Thank you for expressing what so many of us feel. Let's also be aware that we might be called upon at any time to respond to all this insanity. For example, we might witness injustice - either to ourselves or to a stranger - or we might be denied a promised government benefit, or we might be interviewed by a reporter at a town hall meeting. And then all of our reading, thinking, discussions, and musings will click into place and we will know what to do, in that moment, should it come. Never underestimate what you are doing now, to prepare!
Thanks for this call for action, but not to act alone. I think there are everywhere local associations that are doing a wonderful job for making life in society a bit more livable, and could always use more hands. Even if it does not seem to have a really political impact, recreating movement and community is such an important step!
Susan Moore here- (Beth Eckel's daughter, whom you met maybe once.) Mom always cherished your writing and brilliance. I understand why she respected you so much every time I read anything you write, including this. Since 2021, when I followed my (only) child, Madeleine, to Texas (long story), I have been adrift in a red, red city and state and ask myself all of the questions you pose in this wonderful article. There are a few "elder" women at a church I go to now and again who are wonderful progressives and activists. I need to engage more and do more as the absurdity of what is happening now threatens to paralyse me, and your article was just the balm - the gentle poke. Thank you! In solidarity with decent humans everywhere, Susan Moore - League City, Texas
Also, I do think there are fighting Democrats like Ayanna Pressley, AOC, and many others. I really think it's important we assert our own agenda. That's what the Republicans do so well. I have been impressed Ayanna Pressley kept pushing for reparations after this election.
Hey Sara! Great piece, as always. In Argentina older people have been key in the resistance to Milei, who is an aspiring friend to our non-president. There have been fewer protests than expected, though some, and one of the most important ones was of pensioners. It seems like older people are key globally. Them and students?!
Thank you, so interesting to know about Argentina. I don't see students at the things I go to, but maybe they are just meeting in other places. I mean, they probably are at ... school!
It might be too late for the politics. It might need to collapse. The problem is that might take a while and be very ugly. Perhaps the actions are just to be kind to everyone. You know, the opposite of a fight. Do that in local jurisdictions and who knows? It might become quite popular.
Thank you for expressing what so many of us feel. Let's also be aware that we might be called upon at any time to respond to all this insanity. For example, we might witness injustice - either to ourselves or to a stranger - or we might be denied a promised government benefit, or we might be interviewed by a reporter at a town hall meeting. And then all of our reading, thinking, discussions, and musings will click into place and we will know what to do, in that moment, should it come. Never underestimate what you are doing now, to prepare!
great points!
Oh and https://www.mobilize.us/ has been useful to find out what's going on near me
Thanks, Emily!
Well said Sara! I can relate to so much of your experience, and love your advice. A lot of people doing a little is a lot! We all have a part to play!
Thanks Dan! So glad to know it resonated!
Ask everyone you know how they're resisting. Listen for the group with a specific, concrete objective and a plan. Then join them.
Yes!
Wise and reasonable as always.
Thank you, Jesse!
Thanks for this call for action, but not to act alone. I think there are everywhere local associations that are doing a wonderful job for making life in society a bit more livable, and could always use more hands. Even if it does not seem to have a really political impact, recreating movement and community is such an important step!
Yes, totally agree!
Hi Sara,
Susan Moore here- (Beth Eckel's daughter, whom you met maybe once.) Mom always cherished your writing and brilliance. I understand why she respected you so much every time I read anything you write, including this. Since 2021, when I followed my (only) child, Madeleine, to Texas (long story), I have been adrift in a red, red city and state and ask myself all of the questions you pose in this wonderful article. There are a few "elder" women at a church I go to now and again who are wonderful progressives and activists. I need to engage more and do more as the absurdity of what is happening now threatens to paralyse me, and your article was just the balm - the gentle poke. Thank you! In solidarity with decent humans everywhere, Susan Moore - League City, Texas
Susan, thank you so much for telling me this. So nice to hear from you, and what a lovely thing to say!
Also, I do think there are fighting Democrats like Ayanna Pressley, AOC, and many others. I really think it's important we assert our own agenda. That's what the Republicans do so well. I have been impressed Ayanna Pressley kept pushing for reparations after this election.
Yes, I love AOC and Bernie, et al. I hope the party leadership stops marginalizing them and realizes how valuable they are!
Hey Sara! Great piece, as always. In Argentina older people have been key in the resistance to Milei, who is an aspiring friend to our non-president. There have been fewer protests than expected, though some, and one of the most important ones was of pensioners. It seems like older people are key globally. Them and students?!
Thank you, so interesting to know about Argentina. I don't see students at the things I go to, but maybe they are just meeting in other places. I mean, they probably are at ... school!
Thanks for mentioning 5 calls app, I've been looking for something like this and never heard of it. Just downloaded
Oh, I'm glad I included it! I had heard about it from so many places that I almost didn't include it, so glad to know this!
I just sent a newsletter that is so aligned with yours!
https://open.substack.com/pub/mitchellteplitsky/p/how-a-rural-indiana-pride-center?r=i6t2&utm_medium=ios
Thanks! Love this!
It might be too late for the politics. It might need to collapse. The problem is that might take a while and be very ugly. Perhaps the actions are just to be kind to everyone. You know, the opposite of a fight. Do that in local jurisdictions and who knows? It might become quite popular.
Agree that that we need to be kind, but we can't let ourselves get steamrolled by people who lack compassion and don't care who they hurt.