This week’s newsletters have covered ways Americans can choke fascist businesses, send messages to our authoritarian government, maximize the time between No Kings protests, and work toward a General Strike.
Thanks to Kathy in Florida, we can also join the Black Out the System economic strike. From 25 November to 2 December, participants commit to the following:
– No Work
– No Spending
– No Travel
– No Projects
– No Events
– No Restaurants
They have all kinds of resources to maximize participant impact, involvement, and experience. GO HERE to sign up.
Along the way, I’ve been updating my public spreadsheet of Fascist Ring-Kissing Businesses and People. Readers can find a link to the most updated version HERE.
And please – if you know of other businesses who support and fund fascism, message me with a story or verifiable link. I’ll add them to this searchable database. WE’RE BUILDING THIS TOGETHER.
Likewise, if you know of a national or regional company that has made a commitment to support democracy over fascism, please let me know so they can be acknowledged.
(I’m currently going through the federal contract database to add businesses that have contracts and grants with ICE, CBP, and DHS. Many businesses in our existing database are repeat offenders, but I’m adding any that aren’t currently listed. Stay tuned and check back regularly.)
You can support this non-fascist small business owner by upgrading to paid.
Readers have also asked for help. Where can I go to buy building tools and supplies? Are any communications companies safe? Can I get hardware, software, and devices from a non-fascist company? Is any social media acceptable? Can I move my retirement funds offshore to have more options?
Today and tomorrow, I’m going to answer these reader questions to the best of my ability.
Please keep in mind that Which businesses are safe? is a moving target. At any time, a business can kiss the ring. Today’s list may not be okay a week or a month from now. Always do your research before committing money to any entity on this list.
Where can I go to buy building tools and supplies?
Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Amazon, and Target are all compromised. If possible, DO NOT SHOP WITH THEM FOR ANYTHING.
Ace Hardware and True Value are franchises. In the aggregate, Ace Hardware/True Value franchisees have supported Republicans over Democrats by almost 80% in recent election cycles. (SOURCE: Open Secrets) Shopping at a local True Value/Ace Hardware means asking questions about franchisee’s political contributions.
If you live in the Midwest, Menards has locations in 15 states. According to Open Secrets, they have donated to Republican and Democratic candidates in prior election cycles, with Republicans slightly edging out Democrats 52 – 48%. As a company, they donated more to the Harris campaign than to 45 in 2024.
I looked at other regional outlets like 84 Lumber (76% Republican support in recent election cycles) and ABC Supply (small franchise donations to both parties.)
BOTTOM LINE: Buying home improvement tools and supplies means getting to know your local options and asking the owners/franchisees about their politics. Ownership of these businesses is overwhelmingly Republican.
If you have checked out safe local options, please let me know in a comment. I’m happy to build a separate non-fascist resource for subscribers to use.
Are any communications companies safe? (Cable/mobile phones/internet/etc.)
Most of these companies are monopolies in the United States. Geographic areas typically have one or two options for cable/internet/mobile: Comcast; AT&T; Verizon; T-Mobile; various regional monopolies.
All major listed players have kissed the fascist ring.
Even high-profile small companies like WOW! internet haven’t escaped controversy.
Given the uptick in fascist surveillance in the United States, readers would be wise to invest in burner mobile phones, ham radios, and other alternative forms of connection.
If you know of a non-fascist option for these services, please let me know in a comment.
Related: What about streaming services? Or buying physical copies of my favorite films and series?
PBS Passport: For as little as $5 per month, users can support public broadcasting AND have access to loads of PBS streaming content, which varies by area. GO HERE to explore your local options. (Note: PBS got rid of DEI policies as part of a federal directive, but they still provide independent programming.)
A24: The independent filmmaker A24 offers a $99 annual membership to stream their content directly. If you like indie films, this is a gem. GO HERE.
The Criterion Collection: If you’re a fan of classic films and like to own physical copies, this is the place for you. (In a fascist environment, owning physical copies of films will be increasingly attractive.) They also offer a streaming membership. GO HERE to find out more.
Netflix: The only major streamer that overwhelmingly supports democracy and freedom (according to Open Secrets reporting.) Plus, Elon Musk hates them. GO HERE to sign up.
Eureka!: If you’re in the UK or UK-adjacent, Eureka! offers a deep catalog of physical films. GO HERE for the UK site. They also have distribution in the US and Canada. GO HERE for more on US and Canadian options.
In tomorrow’s newsletter, we’ll cover non-fascist hardware/software/device options, possible social media, and alternatives for off-shoring IRAs (for US readers.) Please join us.
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