How To Overthrow the Government

Introduction

This tutorial summarizes key insights and actionable steps from a discussion on the current state of American politics, as presented by Arianna Huffington. The discussion critiques the influence of party monopolies, polling, and campaign strategies on democratic engagement. This guide aims to empower readers to actively participate in reforming the political landscape.

Chapter 1: Understanding the Political Landscape

• Critique of Party Monopolies

  • The political environment is heavily dominated by two indistinguishable parties.
  • Voters often feel limited in choices, especially those concerned about issues beyond the primary party platforms.

• Impact of Polling

  • Polls have become a dominant force, shaping political narratives and candidates' strategies.
  • Politicians often rely on polls to gauge public opinion instead of leading with their convictions.

• Engaging the Disenchanted

  • A significant number of eligible voters opt out of the electoral process, particularly the youth.
  • The need for reform is urgent, as many citizens feel disconnected from political processes.

Chapter 2: The Call to Action

• Join the Movement

  • Arianna has founded the "Partnership for a Poll-Free America" to encourage civil disobedience against polling.
  • Action Step: Visit www.overthrowthegov.com to learn how to participate.

• Take the Pledge

  • Commit to hanging up on pollsters to reduce their influence on political decisions and encourage more thoughtful leadership.

• 11 Point Manifesto

  • Familiarize yourself with the manifesto provided by the movement, which outlines steps for engaging in political reform.
  • Key point: Encourage grassroots activism and direct action.

Chapter 3: Engaging with Issues

• Identifying Ignored Issues

  • Highlight significant issues not covered by mainstream polling, such as:
    • The drug war and its societal impacts.
    • Rising incarceration rates and implications for civil rights.

• Promoting Direct Action

  • Engage in rallies, demonstrations, and civil disobedience to bring attention to critical issues.
  • Collaborate with various reform groups to unify efforts across diverse causes.

Chapter 4: Reforming the System

• Advocating for Systemic Changes

  • Recognize that real reform will not come from within the existing two-party structure.
  • Promote the idea of a multi-party system or coalition governments to better represent diverse interests.

• Educating and Mobilizing

  • Encourage educational initiatives to raise awareness about civic responsibilities and the importance of voting.
  • Utilize social media and community organizing to mobilize support for reforms.

Conclusion

The state of American politics calls for urgent reform driven by the people. By understanding the current landscape, engaging with pressing issues, and participating in movements aimed at reducing the influence of polling and party monopolies, individuals can contribute to a more responsive and representative democracy. Next steps include joining local reform efforts, staying informed on political issues, and actively participating in upcoming elections.