First of all, we do whatever we can to inform and get out voters to give Democrats a working majority in Congress in the next elections. Meanwhile, push for expanding the courts. If the Supreme Court expands to 13, matching the number of circuits, the radical right partisans become a 7-6 minority that is no longer able to abuse their power.
Very true. If we do get a working majority in Congress in the next elections, it will have to act quickly to head off the next power grabs. For that reason, I text my reps and President Biden several times a week to expand the court - we need to have the political will ready, in anticipation of having the power. Resistbot makes sending those texts quick. (and it does not take energy away from postcarding etc)
I think we need to name what is going on and tell everyone. I have been sharing HCR's letters with people, and telling them to wake up. I am telling people about what is going on. We have to be like Biden naming it and calling it out. Go online and do this too. Make sure everyone knows that there is a movement, planned for quite some time which is now coming to fruition under Trump and his MAGA people to have a White Power overthrow of the government. Spell out the agenda. In it, White conservative, cis-gendered, Christian men rule the world. They have the jobs, and the power, and White women are their help mates by serving them, taking care of the home, servicing them sexually, and breeding children. Everyone else is to be gotten rid of. That is the plan. They will not make that clear until they are in power but that is their plan. Mixed marriage is illegal. Being gay is illegal. Being trans is illegal. Being Jewish or Muslim or Buddhist is despicable and worthy of extermination. Having black or brown skin is considered subhuman and worthy of extermination.
Some might say they just want separation of the nations, but really the ultimate goal is to get rid of everyone else. It is far more organized and widespread than the cnn article would have you believe according to the experts.
Share this information. Is this the vision people want for their world? If not, they need to protest, and also, should we go along with this if it happens. Should we accept bad laws and bad leaders?
Justice Thomas' mixed marriage is not safe. The moment it becomes illegal maybe his ah-ha moment. Too late to realize that he has been a tool of the white Christian nationalists/supremacists all along!
I'm participating in Vote Forward as well. Have signed for 140 letters and have the first of 4 states in envelopes and ready to put stamps on and mail on 10/28/22. The remaining 3 states are written & ready to fold & put in envelopes. Also have signed up for 100 post cards in my state for a post card campaign.
Elisabeth is right--we are all in this together. Please see my comment about The States Project for how we can each contribute to make a difference in critical state legislatures. My comment is way below, has this Tending to Democracy Giving Circle link, and these emojis:
Hello Ellie, I have been reading Heather for a long time. I've been drafting off of my wife's subscription (she and HCR were in graduate school together). Your post motivated me to get my own damn subscription so I could write this comment, and also to give a donation to round up your amount raised to date to Tending to Democracy (hopefully you are now WAY past $12,000). I stopped giving to political organizations after raising and spending lavishly for Obama because Citizen's United pisses me off to no end--my few dollars seems a waste in the face of the Koch's and Leos, et al. Anyway, you changed that reluctance for me. And like the first commenter this morning, I am "feeling utterly powerless and afraid." My contribution was made in memory of my father, Grant L. Jacks, Jr., who at the age of 17 went to Europe in the winter of 1945. He came back with frostbite, which affected his ability to walk for the rest of his life. He was a Republican. I think he would want me to defend the nation and the democracy. I have been saying for a long time that I won't sit this election cycle out, but I've been paralyzed by what to do. Sick of railing at Susan Collins here in Maine, not knowing if I should just work on keeping ole Paul LePage out of the governorship, I will be listening to all the wise people on this forum to help me discern where to put my energies. The crazy people who want autocracy have to be stopped, and those with the earplugs in have to have them ripped out and told to stand the fuck up and vote for democracy unless they really, really want autocracy. Please, I'm all ears, tell me how to be useful.
I’ve been writing letters for vote forward. Also writing postcards to voters. For both you go to their website to register (to prove you’re not a bot) and once approved you can start writing. Postcards to voters are for specific candidates. Each time I’ve written the candidate has won their election so I believe it works. I’ve also phone banked. A friend goes door to door to get voters registered. So many ways to get involved besides writing checks.
Your comment and very obvious spirit and discernment are very useful, Ben. Donate $ whenever one can to worthy campaigns and take as many people to the polls with you as possible in November. I’m doing that by a lot of phone banking and conversations wherever with people that generate commitments to vote blue in November. With every person I speak with, I add a beautiful bead to my invisible chain of Light that supports the elections in our country in November and all countries where democracy is on the ballot.
Wow. Thank you, Ben, for joining this forum and our Giving Circle. Blessings to the memory of your father who lived with the reminder of fighting against fascism with every step he took.
Relational organizing means talking up the issues of protecting our democracy with people we know and meet. Heather helps us identify the issues.
Then we work on registering voters and Get Out The Vote. We figure out our respective strengths and interests to find our people at one of over 100 grassroots organizations effectively working for voting rights and democracy. You can contact me via the Tending to Democracy page for more info. Thank you!
Ellie, I was so excited this morning I got a letter from a wonderful young man running for state office in Michigan. He is pro-choice and pro all the good things we discuss here. From my $120 donation to the States Project, which I learned about from YOU. I feel connected and part of a fighting team of Americans I would love to have a drink with sometime!
Elisabeth, that is wonderful, both your donation and the candidate's response! From The States Project, I have learned that most state legislators are not professional politicians, but regular folks like you and me doing this part-time legislator work. Thank you for joining the team!
