Among the many commitments that have delayed me in posting another newsletter was an obligation to travel to Texas in the middle of January and pay my respects to my grandmother who was dying.

This year, as the capitalist empire is demolishing the economy while revealing its fascist leanings, it’s hard to know how to balance finding joy while also not lining the pockets of our oppressors. Our communities are calling for a Blackout of all spending during all of Black Friday Weekend, including Cyber Monday. Target, Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart are everywhere; and all of them are feeding the fires of violence against our BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and immigrant relatives. They do not deserve our money - but without them, where do we get gifts to bring joy into the darkest months of the year? Here are some ideas.

There are a few different definitions but they generally describe the same philosophy: “a political theory that posits the United States as a unique nation, distinguished by its commitment to democracy, liberty, and self-governance.” And further, that uniqueness makes it a “model for the world.” (Ruth, Michael 2025, Ebsco.com) there are three essential parts of this concept that need to be dismantled.

Hiawatha Belt, representing the original 5 Nations of the Confederacy. Source: OnondagaNation.org

This project grew organically out of conversations with community members who have come to a common conclusion: the United States of America is not working for common people’s interests, and it never has been.