Michael Wayne
@mwayne2.bsky.social
Writer, filmmaker (new documentary film,”How to Save Democracy,” coming soon), acupuncturist, activist for a just society and world, progressive, advocate for economic democracy
Gene Sharp was considered the world’s leading expert on nonviolent revolution. In the U.S., where democracy is teetering, he remains almost unknown.
The significance & importance of his work to our current time can't be overstated, as his ideas are as relevant now as they have ever been.
The significance & importance of his work to our current time can't be overstated, as his ideas are as relevant now as they have ever been.
Gene Sharp and the Blueprint for Nonviolent Revolution
The Hidden Architect Behind the Movements That Toppled Dictators — and Why His Work Matters More Than Ever Now
mwayne.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Gene Sharp was considered the world’s leading expert on nonviolent revolution. In the U.S., where democracy is teetering, he remains almost unknown.
The significance & importance of his work to our current time can't be overstated, as his ideas are as relevant now as they have ever been.
The significance & importance of his work to our current time can't be overstated, as his ideas are as relevant now as they have ever been.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
The Supreme Court, Presidency, Senate and two party system are all quite anti-democratic institutions as presently constructed.
Our institutions are not only incapable of preventing tyranny—they’re currently enabling it.
When democracy returns, we need to reform our political system.
Our institutions are not only incapable of preventing tyranny—they’re currently enabling it.
When democracy returns, we need to reform our political system.
December 8, 2025 at 4:39 PM
The Supreme Court, Presidency, Senate and two party system are all quite anti-democratic institutions as presently constructed.
Our institutions are not only incapable of preventing tyranny—they’re currently enabling it.
When democracy returns, we need to reform our political system.
Our institutions are not only incapable of preventing tyranny—they’re currently enabling it.
When democracy returns, we need to reform our political system.
How do we create meaningful change in the U.S.? With democracy at a tipping point, we're at a crossroads.
The recent No Kings rally in October was largest 1-day demonstration ever, but the question now is, Where do we go from here? That's what I discuss: not only that, but a strategy to get there.
The recent No Kings rally in October was largest 1-day demonstration ever, but the question now is, Where do we go from here? That's what I discuss: not only that, but a strategy to get there.
The Anatomy of a Nonviolent Uprising
The Path Forward for Creating Meaningful Change
mwayne.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:38 PM
How do we create meaningful change in the U.S.? With democracy at a tipping point, we're at a crossroads.
The recent No Kings rally in October was largest 1-day demonstration ever, but the question now is, Where do we go from here? That's what I discuss: not only that, but a strategy to get there.
The recent No Kings rally in October was largest 1-day demonstration ever, but the question now is, Where do we go from here? That's what I discuss: not only that, but a strategy to get there.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
The House passed a resolution condemning socialism. Okay.
When are they going to pass a resolution condemning fascism?
When are they going to pass a resolution condemning fascism?
November 25, 2025 at 12:51 AM
The House passed a resolution condemning socialism. Okay.
When are they going to pass a resolution condemning fascism?
When are they going to pass a resolution condemning fascism?
With democracy in the U.S. under fire, we know what we don’t want. But what is it we do want?
Democracy has a rich history. It’s been practiced throughout the world by indigenous cultures.
David Graeber knew this. He showed that democracy is never top down nor is voting its full sole expression.
Democracy has a rich history. It’s been practiced throughout the world by indigenous cultures.
David Graeber knew this. He showed that democracy is never top down nor is voting its full sole expression.
Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: David Graeber’s True Vision of Democracy
Democracy is Never Top Down, Nor is Voting the Sole Expression of Democracy
mwayne.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:23 PM
With democracy in the U.S. under fire, we know what we don’t want. But what is it we do want?
Democracy has a rich history. It’s been practiced throughout the world by indigenous cultures.
David Graeber knew this. He showed that democracy is never top down nor is voting its full sole expression.
Democracy has a rich history. It’s been practiced throughout the world by indigenous cultures.
David Graeber knew this. He showed that democracy is never top down nor is voting its full sole expression.
Bangladesh is latest country to sentence a former head of state: a former prime minister was sentenced to death for her role in a crackdown on last year's uprising that left 1,400 people dead. There is precedent for holding heads of state liable for their crimes. The U.S. should follow suit.
November 18, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Bangladesh is latest country to sentence a former head of state: a former prime minister was sentenced to death for her role in a crackdown on last year's uprising that left 1,400 people dead. There is precedent for holding heads of state liable for their crimes. The U.S. should follow suit.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
Mike Johnson might end up in prison, too.
November 12, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Mike Johnson might end up in prison, too.
What is democracy? It’s not just a system where we vote, choose & delegate power to others. It’s more than that. It’s a culture.
It's also a moral idea: that every human being carries intrinsic dignity, & no one should be governed without their consent.
