Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland) suggested over the weekend that a nationwide general strike could be a necessary response to what he characterizes as President Donald Trump’s authoritarianism. The comments came during an interview with MS NOW’s Alex Witt.
A Multifaceted Approach
Raskin cautioned that a general strike alone would not be sufficient to enact significant change. He emphasized the need for a coordinated effort, stating, “We’re not going to have one magic solution to the problem that ails us…It’s not going to be the courts, or the House, or the Senate, or the people in the movements. It’s going to be all of it together.” He called for unified action to defend constitutional democracy against what he described as an “authoritarian clampdown” and the “unleashing of state terror.”
Raskin specifically praised demonstrators in Minnesota who participated in a statewide general strike on Friday. He believes their actions “show us further…the direction that we may need to go in nationally” to demonstrate opposition to the direction of the current administration.
Minnesota as a Model
The Minnesota strike involved dozens of unions and hundreds of businesses, with participants refraining from work, school, and other economic activities. Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Minneapolis despite dangerously cold temperatures. The strike focused on demands for the cessation of ICE actions in Minnesota, accountability for federal agents, and congressional intervention, as outlined on ICEOutNowMN.com.
Kieran Knutson, president of Communication Workers of America Local 7250, explained the motivation behind the strike, stating, “We’re not powerful people. We’re not rich. We don’t have access to people in power, but what we do have is our labor power.”
Recent polling data suggests a potential receptiveness to such action, with 59 percent of respondents disapproving of President Trump’s performance, and negative approval ratings on key issues like the economy (-21 points) and immigration (-14 points).
Calls for National Action
Commentators are also advocating for a nationwide general strike. Emily Woo Yamasaki, a member of the UAW Local 2320, stated, “A general strike can’t be built overnight, but it is more urgent than ever.” Natasha Lennard, a columnist at The Intercept, suggested that the Minnesota strike provides a “blueprint for a nationwide movement.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a general strike?
A general strike is a strike action in which a substantial portion of the workforce in a country or region refuses to work, typically as a form of protest against government policies or economic conditions.
What prompted the strike in Minnesota?
The general strike in Minnesota was prompted by demands for the cessation of ICE actions in the state, accountability for federal agents, and a call for congressional intervention, according to ICEOutNowMN.com.
Did Representative Raskin say a general strike would solve all problems?
No, Representative Raskin stated that a general strike would not be a “magic solution” and must be undertaken in conjunction with other forms of action, including legal challenges, legislative efforts, and grassroots movements.
Given the current political climate and growing dissatisfaction with the administration, will a nationwide general strike gain traction in the coming months?
