Skill Level: Beginner
When fascists throw the country into a government shutdown, they’re not just playing budget games — they’re sabotaging millions of lives. Federal workers go without paychecks, essential services get slashed, and vulnerable communities are left scrambling. Shutdowns are weaponized chaos, designed to destabilize democracy and convince people government doesn’t work. Spoiler alert: that’s the point.
Why It’s Important
This isn’t abstract. During past shutdowns:
- 800,000 federal workers missed paychecks, many forced to turn to food banks.
- SNAP benefits (food assistance) ran out in some states, leaving families hungry.
- National parks closed, airports slowed, and disaster relief stalled.
- And yes, the military and veterans’ benefits got tangled too.
Now imagine a shutdown while the Trump regime simultaneously holds mass loyalty rallies for generals. That’s not just bad governance — it’s the infrastructure of authoritarian takeover. A starving, stressed, and divided public is easier to control.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Resisters
- Secure Your Essentials
- Stock up on a few weeks of food, medications, and household basics if possible. Shutdowns can disrupt supply chains and assistance programs.
- Support Federal Workers
- Many will face missed paychecks — organize or contribute to mutual aid drives, and amplify donation links for furloughed workers in your community.
- Defend Public Services
- Remind your neighbors that shutdowns aren’t about “saving money” — they cost billions. Share infographics and fact sheets that debunk GOP shutdown myths.
- Target the Culprits
- Call, email, and tag your members of Congress. Demand they pass funding bills without extremist riders. Let them know voters are watching.
- Build Community Safety Nets
- Coordinate with local mutual aid groups, food banks, and community centers. Keep lists of resources handy to share. When fascists pull the plug, we power each other.
- Stay Loud and Visible
- Protest shutdown rallies, hold banner drops, and keep #StopTheShutdown trending. Don’t let the regime normalize dysfunction.
Example of Importance
During the 2018–2019 shutdown, TSA workers skipped shifts because they couldn’t afford gas to get to the airport. Flight delays rippled nationwide. It wasn’t just a Washington fight — it hit every traveler, every community. Shutdowns aren’t just politics; they’re pain delivered to your doorstep.
Kitty’s Final Word
Shutdowns are deliberate sabotage — claws-out attacks on the people, not the politicians. Remember: a government that can’t pay its workers but can summon generals for a loyalty pep rally has its priorities upside down. Stay prepared, stay loud, and remind them that democracy doesn’t shut down just because Trump and his goons want it to.