I’m gradually wading into activism. I’ve been calling and emailing congress members often, I’ve joined Move On and will be on a national phone call for ways to resist, I’ve donated to act blue and I try to talk to MAGAs around me to no avail.
I’m 70 years old and live in fear and outrage every day. When I hear Timothy Snyder and his wife have left the country due to fears of fascism it sends chills down my spine. We can no longer hope for rescue. We are the rescuers. I’m going to pray, join with like minded friends and forge ahead. I do this for my children, grandchildren and my country. It’s time to find our inner strength and RESIST!! 🙏🏻
I just heard that on the news today. Lawerence O’Donnell hosted by Simone sanders. I recorded it last night. I even rewound to because I heard correctly. Scary stuff.
I’ve never been an activist before, but I’m becoming one now! Town halls, calling congressmen, protests and marches. None of it feels comfortable yet, but my comfort is beside the point.
I live in a small community in the upper peninsula of Michigan. It is an area where the
Majority of voters are maga. However there are many veterans and elders on social security. My group of compatriots decided that helping our community understand the impact of cuts to the people in our small part of the world would be more impactful. Our first event was a protest against cutting the VA. It was an area of concern that crossed politics. We had coverage in our local weekly paper ( that everyone still reads). Our next event will be April 5 and a Hands Off our Soc Security protest. We will grow in numbers and hopefully speak truths to people that don’t often hear them on their preferred tv stations.
I personally do big picture as well. However when you are in a very RED voting region and where few voters see anything but FOX news you have to address how the horrible actions will negatively impact them.
And remind them of what we can achieve by working for change together and what that change looks like. Better wages, better benefits for families and individuals, better health care, lower prices-all is achievable if we work together against the wealth that tries to rob us of our dignity and freedom.
Thank you for standing strong and helping others to join with you. I live in lower Michigan and know there are a lot of maga supporters there. Hopefully you will come away with a large group of people who believe in democracy over fascism.
I call and write my congressman. I see new essays on social media that I share. Otherwise, I avoid socializing online because I don't need it. Time-poor as well as money-poor and it is life-consuming managing my household. It's important to cook from scratch for my health. Nearing my ninth decade. New medical symptoms, probably stress-related. Homebound by nature, even when I was younger. My activism is in encouraging words only. And, always expressing gratitude.
We have to look at the big picture we've been focusing on all the damn distractions day in day out. It's not about the little things. It's about the big f****** picture. They will starve us. They will take our money away. They will bring us down. It's time to act
I’m using Substack and Facebook to spread news and information about what is really happening. I am going to a rally on April 5 to protest with my sister and niece. I’m talking to friends and coworkers about things.
There’s lots of ways to push back against the Trump regime, from being more conscious about what I am buying, going to small businesses, thrift stores, farmers’ markets and avoiding, whenever possible, larger, oligarch owned corporations. I am also getting paid subscriptions to Substackers to support them in getting information out there.
Canceled NYT, closed Facebook account, cancelled Amazon Prime and stopped all Amazon purchases. Trying to minimize non-essential spending. Subscribing to Substack and plan to attend my first ever protest April 5. Doesn't feel like much and definitely feels like not enough.
Anything that you can do helps. I look at it this way:
If you are trying to empty a pool of water and can only use a bucket it takes forever. However if 100 people join you with their own buckets, it does so much more. And it’s better to do little things that add up than do nothing at all. We all have limited time and, as those of us who are neurodivergent say, limited “spoons” to do things. So keep doing what you’re doing. You’re making a difference.
I am in the UK and this piece is so frightening. I have read articles by US writers who are grieving and scared. I feel your pain and I am sending you so much love and strength and stamina to maintain the resistance ❤️✊❤️
Things are nowhere near as bad over here but there have been swathing cuts to social security and disability benefits, and huge layoffs of government staff. There are a few good things going on behind the scenes such as investment in infrastructure, but the impact of those won’t be felt for a long time. Whichever party is in power in the UK we are still, like you, basically being governed by big money. I pray that we do not go down the road you are travelling, but we are often only a few steps behind the US. I’m a bit of an armchair activist as I can’t travel too far but would be outside Westminster with a placard if I could.
please watch youtuber Gary on economics. Britisher who rose, due to his brilliance and drive, from his lower class upbringing to very successful stock trader - eventually realized he was part of helping the economic collapse. Here's an important one; long but clear including how to stop the economy from collapsing.
