If there’s anything we’ve mastered as people of color over centuries of systemic oppression, it’s the art of the clandestine hustle. Nothing like spending 400 years perfecting the craft of slipping through the cracks of institutions that were never designed for us in the first place. It’s practically a cultural heritage at this point, this inherited savvy to access the freedoms casually handed to others. Let’s just tap into that ancestral strategic finesse, shall we?

First I want you to understand what the actual word “subversive” means.

Subversive [adjective]

Seeking or intending to subvert an establishment, institution, or system.

With that you also have to understand the word Nature in this context.

Nature [adjective form]

 being used in adjective form means an inherent quality, feature, or aspect.

When you put the 2 words together you get a descriptive statement “Subversive Nature”.

This usually is a tendency to destroy systems, establishments, or governments.

Ok, now to the grit

Now that we understand the terminology, let’s look at how it applies to our everyday lives. We have to use everything at our disposal to further our resistance when possible. For some the most radical acts of resistance start when deciding on the latte or the espresso in the corporate break room, while for others it’s choosing which cleaners to use before mopping the floor. In a security briefing I learned that the most dangerous person in any facility is the janitor. However by the same token, an executive assistant takes all the notes and does all the dirty work for the “executive” is equally dangerous. 

Both have unlimited access combined with very little vetting, and no one questions what they are doing as long as the have a broom,or a clipboard, So, when you’re not too busy climbing the capitalist ladder or ensuring it’s sparkling clean, take a moment to channel your inner whistleblower. Document everything and relay that information to a reputable source. but do so anonymously so you can remain a viable resource. navigating this labyrinth might get a tad more complex with time, but let’s face it, what’s a revolution without a little inconvenience? After all, you’re not just gathering intelligence; you’re craftily weaving the very fabric of change. Go ahead, be the Rebel Without A Pause.

Know all, trust few.

In this battlefield, information isn’t just good, it’s the freaking gold standard. Leveraging the cracks and crevices of our circumstances to siphon off details, insights, and swaying decisions is the art of war in the modern age. Got someone meddling against your mission? Don’t cower from engaging them, keep your foes close but their secrets closer, drip-feeding them only scraps that won’t trip you up. But remember, this two-way street is lined with mines; they’ll be playing you just the same.

 Here’s a wake-up call: treat your allies with the same calculative coldness. Those cozy chatters willing to spill their guts at the drop of a hat? Yeah, they’re blabbermouths to the enemy too. 

Malcolm Nance (Youtube Channel) and Andrew Bustamante (Youtube Channel) are  former CIA agents who now do freelance reporting and pod casts. I follow them on almost every platform of social media I’m on personally (Which is only 2) while I don’t agree with everything they say, the accuracy of the information they provide is influential, and if you understand nuance, you will understand them clearly.

Never take unwarranted actions or risks

We all know acting recklessly without any thought to consequences is the hallmark of sound strategy. However, If you can’t give a good reason for your actions, probably best to sit this one out, champ as to avoid that dreaded exposure— Keep your moves to what’s absolutely critical, because success is so much more likely when you’re not jumping on every shiny thing like a cat chasing a laser pointer. If things get to hot, just chill. Take up birdwatching, but study the flock you’re trying to blend in with. Eventually you’ll see a risk-free opening, but remember the goal is to protect your secret identity. And if things start to smell fishy, remember, it’s not giving up if you bail—it’s strategically retreating. There’s always another chance around the corner, because life is just brimming with low-risk opportunities.

Be prepared to act and react accordingly and proportionately

Before you take any action, preparation is a necessity. I know, I know – it sounds excessive, but trust me, planning every step down to the letter is critical for success. Allow for some flexibility and variance, sure, but having a basic plan to follow? That will almost always bump up your chances of success. Once you’ve got the patterns and behaviors down, mentally rehearsing will also help you get cozy with executing your plans and spotting where you need to tweak things. Keep in mind acting accordingly proportionately means removing one’s capacity to retaliate in every way shape and form. So what ever actions you take need to be planned out, thought through, and rehearsed, prior to any execution. You must have your resources, supplies, transportation, communication, backup plan and exit strategy in place and readily available to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, so you are ready when opportunities present themselves.

This is your country, do not give it away freely or easily.

For over 400 years, we have been warriors and peacemakers for our country. Imagine! People of color have been the underdogs, the scapegoats, and then risen as unbeatable, world-renowned American heroes. What a rollercoaster! And now, we’re stepping into an incredible era of opportunity.

Right now, folks across the globe are getting it twisted. They think people of color in America are just kicking back, comfortable or indifferent to the whirlwind happening in our homeland. The narrative being spun to them non-stop? It’s a flashy, superficial reel showcasing sexual promiscuity, athletic prowess, entertainment genius, and financial whims—broadcasted so widely, it’s practically drowning us. But let’s clear the air: those facets have their moments of glory, sure. But when that’s all the world sees, it’s no wonder we’re struggling to be taken seriously. And let me tell you, being taken seriously is non-negotiable.

Our every move needs to be strategic, captured, and shared far and wide, with tactful anonymity if needed. And if a plan doesn’t pan out? We play it cool publicly, dive deep into a strategic review behind the scenes, and come back stronger. We’ve seen it before: conservative media flipping the script, turning what should be a setback into a rally cry. They’ve mastered the art of turning the tide in their favor—proof that the right spin can make or break public perception. 

When it comes to reshaping the narrative

It’s time to get crafty—not just in how we change the story directly but in the subtle, everyday choices we make. Perhaps our wallets aren’t overflowing, but we can still be fierce in deciding where to spend our hard-earned cash. Choosing to support businesses that stand with our community isn’t just a statement—it’s a move towards the unity and strength we desperately need. In this pivotal moment, we must set aside old grievances and build bridges. Even a simple partnership, wisely chosen, is a step towards the monumental triumphs we’re aiming for. Let’s rise together, stronger and undeniably united!

