User:Arms & Hearts/Refuse Fascism

Refuse Fascism is an American anti-fascist organization opposed to the presidency of Donald Trump.

Background
Refuse Fascism was founded by Bob Avakian, the chair of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA, in December 2016. Their national office is in New York City.

Political views
Refuse Fascism organizes around issues affecting groups including Muslims, women, LGBTQ people, black and Latino people, and children and the elderly.

In January 2017, prior to the inauguration of Donald Trump, Refuse Fascism member Tedd Sirota argued that Trump exhibited fascist "character traits", and argued that the "most dangerous" aspect of Trump's presidency would be the alliance "between his unbridled capitalism and the Christian fascism of [Vice President] Mike Pence."

In August 2017 Refuse Fascism organizers identified themselves as anti-fascists but differentiated themselves from Antifa. They also distinguished themselves from anti-Trump groups such as the Indivisible movement, which engage in electoral politics.

The group advocates Trump's removal from office by constitutional methods (including the Twenty-fifth Amendment) and identifies the Arab Spring and the protests leading to the impeachment of former President of South Korea Park Geun-hye in March 2017 as evidence of the effectiveness of protests.

Members share a disbelief in the ability of the Democratic Party's capacity to stop Trump and a commitment to direct action. Refuse Fascism member Raphael Kadaris said in July 2017: "There’s a lot of people hoping that Democrats somehow intervene or one of these investigations. The idea we that we can rely on people in the FBI or Democratic party is a dangerous illusion."

Refuse Fascism spokesperson Sunsara Taylor said that the group opposed Trump and Pence because "Trump has openly promoted white supremacy, encouraged police brutality and brought back mandatory sentencing. He has demonized and unleashed terror against immigrants and torn thousands from their families. His Muslim ban is largely in effect. Trump has threatened the courts and the press. The Trump/Pence regime has muzzled scientists, accelerated the destruction of the environment and threatened the world with nuclear annihilation. Pence opposes abortion in all circumstances and would completely deny the rights of LGBTQ people."

Refuse Fascism organizes non-violent protests.

Activities
In July 2017 Refuse Fascism organized demonstrations in several cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Refuse Fascism member Raphael Kadaris expressed hope that these demonstrations would "create a legitimacy crisis" affecting Trump's presidency and identified the protests leading to the impeachment of former President of South Korea Park Geun-hye in March 2017 as a model for resistance to Trump.

In August 2017, following the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Los Angeles branch of Refuse Fascism organized a march which began at Los Angeles City Hall. Refuse Fascism member Michelle Xi said the purpose of the demonstration was "to say, 'No, we're not going to normalize these Nazis and how they feel emboldened.'" Refuse Fascism groups also helped to organize a march to the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago on the same day. and organized a march to Trump Tower in New York City. Carl Dix, a member of Refuse Fascism, said the events in Charlottesville were a "direct outgrowth of the Trump/Pence fascist regime" and said "These fascists are serious. And we must wake up and confront them with resistance that is just as serious."

Refuse Fascism is organizing a national protest in November 2017, roughly one year after the 2016 presidential election, under the slogan "This nightmare must end: The Trump/Pence regime must go!". Conferences were held in Austin, Texas, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco in August 2017 in preparation for the national protest. Organizers said they planned to occupation occupy parks and other spaces in city centers and to refuse to leave until Trump and Pence leave office. They emphasised the difference between their plan and the tactics of Occupy Wall Street (OWS) by noting that, whereas OWS had no specific demands, their one demand would be the end of Trump's presidency. Taylor said "We are not stopping until the regime is driven from power. We will be calling out to everyone throughout society letting them know there is a place for everyone who wants to stand against a fascist America in the streets with us, but there is no neutral. Everyone needs to decide: 'Which side are you on?' Our message on Nov. 4 is 'join us, stand with humanity, be part of changing history.'"

Sirota said in January 2017 that Refuse Fascism supporters included Margaret Cho, Chuck D, Debra Messing, Rosie O'Donnell and Alice Walker.