I was thrilled to hear from him. It shows a connection between me and him! How refreshing. We must support each other and not succumb to the gloom today’s letter from Heather has cast on us. On me, certainly. But reading the comments has gotten me “back on my horse” and I feel like putting on my boxing gloves to resist those Repugnants ruining our country.
I looked into this. On the surface this appears like the others such as Move On, Our Revolution, etc. These organizations are essential and must somehow be able to connect with the masses. Show “how” to acquire more ownership rather than just donating. “How” to be and feel empowered at a more fundamental level without the donation button flashing at the entrance gate signifying that if you can’t give there’s no way to be a part of the solution. In other words Dems need to be able to organize the people.
I don't recommend the feelings you describe as powerless and afraid.
I recommend feeling angry and powerful and willing to do what it takes to stop a bunch of somewhat stupid white people from taking control from all of us.
How hard could it be? After all, their main advantage is money, certainly not brains.
"Nothing is determined. The future is open to every possibility. We can affect the outcome, but to do so, we must be relentless, dedicated, and fearless. We are in the thick of the fight. Anxiety and worry are luxuries we cannot afford because they distract and exhaust us. If you find your thoughts drifting to imagined fears, pivot to action—which is the antidote to anxiety."
Thank you, Ellie. I am a lifelong activist. My parents took me (4) and my sister (2) to Union Square in NYC when the Rosenbergs were electrocuted. That’s when it started. So Mr. Hubbell’s words are golden: “pivot to action—which is the antidote to anxiety.”
Mike, These “stupid” white people are led by lawyers and rich fascists like Leo Leo and Bill Barr and Cipollone from the catholic right wing who are not stupid. They are intent on overthrowing our way of life. The Maggats who follow them are, by and large, pretty uneducated or stubborn about learning anything new. Some are extremely stupid. However, we must never underestimate the power of the almighty dollar in American politics and the right has a juggernaut aimed directly at most of us, The People. All of us who are “liberal”, or gay, or transgender, or asexual (they are so focused on what we do in bed)….or Jewish, or Black, or young liberals or mixed race people are under attack. Us Old radicals also, lol. So keep your eyes on the Prize. Angry, powerful and willing to do what it takes to stop “them” is good. I am with you.
Elisabeth…You’re absolutely correct!!! It has come down to the simple fact, “either we bury the Maggots (I mean Maggats…darn Spell Check!) at the Polls or…they bury our Democracy”!!!
However, this has been part of a plan since the 1990s, a new plan which is a change in a plan since the 1960s of creating a White nation, which is not a new plan, just a turn in a violent overthrow of the government to achieve these goals. This plan includes a lot of people who are very single minded, and who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. That is their advantage over the rest of us. We are just not that ruthless.
Well, Linda: we gotta get “ruthless” metaphorically speaking. Backbone is key....getting your boxing gloves on is key. There is so much we CAN do. Let’s not get stuck on what we can’t do. Right?
Agreed! An important thing to do is to name what is going on to everyone we know and get the word out. I responded in detail about this to Anne O Green Gables above.
Mike, I would have to go “undercover”, but it might be fun and exciting. However, could be dangerous given all the guns “they” have. Safety is a real concern to me. What do you think.
Guns are ubiquitous in America now Elisabeth. Wherever you are. A Republican Party meeting will be no different than going to Walmart or your local church.
Plus, it is not like you are not sincere. Your goal is to help America and Americans so no need for undercover. That is what they want to in their minds. It is the billionaire's that own media and corporations that have "evil" goals.
The guys are your local Republican meeting? "Normal" Americans unlikely to offer violence to someone currying favor.
Anne, where do you live? There is so much activity of the good kind going on all over the US. I am inspired by the writers here and elsewhere. Tell us and we can help connect you. People are eager for on the ground help!
I am from a bright red county in red Ohio. Please direct me to action here. I belong to a progressive group and am also a member of the Democratic Central Committee but we had made little difference in this state so far. Thank-you for the info you have provided. I am trying to stay "up" but it is hard sometimes.
What about contacting your States Project group in Ohio? I am certain they are active there. Moveon.org is another very good group. Even Bernie Sanders might have activity in Ohio. Maybe you need to push your DCC. It’s great you are a member. Bring all this up with them. People need direction. How about your local church groups who are progressive? Is there a Black community (if you are white) you can connect with? What about Women’s Groups? I’ll ask my journalist friends who they would recommend in Ohio. I think Dave Chappell lives in Ohio. Why not reach out to him? He is a fabulous guy and articulate and very progressive. What about pro choice activity among your women’s groups? They must be doing a lot! Just some brainstorming with you. Let me know what happens.
Thanks for some great ideas. I will look into the States Project here and also use some of your other ideas. This has brightened my day up a bit and I will keep you posted. Again, thanks!
Mike I respectfully disagree with your statement 'they are not smart'. I fell into this trap saying the same about tfg. I feel like they are all smarter than me because they are getting nefarious stuff done and I am not. All I know to do is write postcards, hold signs and try to call out this disgraceful government takeover to the cool aid drinkers.
Speak up! Also, write and call your politicians so they know not everyone is in agreement with the Republican platform. My local politicians are on speed dial. Keep yourself informed so you can argue well. Start gathering materials that you can give to people so that they understand what the other side is about. Find like minded people to do that with. Yes you want to be safe. You can write postcards, sign petitions, send emails. I do not use Facebook, but I forward emails on information that I think it important to all of my friends. The problem is that many people do not have imaginations and cannot envision what things are going to be like. You have to paint the picture. Use books and movies that have already done this, gather articles from the print sources. I keep files of articles in folders on my computer by topic. From Abortion to White Supremacy, Youth Culture, Voting, etc... Right now pointing out what is going on with abortion and the potential future ramifications of that in terms of women's health care is one of the things I am focusing on. For example, you have the recent case where there are people suing to get out of paying for health insurance for their employees or for themselves because they object to coverage that includes screening for HIV, HPV and they feel it violates the religious screening act. Point out that the judges that this side has been filling the courts with are making cases that only the president and congress can decide on these coverages, which has ended up meaning that who is in the congress matters a lot, and that the care coverage we all get it seriously compromised.
