by Shelton Bumgarner
@bumgarls
When I say the “Radical Resistance” I’m not by any means advocating that The Resistance become violent. What I am suggesting is politically we need to take the gloves off. The only reason why I suggest this is it’s pretty obvious that a small but growing portion of The Resistance is growing more radicalized already, and I propose we embrace the energy and organization of those radicals instead of shunning them.
This won’t come without risks. You risk alienating so many people by becoming radicalized that you hurt, not help the cause. But, like I said, my sense of things is The Resistance is careening towards increased radicalization regardless of how many NeverTrump people clutch their pearls and say that just shouldn’t happen.
I think this because the usually bumpy Trump Administration is growing ever more alarming in its behavior. The Resistance can focus on dry policy issues for only so long before the base is going to grow disenchanted and take matters into its own hands. It is obvious that the 2018 mid-terms are going to be about enthusiasm. it’s going to be about which side can mobilize the base the best. So rather that fight the lurch towards political radicalization on the part of The Resistance, maybe it’s time to embrace it and try to focus it in a constructive manner.
So I would suggest we try to use the energy of increased radicalization to get people pumped to vote in the fall, to protest more, things like that. Stop worry about how we’re going to address policy issues and just get people excited to do things in a practical manner that will help The Resistance take Congress back.
The fate of our country depends on it.
Shelton Bumgarner is a writer and photographer living in Richmond, Va. He may be reached at migukin (at) gmail (dot) com.
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