(My thanks to ActivistGuy for providing the answers to FAQs 1) and 3).)
Talk about a general strike in Wisconsin has been growing over the past few weeks. There have been several diaries about the idea on DailyKos, and the comment threads have revealed that people have a lot of questions about what a general strike is, how it would work in Wisconsin and whether it's a good idea.
We thought this week's Anti-Capitalist Meetup would provide a good opportunity to provide some basic information about the general strike while providing a forum to discuss this old and controversial workers' weapon.
The Questions:
1) Who participates in a general strike?
2) What are the goals of a general strike?
3) Have general strikes been tried in the United States?
4) What kind of preparation is necessary for a general strike?
5) Is a general strike illegal?
6) Won't a general strike offend many people and hurt the Democratic Party?