Constitution and Crisis

By Ellen Lerner and Stony Run Peace & Justice Committee

Stony Run’s Peace and Justice Committee has been working to provide up-to-date information for Friends so that we may choose to participate in nonviolent protest movements in response to the many threats facing our democracy. We seek protests that are aligned with our faith. We have participated in both local and national protests, but the situation is becoming increasingly urgent and more widespread.

We ask Friends to prepare by seeking a personal silence, contemplating what these events mean personally and the risks inherent in resisting. Especially when things are at their worst, we must seek for what we believe in — the Light within ourselves and the Light we seek in others, no matter who they may be. A terrible fear has been intentionally sown amongst our citizenry. The only way to overcome this fear is through solidarity. It lets us know that we are not alone.

New information reaches us nearly every day, and it appears that circumstances are changing rapidly.

There is no clear legal definition, nor broad consensus, for when the United States enters a constitutional crisis. However, for the purpose of what we are now facing, a constitutional crisis is generally understood to be a period when governmental institutions are openly in conflict. It has been suggested that a constitutional "red line" is crossed with the open defiance of a Court order. This threshold has now been crossed, although debate continues.

The national mood is shifting quickly. Preparation, readiness, and effectiveness are key to a meaningful response and are currently underway.

Here are some developments:

• Food shortages: It is estimated that within the next week or two, shelves may begin to go empty, especially at stores that serve lower-income communities (Walmart, Target, grocery stores, food pantries…). Now is the time to consider donating to the Maryland Food Bank, which distributes food throughout the state. As shortages become visible, many will begin to understand the full impact of current policies, and protests will likely intensify.
• Strikes and protests: Strikes, work slowdowns, larger and sustained protests, and other forms of nonviolent resistance are being planned.
• Public education efforts: Senators Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and others are holding large rallies to educate the public about the differences between democracy and autocracy.
• Nonviolent action workshops: Workshops are being offered to prepare participants for sustained, mass nonviolent protests.
• Media coverage: Democracy Now! — a national NPR program — continues to offer a platform for voices that are often not heard elsewhere.
• Veteran advocacy: VoteVets.org, a left-leaning nonprofit advocating for veterans, is organizing meetings between veterans and active-duty soldiers to discuss the legality of disobeying orders involving violence against the civilians they are charged with protecting.
• Political action: Members of the House of Representatives are working to secure enough votes for impeachment. We urge Friends to contact their representatives and encourage them to support impeachment efforts.
• It is important to note that protesting in the streets is not the only way to resist. Work slowdowns are a quiet and powerful way to resist, and prayer is always needed. Feeding the hungry amongst us – those who have been cut off from their food sources at food banks and soup kitchens slows the advance of the onslaught against democracy.
• Mass mobilization: National groups such as Indivisible and MoveOn are organizing protests aimed at achieving the "3.5% rule” - a principle, based on scientific research, that shows that sustained nonviolent protest involving just 3.5% of a population can bring about significant political change. In the United States, this translates to about 12 million people. (For more, see “The 3.5% Rule: How a Small Minority Can Change the World” by searching “The 3.5% rule”, presented by the BBC.)

Please call on members of the Peace and Justice Committee with questions and for more information.