The top 1% of Americans control more wealth than the entire middle class combined. Want to fight back against the billionaires, greedy corporations, and corrupt government officials who continue to gain wealth, while the rest of us struggle economically? Participate in Blackout the System from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2. This national action hopes to shut down the U.S. economy by removing our spending, labor, and financial support.
You can make your voice heard by adjusting your spending. Avoid shopping online. (Yes, this includes Black Friday and Cyber Monday!) Avoid all chain stores, chain restaurants and Big Box stores such as Walmart.
Instead, give needed support to our local, hardworking small businesses. Buy food at a locally owned grocery or a farm stand. Shop at a mom-and-pop store, pop-up store or craft fair. Eat at a local cafe or restaurant.
Blackout the System is also asking those Americans who can, to avoid going to work and to avoid travel. This will obviously be hard for many people during the holiday week. But there’s another way you can have an impact: donate to a partner in this action, Feeding America at https://www.foodbankwma.org.
Consider doing what you can to show the billionaires that We the People have power.
Sue Kramer, Denise Petrin, Anne Wiley and Cate Woolner
Gill