But I am incredibly grateful for your efforts and I’m sure they have been a tremendous positive influence. What we are dealing with now is a different creature. They do t even care about the vote because they will undermined anything fair and will go violent if they don’t get their way.
Not everyone can be reached. Some may need to hear or see stories. Some may change, some may not. I have found that stories can be effective even if it does not seem like it will be, if your stories connect to an experience that someone has yet to have, it colors how they go through that experience. Point them to the Handmaids Tale on Hulu and other shows that display the dangers of the what Republican Ideology enacted can look like, and how it has permeated our government in many places. This podcast series is one I might share.
Recently I have been pointing out that all of the things that have led to the lowered life expectancy in the USA, while it has rebounded in other countries of similar wealth are tied to Republican policies.
The main factor is Covid, then comes guns, drug overdoses and car crashes. The first leads to increases in the following. It is Republican policies against covid management tactics such as masking and the vaccine that has meant that White people actually have the most increase in loss of life expectancy. Let your White Supremacists know that. Even though Whites are living longer, they have decreased their life expectancy along with Native Americans, through the policies of the Republican parties. I assume Native Americans have died in such great numbers because they are largely living in states governed by Republicans. So, Republicans support segregationist policies which have led to high death rate in Black and Brown communities, but there is bounce back after more people get vaccine and follow covid protocols. I would also say we are seeing the Biden bounce back because things are more hopeful for Black and Brown communities under a Democratic president and particularly under Biden who has taken on a lot of the standard of living issues. Then, we have the fact that we could have ended covid 2 summers ago if everyone had gotten vaccinated when the vaccine was available. The virus would not have had time to develop all of these hybrids each being more contagious and therefore infecting more of the population. It is Republican policies that worked against and fought against getting covid under control with Governors and Attorney Generals going to court to fight protective policies, and so, now we are going to have to live with Covid forever. It could have been ended. The downsides to this are many, including that many people have become despairing and depressed. That has led to increased drug use and overdose, which is a form of slow or fast suicide. It has also led to some either sucide alone or suicide homicides where they take people with them based on the method they choose to use. Since guns are leading to much of the lowered life expectancy outside of health issues, Republican policies with guns contribute to the proliferation of guns in our country and the easy access people have to commit suicide and homicide with them. That is true of cars as well. The wreckless driving that people are engaging in due to either drug usage, or hopelessness, is sucicidal/homicide depending on who is in the car when it crashes and whom it hits. Again, this increased desperation is tied to Republican governance during covid, and covid is the trigger for this desperation and unhappiness.
You have a backbone don't you? Use it. Doing nothing is not an option. There is always something everyone can do. Listen to Heather, the answer is in our history.
"Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be." --Often attributed to food writer Clementine Paddleford and sometimes Tallulah Bankhead (two names that make me smile).
Wow. This is so validating. A delightful poem that encapsulates all the things that I wanted my own daughters to know about how to live. They got it piecemeal, but guess it worked: their kids are being raised the same way. Ron, thank you for pulling it out of the weeds and showing it to us. And Mary for posting the lines that prompted Ron to find it for us.
We are not powerless. One thing that reasonable people in all, or almost all states can do is to petition for changes to state constitutions that make gerrymandering unconstitutional, provide that presidential electors must be chosen in accord with the popular vote, and protect the right to privacy and control over one’s body (and mind). The example of Kansas in August should give great hope that such measures would pass.
Look up an organization that Heather supports called Red Wine and Blue. May e you will want to get involved with their efforts- they are organizing big time.
Ladies sign up for https://redwine.blue/ - HCR did a video with them. Great way to learn how to organize women in your State and participate in small ways. They do trainings. their website says "Study after study shows that talking to the people in your network is the MOST impactful way to influence voters. We are committed to providing everything you need to tap into this super power: training, tools, community, and nonstop support."
I echo that. I love the concept, it's exciting and dynamic. I signed up to train as a coach. This is right up my alley. If you want to get something started where you are and not sure just how to do it, this is a great way to do it, because you won't have to wing it. The videos are available on the website, and you can sign up for training- all with support for you.
Today, the Michigan Supreme Court did the right thing and ruled that the Reproductive Freedom for All initiative will be on the general election ballot.
In addition to codifying the Roe standard in the state constitution, the ballot proposal would also guarantee Michigan women the right to access contraception, the right to receive fertility treatment, and the right to determine their own pre- and post-partum care—all issues that the United States Supreme Court noted are potentially up for debate in future cases.
Wow, MaryPat, the Queen died and Steve Bannon was handcuffed on state charges, but this to me is the biggest news of the day! Thank goodness the Reproductive Freedom initiative will be on the ballot in MI. Can't wait to see a big blue wave powered by Michigan's women!
That’s okay - remember that part of the Bible urging - love thy god with all the mind, heart , soul, and might? Or something like that? If you hold a value that is bigger than you - say for example, La Vida, peace on earth, justice and mercy for all, truth, beauty, creativity - then the idea is to love what you live with the all that is you. To love with your powerlessness, fear, and all the rest of you - remember all the times in your past when you felt similarly and found a path to have those feelings without being those feelings and discovered a power native to you to deal with the challenging situation. Love with your All means wholeness not perfection.