I don’t attend protests, because I get disoriented in crowds, but here are things I do:
Boycotts are virtually no risk. Just don’t shop at Target, Amazon, etc. Delete Venmo, Paypal, and stop using as many META apps as you can. I try to be super thorough here, and completely deleted my Amazon, X, Paypal, Venmo and Meta apps and/or accounts. I buy absolutely nothing on blackout days. Use this app to check out the brands you use and places you shop - it’s felt good to change brands on many things I buy:
I also love using this free fax app to contact my US Senators. It’s easier than phoning, because sometimes their voicemail service is off, or their box is full, and no one is answering their phones. It’s good to use if you’re too shy to talk to them. You don’t need a fax machine. https://faxzero.com/fax_senate.php
I’m still on Facebook for business, and comment publically there, while posting things privately to my friends. I try to post a personal thank you to people who stand up — i.e. there’s a Republican Senator who recently squeaked out some support for NATO (Sen. Wicker) and called for investigations into Signalgate; or the Atlantic magazine who is standing their ground — post something visible on their page that thanks them. It feels GREAT to do something that’s positive and supportive instead of always raging and complaining. Reward good players — help them!
For every major protest you don’t attend for whatever reason, throw a donation toward a group that’s fighting in the courts, like the ACLU, Democracy Docket.
Many large companies will contribute millions to both sides, to cover their bases. Both sides are owned and this is why Democratic leadership is weak right now — they don’t want to go against their donors, and why we need campaign finance reform.
I had just emailed my representative (Paul Tonko, NY20) for his informative newsletters, and for doing the job we actually voted him in to do: standing up for his constituents and, by extension, the country.
No more trying to convince and convince them either. That's a waste of our energy. They will take us out right or wrong. It doesn't even matter. It doesn't matter if they're right or wrong. It's going to happen unless we stand up and resist to save humanity
Agree ! At this point they're either full on complicit or willfully blind. Usefull information as to character when their world implodes, and they turn on him
Call your reps every day, multiple times a day. Use 5calls.org for a basic idea and riff from it to make it personal.
Join Indivisible or an organization. Participate in every single protest that you are able to do. Speak freely about what's going on because people who watch Fox news have no idea of the severity! Educate them.
I waited until I retired from my corporate career to become an activist, but I'm going full throttle now. I'm sure I have friends who are rolling their eyes, but I remind them that I am their voice too. Silence = complicity.
I’m doing a HandsOff! Event in Bothell WA on 4/5. Being present is important. If you’re so inclined you can hide in a crowd like that and still be present.
Watch the movie. BAD FAITH. that should Open that should open your eyes.. It did me today. I've been you know I was raised in the calvinistic religion. I suggest taking a look at that because this movement started already back in times of Reagan and it's like a steamroller or a tugboat if you will just methodically moving forward and all along, we are trying to create peace. We're trying to make unity. We're trying to help each other. Meet in the middle come together. And hey you cannot fault us for that, but look up folks. We can't get out of the way of the tugboat or the steamroller. We're too late unless we all get our s*** together in a short order because they methodically are going to take us all out. They're going to thin the herd so that the 1/3rd chosen elite Christians will be left to prosper and to be transformed and that's why they don't give a s*** about global warming because that'll just help the herd. They don't care. This is for the people. It's for the chosen upper class white. They will take the money. They will push us all down. We will be pushed down so I suggest we plant gardens. We move into communities with each other otherwise alone. We don't stand a chance and I haven't even listened to John's talk today. This has just been on my mind all night long. We need to wake the f******
I'm sick of living in a state of constant fight or flight and rage about the many things I can't control. Always worrying what my employer could say about my media posts, or family telling me I have Trump Derangement Syndrome. (That's rich coming from people in a cult!) Realistically, every single day is filled with risks when we choose to drive on a busy highway or attend an outdoor concert that some shooter may choose to make his martyr's cause. What I am finding is the more I speak out, the more I choose small actions, the more I bravely say I refuse to sit by and watch this authoritarian takeover play out, the more EMPOWERED I feel. I totally respect those who cannot participate for myriad reasons. But this fired up, menopausal survivor of all the shit life has thrown at me has put her boxing gloves back on! I will be participating in our local April 5 protest. I will vote on April 1 for our state supreme court race, and remind others to as well. I will keep posting news of what's really happening, use my dark humor as a lifeboat, support Substack and Patreon writers bravely putting themselves out there, shop local, write postcards, do my tiny part. A resistance is built from millions of small pieces fitting together into one giant movement that cannot be denied or stopped.
