Behind the Economic Blackout

Image via Getty/Nathan Stirk

Following swift executive actions by U.S. President Donald Trump during his newly appointed second term, a nationwide call to action emerged.

Early in February, a man named John Schwarz uploaded a passionate yet harsh video advocating a nationwide boycott of all stores. In it, he asserted that “They [federal and monetary powers] have taken everything away from us while convincing us that we should be grateful for the scraps.” A day earlier, on February 3rd, he had announced the People’s Union USA on social media.

Schwarz continued his calm rant by sending a message to U.S. residents nationwide on February 28th, urging them to avoid shopping at large corporations and opt instead for smaller businesses. He elaborated on the influence billionaires exert over ordinary people and politics, highlighting the ironic lack of power experienced by citizens.

Schwarz, 57, has faced his own legal troubles. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to disseminating voyeuristic material. He has denied all accusations, claiming he pleaded guilty due to the evidence the prosecution team possessed. Since then, his name has been cleared, along with the completion of his sentence, which included five years of probation and 90 days in jail.

The movement's impact has been lackluster. “If you get 5% or 10% of the people that don’t shop, that could happen on any given day because of the rain,” said Marshal Cohen of Circana. Although many expressed support for the movement on social media, the boycott’s results remained disappointing despite the stated cooperation.