"Those who call for a new post-liberal order want to “reconquer public institutions all over the United States,” as Christopher Rufo put it after Florida governor Ron DeSantis appointed him to the board of New College as part of a mission to turn the progressive school into a right-wing bastion. “If we can take this high-risk, high-rewar…
"Those who call for a new post-liberal order want to “reconquer public institutions all over the United States,” as Christopher Rufo put it after Florida governor Ron DeSantis appointed him to the board of New College as part of a mission to turn the progressive school into a right-wing bastion. “If we can take this high-risk, high-reward gambit and turn it into a victory,” Rufo told Michelle Goldberg of the New York Times, “we’re going to see conservative state legislators starting to reconquer public institutions all over the United States.”"
This is the key strategy that the post-liberals have adopted and it starts with local elections at the lowest level--the town councils and local school boards all over American. It is where the fight against them needs to be fought--and it is where and how we need to fight for and defend our Democracy.
Lots of us followers of Heather have struggled with how best to make a difference. It just requires that you go to these meetings and speak to show support, to get to know your local candidates and support those who understand what is at stake.
Heather has given us lots of ammunition to use--clear and cogent explanations of what is happening and why it matters and how the post liberal white Christian nationalism threatens democracy.
"It just requires that you go to these meetings and speak to show support, to get to know your local candidates and support those who understand what is at stake."
Join/support your local political town committee and get on the ballot yourself.
Small towns especially have elected boards and committees of ordinary, unpaid citizens who have a lot to say about what goes on. Planning and Zoning, Inland Wetlands, finance, school boards, historic districts, Arts Commissions, and so on are places where good people can make a real difference. In a participatory democracy, these are the places where the rubber meets the road.
And, if you do run for office, be prepared to win. My Town Democratic Committee asked me to run for Zoning Commission. I agreed only because I was sure I wouldn't get elected. I did two six year terms.
Could not agree more. I love your inclusive list. You nailed many of the places of local control over the big issues we are facing in this country today. If you want to live in a more inclusive community get involved in planning and zoning. Planning and zoning and wetlands if your are interested in the environment. School boards if you want to see a more truthful telling of history, teaching of civics and sex education, stopping book banning, ending LBGTQ+ discrimination, support for teachers and unions. Town finance meetings to ensure fair pay for township employees and to see the pros and cons with tax breaks for corporations and developers.
We’re about to have school board elections and it’s never been so crucial! In the district where I teach, our school board just left the state school board association! I didn’t even know you could do that! They said the curriculum under the state association was too woke, encouraged teaching CRT, indoctrination, and wasn’t conservative enough! I can’t vote there but facing the same thing where I live. I don’t know what I’m going to do now! We’re diving into some crazy stuff! Lack of funding, the district developing its own curriculum! People have to get involved, know the candidates and vote!
Barbara, vote in primaries and attend township meetings in an area which interests you. And regularly visit your municipality’s website to what’s going on.
If there is a local Democratic club, join it to learn the ropes. One last point: Don’t expect rapid, magical change. Be prepared for a marathon.
I would be cautious on relying too too much on party affiliation at local level. There are lots of libertarians infiltrating democratic parties in certain regions and municipalities, such as it is in NH where we have "Independent" voters. The best approach may be to articulate your point, stand on facts, and challenge people on facts, not opinions or party affiliation. Editing to include another thought: highlight the principles you stand for.
Meet your city leaders by joining Rotary or Kiwanis (or other community groups) and join your Chamber of Commerce if you are a local business or non-profit. Go to all City Council meetings and pick one or two things you care about. Apply for city or county committees like Human Affairs or Recreation or Planning or Environmental Policy. Meet your City Council members so they know you by name. School Board is also a good choice if you have kids in that district (People without kids in that school should not be making decisions about them).
Maybe people without kids should stop paying taxes to support the schools? "Public" means "public." It means we all have a stake in the education of young people, even those of us who don't have kids.
Part of the problem now is parents trying to micromanage what their kids are taught. If they want to do that, they should home-school or find a private school whose beliefs match their own.
I am always glad, as a teacher, to collaborate with engaged parents. At the same time I notice that parents, even former teachers, when advocating for their children, aren't often able to see a situation with the whole picture/group in mind. Teacher confidentiality protocol does not allow for discussion of students, so no one but school professionals really knows anything but hearsay. Parents tend to advocate for their own children. Under these circumstances, parents should not be directing school policy in a public institution. They should be supporting the system by seeing to it that their children are staying engaged, and showing up for parent engagement activities.
In the public school system, a variety of perspectives must be taught with the lessons of critical thinking given to allow students to investigate, understand, compare, contrast, think and draw their own conclusions. We shouldn't be teaching fear of awareness, but how to view a subject through an open minded lens.
I disagree with your last sentence. I have kids and grandkids and the benefit of experience and wisdom—sometimes younger people ask me for advice, which surprises me until I start talking and realize I have some good advice.
Of course you have good advice. You can be an advisor to a local youth group or join a committee that gives out scholarships and leadership opportunities to local kids and teens.
I think the school board issues are getting ugly and might calm down if only current parents were involved. But I really don’t know because it’s just too sad. I was asked about my position on CRT when applying for a city Human Affairs Committee which is totally out of line. I just work with at risk kids and teach them arts and crafts.
It is important for seniors to be at school board meetings, and retired teachers. We absolutely can see the changes that are happening; have happened. That insight helps. People who live outside the District should not be there.
School board meetings, like all government meetings, should be open to all, including the press. It's customary to go into "executive session" (meaning closed to non-members) when personnel or legal matters are discussed, but other than that -- the meetings should be open.
Isn't there a system that's inclusive of the school districts? It would seem to be folly to ignore what is going on in a neighboring district or, indeed, in any district where there is trouble brewing.
Fortunately, we have a local groups and people who are paying attention and let people know what is going on. School Board elections are coming up and thankfully we have some good people running against the wing nuts. In other local school happenings, we have a couple friends who teach in a town a few mile north of us. They thought they were getting a good super when they hired the guy who had stood up against a wing nut school board (which recently lost in court), but he turned out to be an autocrat and when we talked to them, they were close to a strike. One of my ex-colleagues (who claimed at his interview for a teaching position that there was no history he didn't know much to our amusement) is now super of a rather large district who got rid of their inclusive super. I would love to know what this all-knowing one is actually doing there.
Barbara, while I have nothing to boast about, and I blame reluctance to be an activist on illness, I have found a bit of joy in supporting "my" candidates. Of course that means a few dollars' donations, but also an occasional email or letter to the candidate to thank them for their dedication or a particular focus or piece of legislation that I like. You would be surprised how rare that is for the candidate or official and they often respond with thanks.
Something as simple as a letter to the editor on behalf of a favorite, or a yard sign in my apartment window...I recently tied a sign to the back of my wheelchair...however small, still offers support. In addition, I've carried petitions to get a candidate's name on the ballot and I've organized a meeting for the candidate to speak to a small gathering in the building where I live. I've found such activities to be rewarding for them and me.
Last but not least, sometimes offering to help the candidate's aide is also welcome. Just saying you will deliver a half dozen yard signs to like-minded friends is really helpful. All these are small potatoes, but the ground floor for democracy.
I hear you. Sometimes the best I can do is $5 to a Candidate, making some calls etc.. I need to get back in the habit of writing our Legislators. Great idea on writing to the Candidates.
Join your local municipal committee, they exist in every state. Join you country committee. You will be informed well in advance of any laws being passed by your legislature that will not be beneficial to you. The GOP took over this country by taking over state governments. The Democrats now have to do the same thing.
In texas, there are county commissioners, city council members, neighborhood associations, business management zones and more. I joined a local volunteer group focused on trails and non-motorized transportation and get to talk to representatives from all these various offices. The focus of calm conversations are practical and not political, and political policy can be quietly influenced this way. I also know for whom uI should vote in the next election.
