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Post by hawkeye2015 on Jun 27, 2018 21:48:18 GMT -6
I'm going to need so much alcohol to get through the midterms. You know, since the actual fate of our country will be riding on the results.
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Post by enchanted on Jun 27, 2018 22:39:35 GMT -6
I finally got around to checking the mail. This was a gut punch I could have done without today, NYMag. ![](https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180628/740dfaf2c88bbc228dc3b8324014b25d.jpg)
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Post by blurnette989 on Jun 28, 2018 3:07:52 GMT -6
Basically I have no space in my life for people who choose to embrace their privilege, bury their heads in the sand, and ignore the world burning around them. The ones who vote third party or don’t vote at all and say things like, “It’s not that bad, it always works out!” Because they are not the targeted group. I think this is exactly what you say. Otherwise it will never sink in for some people that their choices and reasoning is abhorrent. I understand not wanting to cause family drama, but this ain't the time to be polite. It just continues it all. And I am guilty of this too, to be clear. I get it.
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Post by blurnette989 on Jun 28, 2018 3:20:06 GMT -6
This is from a post from Will Sternberg on Facebook. I don't know how to link a public post, so i copied his words. I think this is so helpful for us to wake up to today and consider. Hugs to all of you, i hope it fills your cup up a bit.
"I hate “we’re fucked.”
I mean, I don’t want to shame anyone who has said it, thought it, or posted it. I have too. But as a philosophy, as a statement of belief, I hate it. Because it means you’ve given up.
We are absolutely NOT fucked.
Things are so bad. This country has taken a turn that I could never have predicted. It is absolutely fascist, nativist, and extremist. It’s every bit as scary as it seems.
But we are not fucked.
I read a long-form article on the Russia hacks in the New Yorker not long ago. However much you think that influenced the outcome, it was an instructive piece of journalism. There is very little indication that there was a specific political agenda that was being wished for. The goal was simple: Sow chaos and undermine the faith of Westerners in their own institutions.
This is really important to think about right now.
I have a high regard for Mueller and I think his investigation will have some influence. But don’t wait on him to save us. He can’t. And don’t wait on impeachment. I would support it fervently, but it is nothing to bank on. And especially don't assume Trump can't win again. He absolutely can. Our best bet - better, even, than all of our protests and actions - is actually voting.
It’s so square. It’s so old-fashioned. Many of us involved with the hard-left or anarchist scene have been trained to disregard it.
Fucking don’t. NOT NOW, guys. It is the best tool at our disposal. Yeah, you can say that they will sabotage it, reject it, whatever. “Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof.” In other words, don’t create troubles before they exist. Anything seems possible to me right now, but it remains the case - despite hacked voting machines and gerrymandering - that there is no known mechanism by which our government can deny massive voter turnout.
Take back the House in November. Then take back the Presidency in 2020. The worst thing we could do is pretend that these are givens. I never, ever, ever thought that this piece of shit could sit in the Oval Office. I was so humbled by my error. Therefore I assume he could take it again - I know he could - unless we accept the threat as real.
When we say, “We’re fucked,” we roll over. We defeat ourselves. We do their job for them. Don’t do that. We are NOT fucked. We are in a fight. It sucks. It’s hard. People are suffering. The earth is suffering. It will get worse.
You know, since everyone loves the Nazi comparisons, there were people during the HEYDAY of the Third Reich who NEVER said, “We’re fucked.” They said, “We’re in a fight.” And you know what’s interesting? Nazi Germany went from the worst regime in the world to a liberal democracy within a lifetime.
Look at Japan. Take the historical view. Stop pretending that the worst of what’s happening now is what is going to always happen. This is what is happening RIGHT NOW. That’s all you know. If you think it’s going to be this way forever, read a book.
Countries slide into fascism for long periods. It happens. Countries also have short-term extremist right-wing governments. Happens in Europe all the time. They get voted out. The threat remains. The threat of fascism will remain in America in a way it never has before. It’s a real movement. But we’re not fucked. Not even close. We can get off the ropes in the mid-terms and knock them out in 2020. But only if we stop saying that we’re fucked, and start seeing this as a fight.
I’m no Pollyanna. Things are so unutterably bad that I walk around in a constant state of nausea and horror. But you have to take the historical view, and you can’t lie down and say we’re doomed, or else they have beaten you.
Again, I don’t want to shame anyone who says, “We’re fucked” as an emotional reaction. I get it, I really do. But if you say that as a historical reality, then you SHOULD be ashamed. We are so far from being fucked. It's time for that warrior spirit, from everyone.
Our best bet, actually our only realistic bet, is to mobilize the vote. There has always been a silver lining to this situation. I have always hesitated to state it, for fear of sounding like I am not taking the horror seriously. Fuck that; I do. But there has always been the possibility, there remains the possibility, that this is a time when our country faces up to its worst reflection, sees it truly, and breaks the fucking mirror. A time when the last bastion of white power and male supremacy and oligarchy attempts to enact fascism, but the antibodies of the American system and American multi-culturalism kick in to reject it.