He has now led the nation into war with Iran—an action he may initiate unilaterally for 30 days—aligning the United States with escalating violence rather than diplomacy, without meaningful debate, transparency, or regard for public opinion.

This moment demands that we understand the War Powers Resolution of 1973—a law meant to limit exactly this kind of unchecked presidential action. But does it really work?

What Is the War Powers Resolution?

The War Powers Resolution (or War Powers Act) was passed to prevent presidents from dragging the country into war without Congress’s consent. It requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops into conflict.

Once troops are deployed, the President can only keep them there for 60 days without Congress’s approval. After that, the troops must come home unless Congress authorizes continued military action.

Why Isn’t This Law Enough?

In theory, the War Powers Act should protect democracy by ensuring elected representatives decide on war. In practice, presidents from both parties have sidestepped or challenged it.

They delay notifications, use vague language, or claim Commander-in-Chief authority to bypass Congress. Meanwhile, Congress often fails to assert its power.

The result? The President can effectively wage war—like with Iran—without meaningful public debate or approval.

What Are the Real Risks When War Powers Are Enacted?

War is deadly. But beyond that, unchecked executive war powers open doors to greater abuses:

• Suppressing protests
• Limiting due process rights
• Curtailing freedoms of speech and assembly
• Expanding secretive surveillance
• Shutting down communications

These are not hypothetical threats—they are documented realities when emergency powers pile up unchecked.

What Can We Do?

Our democracy depends on transparency, debate, and accountability. We need to demand that:

• Congress immediately assert its constitutional authority to approve or reject military actions.
• The President fully comply with the War Powers Resolution’s notification requirements.
• The public stay informed and vocal—because public opinion matters.

If we stay silent, war powers can become tools for unchecked presidential control—not protection of our security.

The Bottom Line

The War Powers Resolution exists to stop presidents from waging war on a whim. Yet today, it’s failing.

We must hold our leaders accountable before our rights and lives become collateral damage. Understanding the War Powers Act—and demanding Congress enforce it—is essential to rescuing our democracy.

If you want to join the fight for accountability and peace, Join our Storm @ RescueOurDemocracy.com and get involved!

–Shade B.

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It’s my absolute pleasure to introduce a man who has my unwavering respect—not just as a decorated combat veteran, small business owner, and gifted writer, but as my real-life best friend. Shade Burgs is now an official contributor to Rescue Our Democracy (ROD), and I couldn’t be more proud to have his voice join ours.

Born and raised in Iowa, Shade has lived through and stood firm in some of life’s most unrelenting battles—both on the frontlines in service to this country, and right here at home, in the fight for truth, justice, and common sense. His perspective is grounded, unflinching, and always from the heart. He doesn’t write to impress—he writes to challenge, to connect, and to call things exactly as they are.

As a decorated combat veteran, Shade brings a level of lived experience and integrity that cuts through the noise. As a small business owner, he knows the grit it takes to build something real in a system that often seems designed to keep everyday people down. And as a writer, he weaves insight and honesty into every sentence.

Shade’s contributions will be raw, informed, and rooted in a deep love for community and country—not the kind sold on bumper stickers, but the kind that shows up, speaks out, and fights for a better future.

Please join me in welcoming him to the ROD author team. I’m honored to stand beside him.

You can read his first article and all contributions for the world here:

• Violence begets violence and other things to keep in mind
• Subversive Nature
• The President’s War Powers: What You Need to Know Right Now
• Meet Shade Burgs – Author, Veteran, and Lifelong Advocate
• A Box of Spiders

An Opinion piece by Shade Burgs

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Let’s talk about a of a box of spiders.

A lot of people are trying to encourage forgiveness and acceptance for those who now regret voting for Emperor Peach Palpatine. Others are wondering why Black people are sitting comfortably, watching the chaos unfold under the newly elected Turd Reich.

I’ll explain it a little with this:

If someone walks into a room full of people where there’s a box full of spiders, and everyone in the room says, “Hey, don’t open that box—it’s full of spiders,” and they respond with:

“Well, they might not be poisonous.”

Then all the Black people in the room explain in great detail exactly what spiders are in the box, how poisonous they are, and the person replies:

“Well, you don’t know what you’re talking about because you’re Black, so you’re just scared they’ll bite you.”

There’s also a big red sign on the box that reads:
“DO NOT OPEN — CONTAINS POISONOUS SPIDERS.”
But they proceed to open the box anyway—and they get bitten.

Now, everyone scrambles to help. Some people start actively killing spiders, risking getting bitten themselves. Others tend to the wounded, trying to make sure they don’t die. But ultimately, everyone has the same reaction:

“WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT?”

Then, the person starts spinning every excuse imaginable for their actions:
“Spiders eat other bugs,” or they start flexing nonsensical Republican talking points that have no relevance to the situation, like “Technically, there are more spiders on Earth than people,” or even “I didn’t believe there were spiders in the box.”

They’ll say anything to deflect—from the absurd to the irrelevant—because the truth is, they didn’t believe the spiders would bite them, just everyone else.

This happens so often to the Black community and people of color in general that we’re tired of treating wounds and risking bites. We knew they would open the box anyway. It’s time to hold people accountable for their reckless behavior that affects all of us.

White people have continuously opened the box—then blamed everyone and everything else for the spiders they unleash into our lives. And somehow, they spin the consequences into being the responsibility of the very people who told them not to open the damn box in the first place.