I also answer my front door to canvasers and engage. They're always looking for volunteers, though that type of involvement isn't my cup of tea.
Another important key to preserving and enhancing our Democracy both at the local level and at the Congressional/Presidential level is to concentrate on NONPARTISAN voter registration of potential young voters. The future is about them! WE should take an active role in encouraging THEM in a meaningful way to register and vote, as I will explain HOW in a minute. Why they should be engaged as voters--for example-- is to preserve reproductive rights and instituting really effective local control of assault weapons to save the lives of 9 year olds, as well as the rest of us! YOU can directly help achieve such a result in competitive elections in more than 2,000 localities by going to www.turnup.us/ and contributing with a tax-deductible charitable contribution to amazing Harvard students who are successfully working hard to organize thousands of high school voter registration drives and "relational" registration in key states! This is the most effective youth voter registration effort I have ever seen and I have been at it for seven years with my foundation "Inspire2Vote" in key states all over the country. Inspire2Vote just registered a week or so ago our 102,000th high school student in Iowa! But www.turnup.us/ will be, far more effective with their local student voter reg drives. Please look them up and give them a helping hand to help save our Democracy! Thank you!
Go alone if you have to, but bring a friend if you can. Go to listen. Go to absorb the feelings of the participants. Try to understand the motivations of those there. See if you have something positive and constructive to add. Ask questions. Take notes. Go home and think about what you learned. Don't go in with the point of view that you're going to right the boat in that first meeting. Go in to be part of the conversation. We can cross the great divide with a bridge of civility and respect. Panic, hate, anger are communicable disease. Calm, understanding, curiosity are public health. Choose your path well, our society depends upon it.
I absolutely agree. There are lots of other opportunities for people in their communities to engage and start conversations about in their communities common interests that are not political. Community gardens, emergency services, local volunteer fire companies, senior volunteers, kids robotics clubs. We've been terribly siloes over the past 3 years because of covid.
"It just requires that you go to these meetings and speak to show support, to get to know your local candidates and support those who understand what is at stake."
I sure wish it were that easy. I have gone to and participated in meetings galore, served several times in local politics where I had a "microphone", written letters, etc. I happen to live in a liberal democratic state (and therefore "preaching to the choir") which does have a number of pockets of trump supporters. Regardless of my (or other like-minded residents) efforts and participation, the national psyche has continued to move further away from the ideals of a benevolent and inclusive democracy. Board by board, town by town, city by city, state by state large swaths of the country have continued to move to extreme conservatism with "Christianity" as a political overlay.
The people who lack understanding of what is at stake don't read Heather's Letters and have absolutely no intellectual curiosity or desire to learn or change. They don't get it and don't want to. They are not inherently bad people, but their choice of elected officials certainly is, and they refuse to see the consequences. As an "old" psych major, there is a type of "group think" that fosters cults and aberrant mass behavior that is inherently illogical and dangerous. A so-called "charismatic leader" drives home fear, hate, misinformation, and meaningless empty promises to gain control.
I certainly don't profess to have any solutions. However, with a lifetime of observations as well as a student of history, there is strong evidence that these complicated situations do not change without massive protests/strikes and/or violence.
Janet, there is stronger evidence that violence only begets violence and makes it harder for people to begin the collaboration that leads to healing. Heather and many others have spoken to this, and history shows that violence is counterproductive. I do agree that peaceful protests and strikes are useful and appropriate tools to call attention to critical issues or wrongs. But the moment we introduce violence, things start falling apart. That is one lesson we can learn from what happened to the Republicans following Jan 6.
I certainly don't think violence is preferred and I don't advocate for it, but we have been voting, we have peaceful demonstrations (tens of millions of women peacefully marched in January 2017 and the dial didn't move at all - in fact women lost big time with the repeal of Roe v Wade at the SCOTUS/political level), we participate in local government (at least I have), I've supported and been an advocate of gun control starting with the Brady Bill and now we have two mass shootings a day where children (and adults) are blown to pieces and the number of assault weapons in the hands of civilians is close to tens of millions of the 400 MILLION guns out there (and all we hear is crickets on change because of the 2nd Amendment), we have lunatics in congress who actually have power, and a SCOTUS that has a strangle hold on the rights of people in an entire nation. We spend $billions/$trillions in weaponry around the world to "save" democracy because words don't stop the demonic dictators from invading. Domestically words alone didn't work for our split from England, nor the end of slavery, civil rights, Vietnam, etc. And pieces of paper/words for restraining orders and "common sense gun laws" do nothing when anyone can actually get/3-D print a gun.
I'm all for peaceful protests but they have to be big and long enough to make a real economic impact as a hit to peoples' wallets seems to be the only thing people recognize. As Jack Bauer would say in the show "24", "shut it down, Chloe!"
Look at the violence of Republicans , calling out Mr Bragg for doing his job.
The violent words of Mc Carthy who sold out to Maga orders so he could be Speaker. Stefanik who found her niche in hate and threatens payback to those who don’t pay homage “to her “( I mean DJTs nobility) .
There is no Christianity in any of this . Its a blatant violation of any godlike principles.
Local elections are more important than federal. State elections are the most important. Why we no longer teach civics in schools is to dumb down the public, and it has worked.
Schools across NY State received threats from unknown sources this past week warning them to get rid of a certain "gay" themed book from their libraries. The first school system, Hilton Central, experienced 3 bomb threats. EDITED: I inadvertently added information I couldn't verify. The actual number of schools that received threatening emails was 20, according to a statement Gov. Hochul made last week.
Hilton has bowed to the threats and its school board has voted to "review" the book. They just showed the terrorists that bomb threats are legitimate political dialogue.
Marycat2021, I would like to copy and use your post of FB. I think it is important for as many people as possible to know that we are under attack by the right. May I use your post?
They are a force and have local chapters throughout the country, and what better motivation than preventing the slaughter of our most precious resource?
Georgia, Observing that Democrats, historically, have focused largely on federal elections, I find your comment immeasurably timely. Fortunately, I sense Democrats increasingly understand they have to start mobilizing at the state and local levels, out-organizing Republicans, who ruthlessly, for some time, have been organizing to fill state and local positions with their own people.
Barbara, As someone who follows virtually every battleground state, particularly when a trifecta or triplex is at stake, I’m well aware of the State gains, particularly in 22. Still Republicans have an undue advantage because of their laser-focus over decades of state and local elections.
.." Democrats, historically, have focused largely on federal elections..." comment by Krieger. Hence my response.
We have an opportunity in this comments forum. Many commenters are new, some are trolls. We can deliberately share the wealth of activism experience (such as your experience) to counter what I see as the effort to spread dystopian fear and hopelessness. Share your wisdom and knowledge Barbara Jo.
Barbara, My opening statement, which, by the way, is accurate, was the means I chose to amplify the immeasurable timeliness of Georgia’s comment. My follow-up sentence, you will note, amplified Democrat’s increasing understanding of the importance of defending democracy at the state and local levels.
As for you imploring me to “[s]hare [my]…wisdom and knowledge,” I would note I take great care only to post when I believe I have something meaningful to contribute.
For 40 years. The R's have been strategically targeting low-level (soft targets) power centers -- esp. school boards -- to help their candidates gain political experience before they move up the "political food chain." While there, they started to radicalize curriculum toward arch-conservative tenets (eg: creationism required in science courses alongside evolutionism - KS State School Boards). We were asleep at the wheel, my friends.
Sheila, While I would not dispute the undue advantages you reference, nor would I underestimate the engagement, the energy, the caring, and the work of thousands of Democratic grassroots organizations supported by tens of millions of activists largely targeting battleground states plus every demographic nationwide, save the MAGA base that I understand is receding.
Good additions, Barbara Jo. My point is that we have a lot of ground to catch up, and the R's are decades ahead of us. All is not lost, but we D's must get with a strategic program.