Where do you want to stand in that equation? As someone who rolled over because we’ve have had two awful years of shit that much of the world has already experienced many, many, many times over, so you decided that we’re finished and done for? Come on. Look at Europe, look at Africa, look at Asia. Back and forth with this shit, and much worse.
I have your back. Get up. Here’s my hand. Let’s fight.
It can’t become hip to give up. It can’t become hip to say we are fucked. Look at history. People have been so much more fucked than us, and won. If you truly believe we are finished, I’m sorry, but you were the first to fall. Stick a fork in you, turn you over, you’re done. I don’t want to see you do that, if only for the selfish reason that we need you.
Do all the protests, do all the direct action, make all the phone calls, then mobilize in October and November. That’s when we can get off the ropes and start punching again. Take the long view, my sisters and brothers. Don’t let them take you out of the fight.
And if you need me for anything, I am here."
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Post by blurnette989 on Jun 28, 2018 3:42:12 GMT -6
Sorry for the wall of text!
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Post by bugglesbee on Jun 28, 2018 4:26:47 GMT -6
blurnette989 I do think things will get better, unfortunately I believe they will get a lot worse first and I am afraid of what that will mean for all of us. Here for the fight though. I often feel helpless because I live in a liberal area with democratic representatives, besides supporting them, what can I do?
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Post by blurnette989 on Jun 28, 2018 4:31:29 GMT -6
blurnette989 I do think things will get better, unfortunately I believe they will get a lot worse first and I am afraid of what that will mean for all of us. Here for the fight though. I often feel helpless because I live in a liberal area with democratic representatives, besides supporting them, what can I do? If there are any districts or areas near you that aren't as liberal, work on the get out the vote campaigns there. Also think on the state level. I was from VA. My Senators and congressman are Dems, but my state reps were much more conservative. Also, if your entire reachable area is blue, you can work on text campaigns for other areas. I live in Portugal now, but I've still helped remind people to vote and provided info to voters in US races. notblanche got me into these. Ive reached thousands of voters this way and it was super easy to do.
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Post by blurnette989 on Jun 28, 2018 4:33:20 GMT -6
bugglesbee and I totally agree I think things will get worse, but if I can help prevent one less person from being hurt by this administration. I will do whatever I can. But I get feeling like there isn't a lot you can do. Oh also, call-out bullshit when you see it. Call it out. Calling out bullshit isn't rude. Spouting bullshit is rude. Fuck their notion of civility.
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Post by bugglesbee on Jun 28, 2018 4:48:21 GMT -6
bugglesbee and I totally agree I think things will get worse, but if I can help prevent one less person from being hurt by this administration. I will do whatever I can. But I get feeling like there isn't a lot you can do. Oh also, call-out bullshit when you see it. Call it out. Calling out bullshit isn't rude. Spouting bullshit is rude. Fuck their notion of civility. I need to get better at calling people out. I am such an introvert and socially awkward already. I find myself stumbling over words and not making clear points - which obviously takes away from the argument. I am not nearly as informed as many posters here. I come here to learn and do better!
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Post by justkeepmoving on Jun 28, 2018 4:56:59 GMT -6
I saw this on Twitter:
He said a serious speaker on North Korea at the jejuforum suggested they may soon see a Trump Tower in Pyongyang and The Aporentice on state tv.
He followed this tweet up with he was not joking.
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Post by blurnette989 on Jun 28, 2018 5:54:31 GMT -6
bugglesbee totally understand. It is hard. Especially if you feel you aren't well versed enough in policy. But even just saying something like, "that's not cool." Or "how can you think that way?" Or "I find your thinking morally reprehensible" If you hear someone say something racist, misogynistic or hateful. It shows that there assumption that you will be polite or not stand up for others is wrong. That usually is enough to shut people up. People feel emboldened RightNow. We have to show them that is not ok. And yeah it will probably lead to awkward interactionns, but that's ok. Hugs.
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Post by emilyinparis on Jun 28, 2018 6:03:22 GMT -6
Basically I have no space in my life for people who choose to embrace their privilege, bury their heads in the sand, and ignore the world burning around them. The ones who vote third party or don’t vote at all and say things like, “It’s not that bad, it always works out!” Because they are not the targeted group. This is my mother too. Well both parents really. It's incredibly frustrating and it causes me an enormous amount of grief. Both my parents voted for Trump "because taxes!" Or something money related. Thank God my sister is on my side. We try to talk to my mom about it but she just doesn't want to hear it. Says the media twists his words. I can't even... No wonder I drink everyday!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2018 6:12:11 GMT -6
blurnette989 I do think things will get better, unfortunately I believe they will get a lot worse first and I am afraid of what that will mean for all of us. Here for the fight though. I often feel helpless because I live in a liberal area with democratic representatives, besides supporting them, what can I do? You can text voters of other districts! I have a friend that works for Hustle, I've already told her that in addition to VA-10 I'd like to text for some other campaigns, I'll share the info when we get closer.
