I believe they would flee like Rats when it begins to get to hot and try to flip back to there once Republican shady roots were ).
Lets hope to God that Biden and Harris get seated in the peoples White House and bring back compassion and respect. If any good has come out of this administration its been a WAKE UP CALL for us as a civil world leading respected Human Society.
OMG I’m so excited to meet up with my kindred spirits so we can burn and LOOT and try to hurt COPS and pretend we have a cause
I am signing on to the pledge.
Thanks for the work you all are doing and for helping me prepare. After 65 years I’ve come to realize in both my compassionate heart as well as my rational mind, that nonviolent resistance is the only sustainable way to stop fascist hegemony. It will continue to rear it’s ugly head and we will keep on resisting. This seems to be part of the human condition. I take this pledge. I Choose Democracy and Peace.
Thanks for this piece. Instructive, practical, and without manufactured hysteria. Good mental preparation “just in case.”
To do a peaceful protest, the organizers should set a curfew for their followers, to start at whatever time dark falls in their place and season. The outsiders making the peaceful BLM protesters look bad have done do under cover of darkness. All we have to do to control our message is make it clear we are going home at nightfall, and of course during the day, if we see destructive acts, stop them or make use of the police, and get them to do so. And have cellphone cameras recording everything.
Thank You.
As a 77 year old retired woman living in rural NM during the pandemic, I can sign 1 & 2 of the pledge, but I question signing 3 & 4. I don’t want to go into the streets when I support my governor’s advice to stay home to curb the spread of the virus and I don’t understand how I can shut down a society already shut down. I can stop ordering on Amazon. I can not check my PO BOX. I can use candles instead of electricity. I can boycott Zoom. I wish I didn’t have to rely on others to shut down the country. I’ll talk to my adult kids abut what they can do while staying safe. But that’s about it.
I am all with you. My quibble has to do with clear language. You say we know a coup is happening if someone “Declares someone a winner who didn’t get the most votes;.”
In the US, shouldn’t that be “didn’t get the most electoral votes”?
Hillary Clinton got more votes than Trump, and Biden will, too.
I despise the Electoral College.
This is very informative, this is something I can and would participate in. Thank you for the information
I forwarded this article to my Facebook and friends and family. It used to be hard to imagine it could come to this but with Trump in office the unimaginable has become daily news.
Preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. Count me in
This has been helpful information. I feel hopeful that this non-violent, research-supported approach gives my family and friends a playbook to support democracy.
This is a powerful article showing how we need to prepare for strong action to insist that US elections ought not be called until all votes are tallied. That is the right way to determine the outcome of our elections. Any other move is a coup to overthrow our election process, hence our government.
I’m in.
Well I am here on 11/10 and the coup is in progress. What should we do now that it is clear it is happening? I am ready to hit the streets with friends for peaceful demonstrations in our city, but what else can an ordinary citizen do>
Definitely happening. Trump has fired the heads of the DOD that resisted his use of military against his own people. It’s not a matter of if but now a matter of when. It’ll happen quickly and without warning. He will claim that he’s the president not Biden, that he’s not going anywhere, he will continue to resist the results even if all suits are dismissed out of hand. It’s happening.
This is a marvelous article. Everyone should read it, JUST IN CASE. It is good to hear about the successes in stopping coups, about non- violent resistance, and the fact that it has been very successful more often than not! I took notes; this is one of the most important things to know about. I hope I never have to use it, but at least I now know what to do, if ever needed. I highly recommend this article.
Maeri Laan
Milwaukee
This is so important for us to be prepared. Part of it is to know our own narrative – what we believe and hope for. The civil rights movement had a term for it: Beloved Community.
If it comes down to this, I’m in.
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