Jon, While your comment is not addressed to me, I expect you and Georgia likely don’t share the same understanding of the term “post-liberals,” whose meaning in much of the literature is blurred with “right wing post liberal populism” or “illiberal populism” or even “Putinist Populism.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t recall HCR’s LFAA defining the term.
Roxanna, No need to apologize. Your reply amplifies the point of my comment—namely that no intelligent, reasoned discussion can proceed if we don’t take great care to establish our way of understanding a particular term or issue, our way of describing or defining it.
GEORGIA FISANICK - Yes, indeed... our Democracy is threatened by White Supremacy in the intolerance of Rep. Elise Stefanik, the elected Representative from my district in the Adirondacks... our Town of Essex Board is an example, our County Board of Supervisors is an example... Fascists rule. The Democratic Party cannot seem to find a candidate that speaks English to the poorly educated whites of our pathetic population that surrounds us at Lewis Family Farm... READ PALLADIUM MAGAZINE ON ME. THE MOST RECENT ISSUE IS ON LINE - WITH A MOVIE... FOUR COLLEGE BOYS CAME AND LEARNED... OUR LOCAL NEWSPAPERS WILL NOT COVER WHAT’S HAPPENING TO LOCAL LIVESTOCK. OUR LOCAL DVMs have joined the nation’s DVMs to poison the livestock to make money... the Palladium Magazine piece is in final edit and will take another week or so - then will be printed in the next issue.. costing $50 when mailed.
I just finished reading the article. Amazing... I want everyone to take the time reading it... and I want to learn what more I might able to do to help! I ofter notice the packages in our meta departments that are labeled 'no antibiotics'. I had no idea... How things have gotten so to of control! How can one inspire people to read what is really important! This needs to be circulated widely.... My grandfather was a farmer, small time, in Dubuque. We lived in Chicago and would visit the farm for a couple of weeks every summer. My Mother was the second youngest of 8 kids, and she grew up milking cows, and cleaning the hen house (outdoor plumbing for. many years!). I can't imagine that these antibiotics were widely used then, but I could be mistaken... (she was born in 1914 and there was at least 10 years between her and her oldest sibling... Visiting the farm was so blissful! Thank you for all the work yo have done this far. And the photographs of your farm are beyond lovely. Maybe some day I will have the opportunity to visit... I would love to photograph you and your farm, and write about you and your work. The world needs to know! Thank you again!
Antibiotics were created in the pre-war period as injections. Pill form arrived c. 1950. That was the beginning of trouble. Livestock were fed antibiotics in a growing pattern for decades. This continues. If you visit the Tractors & Supply cash register, two types of chicken feed is sold there. The large bag and the small far more expensive - may be clean of antibiotics. The cheating and lying starts there.
10,000 thank yous!!!! Finally, someone with the power & wisdom to address the 'elephant in the room!' I am a fam doc who practices in 'feedlot city' aka Southern, Alberta. Since I was a resident in the 1990s physicians (over prescribing) have always been chastized as the cause for our prob w antibiotic resistance. The media never seemed to question the impact of factory farmining as the primary driver, even when feedlot runoff was repeatedly causing ecoli outbreaks & death, avian flu from pig farms, etc. Anyway, thank u so much for doing such great work although I can't fathom the meat industry in my province ever abandoning their cash cows, chickens & pigs. None of these creatures should be readied for slaughter in confined lots which are filthy petrie dishes for disease. Your dream farm is a critical beginning. Again I cannot thank you enough for this work & your tenacity & passion to 'right a harmful wrong' which affects us all.
First of all, I am very happy to see you back. You have been missed and it has been discussed a few times in the letters recently. I confess I was concerned enough that I googled to see if you had passed! Glad to see you alive and well.
In my career, I worked in the lab of a major medical facility in Chicago. A few years before I retired, they started a fecal transplant program. I didn't enjoy the smell that permeated the lab when they came down to prep the solution in the lab, but I very much enjoyed talking with the GI docs. For treating C. Diff, one called the transplants "a miracle." And you know, prior to that, they treated C. Diff with antibiotics, with much less success!
Their conversations, and that of articles I read regarding obesity, inspired me to add probiotic supplements to my diet. I was obese. I had dieted many times, very strictly, with little success. I did cut as many refined carbs as I could. I lost 55 pounds. Then I retired, pandemic started, and I got a horribly abscessed tooth. And I started gaining back weight. Since 2018, I've been prescribed antibiotics about 7-8 times. (I am NOT one to take them for no good reason! I even insisted when I had abdominal surgery that they NOT remove my appendix!) Funny that in this time, I am behaving the same, eating the same, but have gained 20 pounds back. :(
I have tried with little success, even with upping my activity levels using a tracker and charting my gym/personal trainer visits. I have cut out all sweets and again, stopped the diet soda, all soda actually. (I believe those sweeteners are more likely to cause weight gain than sugar, but boy are they addictive! And our culture has indoctrinated our brains to believe that we should go for those zero calorie products!!)
I also have a grandchild on the autism spectrum, so this story hit home on so many levels!! After reading, I have forwarded the link to over a dozen people.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this link! And please don't stay away as so many of us value your perspective on the issues discussed here.
A truly excellent endocrinologist might help. The best at BIDMC is Johanna Antonia Pallotta MD. She’s in her 80s. Thyroid illnesses plague many. I know. She is treating me.
Enlightening and simultaneously frightening to learn about the disastrous consequences of antibiotics overuse. Sad to know this drug, originally designed for and thought to be life-saving, could be at the root of so much pain and loss. I have been personally curious for some time now about the meteoric rise of auto-immune diseases that have/are destroying so many lives. Reading about this pharmaceutical “link” supports my long-held belief that finding the “cause” of any single auto-immune disease will swiftly bring about the eradication of all types. Thank you for sharing this article.
Thank you for the gift of this amazing piece and your tenacity in fighting this scourge. I’m forwarding this to my four daughters, all of whom have developed autoimmune problems and my grandson on the spectrum. You have been missed on LFAA.
Jack Lippman, I was born in Manhattan New York on Friday, January 27, 1939. Members of the House of Representatives run every two years to maintain seniority in the House and to rise in Committee assignments. Voters elect younger members over older for potential for longevity.
Thank you for sharing the link, Sandy. And more importantly thank you for asking important questions about the damage being caused by the over use of antibiotics, and for your efforts to bring about changes.
Thank you for sharing this. I may reach out to you with our family's story. It had consumed me 15-20 years ago. The "you are talking crazy" factor and life beat it out of us. I am now going to revisit.
It's good to see you here again, Sandy. I missed you and worried about you. I had a nice vacation, but missed the forum, so came back. Also decided I have things that need to be said. And so do you.
"The Democratic Party cannot seem to find a candidate that speaks English to the poorly educated whites of our pathetic population that surrounds us at Lewis Family Farm."
Good day S B, I also am in the turncoat's district, and am reminded that she ran as a moderate from a district she did not live in, near Saratoga I think, and became what she is soon after. Harvie too.
But the reason I reply is to address your comment I quoted; I wonder why you think the Dems can't communicate with the locals. I have my own ideas, but I would like to hear yours.
Single Elise Stefanik claimed Willsboro Point as her residence. Her Plywood seller father owns a summer camp on the point. Many up here are the Black, Hispanic and Jew hating racists of The North Country. The National Bank president is one of them, was valedictorian of his class at Princeton University, denied partnership at Sullivan & Cromwell for his arrogance.
Thank you sir for your reply. I am reading the Palladium article with interest, since I have tried to research the reasons why a farmer tends to be unwilling to accept new methods. "Accepted practice" doesn't really explain the concept for me, but "herd mentality" comes close. Your experience with the Cornell Vet program is an example. Maybe the Dem candidate who has difficulty communicating isn't viewed as a member of the herd. Here in the Eastern Lake Ontario region the same problems are found.
