General Strike
A widespread general strike could bring the economy to its knees, hitting the oligarchs where it hurts and forcing the government to look at the protests, rather than past them. In terms of direct action, it would be far more effective than holding signs on a sidewalk or dancing around in inflatable costumes. Those things help to build community, bring people together, and in rural communities like mine make sure people know they're not alone. But the government simply does not care. They're not flinching at our quarterly rallies.
The sacrifice a general strike requires is prohibitive for a lot of people, though. We don't have sufficient mutual aid infrastructure to support people who participate. I would likely lose everything. My home, my car, my ability to care for my parents and pets, maybe even my marriage—I'm honestly not sure if it would withstand the walls of our joint life crumbling down around it by my choice. I don't have kids, but my parents depend on me. Their living situation is somewhat tentative, their access to essentials like food is increasingly limited, and they're disabled so they need help taking care of their home. I don't know what might happen if I couldn't support them.
I would lose everything if I participated in a general strike, but the alternative is watching the rise of fascism while I clutch my privileged life close and hope I get to keep it all. Are my parents the excuse I cling to in avoidance of that guilt? Maybe. But my fear for them is genuine and their needs are real.
I'm engaging in other forms of resistance but I can't ignore the people I see trying to advocate for a general strike. If we see a mass movement, I haven't decided yet if I would join. Maybe I could support it in other ways; contribute to mutual aid networks in my area, donate to food banks for strikers, provide childcare when needed. Maybe I'll reach out to some nearby organizers about setting up some provisions.