3 — The Political Economy of Protest

Defending Against Fascism — An Audiobook Syllabus · 3:14

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
When crowds gather in the square
With their signs held in the air
Ask yourself who planned this day
Who's behind and who will pay
Some spring up from hearts that burn
Others have a money turn
History shows us both are real
Let's examine what we feel

[Chorus]
Follow the money, trace the flow
NGOs and PACs in tow
Grassroots genuine, astroturf fake
The spectrum bends, make no mistake
Buses rolling, left and right
Manufactured or heartfelt fight
Political economy of protest
Truth requires we know the rest

[Verse 2]
Nineteen sixty-four they came
Freedom Riders played the game
Buses brought them to the South
Truth and justice from their mouth
Fast forward to modern times
Tea Party and Occupy rhymes
Both had funding, both had hearts
Money mixed with passion's arts

[Chorus]
Follow the money, trace the flow
NGOs and PACs in tow
Grassroots genuine, astroturf fake
The spectrum bends, make no mistake
Buses rolling, left and right
Manufactured or heartfelt fight
Political economy of protest
Truth requires we know the rest

[Bridge]
It's not binary, black or white
Movements blend both money's might
And authentic voices rising
Corporate funding, self-organizing
Check the donors, check the grants
See who's pulling movement's pants
But don't dismiss the people's cry
Both can coexist, that's why

[Verse 3]
Professional organizers meet
With volunteers upon the street
Logistics need a money source
But passion drives the movement's force
From Women's March to rallies right
Funding flows both day and night
Smart analysis looks at all
Not just who answers money's call

[Chorus]
Follow the money, trace the flow
NGOs and PACs in tow
Grassroots genuine, astroturf fake
The spectrum bends, make no mistake
Buses rolling, left and right
Manufactured or heartfelt fight
Political economy of protest
Truth requires we know the rest

[Outro]
Question everything you see
Money, motive, mystery
Real and manufactured blend
Think contrarian to the end

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