It’s in times like these that all of us must take a stand, whether for democracy or the incoming administration. I prefer democracy, and encourage everyone who is fearful to have courage to do his/her part to fight the dictatorial nature of the felon.(I refuse to use his name).
I want to thank you for your voice of encouragement. I suspect that most of us will emotionally yo yo up and down. I had two bad days this week, but I know it's not an option to disengage. We must stand firm, and your voice helps to lift and remind us. I still haven't found a way where I personally can take action, but I continue to look. Stay safe.
Thank you first for your own courage and second for telling us the important news we need to know. I no longer watch Morning Joe (or any news other than Lawrence O’Donnell) so I appreciate getting it from a trusted journalist such as yourself.
Boy, I needed this today. I’ve really been struggling, not to give up and completely tune out. Every day closer to January 20th, makes me more anxious and depressed. But you are so right. I need to find the courage to move on from grief..I’m still stuck there…but I’m working on it! Thank you Steven. We are all works on progress, I imagine at this point!
The next few years of cruelty, absurdity, and ignorance are going to test our willpower to continue to fight for our democracy and test our ability to hold onto hope. I find inspiration in the poem Invictus, which my Dad introduced me to in 1963 when I was 9 years old. Not sure I appreciated its meaning at the time, but now it reminds me that others have persevered through great adversity, and that the actions of Trump and his minions cannot weaken my resolve to see this through to the other side.
THIS. BLOWS. MY. MIND. : "You may have already heard that Atlantic writer David Frum was asked during a break to leave Morning Joe after making a joke about Pete Hegseth’s drinking and Fox News’ tolerance of this bad behavior. ('If you’re too drunk for Fox News,' Frum said, 'you’re very, very drunk indeed.') After he exited, Brzezinski apologized for their guest’s joke: 'The comment was a little too flippant for this moment we’re in.' The clip has the squirmy feel of a hostage video. While Scarborough looks on without expression, Brzezinski seems to be speaking to 'someone,' to make it clear that they won’t cross a line and please, please don’t retaliate." Chills up and down my spine.
I’m currently an expat from California living in Indonesia I’m able too vote using Democrats Abroad. I’m safe here away from the gunfire and crazy trumpions wandering the streets
So what does that look like for the ordinary not-a- journalist, or a politician, etc, etc..? Short of showing up in body and spirit at a rally somewhere, speaking the truth about how things are no matter who you are talking to, and finding and supporting businesses that are not trumper-value outlets, and looking after our own value systems to make sure they are intact and acting on them. HOW do we show up and change things -? South Koreans showed up during the power-grab attempt by their (leader) and put a stop to martial law , but how do we say, and demonstrate ENOUGH?! The fact that this circus has gone on and is erecting tents and a village (strengthening their maga community) is too much. There is a moment at weddings where the officiator/minister/judge asks if there are objections to a union.... where is that clause in our democratic process of the transfer of power in essence marrying the people to a leader? We need to state our objections and STOP this madness NOW, and not after we have peacefully surrendered the powers over to people who are NOT peaceful or benevolent in any way, shape or form! I mean really where, what and HOW can we DO this?! We say courage... and look for opportunities - but as a collective we need to find this out and then act. Looking for answers here...?!
Me ) We ) Many need to keep repeating WHAT is wanted ) HOW this looks in action ) and WHY it is important ) to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Thanks Dawn, nice entry.
This is such an important essay, Steven. Thank you for this timely call for us to hold courage close.
If the unrelenting pursuit of truth is to be our goal, we need to remind ourselves that it will take courage to advance through the valley of superstition and lies. Courage, in plain words, is the vehicle of truth.
Trump and his acolytes will try to fracture our resolve and divide us by singling out the bravest among us for persecution. We, though, must stay united in calling out injustice at every turn. We must make our voices heard. Silence, in the face of evil, is complicity.
Fight on brothers and sisters we are the warriors of democracy
I’m with Allan! Keep up the good fight!
It’s in times like these that all of us must take a stand, whether for democracy or the incoming administration. I prefer democracy, and encourage everyone who is fearful to have courage to do his/her part to fight the dictatorial nature of the felon.(I refuse to use his name).
We > I or me. Alone we fail. It’s time to stand together. Pretty simple, but oh so hard.
https://open.substack.com/pub/albellenchia/p/lessons-2024?r=7wk5d&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
The fight is coming to us and we must meet it head on - i am terrified of what is to come but at 83 the hell i will back down.
