Rachel Maddow: Why protesting against authoritarians matters

Importance of Protest in Authoritarian Systems - Protest is crucial for maintaining sanity and exercising rights, which authoritarian leaders aim to suppress [1][2] - Protests challenge the image of authoritarian leaders as all-powerful, highlighting their dependence on others [3][4] - Public pressure through protest can influence companies and institutions to resist authoritarian demands, impacting their reputation and bottom line [7][9][10] Impact on Corporate Behavior - Companies face reputational and financial risks when aligning with authoritarian actions against public interest and American values [10] - Public scrutiny and potential boycotts can deter companies from participating in actions like deportation flights [9] - Corporations should be aware of the potential cost to their reputation when they act against American values [10] Examples of Resistance - The public reaction against Trump's immigration policies in Chicago demonstrates the potential for large-scale community resistance [12] - Maryland's governor faces public accountability regarding contracts with companies involved in controversial activities [11]