I had exactly the same reaction. And it felt really strange because I've been also reading and posting Robert Hubbell's newsletter every day, and he's all about finding optimism and taking action. I know there is cross over between the two communities - and for everyone who many not know of him, here's one of his newsletters with lots of ways to get involved and take action.
Here's a sample with a list of groups at the end, recommended by readers.
Another terrifying newsletter making me revisit the idea of infiltrating Vancouver, CA, through friends there--or perhaps Panama--in case the picture painted here materializes DESPITE our fervent efforts....
What happened to the idea behind the Social Contract? As a society, we are better off pooling our resources to help one another than selfishly going it alone. Do these folks not need the fire brigade, the police force, schools to educate their grandchildren, hospitals when they get sick? How discouraging it is to hear these kinds of blinkered, selfish arguments being given credence in courts of law!
Malignant narcissism sees other people and the world itself as objects to be used as one pleases, to be manipulated, subjugated, or destroyed. It's what is under the hood of evil.
And all this on the same day that the Obamas went back to the WH and gave such an inclusive, uplifting speech at the unveiling of their portraits. Their view of society includes EVERYONE!
Courts of law elected or appointed by narcissists, who think that legitimate government serves them and enforces their wishes, and no one else's. Judge O’Connor's decision reeks of it, to the point of sociopathy. exactly what justice isn't.
JL I am reminded of the first American fire departments. Homeowners subscribed and had a plaque on their homes. Were there a fire and they hadn’t paid for a plaque, the volunteer firemen arrived, then left, without fighting the fire.
Today both for individuals and for our society, there are programs that provide broad insurance. (Have you ever read the specific details of your homeowner’s insurance policy?)
The idea that individuals can unilaterally reject specific items in a government health/insurance policy I find anathema to the broad interests of the American society.
Next month I will be 89. I imagine that there are aspects of my Medicare coverage that are no longer applicable to my personal situation. HOWEVER, there are some from which I am fulsomely benefitting. That Judge O’Connor and other rogue judges seek to open this Pandora’s Box I find counter to the concept of the common good.
Thank you for providing such encouragement to everyone younger, by simply being yourself at nearly 90 and sharing your rich experience and the understanding you've gained from it.
The devil is in the details of these laws that are passed that elevate society as a whole (e.g., Social Security, ACA, Medicare, Medicaid). They have to have ironclad rules as to their universal application and universal participation. And courts and judges, like this O'Connor misfit, have to be rebutted when they make an attempt to overrule the will of the people.
James Spot on!. I was thinking about finding a rogue judge to complain that my Medicare gynecological coverage is unnecessary for an 88-year-old man. Then I remembered the Act of God provision in my homeowner’s insurance. Hmmm, you never know. On reflection I am delighted to have gynecological coverage. (Just in case).
Feeling utterly powerless and afraid.
I was thinking that and then decided we have to rev up our engines to fight the good fight. Don’t Despair Lee, we are all in this together.
So what do we do?
First of all, we do whatever we can to inform and get out voters to give Democrats a working majority in Congress in the next elections. Meanwhile, push for expanding the courts. If the Supreme Court expands to 13, matching the number of circuits, the radical right partisans become a 7-6 minority that is no longer able to abuse their power.
Joan I completely agree with expanding the Court to 13 and the reason for it. However, the clock is running out.
Very true. If we do get a working majority in Congress in the next elections, it will have to act quickly to head off the next power grabs. For that reason, I text my reps and President Biden several times a week to expand the court - we need to have the political will ready, in anticipation of having the power. Resistbot makes sending those texts quick. (and it does not take energy away from postcarding etc)
This is what I'm saying Joan ~ High Five!
Agreed! To get the vote out people need to understand what complacency of fence sitting will do.
I think we need to name what is going on and tell everyone. I have been sharing HCR's letters with people, and telling them to wake up. I am telling people about what is going on. We have to be like Biden naming it and calling it out. Go online and do this too. Make sure everyone knows that there is a movement, planned for quite some time which is now coming to fruition under Trump and his MAGA people to have a White Power overthrow of the government. Spell out the agenda. In it, White conservative, cis-gendered, Christian men rule the world. They have the jobs, and the power, and White women are their help mates by serving them, taking care of the home, servicing them sexually, and breeding children. Everyone else is to be gotten rid of. That is the plan. They will not make that clear until they are in power but that is their plan. Mixed marriage is illegal. Being gay is illegal. Being trans is illegal. Being Jewish or Muslim or Buddhist is despicable and worthy of extermination. Having black or brown skin is considered subhuman and worthy of extermination.
https://www.cnn.com/2017/08/13/us/white-nationalism-explainer-trnd
Some might say they just want separation of the nations, but really the ultimate goal is to get rid of everyone else. It is far more organized and widespread than the cnn article would have you believe according to the experts.
https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2021/01/15/957421470/when-white-extremism-seeps-into-the-mainstream
https://politicalresearch.org/research/white-nationalism
Share this information. Is this the vision people want for their world? If not, they need to protest, and also, should we go along with this if it happens. Should we accept bad laws and bad leaders?
Linda, you need not worry about mixed marriages Supreme Court Justice Thomas is married to the infamous Ginni Thomas.