As this culture dies, so does democracy.
It's also a moral idea: that every human being carries intrinsic dignity, & no one should be governed without their consent.
As this culture dies, so does democracy.
Democracy as a Living Culture, Not Just a System
Everyday Practices of Collective Power
mwayne.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:47 PM
What is democracy? It’s not just a system where we vote, choose & delegate power to others. It’s more than that. It’s a culture.
It's also a moral idea: that every human being carries intrinsic dignity, & no one should be governed without their consent.
As this culture dies, so does democracy.
It's also a moral idea: that every human being carries intrinsic dignity, & no one should be governed without their consent.
As this culture dies, so does democracy.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
If you want more outsider anti-oligarch candidates, then start replicating New York City's system of publicly financed campaigns in your city and state.
How Zohran Mamdani Beat Citizens United
The New York City mayoral candidate used an undervalued political strategy to battle against dark money.
www.levernews.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:29 PM
If you want more outsider anti-oligarch candidates, then start replicating New York City's system of publicly financed campaigns in your city and state.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
If you’re wondering what the future of the Democratic Party looks like, watch the young, brown democratic socialist on the TV right now.
November 5, 2025 at 4:41 AM
If you’re wondering what the future of the Democratic Party looks like, watch the young, brown democratic socialist on the TV right now.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
Today is only the beginning.
Our time has come, New York. Our time is now.
Our time has come, New York. Our time is now.
Today is only the beginning.
YouTube video by Zohran Mamdani for NYC
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Today is only the beginning.
Our time has come, New York. Our time is now.
Our time has come, New York. Our time is now.
The last few decades made the American Dream die, as people struggle to pay bills & keep up. As this happens, they are prone to ideas of demagogues, like Trump, who promise he can fix it. It’s led to narrative capture & democracy failing. But the dream can be reclaimed by telling the truth.
The American Mirage
Economic Ruin and the Making of a Manipulated Majority
mwayne.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:06 PM
The last few decades made the American Dream die, as people struggle to pay bills & keep up. As this happens, they are prone to ideas of demagogues, like Trump, who promise he can fix it. It’s led to narrative capture & democracy failing. But the dream can be reclaimed by telling the truth.
Joseph Goebbels mastered the art of disinformation, convincing Germans that Hitler’s cause was true. He showed the same tools selling toothpaste can sell hate, obedience & mass murder-when wielded by wrong hands.
Now, those techniques are being used on Americans. We need to break the trance.
Now, those techniques are being used on Americans. We need to break the trance.
Joseph Goebbels and the Authoritarian Upgrade
The Revolution Will Be Televised: How Fascism Perfected the Tools of Modern Propaganda
mwayne.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Joseph Goebbels mastered the art of disinformation, convincing Germans that Hitler’s cause was true. He showed the same tools selling toothpaste can sell hate, obedience & mass murder-when wielded by wrong hands.
Now, those techniques are being used on Americans. We need to break the trance.
Now, those techniques are being used on Americans. We need to break the trance.
The No Kings protest of Saturday was largest single protest in US history.
What does 7 million people mean? That a growing & unstoppable force of people are pissed about the state of democracy.
Like Civil Rights movement of '50s/'60s, the democracy movement will continue until democracy returns.
What does 7 million people mean? That a growing & unstoppable force of people are pissed about the state of democracy.
Like Civil Rights movement of '50s/'60s, the democracy movement will continue until democracy returns.
October 21, 2025 at 2:38 PM
The No Kings protest of Saturday was largest single protest in US history.
What does 7 million people mean? That a growing & unstoppable force of people are pissed about the state of democracy.
Like Civil Rights movement of '50s/'60s, the democracy movement will continue until democracy returns.
What does 7 million people mean? That a growing & unstoppable force of people are pissed about the state of democracy.
Like Civil Rights movement of '50s/'60s, the democracy movement will continue until democracy returns.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
everyone is welcome and encouraged to resist fascism, to fight back
but we can’t just go back to Clinton/Obama neoliberalism
it wasn’t working then, it got us where we are now, and it won’t get us out
but we can’t just go back to Clinton/Obama neoliberalism
it wasn’t working then, it got us where we are now, and it won’t get us out
October 20, 2025 at 1:53 PM
everyone is welcome and encouraged to resist fascism, to fight back
but we can’t just go back to Clinton/Obama neoliberalism
it wasn’t working then, it got us where we are now, and it won’t get us out
but we can’t just go back to Clinton/Obama neoliberalism
it wasn’t working then, it got us where we are now, and it won’t get us out
Something is wrong in America & we all feel it. It’s a dread that whispers: can what is happening be real?
We're living through a clash of 2 opposing forces: a virus that spreads through disinformation & despair, & a dream that insists a more just, democratic future is still possible.
We're living through a clash of 2 opposing forces: a virus that spreads through disinformation & despair, & a dream that insists a more just, democratic future is still possible.
