What You Can Do Now. Today.
By Ben Cable (Originally Posted on Substack)
“What can I do?” is a great question, and a heavy one. The concern about slipping into an Orwellian society, where surveillance, censorship, and authoritarianism dominate, is very real in today’s tech-driven, politically polarized world.
Democratic institutions are under attack and being dismantled, civil rights are being eroded, free speech is suppressed, freedoms are being “rolled back”, oligarchs are on the rise and if you do not believe this, look around. I am sounding like an alarmist, and you should also.
“Politics is not my thing”, “I am too busy I can’t”, “I am scared”. I get it, I really do, but being silent or doing nothing is no longer an option. Here’s what we, as U.S. citizens, can do to help safeguard against that kind of future while we still can:
Stay Informed and Think Critically
- Diversify your news sources: Avoid echo chambers. Read from both sides of the political spectrum and fact-check with independent sources. Do not just listen to FOX Entertainment News or CNN, click around and get a more rounded view of the political and social landscape.Subscribed
- Learn history: Understanding how authoritarian regimes rise and function helps us spot warning signs.
- Question narratives: Don’t blindly accept slogans or simplified messaging. Ask who benefits from any given policy or movement. “Make America Great Again” was a excellent slogan by Trump for his masses, but it could have been questioned. “Great,” for whom? “Again,” as in when was it not great or how far back was it considered great, 1700s, 1800s, 1900s?
Protect Free Speech (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)
- Support First Amendment rights: This includes speech you may disagree with. Censorship often starts with “bad” speech, but can quickly extend to dissent.
- Call out overreach: Whether it’s from the government, corporations, or online platforms, remain wary of efforts to silence opposing viewpoints.
Demand Transparency and Accountability
- Push for open government: Support laws like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and whistleblower protections.
- Stay active locally: Attend city council meetings, school boards, and hold your reps accountable.
Resist Mass Surveillance
- Support digital privacy: Use encryption, VPNs, and advocate for stronger privacy laws (like banning mass data collection).
- Be skeptical of “safety” measures: Governments often use crises (terrorism, pandemics) to justify surveillance. Temporary measures often become permanent.
Engage in Democracy, Actively!
- Vote: Obvious, but crucial. Don’t just vote for presidents, local and state offices matter too.
- Run for something: Even school boards and local commissions shape policy that affects rights and freedoms.
- Organize: Join or start groups that advocate for civil liberties, digital rights (like EFF or ACLU), or democratic reforms.
Photo by Adam Nemeroff on Unsplash
Ask yourself, what would George Washington do? #WWGD
Build Community
- Talk to people: Especially those who think differently than you. Polarization makes it easier for authoritarianism to thrive. “We don’t talk about politics or religion at the dinner table,” why not? You can think of your responses when your mouth is full of food.
- Support independent creators & journalists: A free press isn’t just CNN or Fox, it’s also indie journalists, podcasters, and whistleblowers. Read how you can support writers on Substack at the bottom of this article.
ACTIVISM: Organize, Educate, and Advocate
Actions You Can Take
- Join civil liberties orgs: ACLU, EFF, Common Cause, NAACP
- Attend or organize peaceful protests (you can check Indivisible, 5051, Action Network, Mobilize) and town halls.
- Start local: pressure your city council to ban surveillance tech or pass transparency measures.
- Write op-eds or speak at local events to raise awareness. You have a voice in a Democracy.
POLITICS: Shape the System, Don’t Just React to It
Actions You Can Take
- Know your reps (local and federal) and track their votes: GovTrack.us
- Vote in every election, not just federal.
- Get involved in local commissions, school boards, or run for office.
- Support or campaign for candidates who champion transparency, privacy, and civil liberties.
Resources
- BallotReady – Personalized voting info.
- OpenSecrets – Follow money in politics.
- Podcast: Pod Save America (progressive) or Know Your Enemy (deep political history and ideology analysis).
- Book: On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder , Short, powerful guide on resisting authoritarianism (only about $7 on Amazon).
- Support writers on Substack by becoming a PAID member. Only a few dollars help support their independent work. For example BENCABLE.SUBSTACK.COM