Justice Thomas' mixed marriage is not safe. The moment it becomes illegal maybe his ah-ha moment. Too late to realize that he has been a tool of the white Christian nationalists/supremacists all along!
😎
Whatever is humanly possible. I’m writing letters for Vote Forward. They desperately need more letter writers.
I'm printing out my first 20 letters right now!!!
I'm participating in Vote Forward as well. Have signed for 140 letters and have the first of 4 states in envelopes and ready to put stamps on and mail on 10/28/22. The remaining 3 states are written & ready to fold & put in envelopes. Also have signed up for 100 post cards in my state for a post card campaign.
Elisabeth is right--we are all in this together. Please see my comment about The States Project for how we can each contribute to make a difference in critical state legislatures. My comment is way below, has this Tending to Democracy Giving Circle link, and these emojis:
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-to-Democracy
🇺🇸🗽💙🇺🇸🗽💙🇺🇸🗽💙
Hello Ellie, I have been reading Heather for a long time. I've been drafting off of my wife's subscription (she and HCR were in graduate school together). Your post motivated me to get my own damn subscription so I could write this comment, and also to give a donation to round up your amount raised to date to Tending to Democracy (hopefully you are now WAY past $12,000). I stopped giving to political organizations after raising and spending lavishly for Obama because Citizen's United pisses me off to no end--my few dollars seems a waste in the face of the Koch's and Leos, et al. Anyway, you changed that reluctance for me. And like the first commenter this morning, I am "feeling utterly powerless and afraid." My contribution was made in memory of my father, Grant L. Jacks, Jr., who at the age of 17 went to Europe in the winter of 1945. He came back with frostbite, which affected his ability to walk for the rest of his life. He was a Republican. I think he would want me to defend the nation and the democracy. I have been saying for a long time that I won't sit this election cycle out, but I've been paralyzed by what to do. Sick of railing at Susan Collins here in Maine, not knowing if I should just work on keeping ole Paul LePage out of the governorship, I will be listening to all the wise people on this forum to help me discern where to put my energies. The crazy people who want autocracy have to be stopped, and those with the earplugs in have to have them ripped out and told to stand the fuck up and vote for democracy unless they really, really want autocracy. Please, I'm all ears, tell me how to be useful.
I’ve been writing letters for vote forward. Also writing postcards to voters. For both you go to their website to register (to prove you’re not a bot) and once approved you can start writing. Postcards to voters are for specific candidates. Each time I’ve written the candidate has won their election so I believe it works. I’ve also phone banked. A friend goes door to door to get voters registered. So many ways to get involved besides writing checks.
Your comment and very obvious spirit and discernment are very useful, Ben. Donate $ whenever one can to worthy campaigns and take as many people to the polls with you as possible in November. I’m doing that by a lot of phone banking and conversations wherever with people that generate commitments to vote blue in November. With every person I speak with, I add a beautiful bead to my invisible chain of Light that supports the elections in our country in November and all countries where democracy is on the ballot.
Regardless of afraid, we must not be scared.
We are The People.
Unita! 🗽
Hi Ben and all Mainers! Here is Melissa Walker talking about how The States Project made a difference in Maine. A great 2 minute view!
https://youtu.be/VI8oFWf4jYk
Wow. Thank you, Ben, for joining this forum and our Giving Circle. Blessings to the memory of your father who lived with the reminder of fighting against fascism with every step he took.
Relational organizing means talking up the issues of protecting our democracy with people we know and meet. Heather helps us identify the issues.
Then we work on registering voters and Get Out The Vote. We figure out our respective strengths and interests to find our people at one of over 100 grassroots organizations effectively working for voting rights and democracy. You can contact me via the Tending to Democracy page for more info. Thank you!
Ellie brings us The Best Resources! So glad you've joined and contributed good thoughts as well as donation!
Amen!
Ellie, I was so excited this morning I got a letter from a wonderful young man running for state office in Michigan. He is pro-choice and pro all the good things we discuss here. From my $120 donation to the States Project, which I learned about from YOU. I feel connected and part of a fighting team of Americans I would love to have a drink with sometime!
Elisabeth, that is wonderful, both your donation and the candidate's response! From The States Project, I have learned that most state legislators are not professional politicians, but regular folks like you and me doing this part-time legislator work. Thank you for joining the team!
I was thrilled to hear from him. It shows a connection between me and him! How refreshing. We must support each other and not succumb to the gloom today’s letter from Heather has cast on us. On me, certainly. But reading the comments has gotten me “back on my horse” and I feel like putting on my boxing gloves to resist those Repugnants ruining our country.
I feel pretty gloomy. I live in NC.
You've got the amazing Cheri Beasley running for Senate!
https://cheribeasley.com/
I looked into this. On the surface this appears like the others such as Move On, Our Revolution, etc. These organizations are essential and must somehow be able to connect with the masses. Show “how” to acquire more ownership rather than just donating. “How” to be and feel empowered at a more fundamental level without the donation button flashing at the entrance gate signifying that if you can’t give there’s no way to be a part of the solution. In other words Dems need to be able to organize the people.
Doing that as well.
How so?
Lee,
I don't recommend the feelings you describe as powerless and afraid.
I recommend feeling angry and powerful and willing to do what it takes to stop a bunch of somewhat stupid white people from taking control from all of us.
How hard could it be? After all, their main advantage is money, certainly not brains.
Yes, first get a dose of Hubbell:
"Nothing is determined. The future is open to every possibility. We can affect the outcome, but to do so, we must be relentless, dedicated, and fearless. We are in the thick of the fight. Anxiety and worry are luxuries we cannot afford because they distract and exhaust us. If you find your thoughts drifting to imagined fears, pivot to action—which is the antidote to anxiety."