Tetracycline misuse in livestock to address anaplasmosis is deadly to birds and to us. Kills insect food in the soil. Distressing gut microbial system in livestock and consumers. This creates emotional instability in beef and our young males. The beef will attack farmers addressing their newborn calves. The human teen male get depressed and become suicidal.. generating suicide by cop stuff.
Sandy, these are precisely some of the issues I worked on during my professional career as well as before and after. My work was with the larger ag community, as well as the agencies and corporations. Challenging, sometimes scary. But at the same time, because of the way I set up how I worked with that varied community, I got to know the members of it who stood up to share their concerns about the use of chemicals and worked to help redirect research and policy. Some remarkable successes, but lots still to do: while the movement to soil and water health has grown stronger, the die-hards are pig-headed about not changing, and just dig in, funded by those whose greed created this situation in the first place. This dynamic has become part of the culture in parts of our country. I am distressed by the emphasis on "organic food" as the goal. It is a result of the process, but the point is recreating ways of producing food that does not contaminate everything else, with some of the consequences being the very things you mention.
How many of the diehards are either foreign-owned corporations, or employees of same, and what would be their motivation to protect those affected by excessive antibiotic use apart from profit? I just realized that "anti biotic" has the tragic result built into its name.
I just read the article. Absolutely fascinating and understandable, even for this English major. Two things: keep raising hell and maybe we should have a Heather Cox Richardson fan club convention on your farm!
Great article Sandy. While my mother pushed antibiotics on me like aspirin when I was a kid I thought being cautious in their use was wise in light of the resistance issue. I’d no idea how prevalent the use of antibiotics in our food system had become, nor their human systemic effect. I’ll be changing my habits. Super work you’re supporting. ❤️
This - running for every government office in order to take over and undermine government - has been the winning strategy since Ralph Reed put the religious right into bed with Ronald Reagan. I think the term we want is clerical fascism.
Yes! Thank you. The Lewis Powell memo set up the systematic takeover of our nation by the corporate oligarchy. They have a 50-year track record of success for us believers in separation of church and state, rule of law, corporations as legal entities and not as people, for us to counter.
Their work has been methodical and destructive. Only by countering with our own strategy of being everywhere all the time all at once, and giving people an understating of why this matters -- without going into what the other side says -- will it all work. At least that’s what I believe.
The reason we must care and make this effort is our children. Our common love for our children. The oligarchic right has sold out to the NRA. Our nation isn’t safe. Our children are dying of gunshot wounds by war-grade weapons used by people who, if we banned assault rifles and did legitimate background checks, couldn’t get their hands on these weapons of immediate proximate mass destruction.
We have failed because we allowed those in power to gauge our success as a nation by our Gross Domestic Product instead of by the happiness and well-being of our people.
We suck at joy because we live in systematically induced poverty, inequity, racism, lack, greed, comparison, TRAUMA. Homelessness, domestic violence, devaluing our children (Arkansas Gov signing new child labor legislation weakening restrictions on child labor so teens who should be going to school and getting proper rest are instead pulling shifts at dangerous meat-packing plants!) and sending hundreds of thousands of Black and Brown men to prisons where they are unavailable for their families and are a new form of enslaved person as the corporate prison scheme makes millions off of keeping them locked up in their privatized prison systems that should be illegal.
All of this fuels generational trauma, insecure attachment, our people living in a perpetual state of survival and flight,fight, freeze. This makes us easy to manipulate.
We must break this cycle with the truth that safe, stable, nurturing environments are the antidote. Supporting pregnant and parenting families is paramount. Home nurse visits are an investment with a tremendous ROI. I believe it is about $8 for every dollar invested to help mothers and babies bond. This cuts child abuse and teen pregnancy and crime rates because kids have the strong brain and character building experiences that literally wire their brains for better outcomes.
“we’re going to see conservative state legislators starting to reconquer public institutions all over the United States.”. . . "Reconquer public institutions" should be raising the hair on the backs of every neck. Control the narrative, control the outcome. The Rufos of our world want to control how one thinks, what one does; how one believes. That is right out of the fascist playbook.
It has become defeating. I know the majority is people who are like minded on this page. Unfortunately, there is a rather large group who have chosen to just block it out, say nothing. I am holding onto hope that the next election to save us from the extreme right.
And don’t forget Tending To Democracy, https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-to-Democracy. This giving circle was started by a group of us who met here and raised some serious money for the last election. We welcome you to join us and bring your friends. The more the merrier❗️
It's hard to believe "they" have gained so much ground while I have been complacent. That is to say, I never could have imagined such an ignorant an loosely organized cabal gaining so much traction. While I was busy fighting for an end to racism and misogyny, and I thought a medical perspective about abortion would be safe from religious repression...all the things I've fought for... I never saw it coming.
To some degree, I fault the media. Too much of the media shoots for ratings often secured by intentional hyperbole. And, then of course, there is FOX which is a lying machine. I doubt you have been complacent. Each of us has only so much energy and only so much time where we can capture what is critical at any one point in time.
"Those who call for a new post-liberal order want to “reconquer public institutions all over the United States,” as Christopher Rufo put it after Florida governor Ron DeSantis appointed him to the board of New College as part of a mission to turn the progressive school into a right-wing bastion. “If we can take this high-risk, high-reward gambit and turn it into a victory,” Rufo told Michelle Goldberg of the New York Times, “we’re going to see conservative state legislators starting to reconquer public institutions all over the United States.”"
This is the key strategy that the post-liberals have adopted and it starts with local elections at the lowest level--the town councils and local school boards all over American. It is where the fight against them needs to be fought--and it is where and how we need to fight for and defend our Democracy.
Lots of us followers of Heather have struggled with how best to make a difference. It just requires that you go to these meetings and speak to show support, to get to know your local candidates and support those who understand what is at stake.
Heather has given us lots of ammunition to use--clear and cogent explanations of what is happening and why it matters and how the post liberal white Christian nationalism threatens democracy.
"It just requires that you go to these meetings and speak to show support, to get to know your local candidates and support those who understand what is at stake."
Join/support your local political town committee and get on the ballot yourself.
Small towns especially have elected boards and committees of ordinary, unpaid citizens who have a lot to say about what goes on. Planning and Zoning, Inland Wetlands, finance, school boards, historic districts, Arts Commissions, and so on are places where good people can make a real difference. In a participatory democracy, these are the places where the rubber meets the road.
And, if you do run for office, be prepared to win. My Town Democratic Committee asked me to run for Zoning Commission. I agreed only because I was sure I wouldn't get elected. I did two six year terms.
Could not agree more. I love your inclusive list. You nailed many of the places of local control over the big issues we are facing in this country today. If you want to live in a more inclusive community get involved in planning and zoning. Planning and zoning and wetlands if your are interested in the environment. School boards if you want to see a more truthful telling of history, teaching of civics and sex education, stopping book banning, ending LBGTQ+ discrimination, support for teachers and unions. Town finance meetings to ensure fair pay for township employees and to see the pros and cons with tax breaks for corporations and developers.
We’re about to have school board elections and it’s never been so crucial! In the district where I teach, our school board just left the state school board association! I didn’t even know you could do that! They said the curriculum under the state association was too woke, encouraged teaching CRT, indoctrination, and wasn’t conservative enough! I can’t vote there but facing the same thing where I live. I don’t know what I’m going to do now! We’re diving into some crazy stuff! Lack of funding, the district developing its own curriculum! People have to get involved, know the candidates and vote!
How can people get involved? Got any tips for folks?
Barbara, vote in primaries and attend township meetings in an area which interests you. And regularly visit your municipality’s website to what’s going on.
If there is a local Democratic club, join it to learn the ropes. One last point: Don’t expect rapid, magical change. Be prepared for a marathon.
I would be cautious on relying too too much on party affiliation at local level. There are lots of libertarians infiltrating democratic parties in certain regions and municipalities, such as it is in NH where we have "Independent" voters. The best approach may be to articulate your point, stand on facts, and challenge people on facts, not opinions or party affiliation. Editing to include another thought: highlight the principles you stand for.
