Andy Shallal Offers Self Critique of Our Efforts

This consideration was posted by Andy Shallal on Facebook. While our hearts all beat as one for Palestine we definitely also need to take a pulse and always evaluate if our efforts are at maximal effectiveness. We owe the Palestinian effort nothing less than to maximize the impact of whatever work we do. This FightBackBetter editor is always second guessing himself and having dodged a felony accusation that was falsely dangled over my head for the last 3 weeks, that is true now more than ever about my own life decisions as well as the direction of FightBackBetter and the many skirmishes across the NJ state regarding the Palestine issue as relates to the entire unfolding of Trump and the melieu responding. I felt a little judged when I read this but that is ok – it is not directed at any of us personally and it might not all apply to everyone’s style but lets keep the beat as strong as possible for Palestine and when needed – check our own pulse! – Editor

HOW TO NOT STOP A GENOCIDE (AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT)… quick thoughts…
by Andy Shallal

Recently I was in a gathering with nearly two dozen heads of organizations who are doing work on the Middle East and Palestine in particular. The discussion was around how to stop the ongoing genocide against the Palestinians. At the end of the day-long retreat, most of us left with many takeaways yet at the same time also feeling helpless, and a sense of inability to effect tangible real change.

I kept asking myself, why? Why can’t we move the needle quickly on this pressing humanitarian disaster. After-all, the polls are on our side, social media is replete with horrific images of mangled bodies and helpless civilians pleading for help, yet our politicians continue to ignore the facts and rely on robotic talking points devoid of empathy, truth or logic. The latest Joint Resolution of Disapproval introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders, for instance, had a mere 15 members sign on. Mind you, this resolution was nothing more than an effort to limit military aid to Israel while it continues to commit war crimes and the most documented genocide in history.

After giving this some thought, and assuming that this sits squarely in the lap of the US, I came up with several takeaways as to what’s missing in our movement and why…

– LITTLE TO NO COOPERATION… Dozens of organizations are working tirelessly on the issue of Palestine human rights and justice, yet there is little in the way of cooperation or coordination. Very few of them share data, knowledge, strategy or resources. The competition for brand recognition rather than moving forward collectively does not serve the cause. We have to move away from a zero sum game and move into a focused and deliberate cooperative approach. This can only happen if we communicate openly and frequently with one another.

– NO ELECTORAL PLAN… Progressives tend to support humanitarian organizations and programs and pay little attention to electoral politics. We don’t have the necessary data or an army of candidates at the ready to challenge incumbents or open seats thus leaving a huge void allowing the other side to swoop in with little resistance. We need to start grooming the next crop of candidates to deploy when the time is right.

– DISTASTE FOR GOVERNANCE… This is, in no small part, due to an ongoing campaign by the right to discredit any government programs. This serves their interests well while keeping many progressives away from seeking elected offices and away from elections, lobbying and other democratic avenues that can impact upcoming legislation.

– NOT TURNING STREET POWER INTO SUITE POWER… Progressives are great at showing up for rallies and protests but have an abysmal record in turning street power into suite power. We bring our signs and sing our songs and then go home and lament about how the more things change the more they stay the same. “We shall overcome” although a nice tune lacks the urgency necessary for the present moment. We need a data base of activists ready to make phone calls to elected officials on key upcoming votes and legislation. No one should walk away from a demonstration or a rally without a plan of what to do next.

– NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THE SMALL STUFF… Progressives pay little attention to the small stuff. The elected officials at the grassroots level. The commissioners, neighborhood associations, PTA’s, school board members and other local races. This is fertile ground for the roots of change to take hold.

– NO LONG TERM STRATEGY… There is little if any strategy on what to do once we have the power. On the other hand, the Heritage Foundation alone spent $22 million preparing for a future takeover (the coup). They named it Project 2025. This 900 page manifesto is crammed with actionable steps for governance, up to and including staffing recommendations for a future conservative government in 2025. The research on this project started over a decade ago and was published 2 years before this election. Once Trump took office, they were able to move with lightening speed to fill all the agencies with pre-vetted candidates. We need to learn to play the long game.

– NO PR STRATEGY… Progressives tend to lack a clear PR strategy. Sometimes it feels like we only know how to play defense. We tend to speak in many tongues and sometimes canceling one another. We need better talking points to move forward to counteract the constant barrage of misinformation coming out way. Connections with “mainstream” media outlets are necessary to reach a wider spectrum of the public who can effect change. We need better branding.

– NO LEGAL COVER… The other side has weaponized and distorted laws. They have mired many organizations in legal entanglements thus demoralizing them and tying up precious resources. Again we need an offensive strategy to go after those organizations that are trading in lies and libelous rhetoric. We need to have a legal fund and an army of pro bono lawyers ready to go on the attack when necessary.

– TOO MUCH SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS… The zero tolerance litmus test is not a winning formula. Relying on the chorus alone leaves much of the congregation behind. Sometimes coalitions can be found in the unlikeliest places. For instance some libertarians and conservatives see wars as a waste of tax dollars and want to see money spent elsewhere. Why not work with them?

To be continued…