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/a-reflection-on-the-midterms
Thank you, Ellie. I am a lifelong activist. My parents took me (4) and my sister (2) to Union Square in NYC when the Rosenbergs were electrocuted. That’s when it started. So Mr. Hubbell’s words are golden: “pivot to action—which is the antidote to anxiety.”
THIS!
Ellie comes through again.
Ty.
One of my favorite phrases! The best antidote to despair is action.
HCR's letters and Hubbell's newsletter are a one-two punch. I've subscribed to the latter this week and very glad I did.
Mike, These “stupid” white people are led by lawyers and rich fascists like Leo Leo and Bill Barr and Cipollone from the catholic right wing who are not stupid. They are intent on overthrowing our way of life. The Maggats who follow them are, by and large, pretty uneducated or stubborn about learning anything new. Some are extremely stupid. However, we must never underestimate the power of the almighty dollar in American politics and the right has a juggernaut aimed directly at most of us, The People. All of us who are “liberal”, or gay, or transgender, or asexual (they are so focused on what we do in bed)….or Jewish, or Black, or young liberals or mixed race people are under attack. Us Old radicals also, lol. So keep your eyes on the Prize. Angry, powerful and willing to do what it takes to stop “them” is good. I am with you.
Elisabeth…You’re absolutely correct!!! It has come down to the simple fact, “either we bury the Maggots (I mean Maggats…darn Spell Check!) at the Polls or…they bury our Democracy”!!!
You got it right the first time, Bob. 😉😂
Elisabeth,
Understood.
However, this has been part of a plan since the 1990s, a new plan which is a change in a plan since the 1960s of creating a White nation, which is not a new plan, just a turn in a violent overthrow of the government to achieve these goals. This plan includes a lot of people who are very single minded, and who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. That is their advantage over the rest of us. We are just not that ruthless.
Well, Linda: we gotta get “ruthless” metaphorically speaking. Backbone is key....getting your boxing gloves on is key. There is so much we CAN do. Let’s not get stuck on what we can’t do. Right?
Agreed! An important thing to do is to name what is going on to everyone we know and get the word out. I responded in detail about this to Anne O Green Gables above.
How?
Look up your local Republican party.
Find out when the meetings are.
Go to them.
Suck up to the folks you figure out are powerful and tell them they are brilliant and you want to join them.
Then, begin to work within the Republican apparatus.
When you get a chance to make a difference within their apparatus, then, do so.
Work to become the local leader of your Republican Party and when you do??
Change the narrative and the goals.
Remember, sucking up to them will be needed until you become the leader, then, they will suck up to you.
Mike, I would have to go “undercover”, but it might be fun and exciting. However, could be dangerous given all the guns “they” have. Safety is a real concern to me. What do you think.
Guns are ubiquitous in America now Elisabeth. Wherever you are. A Republican Party meeting will be no different than going to Walmart or your local church.
Plus, it is not like you are not sincere. Your goal is to help America and Americans so no need for undercover. That is what they want to in their minds. It is the billionaire's that own media and corporations that have "evil" goals.
The guys are your local Republican meeting? "Normal" Americans unlikely to offer violence to someone currying favor.
See my comment about the Tending to Democracy Giving Circle with these emojis:
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-to-Democracy
🇺🇸🗽💙🇺🇸🗽💙🇺🇸🗽💙
Just signed up!
Thank you, Cynthia!
I will try to recruit others as well!
Anne, where do you live? There is so much activity of the good kind going on all over the US. I am inspired by the writers here and elsewhere. Tell us and we can help connect you. People are eager for on the ground help!
I am from a bright red county in red Ohio. Please direct me to action here. I belong to a progressive group and am also a member of the Democratic Central Committee but we had made little difference in this state so far. Thank-you for the info you have provided. I am trying to stay "up" but it is hard sometimes.
What about contacting your States Project group in Ohio? I am certain they are active there. Moveon.org is another very good group. Even Bernie Sanders might have activity in Ohio. Maybe you need to push your DCC. It’s great you are a member. Bring all this up with them. People need direction. How about your local church groups who are progressive? Is there a Black community (if you are white) you can connect with? What about Women’s Groups? I’ll ask my journalist friends who they would recommend in Ohio. I think Dave Chappell lives in Ohio. Why not reach out to him? He is a fabulous guy and articulate and very progressive. What about pro choice activity among your women’s groups? They must be doing a lot! Just some brainstorming with you. Let me know what happens.
Thanks for some great ideas. I will look into the States Project here and also use some of your other ideas. This has brightened my day up a bit and I will keep you posted. Again, thanks!
Mike I respectfully disagree with your statement 'they are not smart'. I fell into this trap saying the same about tfg. I feel like they are all smarter than me because they are getting nefarious stuff done and I am not. All I know to do is write postcards, hold signs and try to call out this disgraceful government takeover to the cool aid drinkers.
How do we do that?