That’s the spirit!
Patricia, I believe you’ll keep saying this to wobbling people. I just followed your Substack.
I want to thank you for your voice of encouragement. I suspect that most of us will emotionally yo yo up and down. I had two bad days this week, but I know it's not an option to disengage. We must stand firm, and your voice helps to lift and remind us. I still haven't found a way where I personally can take action, but I continue to look. Stay safe.
Thank you first for your own courage and second for telling us the important news we need to know. I no longer watch Morning Joe (or any news other than Lawrence O’Donnell) so I appreciate getting it from a trusted journalist such as yourself.
Boy, I needed this today. I’ve really been struggling, not to give up and completely tune out. Every day closer to January 20th, makes me more anxious and depressed. But you are so right. I need to find the courage to move on from grief..I’m still stuck there…but I’m working on it! Thank you Steven. We are all works on progress, I imagine at this point!
The next few years of cruelty, absurdity, and ignorance are going to test our willpower to continue to fight for our democracy and test our ability to hold onto hope. I find inspiration in the poem Invictus, which my Dad introduced me to in 1963 when I was 9 years old. Not sure I appreciated its meaning at the time, but now it reminds me that others have persevered through great adversity, and that the actions of Trump and his minions cannot weaken my resolve to see this through to the other side.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeoning of chance
My head is bloodied, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
THIS. BLOWS. MY. MIND. : "You may have already heard that Atlantic writer David Frum was asked during a break to leave Morning Joe after making a joke about Pete Hegseth’s drinking and Fox News’ tolerance of this bad behavior. ('If you’re too drunk for Fox News,' Frum said, 'you’re very, very drunk indeed.') After he exited, Brzezinski apologized for their guest’s joke: 'The comment was a little too flippant for this moment we’re in.' The clip has the squirmy feel of a hostage video. While Scarborough looks on without expression, Brzezinski seems to be speaking to 'someone,' to make it clear that they won’t cross a line and please, please don’t retaliate." Chills up and down my spine.
I agree. Something frightening has shaken them. They’re in spider’s web for now.
I’m currently an expat from California living in Indonesia I’m able too vote using Democrats Abroad. I’m safe here away from the gunfire and crazy trumpions wandering the streets
“An enemy of the Republican Party.”
That’s my favorite descriptor. It took 80 years to achieve, but it was worth every second.
Outstanding post, Steve. I restacked.
Thx!
So what does that look like for the ordinary not-a- journalist, or a politician, etc, etc..? Short of showing up in body and spirit at a rally somewhere, speaking the truth about how things are no matter who you are talking to, and finding and supporting businesses that are not trumper-value outlets, and looking after our own value systems to make sure they are intact and acting on them. HOW do we show up and change things -? South Koreans showed up during the power-grab attempt by their (leader) and put a stop to martial law , but how do we say, and demonstrate ENOUGH?! The fact that this circus has gone on and is erecting tents and a village (strengthening their maga community) is too much. There is a moment at weddings where the officiator/minister/judge asks if there are objections to a union.... where is that clause in our democratic process of the transfer of power in essence marrying the people to a leader? We need to state our objections and STOP this madness NOW, and not after we have peacefully surrendered the powers over to people who are NOT peaceful or benevolent in any way, shape or form! I mean really where, what and HOW can we DO this?! We say courage... and look for opportunities - but as a collective we need to find this out and then act. Looking for answers here...?!
Me ) We ) Many need to keep repeating WHAT is wanted ) HOW this looks in action ) and WHY it is important ) to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Thanks Dawn, nice entry.
Pressure. Keep contacting your representatives. The more pressure they get the more they'll have to pay attention.
Great post .......... and those who lack courage are either pre-emptively kissing the ring or seeking pre-emptive pardon from Biden.......
This is such an important essay, Steven. Thank you for this timely call for us to hold courage close.
If the unrelenting pursuit of truth is to be our goal, we need to remind ourselves that it will take courage to advance through the valley of superstition and lies. Courage, in plain words, is the vehicle of truth.
Trump and his acolytes will try to fracture our resolve and divide us by singling out the bravest among us for persecution. We, though, must stay united in calling out injustice at every turn. We must make our voices heard. Silence, in the face of evil, is complicity.
Thank you, Homi. Yes, critical to keep asserting what’s true.
The heroes that stand up to fascism will be remembered and celebrated.