Quick Hitter: Disappointing, But Expected
Hey all, just a quick note about expectations. We have all watched as various law firms, universities, corporations, and individuals have capitulated, bending the knee to our new Orange Overlord. While it would obviously be best if all of these organizations told Trump to fuck off, the reality is that, historically, only a small amount of the population will actually stand up to autocracy.
The HandsOff Protests tomorrow should provide some insight into just how motivated and organized the resistance is at this point, I am looking forward to seeing how that shakes out, and I feel that they will be very well attended. That said, we have to realize that companies, people, universities, whatever are going to do what they think is best for them, and unfortunately for a vast majority that will mean that they roll over. Note, I am not excusing that behavior, just pointing out that it’s normal.
The good news is that it doesn’t take a ton of folks to significantly gum up the works. Historical resistance movements run at about 5-10% of the population, at least at the start. With that in mind, rather than getting upset when entities fold, celebrate the ones that do not. Be happy when the Costcos, Perkins Coies, Wilmer Hales, Wesleyan Universities, etc. take a stand against this dangerous behavior.
Things look dark right now. If I am being honest, I don’t know that America will rebound, at least not during my lifetime. Others have captured my feelings on this better than I can explain them, including Drew Magary at SF Gate, as well as both Bill Kristol and Jonathan V Last over at The Bulwark. I will have to make peace with that, while continuing to do what I can to make things better. That includes looking for the positives in an increasingly negative world.
Take Care and Stay Strong