Thank You. I already knew this, but it is important to mention HOW to get involved when telling people TO get involved.
Meet your city leaders by joining Rotary or Kiwanis (or other community groups) and join your Chamber of Commerce if you are a local business or non-profit. Go to all City Council meetings and pick one or two things you care about. Apply for city or county committees like Human Affairs or Recreation or Planning or Environmental Policy. Meet your City Council members so they know you by name. School Board is also a good choice if you have kids in that district (People without kids in that school should not be making decisions about them).
And, volunteer volunteer volunteer!
Maybe people without kids should stop paying taxes to support the schools? "Public" means "public." It means we all have a stake in the education of young people, even those of us who don't have kids.
Part of the problem now is parents trying to micromanage what their kids are taught. If they want to do that, they should home-school or find a private school whose beliefs match their own.
I am always glad, as a teacher, to collaborate with engaged parents. At the same time I notice that parents, even former teachers, when advocating for their children, aren't often able to see a situation with the whole picture/group in mind. Teacher confidentiality protocol does not allow for discussion of students, so no one but school professionals really knows anything but hearsay. Parents tend to advocate for their own children. Under these circumstances, parents should not be directing school policy in a public institution. They should be supporting the system by seeing to it that their children are staying engaged, and showing up for parent engagement activities.
In the public school system, a variety of perspectives must be taught with the lessons of critical thinking given to allow students to investigate, understand, compare, contrast, think and draw their own conclusions. We shouldn't be teaching fear of awareness, but how to view a subject through an open minded lens.
Very well said. Thank you.
We actually had a board member and one of our teachers demand what they both knew was nonsense and it didn't happen thankfully.
thankfully...
there are those, demanding and full of fear.....talking those off the ledge...and listening is all we can do.
I have no children in the school system. I am glad to pay taxes. Do we want an educated Society or not?
I disagree with your last sentence. I have kids and grandkids and the benefit of experience and wisdom—sometimes younger people ask me for advice, which surprises me until I start talking and realize I have some good advice.
Of course you have good advice. You can be an advisor to a local youth group or join a committee that gives out scholarships and leadership opportunities to local kids and teens.
I think the school board issues are getting ugly and might calm down if only current parents were involved. But I really don’t know because it’s just too sad. I was asked about my position on CRT when applying for a city Human Affairs Committee which is totally out of line. I just work with at risk kids and teach them arts and crafts.
It is important for seniors to be at school board meetings, and retired teachers. We absolutely can see the changes that are happening; have happened. That insight helps. People who live outside the District should not be there.
School board meetings, like all government meetings, should be open to all, including the press. It's customary to go into "executive session" (meaning closed to non-members) when personnel or legal matters are discussed, but other than that -- the meetings should be open.
Isn't there a system that's inclusive of the school districts? It would seem to be folly to ignore what is going on in a neighboring district or, indeed, in any district where there is trouble brewing.
The older generation has been silenced too long. We need to speak up. Good for you.
Fortunately, we have a local groups and people who are paying attention and let people know what is going on. School Board elections are coming up and thankfully we have some good people running against the wing nuts. In other local school happenings, we have a couple friends who teach in a town a few mile north of us. They thought they were getting a good super when they hired the guy who had stood up against a wing nut school board (which recently lost in court), but he turned out to be an autocrat and when we talked to them, they were close to a strike. One of my ex-colleagues (who claimed at his interview for a teaching position that there was no history he didn't know much to our amusement) is now super of a rather large district who got rid of their inclusive super. I would love to know what this all-knowing one is actually doing there.
Yes!
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-to-Democracy
We are a group who met here and are supporting state and local candidates.
Great group.
Barbara, while I have nothing to boast about, and I blame reluctance to be an activist on illness, I have found a bit of joy in supporting "my" candidates. Of course that means a few dollars' donations, but also an occasional email or letter to the candidate to thank them for their dedication or a particular focus or piece of legislation that I like. You would be surprised how rare that is for the candidate or official and they often respond with thanks.
Something as simple as a letter to the editor on behalf of a favorite, or a yard sign in my apartment window...I recently tied a sign to the back of my wheelchair...however small, still offers support. In addition, I've carried petitions to get a candidate's name on the ballot and I've organized a meeting for the candidate to speak to a small gathering in the building where I live. I've found such activities to be rewarding for them and me.
Last but not least, sometimes offering to help the candidate's aide is also welcome. Just saying you will deliver a half dozen yard signs to like-minded friends is really helpful. All these are small potatoes, but the ground floor for democracy.
I hear you. Sometimes the best I can do is $5 to a Candidate, making some calls etc.. I need to get back in the habit of writing our Legislators. Great idea on writing to the Candidates.
Jessica Craven’ts Chop Wood Carry Water gives you a call map each day — takes 5 minutes and is very effective - legislators keep track of calls……
Join your local municipal committee, they exist in every state. Join you country committee. You will be informed well in advance of any laws being passed by your legislature that will not be beneficial to you. The GOP took over this country by taking over state governments. The Democrats now have to do the same thing.
Yes, show up at all the town meetings.
In texas, there are county commissioners, city council members, neighborhood associations, business management zones and more. I joined a local volunteer group focused on trails and non-motorized transportation and get to talk to representatives from all these various offices. The focus of calm conversations are practical and not political, and political policy can be quietly influenced this way. I also know for whom uI should vote in the next election.
I also answer my front door to canvasers and engage. They're always looking for volunteers, though that type of involvement isn't my cup of tea.
Jerry everything is political, that this the structure of our country. Getting involved is the most important step. Get your neighbors involved also.
Another important key to preserving and enhancing our Democracy both at the local level and at the Congressional/Presidential level is to concentrate on NONPARTISAN voter registration of potential young voters. The future is about them! WE should take an active role in encouraging THEM in a meaningful way to register and vote, as I will explain HOW in a minute. Why they should be engaged as voters--for example-- is to preserve reproductive rights and instituting really effective local control of assault weapons to save the lives of 9 year olds, as well as the rest of us! YOU can directly help achieve such a result in competitive elections in more than 2,000 localities by going to www.turnup.us/ and contributing with a tax-deductible charitable contribution to amazing Harvard students who are successfully working hard to organize thousands of high school voter registration drives and "relational" registration in key states! This is the most effective youth voter registration effort I have ever seen and I have been at it for seven years with my foundation "Inspire2Vote" in key states all over the country. Inspire2Vote just registered a week or so ago our 102,000th high school student in Iowa! But www.turnup.us/ will be, far more effective with their local student voter reg drives. Please look them up and give them a helping hand to help save our Democracy! Thank you!
Check out Chop Wood Carry water by Jessica Craven. https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/
Get the Indivisible guidelines. Just Google it.
Go alone if you have to, but bring a friend if you can. Go to listen. Go to absorb the feelings of the participants. Try to understand the motivations of those there. See if you have something positive and constructive to add. Ask questions. Take notes. Go home and think about what you learned. Don't go in with the point of view that you're going to right the boat in that first meeting. Go in to be part of the conversation. We can cross the great divide with a bridge of civility and respect. Panic, hate, anger are communicable disease. Calm, understanding, curiosity are public health. Choose your path well, our society depends upon it.
Great post and good advice. This is how we can be effective in creating good changes in our communities- and from there up. Thanks so much!
Well stated!
I absolutely agree. There are lots of other opportunities for people in their communities to engage and start conversations about in their communities common interests that are not political. Community gardens, emergency services, local volunteer fire companies, senior volunteers, kids robotics clubs. We've been terribly siloes over the past 3 years because of covid.
Well said! Thank You.
"It just requires that you go to these meetings and speak to show support, to get to know your local candidates and support those who understand what is at stake."