And hell yes to boycotting all the big businesses who are kissing the ring!
If you are inclined to take to the streets in an organized protest, be safe. Follow the instructions from your group, wear a mask and a hat and carry water and ID. Think about leaving your phone at home or having a burner phone. But make those signs big and your voice loud!
I’m gradually wading into activism. I’ve been calling and emailing congress members often, I’ve joined Move On and will be on a national phone call for ways to resist, I’ve donated to act blue and I try to talk to MAGAs around me to no avail.
I’m 70 years old and live in fear and outrage every day. When I hear Timothy Snyder and his wife have left the country due to fears of fascism it sends chills down my spine. We can no longer hope for rescue. We are the rescuers. I’m going to pray, join with like minded friends and forge ahead. I do this for my children, grandchildren and my country. It’s time to find our inner strength and RESIST!! 🙏🏻
I wasn't aware the Timothy Snyder and family have left. Holy crap.
Indivisible is another great resource for actions of resistance.
I just heard that on the news today. Lawerence O’Donnell hosted by Simone sanders. I recorded it last night. I even rewound to because I heard correctly. Scary stuff.
I have L O'D recorded too, I'll pull it up when I get home. Thanks for the info.
I’ve never been an activist before, but I’m becoming one now! Town halls, calling congressmen, protests and marches. None of it feels comfortable yet, but my comfort is beside the point.
I live in a small community in the upper peninsula of Michigan. It is an area where the
Majority of voters are maga. However there are many veterans and elders on social security. My group of compatriots decided that helping our community understand the impact of cuts to the people in our small part of the world would be more impactful. Our first event was a protest against cutting the VA. It was an area of concern that crossed politics. We had coverage in our local weekly paper ( that everyone still reads). Our next event will be April 5 and a Hands Off our Soc Security protest. We will grow in numbers and hopefully speak truths to people that don’t often hear them on their preferred tv stations.
Brilliant! And effective.
Think big picture. Think broader
I personally do big picture as well. However when you are in a very RED voting region and where few voters see anything but FOX news you have to address how the horrible actions will negatively impact them.
And remind them of what we can achieve by working for change together and what that change looks like. Better wages, better benefits for families and individuals, better health care, lower prices-all is achievable if we work together against the wealth that tries to rob us of our dignity and freedom.
Thank you for standing strong and helping others to join with you. I live in lower Michigan and know there are a lot of maga supporters there. Hopefully you will come away with a large group of people who believe in democracy over fascism.
I love the actions you're taking ... hyper local benefits will bubble up, I believe. Thank you for standing up!
I call and write my congressman. I see new essays on social media that I share. Otherwise, I avoid socializing online because I don't need it. Time-poor as well as money-poor and it is life-consuming managing my household. It's important to cook from scratch for my health. Nearing my ninth decade. New medical symptoms, probably stress-related. Homebound by nature, even when I was younger. My activism is in encouraging words only. And, always expressing gratitude.
Thank you. These are all good things to do. Our impact need only be in a six foot radius. Touch those closest to us and start a ripple from there.
