Resilience in Dark Times

Happy May Day!In an era of escalating state violence and authoritarianism, how can a community actually fight back and win? This episode of Resilience in Dark Times features a riveting conversation with Kieran Knutson, a veteran labor organizer who was at the heart of the historic resistance to the ruthless ICE and CBP actions in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Knutson details how ordinary neighbors transformed into a disciplined, thousands-strong rapid response network to challenge the abduction of their community members by thousands of federal agents,. It’s a powerful exploration of the shift from individual coping mechanisms to a collective strategy that proves “we keep us safe” is more than just a slogan—it is a lived reality. "...we can't and we shouldn't rely on, you know, a great savior to come fix the situation, whether it's a politician or or anyone else... no one is coming to save us or …keep us safe, we keep us safe." - Kieran KnutsonListeners will gain a masterclass in modern labor leverage as Knutson breaks down the “general strike” that brought the Twin Cities to a standstill on January 23rd. He explains how unions and non-union workers alike bypassed restrictive labor laws to exert economic pressure, resulting in 60 Minnesota CEOs to demand a de-escalation from the federal government. Beyond the tactical brilliance of work stoppages and mutual aid, this episode connects today’s struggles to the deep-rooted history of Mayday, offering a vision of hope and solidarity that is essential for anyone looking to confront the dual crises of political repression and climate change."…our labor creates the profits…for these corporations. And that the withdrawal of our labor gets their attention very quickly because it can start cutting into their profits, which is their main motivating factor..." - Kieran Knutson Get full access to Resilience in Dark Times - Podcast at michaelglavin.substack.com/subscribe