I sure wish it were that easy. I have gone to and participated in meetings galore, served several times in local politics where I had a "microphone", written letters, etc. I happen to live in a liberal democratic state (and therefore "preaching to the choir") which does have a number of pockets of trump supporters. Regardless of my (or other like-minded residents) efforts and participation, the national psyche has continued to move further away from the ideals of a benevolent and inclusive democracy. Board by board, town by town, city by city, state by state large swaths of the country have continued to move to extreme conservatism with "Christianity" as a political overlay.
The people who lack understanding of what is at stake don't read Heather's Letters and have absolutely no intellectual curiosity or desire to learn or change. They don't get it and don't want to. They are not inherently bad people, but their choice of elected officials certainly is, and they refuse to see the consequences. As an "old" psych major, there is a type of "group think" that fosters cults and aberrant mass behavior that is inherently illogical and dangerous. A so-called "charismatic leader" drives home fear, hate, misinformation, and meaningless empty promises to gain control.
I certainly don't profess to have any solutions. However, with a lifetime of observations as well as a student of history, there is strong evidence that these complicated situations do not change without massive protests/strikes and/or violence.
Janet, there is stronger evidence that violence only begets violence and makes it harder for people to begin the collaboration that leads to healing. Heather and many others have spoken to this, and history shows that violence is counterproductive. I do agree that peaceful protests and strikes are useful and appropriate tools to call attention to critical issues or wrongs. But the moment we introduce violence, things start falling apart. That is one lesson we can learn from what happened to the Republicans following Jan 6.
I certainly don't think violence is preferred and I don't advocate for it, but we have been voting, we have peaceful demonstrations (tens of millions of women peacefully marched in January 2017 and the dial didn't move at all - in fact women lost big time with the repeal of Roe v Wade at the SCOTUS/political level), we participate in local government (at least I have), I've supported and been an advocate of gun control starting with the Brady Bill and now we have two mass shootings a day where children (and adults) are blown to pieces and the number of assault weapons in the hands of civilians is close to tens of millions of the 400 MILLION guns out there (and all we hear is crickets on change because of the 2nd Amendment), we have lunatics in congress who actually have power, and a SCOTUS that has a strangle hold on the rights of people in an entire nation. We spend $billions/$trillions in weaponry around the world to "save" democracy because words don't stop the demonic dictators from invading. Domestically words alone didn't work for our split from England, nor the end of slavery, civil rights, Vietnam, etc. And pieces of paper/words for restraining orders and "common sense gun laws" do nothing when anyone can actually get/3-D print a gun.
I'm all for peaceful protests but they have to be big and long enough to make a real economic impact as a hit to peoples' wallets seems to be the only thing people recognize. As Jack Bauer would say in the show "24", "shut it down, Chloe!"
Look at the violence of Republicans , calling out Mr Bragg for doing his job.
The violent words of Mc Carthy who sold out to Maga orders so he could be Speaker. Stefanik who found her niche in hate and threatens payback to those who don’t pay homage “to her “( I mean DJTs nobility) .
There is no Christianity in any of this . Its a blatant violation of any godlike principles.
Though thats how they assure themselves they’re
doing right . They’re not .
They are however, cheering on evil .
And that is their twisted offering of “ Right”.
Our democracy is still strong enough to survive with words, voting, support of democratic principles. Violence is unnecessary. Give away copies of https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/on-tyranny-twenty-lessons-from-the-twentieth-century_timothy-snyder/13462819/#edition=13124516&idiq=24622759
out on the street or door to door.
VIOLENCE
The big fish in a little pond makes a lot of difference. Repubs know this, so should we. Good on you
Amen. Become involved and VOTE.
Local elections are more important than federal. State elections are the most important. Why we no longer teach civics in schools is to dumb down the public, and it has worked.
Schools across NY State received threats from unknown sources this past week warning them to get rid of a certain "gay" themed book from their libraries. The first school system, Hilton Central, experienced 3 bomb threats. EDITED: I inadvertently added information I couldn't verify. The actual number of schools that received threatening emails was 20, according to a statement Gov. Hochul made last week.
Hilton has bowed to the threats and its school board has voted to "review" the book. They just showed the terrorists that bomb threats are legitimate political dialogue.
Marycat2021, I would like to copy and use your post of FB. I think it is important for as many people as possible to know that we are under attack by the right. May I use your post?
No. I despise Facebook.
You know, I dont recall this happening to school libraries ever before. Do you think it has?
Yes. Published last September: https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7vyvb/libraries-across-the-us-are-receiving-violent-threats
From a year ago: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/accounts-of-book-bannings-and-threats-to-librarians-soared-in-2021-says-study
I would just like to add a shout out to:
https://momsdemandaction.org/about/chapters/
They are a force and have local chapters throughout the country, and what better motivation than preventing the slaughter of our most precious resource?
Georgia, Observing that Democrats, historically, have focused largely on federal elections, I find your comment immeasurably timely. Fortunately, I sense Democrats increasingly understand they have to start mobilizing at the state and local levels, out-organizing Republicans, who ruthlessly, for some time, have been organizing to fill state and local positions with their own people.
The Democrats have changed their strategy. I invite you to look at their State gains in 2020 and 2022.
Barbara, As someone who follows virtually every battleground state, particularly when a trifecta or triplex is at stake, I’m well aware of the State gains, particularly in 22. Still Republicans have an undue advantage because of their laser-focus over decades of state and local elections.
.." Democrats, historically, have focused largely on federal elections..." comment by Krieger. Hence my response.
We have an opportunity in this comments forum. Many commenters are new, some are trolls. We can deliberately share the wealth of activism experience (such as your experience) to counter what I see as the effort to spread dystopian fear and hopelessness. Share your wisdom and knowledge Barbara Jo.
Barbara, My opening statement, which, by the way, is accurate, was the means I chose to amplify the immeasurable timeliness of Georgia’s comment. My follow-up sentence, you will note, amplified Democrat’s increasing understanding of the importance of defending democracy at the state and local levels.
As for you imploring me to “[s]hare [my]…wisdom and knowledge,” I would note I take great care only to post when I believe I have something meaningful to contribute.
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-to-Democracy
For 40 years. The R's have been strategically targeting low-level (soft targets) power centers -- esp. school boards -- to help their candidates gain political experience before they move up the "political food chain." While there, they started to radicalize curriculum toward arch-conservative tenets (eg: creationism required in science courses alongside evolutionism - KS State School Boards). We were asleep at the wheel, my friends.
Sheila, While I would not dispute the undue advantages you reference, nor would I underestimate the engagement, the energy, the caring, and the work of thousands of Democratic grassroots organizations supported by tens of millions of activists largely targeting battleground states plus every demographic nationwide, save the MAGA base that I understand is receding.
Good additions, Barbara Jo. My point is that we have a lot of ground to catch up, and the R's are decades ahead of us. All is not lost, but we D's must get with a strategic program.
They are not “post-liberals.” They are reactionaries and bigots. And, yes, fascists. Let’s be clear and honest about that.
Jon, While your comment is not addressed to me, I expect you and Georgia likely don’t share the same understanding of the term “post-liberals,” whose meaning in much of the literature is blurred with “right wing post liberal populism” or “illiberal populism” or even “Putinist Populism.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t recall HCR’s LFAA defining the term.
I find the term 'post-liberal' confusing along with the other terms you mentioned. Sorry.
Roxanna, No need to apologize. Your reply amplifies the point of my comment—namely that no intelligent, reasoned discussion can proceed if we don’t take great care to establish our way of understanding a particular term or issue, our way of describing or defining it.