It's like skipping stones on a glassy lake. The ripple effect is awesome!
Disabled but wth.
This takes precedence and I'll do what I can. I appreciate Margaret all that you do. Thank you
We have to look at the big picture we've been focusing on all the damn distractions day in day out. It's not about the little things. It's about the big f****** picture. They will starve us. They will take our money away. They will bring us down. It's time to act
I am finally awake after being indoctrinated and held down for 60 years. I am awake. Let's go folks
Encouraging, Peggy.
I’m using Substack and Facebook to spread news and information about what is really happening. I am going to a rally on April 5 to protest with my sister and niece. I’m talking to friends and coworkers about things.
There’s lots of ways to push back against the Trump regime, from being more conscious about what I am buying, going to small businesses, thrift stores, farmers’ markets and avoiding, whenever possible, larger, oligarch owned corporations. I am also getting paid subscriptions to Substackers to support them in getting information out there.
Canceled NYT, closed Facebook account, cancelled Amazon Prime and stopped all Amazon purchases. Trying to minimize non-essential spending. Subscribing to Substack and plan to attend my first ever protest April 5. Doesn't feel like much and definitely feels like not enough.
Anything that you can do helps. I look at it this way:
If you are trying to empty a pool of water and can only use a bucket it takes forever. However if 100 people join you with their own buckets, it does so much more. And it’s better to do little things that add up than do nothing at all. We all have limited time and, as those of us who are neurodivergent say, limited “spoons” to do things. So keep doing what you’re doing. You’re making a difference.
Same here.
I’m working hard to support small local businesses. Fuck corporate!
I am in the UK and this piece is so frightening. I have read articles by US writers who are grieving and scared. I feel your pain and I am sending you so much love and strength and stamina to maintain the resistance ❤️✊❤️
Things are nowhere near as bad over here but there have been swathing cuts to social security and disability benefits, and huge layoffs of government staff. There are a few good things going on behind the scenes such as investment in infrastructure, but the impact of those won’t be felt for a long time. Whichever party is in power in the UK we are still, like you, basically being governed by big money. I pray that we do not go down the road you are travelling, but we are often only a few steps behind the US. I’m a bit of an armchair activist as I can’t travel too far but would be outside Westminster with a placard if I could.
please watch youtuber Gary on economics. Britisher who rose, due to his brilliance and drive, from his lower class upbringing to very successful stock trader - eventually realized he was part of helping the economic collapse. Here's an important one; long but clear including how to stop the economy from collapsing.
https://youtu.be/rAb_p5DCC3E?si=JtHXHUxJLLAteu7m
Thank you for the link. I have heard of Gary and keep meaning to listen to his videos so this is much appreciated.
I don’t attend protests, because I get disoriented in crowds, but here are things I do:
Boycotts are virtually no risk. Just don’t shop at Target, Amazon, etc. Delete Venmo, Paypal, and stop using as many META apps as you can. I try to be super thorough here, and completely deleted my Amazon, X, Paypal, Venmo and Meta apps and/or accounts. I buy absolutely nothing on blackout days. Use this app to check out the brands you use and places you shop - it’s felt good to change brands on many things I buy:
https://www.goodsuniteus.com/
I also love using this free fax app to contact my US Senators. It’s easier than phoning, because sometimes their voicemail service is off, or their box is full, and no one is answering their phones. It’s good to use if you’re too shy to talk to them. You don’t need a fax machine. https://faxzero.com/fax_senate.php
I’m still on Facebook for business, and comment publically there, while posting things privately to my friends. I try to post a personal thank you to people who stand up — i.e. there’s a Republican Senator who recently squeaked out some support for NATO (Sen. Wicker) and called for investigations into Signalgate; or the Atlantic magazine who is standing their ground — post something visible on their page that thanks them. It feels GREAT to do something that’s positive and supportive instead of always raging and complaining. Reward good players — help them!
For every major protest you don’t attend for whatever reason, throw a donation toward a group that’s fighting in the courts, like the ACLU, Democracy Docket.
