The Wypoxic family likes to travel. We tend towards outdoorsy-type travel to somewhat out-of-the-way and (hopefully) less-touristed places. Last year, one of the Wypoxic boys suggested we head to Albania. sounded fun - so off we went.
For those of you unfamiliar with Albania it lies between Montenegro to the north, Kosovo and North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south and the aqua-blue Adriatic Sea to the west. It contains rugged and unspoiled mountains, incredible beaches, coastal village and a vibrant culture.
In the recent past, however, Albania was perhaps THE most locked down of the Iron Curtain countries during the Cold War. Ruled with an iron fist by dictator Enver Hoxha for four decades, Albania was the last of the Soviet satellite states to throw of the mantle of repressive rule. Only in 1998 - almost a decade after the Belin Wall fell, did Albania transition to a non-dictatorial, non-communist state. They’re still working on transitioning away from despotism.
Why write about Albania? Because:
Protests in Albania over a proposed luxury resort backed by Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are set to intensify after opponents rejected an offer from the country’s prime minister “to discuss solutions”.
Thousands took to the streets of Tirana for a third straight day on Wednesday, some of them brandishing inflatable flamingos in a nod to feared environmental damage, amid mounting calls for the project to be blocked.
Protests are also planned for the south of the country, where groundwork on the $1.6bn (£1.19bn) complex recently began in an area long seen as one of the Mediterranean’s most environmentally sensitive….
“We’ve never seen anything like this in Albania’s protected regions,” said Trajce. “It’s not just unprecedented, there’s been a complete collapse of rule of law with no consideration of society, no environmental consideration, no contract permits, just bulldozers moving in.”…
This week, Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution body, SPAK, announced it had launched an inquiry into controversial legislative changes adopted in 2024 regarding protected areas…
Closed off for almost 50 years under the iron rule of a regime that banned travel, Albania has become increasingly popular among visitors lured by its natural beauty and affordability.
Seems like the Albanian people don’t seem to want the corruption-based business model that has served - for several generations - as the foundation for the Trump family rapaciousness.
The periodic No Kings rallies have been positive and necessary events. But dare I say, they’ve been too sporadic to place enough pressure on the Trump regime. Perhaps we should take a page from the Albanian people.
And lest we forget, the Georgian people have been protesting an installed pro-Russian regime every single day for the past year and a half. 554 straight days. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
People in the U.S. are not used to having to act as an oppositional, protesting force. We’ve become too high on our own belief in American exceptionalism. Persistent and peacefully disruptive people pressure is one of the few - and perhaps only - non-violent way to effect change against non-democratic regimes. And make no mistake, Trump 2.0 is just that. They may not have been able to complete their takeover just yet, but it’s not for lack of trying.
Once an autocratic regime takes power, dislodging it is extremely difficult and often incredibly painful and violent.
People pressure is The Way.
The Senate just voted to fund ICE through Trump’s term without including any provision in its legislation to preclude Trump for his already illegal attempt to create a $2 billion Insurrectionist Slush Fund. Our elected officials have become complacent and comfortable with corruption. This includes Democratic officials who oppose such corruption but don’t understand - or won’t rise to - the moment.
It’s time to take exercise that provision of the 1st Amendment that protects “…the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
It’s time to take a cue from the Albanians (and Georgians).
Dua Lipa - Break My Heart