GEORGIA FISANICK - Yes, indeed... our Democracy is threatened by White Supremacy in the intolerance of Rep. Elise Stefanik, the elected Representative from my district in the Adirondacks... our Town of Essex Board is an example, our County Board of Supervisors is an example... Fascists rule. The Democratic Party cannot seem to find a candidate that speaks English to the poorly educated whites of our pathetic population that surrounds us at Lewis Family Farm... READ PALLADIUM MAGAZINE ON ME. THE MOST RECENT ISSUE IS ON LINE - WITH A MOVIE... FOUR COLLEGE BOYS CAME AND LEARNED... OUR LOCAL NEWSPAPERS WILL NOT COVER WHAT’S HAPPENING TO LOCAL LIVESTOCK. OUR LOCAL DVMs have joined the nation’s DVMs to poison the livestock to make money... the Palladium Magazine piece is in final edit and will take another week or so - then will be printed in the next issue.. costing $50 when mailed.
https://www.palladiummag.com/2022/12/13/are-farm-antibiotics-destroying-our-health/
I just finished reading the article. Amazing... I want everyone to take the time reading it... and I want to learn what more I might able to do to help! I ofter notice the packages in our meta departments that are labeled 'no antibiotics'. I had no idea... How things have gotten so to of control! How can one inspire people to read what is really important! This needs to be circulated widely.... My grandfather was a farmer, small time, in Dubuque. We lived in Chicago and would visit the farm for a couple of weeks every summer. My Mother was the second youngest of 8 kids, and she grew up milking cows, and cleaning the hen house (outdoor plumbing for. many years!). I can't imagine that these antibiotics were widely used then, but I could be mistaken... (she was born in 1914 and there was at least 10 years between her and her oldest sibling... Visiting the farm was so blissful! Thank you for all the work yo have done this far. And the photographs of your farm are beyond lovely. Maybe some day I will have the opportunity to visit... I would love to photograph you and your farm, and write about you and your work. The world needs to know! Thank you again!
Antibiotics were created in the pre-war period as injections. Pill form arrived c. 1950. That was the beginning of trouble. Livestock were fed antibiotics in a growing pattern for decades. This continues. If you visit the Tractors & Supply cash register, two types of chicken feed is sold there. The large bag and the small far more expensive - may be clean of antibiotics. The cheating and lying starts there.
Any chance it could be cracked down on? Exposed? Stopped?
If more people knew about it...?
10,000 thank yous!!!! Finally, someone with the power & wisdom to address the 'elephant in the room!' I am a fam doc who practices in 'feedlot city' aka Southern, Alberta. Since I was a resident in the 1990s physicians (over prescribing) have always been chastized as the cause for our prob w antibiotic resistance. The media never seemed to question the impact of factory farmining as the primary driver, even when feedlot runoff was repeatedly causing ecoli outbreaks & death, avian flu from pig farms, etc. Anyway, thank u so much for doing such great work although I can't fathom the meat industry in my province ever abandoning their cash cows, chickens & pigs. None of these creatures should be readied for slaughter in confined lots which are filthy petrie dishes for disease. Your dream farm is a critical beginning. Again I cannot thank you enough for this work & your tenacity & passion to 'right a harmful wrong' which affects us all.
Lethbridge is home to a powerful beef DVM operation … exclusively livestock.. important in Alberta.
Sandy,
First of all, I am very happy to see you back. You have been missed and it has been discussed a few times in the letters recently. I confess I was concerned enough that I googled to see if you had passed! Glad to see you alive and well.
In my career, I worked in the lab of a major medical facility in Chicago. A few years before I retired, they started a fecal transplant program. I didn't enjoy the smell that permeated the lab when they came down to prep the solution in the lab, but I very much enjoyed talking with the GI docs. For treating C. Diff, one called the transplants "a miracle." And you know, prior to that, they treated C. Diff with antibiotics, with much less success!
Their conversations, and that of articles I read regarding obesity, inspired me to add probiotic supplements to my diet. I was obese. I had dieted many times, very strictly, with little success. I did cut as many refined carbs as I could. I lost 55 pounds. Then I retired, pandemic started, and I got a horribly abscessed tooth. And I started gaining back weight. Since 2018, I've been prescribed antibiotics about 7-8 times. (I am NOT one to take them for no good reason! I even insisted when I had abdominal surgery that they NOT remove my appendix!) Funny that in this time, I am behaving the same, eating the same, but have gained 20 pounds back. :(
I have tried with little success, even with upping my activity levels using a tracker and charting my gym/personal trainer visits. I have cut out all sweets and again, stopped the diet soda, all soda actually. (I believe those sweeteners are more likely to cause weight gain than sugar, but boy are they addictive! And our culture has indoctrinated our brains to believe that we should go for those zero calorie products!!)
I also have a grandchild on the autism spectrum, so this story hit home on so many levels!! After reading, I have forwarded the link to over a dozen people.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this link! And please don't stay away as so many of us value your perspective on the issues discussed here.
84, not dead - yet.
A truly excellent endocrinologist might help. The best at BIDMC is Johanna Antonia Pallotta MD. She’s in her 80s. Thyroid illnesses plague many. I know. She is treating me.
Graves’ Disease is amusing.
Sugar is a killer. Alcohol is trouble. Sudden weight loss is trouble.
Enlightening and simultaneously frightening to learn about the disastrous consequences of antibiotics overuse. Sad to know this drug, originally designed for and thought to be life-saving, could be at the root of so much pain and loss. I have been personally curious for some time now about the meteoric rise of auto-immune diseases that have/are destroying so many lives. Reading about this pharmaceutical “link” supports my long-held belief that finding the “cause” of any single auto-immune disease will swiftly bring about the eradication of all types. Thank you for sharing this article.
Very eye-opening article, thanks for sharing!
The article will be edited. Strengthened.
Thank you for the gift of this amazing piece and your tenacity in fighting this scourge. I’m forwarding this to my four daughters, all of whom have developed autoimmune problems and my grandson on the spectrum. You have been missed on LFAA.
Auto immune and spectrum stuff is often label and little more. I’ve worked with each. Dislike labels. They confuse and cause confusion.
Isn't Stefanik your Representative in Congress? Would you consider running against her?
Elise is our Representative in NY’s 21st. It’s a Republican district. Democrats bomb out. The GOP primary is meaningless without Party support.
Stefanik's predecessor, Bill Owens, was a Democrat... but redistricting has obviously made the 21st more Republican than before.
Rep. Bill Owens (D) was a cigar store Indian. Not bright. Sen. Ron Stafford helped him. It did not matter.
Jack Lippman, I was born in Manhattan New York on Friday, January 27, 1939. Members of the House of Representatives run every two years to maintain seniority in the House and to rise in Committee assignments. Voters elect younger members over older for potential for longevity.
Sandy ... I am seven years your senior and see your point.
Hang on.
Perhaps... aging in place...
YES! DO it!
Thank you for sending this article. Read it and then shared it too.
Sandy it’s so nice to have you back!
https://www.palladiummag.com/2022/12/13/are-farm-antibiotics-destroying-our-health/
Thank you for sharing the link, Sandy. And more importantly thank you for asking important questions about the damage being caused by the over use of antibiotics, and for your efforts to bring about changes.
Thank you for sharing this. I may reach out to you with our family's story. It had consumed me 15-20 years ago. The "you are talking crazy" factor and life beat it out of us. I am now going to revisit.
Excellent article!! Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing this article. I agree, the evidence is building regarding the dangers of inappropriate antibiotic use.
And, so glad to see you here again!
Jeanne
Yes. I got lonely.
It's good to see you here again, Sandy. I missed you and worried about you. I had a nice vacation, but missed the forum, so came back. Also decided I have things that need to be said. And so do you.
Phew! Your absence was worrisome! I love the work you are doing, it’s an immense project.
Well, it is my honor to learn about you, and your work. And, thanks so much for posting the link to Palladium.
I’m going to learn more on these subjects and want to learn how I can become a consumer of your products!
Congratulations and best wishes to you Mr. Lewis.
I’ve been hoping you were working on an autobiography
A memoir… more than one.
😁🥳🎉👏🏼
Welcome Back Sandy!
