Many of the National Guard rank and file are Trump supporters. But military discipline takes precedence. In most cities, they carry out Harris and Biden's orders to quiet the riots.
You realize the lack of an active movement resisting Trump has created long-term problems. The National Guard is seen by the right as a purely political force, capable of deciding future elections. People openly ask permission from the military before certain kinds of political protesting. You wish people had gone into the street — in any way — so it didn’t seem like the National Guard was acting unilaterally.
But the transition of power happens. On January 20, 2025, President Harris is inaugurated to fulfill a four-year term. The country weathers this tense period. Much of the mainstream media forgets that protestors were key in orchestrating this outcome. The military works to repair its image after internal divisions are exposed. You know there’s much work ahead, but you feel proud for your role in helping your country avoid a coup.
THE END.
You survived the transfer of power, but by leaning on the military instead of on people power. Researcher Stephen Zunes has identified four things we need to stop a coup: widespread opposition, nonviolent discipline (to avoid giving the wanna-be autocrat excuses for more violence), alliance building, and refusal to recognize the coup plotters as legitimate. In a coup situation, we need to be in the streets — and fast.
Read Closing Thoughts from the author.