Jacobin Radio: Resistance in the Time of Monsters w/ Colin Smalley
Feb 18, 2025
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Colin Smalley, a geologist and IFPTE local president, discusses a national day of action for federal employees, urging community engagement against detrimental policies. He highlights the importance of solidarity among workers facing intimidation. Meanwhile, NDP MP Charlie Angus sheds light on Canada's grassroots resistance to Trump’s tariffs, emphasizing the unification of Canadians in a boycott against American goods. Both guests spotlight the power of community and the need for collective action in the face of political adversity.
The podcast highlights grassroots resistance against the illegal actions of billionaires Trump and Musk, framing them as a constitutional crisis threatening millions.
Concerns over Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada are discussed, emphasizing their potential to provoke widespread economic instability and national backlash.
Grassroots activism is underscored as Canadians unify across political lines, fostering national identity and solidarity in response to perceived foreign threats.
Deep dives
Resistance Against Political Overreach
The podcast discusses the grassroots resistance against what is perceived as the illegal actions of influential billionaires, particularly Trump and Musk. Their maneuvers are framed as a constitutional crisis and a coup that threatens millions who rely on federal services. The episode emphasizes the organization of federal workers through networks such as the Federal Unionist Network, which is mobilizing for a day of action on February 19 to raise awareness about job security and the importance of government services. This mobilization aims to unite federal employees and community supporters against the perceived wrecking ball tactics of unelected figures.
National Economic Impact of Tariffs
The potential economic fallout from Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada is highlighted as being significant, especially because trade between the U.S. and Canada is substantial. The discussion involves the idea that even temporarily paused tariffs could disrupt economic stability and provoke a grassroots backlash. Canadians from various political backgrounds are reportedly united against these threats, indicating a spontaneous surge of nationalistic sentiment aimed at protecting Canadian sovereignty. A crucial point is made that the reliance on integrated supply chains means that U.S. tariffs could cause widespread economic issues for both countries.
Grassroots Boycott Within Canada
The grassroots boycott against American products and services is gaining momentum as Canadians respond to Trump's threats. People are reported to cancel trips to the U.S. and refrain from purchasing American goods as a form of protest. This spontaneous action transcends traditional party lines, with citizens unifying over shared values of national identity and independence. Grassroots activism has become a powerful player in countering political threats, showcasing the ability of ordinary citizens to mobilize quickly and effectively for a collective cause.
Rallying for Unity and National Identity
The podcast stresses the idea that Canadians are experiencing a moment of national unity driven by a collective reaction to external threats. Political figures and grassroots movements have begun to raise awareness and foster community solidarity across various demographics. Areas typically characterized by political divisions are set aside in favor of a common goal: protecting Canada’s autonomy from perceived foreign dominance. This development emphasizes the importance of cultural and national identity in political mobilization, showing that external threats can unite diverse groups toward a shared purpose.
The Role of Music and Culture in Activism
The conversation also touches on the intersection of culture and activism, particularly the role of music in raising awareness and fostering community engagement. Artists and musicians are recognized for their ability to channel political sentiments into their work, providing platforms for activism through creative expression. As grassroots movements rise, there is a call for musicians to amplify the stories and struggles of ordinary people. The underlying message is that culture can serve as a unifying force, inspiring action and resilience against political and societal challenges.
Our theme for today’s program is resistance in the time of monsters: resistance to the Trump/Musk wrecking ball that threatens the well-being of millions of people here and across the globe. Their actions are illegal, have provoked a constitutional crisis, and constitute a technical coup. At the same time, the Trump/Musk rampage has galvanized resistance in the courts and on the streets. Suzi talks to Geologist and IFPTE local president Colin Smalley, who is part of the Federal Unionists Network, or FUN. They have called for a national day of action, an SOS — Save our Services — for February 19. We then turn to Canada, where Trump’s across-the-board tariffs — though temporarily paused – threaten economic havoc with our largest trading partner, an unprecedented trade war. The promised tariffs have sparked a spontaneous national resistance across the country and across the political spectrum, uniting Canadians as never before. Canadians are fighting back against Trump's suggestion that Canada join the US as the 51st state. Suzi talks to NDP MP Charlie Angus about the power of a grassroots Canadian boycott and the ways Canadians are coming together to stop the Trump-Musk goon squad reign that threatens Canadian sovereignty.
Jacobin Radio with Suzi Weissman features conversations with leading thinkers and activists, with a focus on labor, the economy, and protest movements.
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