Speak up! Also, write and call your politicians so they know not everyone is in agreement with the Republican platform. My local politicians are on speed dial. Keep yourself informed so you can argue well. Start gathering materials that you can give to people so that they understand what the other side is about. Find like minded people to do that with. Yes you want to be safe. You can write postcards, sign petitions, send emails. I do not use Facebook, but I forward emails on information that I think it important to all of my friends. The problem is that many people do not have imaginations and cannot envision what things are going to be like. You have to paint the picture. Use books and movies that have already done this, gather articles from the print sources. I keep files of articles in folders on my computer by topic. From Abortion to White Supremacy, Youth Culture, Voting, etc... Right now pointing out what is going on with abortion and the potential future ramifications of that in terms of women's health care is one of the things I am focusing on. For example, you have the recent case where there are people suing to get out of paying for health insurance for their employees or for themselves because they object to coverage that includes screening for HIV, HPV and they feel it violates the religious screening act. Point out that the judges that this side has been filling the courts with are making cases that only the president and congress can decide on these coverages, which has ended up meaning that who is in the congress matters a lot, and that the care coverage we all get it seriously compromised.
https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2022/09/08/prep-coverage
Find the cases that will make people care.
But I am incredibly grateful for your efforts and I’m sure they have been a tremendous positive influence. What we are dealing with now is a different creature. They do t even care about the vote because they will undermined anything fair and will go violent if they don’t get their way.
The people I feel we need to reach need more fundamental ways of being communicated with. Believe it or not this is all too “high brow”
Not everyone can be reached. Some may need to hear or see stories. Some may change, some may not. I have found that stories can be effective even if it does not seem like it will be, if your stories connect to an experience that someone has yet to have, it colors how they go through that experience. Point them to the Handmaids Tale on Hulu and other shows that display the dangers of the what Republican Ideology enacted can look like, and how it has permeated our government in many places. This podcast series is one I might share.
https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1064278762/extremely-american
Recently I have been pointing out that all of the things that have led to the lowered life expectancy in the USA, while it has rebounded in other countries of similar wealth are tied to Republican policies.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/31/health/life-expectancy-covid-pandemic.html
The main factor is Covid, then comes guns, drug overdoses and car crashes. The first leads to increases in the following. It is Republican policies against covid management tactics such as masking and the vaccine that has meant that White people actually have the most increase in loss of life expectancy. Let your White Supremacists know that. Even though Whites are living longer, they have decreased their life expectancy along with Native Americans, through the policies of the Republican parties. I assume Native Americans have died in such great numbers because they are largely living in states governed by Republicans. So, Republicans support segregationist policies which have led to high death rate in Black and Brown communities, but there is bounce back after more people get vaccine and follow covid protocols. I would also say we are seeing the Biden bounce back because things are more hopeful for Black and Brown communities under a Democratic president and particularly under Biden who has taken on a lot of the standard of living issues. Then, we have the fact that we could have ended covid 2 summers ago if everyone had gotten vaccinated when the vaccine was available. The virus would not have had time to develop all of these hybrids each being more contagious and therefore infecting more of the population. It is Republican policies that worked against and fought against getting covid under control with Governors and Attorney Generals going to court to fight protective policies, and so, now we are going to have to live with Covid forever. It could have been ended. The downsides to this are many, including that many people have become despairing and depressed. That has led to increased drug use and overdose, which is a form of slow or fast suicide. It has also led to some either sucide alone or suicide homicides where they take people with them based on the method they choose to use. Since guns are leading to much of the lowered life expectancy outside of health issues, Republican policies with guns contribute to the proliferation of guns in our country and the easy access people have to commit suicide and homicide with them. That is true of cars as well. The wreckless driving that people are engaging in due to either drug usage, or hopelessness, is sucicidal/homicide depending on who is in the car when it crashes and whom it hits. Again, this increased desperation is tied to Republican governance during covid, and covid is the trigger for this desperation and unhappiness.
You have a backbone don't you? Use it. Doing nothing is not an option. There is always something everyone can do. Listen to Heather, the answer is in our history.
"Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be." --Often attributed to food writer Clementine Paddleford and sometimes Tallulah Bankhead (two names that make me smile).
MaryB of Pasadena - “𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦.”
For My Daughter
By Sarah McMane
Never play the princess when you can
be the queen:
rule the kingdom, swing a scepter,
wear a crown of gold.
Don’t dance in glass slippers,
crystal carving up your toes --
be a barefoot Amazon instead,
for those shoes will surely shatter on your feet.
Never wear only pink
when you can strut in crimson red,
sweat in heather grey, and
shimmer in sky blue,
claim the golden sun upon your hair.
Colors are for everyone,
boys and girls, men and women --
be a verdant garden, the landscape of Versailles,
not a pale primrose blindly pushed aside.
Chase green dragons and one-eyed zombies,
fierce and fiery toothy monsters,
not merely lazy butterflies,
sweet and slow on summer days.
For you can tame the most brutish beasts
with your wily wits and charm,
and lizard scales feel just as smooth
as gossamer insect wings.
Tramp muddy through the house in
a purple tutu and cowboy boots.
Have a tea party in your overalls.
Build a fort of birch branches,
a zoo of Legos, a rocketship of
Queen Anne chairs and coverlets,
first stop on the moon.
Dream of dinosaurs and baby dolls,
bold brontosaurus and bookish Belle,
not Barbie on the runway or
Disney damsels in distress --
you are much too strong to play
the simpering waif.
Don a baseball cap, dance with Daddy,
paint your toenails, climb a cottonwood.
Learn to speak with both your mind and heart.
For the ground beneath will hold you, dear --
know that you are free.
And never grow a wishbone, daughter,
where your backbone ought to be.
Wow. This is so validating. A delightful poem that encapsulates all the things that I wanted my own daughters to know about how to live. They got it piecemeal, but guess it worked: their kids are being raised the same way. Ron, thank you for pulling it out of the weeds and showing it to us. And Mary for posting the lines that prompted Ron to find it for us.