❤️
😃
"The Democratic Party cannot seem to find a candidate that speaks English to the poorly educated whites of our pathetic population that surrounds us at Lewis Family Farm."
Good day S B, I also am in the turncoat's district, and am reminded that she ran as a moderate from a district she did not live in, near Saratoga I think, and became what she is soon after. Harvie too.
But the reason I reply is to address your comment I quoted; I wonder why you think the Dems can't communicate with the locals. I have my own ideas, but I would like to hear yours.
Democrats and Republicans in the District are equally racist. The Common Denominator of American Politics is Racism.
That's a bumper sticker for sure: The Common Denominator of American Politics is Racism. Explains a lot. Thank you, sir.
Single Elise Stefanik claimed Willsboro Point as her residence. Her Plywood seller father owns a summer camp on the point. Many up here are the Black, Hispanic and Jew hating racists of The North Country. The National Bank president is one of them, was valedictorian of his class at Princeton University, denied partnership at Sullivan & Cromwell for his arrogance.
Thank you sir for your reply. I am reading the Palladium article with interest, since I have tried to research the reasons why a farmer tends to be unwilling to accept new methods. "Accepted practice" doesn't really explain the concept for me, but "herd mentality" comes close. Your experience with the Cornell Vet program is an example. Maybe the Dem candidate who has difficulty communicating isn't viewed as a member of the herd. Here in the Eastern Lake Ontario region the same problems are found.
Tetracycline misuse in livestock to address anaplasmosis is deadly to birds and to us. Kills insect food in the soil. Distressing gut microbial system in livestock and consumers. This creates emotional instability in beef and our young males. The beef will attack farmers addressing their newborn calves. The human teen male get depressed and become suicidal.. generating suicide by cop stuff.
Sandy, these are precisely some of the issues I worked on during my professional career as well as before and after. My work was with the larger ag community, as well as the agencies and corporations. Challenging, sometimes scary. But at the same time, because of the way I set up how I worked with that varied community, I got to know the members of it who stood up to share their concerns about the use of chemicals and worked to help redirect research and policy. Some remarkable successes, but lots still to do: while the movement to soil and water health has grown stronger, the die-hards are pig-headed about not changing, and just dig in, funded by those whose greed created this situation in the first place. This dynamic has become part of the culture in parts of our country. I am distressed by the emphasis on "organic food" as the goal. It is a result of the process, but the point is recreating ways of producing food that does not contaminate everything else, with some of the consequences being the very things you mention.
How many of the diehards are either foreign-owned corporations, or employees of same, and what would be their motivation to protect those affected by excessive antibiotic use apart from profit? I just realized that "anti biotic" has the tragic result built into its name.
Exactly. You got it, Ed. Right on the nose. That is why sometimes my job was scary.
Thank you!
Organic label in Vermont is often fraud.
Kent Henderson DVM of VT was honest with me. Understood the fraud.
Ed, never too old...
Sandy! Been wondering where you were.
Me too!
Glad to hear from you Sandy. I have missed your comments of late.
s B Lewis, for those of us not in your local area, what does DVM stand for?
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of veterinary medicine
I can't wait to read it...but you said it costs $50? Can it be downloaded for less?
Free on the internet, I think. It’s being edited next week. A few details are still being worked.
I just read the article. Absolutely fascinating and understandable, even for this English major. Two things: keep raising hell and maybe we should have a Heather Cox Richardson fan club convention on your farm!
Why not? We will serve organic grass fed beef 🥩 and food from Essex Farm and Echo Farm.
Great article Sandy. While my mother pushed antibiotics on me like aspirin when I was a kid I thought being cautious in their use was wise in light of the resistance issue. I’d no idea how prevalent the use of antibiotics in our food system had become, nor their human systemic effect. I’ll be changing my habits. Super work you’re supporting. ❤️
I will look for it.
Mr. Lewis, sir, good to see you back here!
This - running for every government office in order to take over and undermine government - has been the winning strategy since Ralph Reed put the religious right into bed with Ronald Reagan. I think the term we want is clerical fascism.
Perfect analogy, clerical fascism. Love it.
Yes! Thank you. The Lewis Powell memo set up the systematic takeover of our nation by the corporate oligarchy. They have a 50-year track record of success for us believers in separation of church and state, rule of law, corporations as legal entities and not as people, for us to counter.
Their work has been methodical and destructive. Only by countering with our own strategy of being everywhere all the time all at once, and giving people an understating of why this matters -- without going into what the other side says -- will it all work. At least that’s what I believe.
The reason we must care and make this effort is our children. Our common love for our children. The oligarchic right has sold out to the NRA. Our nation isn’t safe. Our children are dying of gunshot wounds by war-grade weapons used by people who, if we banned assault rifles and did legitimate background checks, couldn’t get their hands on these weapons of immediate proximate mass destruction.
We have failed because we allowed those in power to gauge our success as a nation by our Gross Domestic Product instead of by the happiness and well-being of our people.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/happiest-countries-in-the-world
https://worldhappiness.report/?utm_source=link_wwwv9&utm_campaign=item_394172&utm_medium=copy
https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/democracy/the-lewis-powell-memo-a-corporate-blueprint-to-dominate-democracy/
We suck at joy because we live in systematically induced poverty, inequity, racism, lack, greed, comparison, TRAUMA. Homelessness, domestic violence, devaluing our children (Arkansas Gov signing new child labor legislation weakening restrictions on child labor so teens who should be going to school and getting proper rest are instead pulling shifts at dangerous meat-packing plants!) and sending hundreds of thousands of Black and Brown men to prisons where they are unavailable for their families and are a new form of enslaved person as the corporate prison scheme makes millions off of keeping them locked up in their privatized prison systems that should be illegal.
All of this fuels generational trauma, insecure attachment, our people living in a perpetual state of survival and flight,fight, freeze. This makes us easy to manipulate.
We must break this cycle with the truth that safe, stable, nurturing environments are the antidote. Supporting pregnant and parenting families is paramount. Home nurse visits are an investment with a tremendous ROI. I believe it is about $8 for every dollar invested to help mothers and babies bond. This cuts child abuse and teen pregnancy and crime rates because kids have the strong brain and character building experiences that literally wire their brains for better outcomes.
Learn more here:
https://www.pacesconnection.com/blog/aces-101-faqs
Peace.
Carey, I just came across this 2011 paper today for the first time. Perhaps you are already aware of it, but if not looks like it could have some good supporting data. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Why+Some+Politicians+Are+More+Dangerous+Than+Others-p-9780745649818
I’ve read some of James Gilligan’s work and intend to read more. Mind bending.
Thank you!
“we’re going to see conservative state legislators starting to reconquer public institutions all over the United States.”. . . "Reconquer public institutions" should be raising the hair on the backs of every neck. Control the narrative, control the outcome. The Rufos of our world want to control how one thinks, what one does; how one believes. That is right out of the fascist playbook.
Exactly!
It has become defeating. I know the majority is people who are like minded on this page. Unfortunately, there is a rather large group who have chosen to just block it out, say nothing. I am holding onto hope that the next election to save us from the extreme right.
VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE including in local elections as if your way of life depends upon it. Because it does.
And don’t forget Tending To Democracy, https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-to-Democracy. This giving circle was started by a group of us who met here and raised some serious money for the last election. We welcome you to join us and bring your friends. The more the merrier❗️
It's hard to believe "they" have gained so much ground while I have been complacent. That is to say, I never could have imagined such an ignorant an loosely organized cabal gaining so much traction. While I was busy fighting for an end to racism and misogyny, and I thought a medical perspective about abortion would be safe from religious repression...all the things I've fought for... I never saw it coming.
To some degree, I fault the media. Too much of the media shoots for ratings often secured by intentional hyperbole. And, then of course, there is FOX which is a lying machine. I doubt you have been complacent. Each of us has only so much energy and only so much time where we can capture what is critical at any one point in time.
Thank you!