The Virus and the Dream: Democracy at the Edge
The Revolution Will Be Televised: Fixing the Wrongs of Democracy
mwayne.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Something is wrong in America & we all feel it. It’s a dread that whispers: can what is happening be real?
We're living through a clash of 2 opposing forces: a virus that spreads through disinformation & despair, & a dream that insists a more just, democratic future is still possible.
We're living through a clash of 2 opposing forces: a virus that spreads through disinformation & despair, & a dream that insists a more just, democratic future is still possible.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
Democracy in U.S. is under siege, assaulted by 2 intertwined & mutually reinforcing forces: the right-wing long game & oligarchic & power.
Together, they form a double-edged movement that is dismantling democracy, & they're succeeding beyond their wildest dreams. But they are not inevitable.
Together, they form a double-edged movement that is dismantling democracy, & they're succeeding beyond their wildest dreams. But they are not inevitable.
The Twin Threats to U.S. Democracy: The Right-Wing Long Game and Oligarchic Power
The Revolution Will Be Televised: What's Taking the U.S. Down?
mwayne.substack.com
October 8, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Democracy in U.S. is under siege, assaulted by 2 intertwined & mutually reinforcing forces: the right-wing long game & oligarchic & power.
Together, they form a double-edged movement that is dismantling democracy, & they're succeeding beyond their wildest dreams. But they are not inevitable.
Together, they form a double-edged movement that is dismantling democracy, & they're succeeding beyond their wildest dreams. But they are not inevitable.
Gandhi: “Democracy requires change of heart.” De Tocqueville: “Habits of heart” are foundation of healthy civil society.
America needs systemic transformation to create a society that works for all & needs an inner transformation. A society that allows people to flourish is both moral & spiritual.
America needs systemic transformation to create a society that works for all & needs an inner transformation. A society that allows people to flourish is both moral & spiritual.
Toward a Conscious Democracy: Integrating Systemic Change with Inner Transformation
The Revolution Will Be Televised: the series continues
mwayne.substack.com
September 30, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Gandhi: “Democracy requires change of heart.” De Tocqueville: “Habits of heart” are foundation of healthy civil society.
America needs systemic transformation to create a society that works for all & needs an inner transformation. A society that allows people to flourish is both moral & spiritual.
America needs systemic transformation to create a society that works for all & needs an inner transformation. A society that allows people to flourish is both moral & spiritual.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
There’s a very steal-everything-not-nailed-down-to-the-floor-before-the-entire-building-collapses vibe coursing through America right now.
September 24, 2025 at 6:45 PM
There’s a very steal-everything-not-nailed-down-to-the-floor-before-the-entire-building-collapses vibe coursing through America right now.
Only a direct and participatory democracy will save the U.S. from autocracy. Right now, the U.S. is ruled by a tyranny of the minority, and only by taking power away from the monied interests and giving citizens more autonomy and the capability for self-rule will democracy in the U.S. flourish.
Reclaiming Democracy: The Case for Direct and Participatory Democracy
The latest post in The Revolution Will Be Televised series
mwayne.substack.com
September 23, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Only a direct and participatory democracy will save the U.S. from autocracy. Right now, the U.S. is ruled by a tyranny of the minority, and only by taking power away from the monied interests and giving citizens more autonomy and the capability for self-rule will democracy in the U.S. flourish.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
The part of the fascism that scares me the most and terrifies me that we're too late is how successful the technofascists have been in getting people to outsource their critical thinking.
September 21, 2025 at 9:37 PM
The part of the fascism that scares me the most and terrifies me that we're too late is how successful the technofascists have been in getting people to outsource their critical thinking.
Jimmy Kimmel has been Stephen Colberted.
September 17, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Jimmy Kimmel has been Stephen Colberted.
Charlie Kirk & right-wingers overall, claim to be champions of free speech. Kirk was free to say all kinds of cruel things, all in name of free speech. But those who state Kirk said horrible things have been fired, suspended, or doxxed.
In other words, Free speech for me, but not for thee.
In other words, Free speech for me, but not for thee.
September 16, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Charlie Kirk & right-wingers overall, claim to be champions of free speech. Kirk was free to say all kinds of cruel things, all in name of free speech. But those who state Kirk said horrible things have been fired, suspended, or doxxed.
In other words, Free speech for me, but not for thee.
In other words, Free speech for me, but not for thee.
Reposted by Michael Wayne
“The most dangerous message you could have is ‘we should all come together and find common ground.’...anytime anyone wants to bring people together, they figure out a way to tar and feather the person.” - Bill Burr
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
September 14, 2025 at 7:34 PM
“The most dangerous message you could have is ‘we should all come together and find common ground.’...anytime anyone wants to bring people together, they figure out a way to tar and feather the person.” - Bill Burr
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...