THE ARMORY
An Open Rebellion requires informed, engaged citizens. This toolkit provides access to non-partisan data, voter resources, tools for media literacy, and further reading to help you research issues independently, understand the political landscape, verify information, and participate effectively in our democracy. Arm yourself with knowledge. Be vigilant. Be involved.
KNOW THE BATTLEFIELD: Data & Trends
Stay informed about public opinion, political attitudes, demographic shifts, and the role of money in politics with these non-partisan resources:
Pew Research Center: A nonpartisan fact tank providing data on public opinion, political attitudes, and demographic trends.
Gallup: Offers historical and current polling data on political attitudes, including party affiliation trends.
U.S. Census Bureau: The primary source for demographic data, including statistics on voting and registration.
OpenSecrets (from the Center for Responsive Politics): Tracks money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy.
Ballotpedia: A digital encyclopedia of American politics, providing neutral information on elections, candidates, and government at all levels.
YOUR WEAPONRY: The Voter Toolkit
Your vote is your power. Use these non-partisan resources to register, check your status, find polling places, research candidates, and understand election rules in your area.
Disclaimer: Election laws and information change frequently. Always verify critical details directly with your official state or local election authority website.
National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS): Provides links to official state election websites. Their voter portal CanIVote.org is a good starting point.
Vote411.org (League of Women Voters Education Fund): Comprehensive election information, voter registration checks, ballot previews, and candidate info.
FairVote: Information on voting methods like Ranked Choice Voting (RCV).
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL): Tracks state laws on election topics, including Voter ID.
Vote Smart: Factual, unbiased information on candidates and elected officials, including voting records and issue positions.
DETECTING PROPAGANDA: Media Literacy Tools
The Ruling Parties thrive on manipulated narratives and media echo chambers. Sharpen your critical thinking skills and learn to identify bias with these tools:
AllSides: Shows news coverage from different political perspectives (Left, Center, Right) side-by-side.
Ad Fontes Media: Provides media bias charts rating news sources for reliability and bias.
FactCheck.org: A non-partisan fact-checking website.
PolitiFact.com: Another non-partisan fact-checking website.
ADVANCED STRATEGY: Evidence & Further Reading
For those wishing to explore the themes of "Open Rebellion" in greater detail, this section provides links to some of the supporting evidence cited in the book and suggests further reading. We encourage your own independent research and continued learning.
Supporting Evidence for Open Rebellion
Independent Voters as the Largest Bloc: Gallup polling data consistently shows registered Independents as the largest or fastest-growing political bloc in the U.S.
Impact of Citizens United v. FEC Decision: This Supreme Court ruling significantly altered campaign finance rules.
Time Spent Fundraising by Members of Congress: Reports indicate elected officials often spend a substantial portion of their time on fundraising activities.
Further Reading & Organizations
Washington's Farewell Address by George Washington
The Politics Industry by Katherine M. Gehl and Michael E. Porter
Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop by Lee Drutman
Why We're Polarized by Ezra Klein
Democracy May Not Exist, but We'll Miss It When It's Gone by Astra Taylor
Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam
Empowerment begins with information. Use these resources wisely, share them widely, and continue your journey as an informed, independent American.