I don’t know how accurate the Goods Unite Us app is. I just got it and it claims Amazon donated more to Democrats! What???
Many large companies will contribute millions to both sides, to cover their bases. Both sides are owned and this is why Democratic leadership is weak right now — they don’t want to go against their donors, and why we need campaign finance reform.
I had just emailed my representative (Paul Tonko, NY20) for his informative newsletters, and for doing the job we actually voted him in to do: standing up for his constituents and, by extension, the country.
It's game time.. I'm all alone, disabled and I FINALLY SEE WHAT'S GOING ON... INJURED OR NOT.. GET IN THE GAME
Somebody needs to be head coach and organize quickly.. Don't think about the price of eggs... Get in the game
No more trying to convince and convince them either. That's a waste of our energy. They will take us out right or wrong. It doesn't even matter. It doesn't matter if they're right or wrong. It's going to happen unless we stand up and resist to save humanity
For our grandchildren
Agree ! At this point they're either full on complicit or willfully blind. Usefull information as to character when their world implodes, and they turn on him
Call your reps every day, multiple times a day. Use 5calls.org for a basic idea and riff from it to make it personal.
Join Indivisible or an organization. Participate in every single protest that you are able to do. Speak freely about what's going on because people who watch Fox news have no idea of the severity! Educate them.
I waited until I retired from my corporate career to become an activist, but I'm going full throttle now. I'm sure I have friends who are rolling their eyes, but I remind them that I am their voice too. Silence = complicity.
I’m doing a HandsOff! Event in Bothell WA on 4/5. Being present is important. If you’re so inclined you can hide in a crowd like that and still be present.
I will be in Renton, WA
Watch the movie. BAD FAITH. that should Open that should open your eyes.. It did me today. I've been you know I was raised in the calvinistic religion. I suggest taking a look at that because this movement started already back in times of Reagan and it's like a steamroller or a tugboat if you will just methodically moving forward and all along, we are trying to create peace. We're trying to make unity. We're trying to help each other. Meet in the middle come together. And hey you cannot fault us for that, but look up folks. We can't get out of the way of the tugboat or the steamroller. We're too late unless we all get our s*** together in a short order because they methodically are going to take us all out. They're going to thin the herd so that the 1/3rd chosen elite Christians will be left to prosper and to be transformed and that's why they don't give a s*** about global warming because that'll just help the herd. They don't care. This is for the people. It's for the chosen upper class white. They will take the money. They will push us all down. We will be pushed down so I suggest we plant gardens. We move into communities with each other otherwise alone. We don't stand a chance and I haven't even listened to John's talk today. This has just been on my mind all night long. We need to wake the f******
I'm sick of living in a state of constant fight or flight and rage about the many things I can't control. Always worrying what my employer could say about my media posts, or family telling me I have Trump Derangement Syndrome. (That's rich coming from people in a cult!) Realistically, every single day is filled with risks when we choose to drive on a busy highway or attend an outdoor concert that some shooter may choose to make his martyr's cause. What I am finding is the more I speak out, the more I choose small actions, the more I bravely say I refuse to sit by and watch this authoritarian takeover play out, the more EMPOWERED I feel. I totally respect those who cannot participate for myriad reasons. But this fired up, menopausal survivor of all the shit life has thrown at me has put her boxing gloves back on! I will be participating in our local April 5 protest. I will vote on April 1 for our state supreme court race, and remind others to as well. I will keep posting news of what's really happening, use my dark humor as a lifeboat, support Substack and Patreon writers bravely putting themselves out there, shop local, write postcards, do my tiny part. A resistance is built from millions of small pieces fitting together into one giant movement that cannot be denied or stopped.
And hell yes to boycotting all the big businesses who are kissing the ring!
If you are inclined to take to the streets in an organized protest, be safe. Follow the instructions from your group, wear a mask and a hat and carry water and ID. Think about leaving your phone at home or having a burner phone. But make those signs big and your voice loud!
Trying to make calling my senators and congressman part of my morning routine, using the 5 Calls app