A touch of beauty most needed in ugly times. Thank you.
Well, that internet search of Sarah McMane yielded interesting and inspiring info. Thank you!
We are not powerless. One thing that reasonable people in all, or almost all states can do is to petition for changes to state constitutions that make gerrymandering unconstitutional, provide that presidential electors must be chosen in accord with the popular vote, and protect the right to privacy and control over one’s body (and mind). The example of Kansas in August should give great hope that such measures would pass.
Look up an organization that Heather supports called Red Wine and Blue. May e you will want to get involved with their efforts- they are organizing big time.
Yes! Be a Troublemaker!
Yes, thank you, and my favorite is RidetoVote, getting people to the polls.
Ladies sign up for https://redwine.blue/ - HCR did a video with them. Great way to learn how to organize women in your State and participate in small ways. They do trainings. their website says "Study after study shows that talking to the people in your network is the MOST impactful way to influence voters. We are committed to providing everything you need to tap into this super power: training, tools, community, and nonstop support."
I echo that. I love the concept, it's exciting and dynamic. I signed up to train as a coach. This is right up my alley. If you want to get something started where you are and not sure just how to do it, this is a great way to do it, because you won't have to wing it. The videos are available on the website, and you can sign up for training- all with support for you.
Today, the Michigan Supreme Court did the right thing and ruled that the Reproductive Freedom for All initiative will be on the general election ballot.
In addition to codifying the Roe standard in the state constitution, the ballot proposal would also guarantee Michigan women the right to access contraception, the right to receive fertility treatment, and the right to determine their own pre- and post-partum care—all issues that the United States Supreme Court noted are potentially up for debate in future cases.
Wow, MaryPat, the Queen died and Steve Bannon was handcuffed on state charges, but this to me is the biggest news of the day! Thank goodness the Reproductive Freedom initiative will be on the ballot in MI. Can't wait to see a big blue wave powered by Michigan's women!
💙💙💙💙💙💙
That’s okay - remember that part of the Bible urging - love thy god with all the mind, heart , soul, and might? Or something like that? If you hold a value that is bigger than you - say for example, La Vida, peace on earth, justice and mercy for all, truth, beauty, creativity - then the idea is to love what you live with the all that is you. To love with your powerlessness, fear, and all the rest of you - remember all the times in your past when you felt similarly and found a path to have those feelings without being those feelings and discovered a power native to you to deal with the challenging situation. Love with your All means wholeness not perfection.
Truth
Sigh, I understand.
I had exactly the same reaction. And it felt really strange because I've been also reading and posting Robert Hubbell's newsletter every day, and he's all about finding optimism and taking action. I know there is cross over between the two communities - and for everyone who many not know of him, here's one of his newsletters with lots of ways to get involved and take action.
Here's a sample with a list of groups at the end, recommended by readers.
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/a-tale-of-two-speeches?r=eznl2&s=r&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Another terrifying newsletter making me revisit the idea of infiltrating Vancouver, CA, through friends there--or perhaps Panama--in case the picture painted here materializes DESPITE our fervent efforts....
When I read this letter tonight I felt the same way, Lee!
Me too.
What happened to the idea behind the Social Contract? As a society, we are better off pooling our resources to help one another than selfishly going it alone. Do these folks not need the fire brigade, the police force, schools to educate their grandchildren, hospitals when they get sick? How discouraging it is to hear these kinds of blinkered, selfish arguments being given credence in courts of law!
Malignant narcissism sees other people and the world itself as objects to be used as one pleases, to be manipulated, subjugated, or destroyed. It's what is under the hood of evil.
And all this on the same day that the Obamas went back to the WH and gave such an inclusive, uplifting speech at the unveiling of their portraits. Their view of society includes EVERYONE!
Egalitarians vs supremacists.
Right vs wrong.
Thank you for making the action of malignant narcissism so clear.
This is the form that evil has taken today.
And grifted - defrauded.
Courts of law elected or appointed by narcissists, who think that legitimate government serves them and enforces their wishes, and no one else's. Judge O’Connor's decision reeks of it, to the point of sociopathy. exactly what justice isn't.
JL I am reminded of the first American fire departments. Homeowners subscribed and had a plaque on their homes. Were there a fire and they hadn’t paid for a plaque, the volunteer firemen arrived, then left, without fighting the fire.
Today both for individuals and for our society, there are programs that provide broad insurance. (Have you ever read the specific details of your homeowner’s insurance policy?)
The idea that individuals can unilaterally reject specific items in a government health/insurance policy I find anathema to the broad interests of the American society.
Next month I will be 89. I imagine that there are aspects of my Medicare coverage that are no longer applicable to my personal situation. HOWEVER, there are some from which I am fulsomely benefitting. That Judge O’Connor and other rogue judges seek to open this Pandora’s Box I find counter to the concept of the common good.
Thank you for providing such encouragement to everyone younger, by simply being yourself at nearly 90 and sharing your rich experience and the understanding you've gained from it.
The devil is in the details of these laws that are passed that elevate society as a whole (e.g., Social Security, ACA, Medicare, Medicaid). They have to have ironclad rules as to their universal application and universal participation. And courts and judges, like this O'Connor misfit, have to be rebutted when they make an attempt to overrule the will of the people.
James Spot on!. I was thinking about finding a rogue judge to complain that my Medicare gynecological coverage is unnecessary for an 88-year-old man. Then I remembered the Act of God provision in my homeowner’s insurance. Hmmm, you never know. On reflection I am delighted to have gynecological coverage. (Just in case).