Dear Readers,
I have watched with a heavy heart as the United States has slid into becoming an oligarchy such as my country has been. I wish to address the citizens of that nation. I see you have chosen a true oligarch over a mere puppet as your leader. Personally, having dealt with both puppets and oligarchs, I prefer puppets. They have some vestige of humanity left in them.
I see you talk of resistance. Talk is brave and defiant. Talk causes a heady rush of adrenalin. Talk may get you in trouble, and talk by itself will get you nowhere.
If you are serious about resistance, you must have the self-discipline of a martial arts master. You must have focus. You must clearly define your goals. You must seize every opportunity to advance the cause of democracy and social justice.
If you are serious about resistance, you must give up the notion of saving face or retaliating for the wrongs you have suffered. Every action you take must advance your goal. Retaliation and vengeance are side issues that serve only to distract and divert. Keep your eyes on the prize of justice with an equal voice for each and every citizen.
You must avoid the temptation to seek glory for yourself or to follow those who seek attention and glory. In my country the names of those who worked behind the scenes for equality are known to only a few. I know most of the leaders who planned and fought for justice in my country. I know the university professors who drew up the grand plans. I know the street drunks, who kept their eyes open and saved their knowledge until they could whisper it in the ear of someone who could use the information. I know the young women who kept their eyes down and listened patiently then went about avoiding those businesses that exploit their laborers, taking their business to the markets owned by local people who supply goods and services to their own community. I know the old women who watched from windows and whispered their information in the halls until the whole nation was alive with the knowledge of the movement of evil around us.
I also count among my dearest friends members of the power elite, they have done much to bring about justice in my country. My friends have no desire for the fame and glory that comes with leadership, and they know the pitfalls of combining great wealth with political power. I honor their integrity and wisdom in avoiding the seduction of combining wealth and political power.
In The Resistance hierarchical systems of command and power are detrimental to your goal. Every person willing to work for social justice must be included and no small act should be considered as unworthy of recognition. I still remember with chills the day one of the most disreputable citizens of our city brought me the information that led the prosecutors’ office to ultimately arrest the emperor and bring down the injustice of his government. Listen to the street people and the prostitutes. Listen to the students. Listen to the housewives and the laborers. Listen to the servants. These are the invisible people that nobody sees, but together they see and hear much. Together they are the greatest power in the nation. Value the common person.
Value the poets, singers and storytellers. Facts and knowledge are found in the sciences and law. Wisdom is gained through the arts. Wisdom is vital to the success of the resistance. Now is the time to cherish and meditate upon the wisdom of your artists. They will give you the words and direction needed to keep you on course.
Bon Chance, my friends. I will light a candle for your efforts, knowing the security and prosperity of my own country is tied to the level of justice in yours. Above all else, remain humble.
Your Servant
President Jake Jaconovich.