What to Do Instead of Buying Anything Today

February 28, it has been decreed and agreed, is a national protest blackout/general strike to remind the oligarchs that their power derives from OUR money and cooperation.

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What to Do Today

1. Listen to the Fugees and Lauren Hill from back in the day. Imagine you are on a playground in the city on a warm day (hot concrete, gentle breeze, clatter of swing chains, creaking of merry-go-round, aroma of falafel, honking) and all the traffic is cars filled with interesting people from all around the world come to New York to make it, to be where the action is.

2. Send or hand money to two people in your town who could use the cash.

3. Call three people on the phone, including a random stranger from Canada. Say, “Hey there, friend. I hope you are able to tap into the fluttery, honey-gold place of joy in your upper chest, where the Kingdom of God (or whatever you want to call it) is always, if only we notice it.”

4. Storm the Capitol, but mildly, quietly, modestly, nonviolently. Mention the three coequal branches of government. Thank the police for their service. Carry a sign that says, “Illegitimate orders will be ignored. I mean it. I’m going to act like you didn’t even say that.” If you make it inside the building, leave hundreds of notes written on small pieces of folded paper for the politicians to find later. But be respectful of the democracy the building represents. Do not sit in anybody’s chair or break anything.

5. Email Jeff Bezos and ask him what is even the point of being an oligarch if you roll over like a cowardly dog preemptively? Never mind. Don’t email Jeff Bezos. Email your best friend and start making a plan for your next visit or trip together.

6. Fill up your online shopping carts with stuff you can buy tomorrow.