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Post by notblanche on Jun 28, 2018 6:36:30 GMT -6
blurnette989 I do think things will get better, unfortunately I believe they will get a lot worse first and I am afraid of what that will mean for all of us. Here for the fight though. I often feel helpless because I live in a liberal area with democratic representatives, besides supporting them, what can I do? You can text voters of other districts! I have a friend that works for Hustle, I've already told her that in addition to VA-10 I'd like to text for some other campaigns, I'll share the info when we get closer. Yes! I have done voter outreach by text for candidates all over the state of VA. The campaign / organizers provide a script and talking points and often provide a forum for asking additional questions. bugglesbee this is a great way to get involved. Social anxiety keeps me off the phone at near all costs so the idea of phone banking paralyzed me but sending text messages and having those conversations that way is an alternative that works. Even in the bluest districts they need us! I am confident my congressman will be re-elected in November and Tim Kaine, too, but they need us and we need them more than ever.
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Post by enchanted on Jun 28, 2018 6:36:45 GMT -6
Bolton was at the Kremlin yesterday.
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Post by enchanted on Jun 28, 2018 6:39:50 GMT -6
Summit with Putin is set for July 16th in Helsinki.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2018 6:40:17 GMT -6
bugglesbee and I totally agree I think things will get worse, but if I can help prevent one less person from being hurt by this administration. I will do whatever I can. But I get feeling like there isn't a lot you can do. Oh also, call-out bullshit when you see it. Call it out. Calling out bullshit isn't rude. Spouting bullshit is rude. Fuck their notion of civility. I need to get better at calling people out. I am such an introvert and socially awkward already. I find myself stumbling over words and not making clear points - which obviously takes away from the argument. I am not nearly as informed as many posters here. I come here to learn and do better! we can sit on that bench together.
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Post by misskilljoy on Jun 28, 2018 7:11:11 GMT -6
Canada's former PM Stephen Harper, who signed that bullshit NYT ad praising Trump, secretly planned a meeting with Bolton. For July 2, the day after our retaliatory tariffs take effect. He didn't tell anyone (it's customary to tell the current PM and to contact the embassy in DC) and won't answer questions about why he's going down there.
The fuck, Harper.
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Post by blurnette989 on Jun 28, 2018 7:14:53 GMT -6
Canada's former PM Stephen Harper, who signed that bullshit NYT ad praising Trump, secretly planned a meeting with Bolton. For July 2, the day after our retaliatory tariffs take effect. He didn't tell anyone (it's customary to tell the current PM and to contact the embassy in DC) and won't answer questions about why he's going down there. The fuck, Harper. Wait, so he is not currently in a political position, he is just meeting with Bolton as an individual? Or does he hold some sort of position?
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Post by misskilljoy on Jun 28, 2018 7:16:08 GMT -6
Canada's former PM Stephen Harper, who signed that bullshit NYT ad praising Trump, secretly planned a meeting with Bolton. For July 2, the day after our retaliatory tariffs take effect. He didn't tell anyone (it's customary to tell the current PM and to contact the embassy in DC) and won't answer questions about why he's going down there. The fuck, Harper. Wait, so he is not currently in a political position, he is just meeting with Bolton as an individual? Or does he hold some sort of position? He is no longer an elected official. He's going as an individual.
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Post by notblanche on Jun 28, 2018 7:18:24 GMT -6
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Post by coconutbacon on Jun 28, 2018 7:23:40 GMT -6
Civility above all. A true progressive. 🙄
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Post by blurnette989 on Jun 28, 2018 7:27:13 GMT -6
Wait, so he is not currently in a political position, he is just meeting with Bolton as an individual? Or does he hold some sort of position? He is no longer an elected official. He's going as an individual. That's weird and concerning.
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Post by misskilljoy on Jun 28, 2018 7:31:51 GMT -6
He is no longer an elected official. He's going as an individual. That's weird and concerning. He is chairman of the IDU, so my hope is that he's meeting with Bolton (with whom he has a relationship since he was the US ambassador to Canada during Harper's time in power) to push core conservative ideology that Trump has abandoned. The GOP is part of the IDU, so it's not unrealistic to think Harper is going in that capacity. There would be minimal effects from a meeting like that, just général politicking. But it's weird AF that he didn't tell Trudeau's people or the embassy in DC. It's underhanded and slimy, like so much of what Harper did when he was PM. The skeptic in me assumes he's looking for work.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2018 7:41:11 GMT -6
Sorry for the wall of text! I really needed it.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2018 7:43:16 GMT -6
I’ve heard this “hot take” from a few older white males. 🙄
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jkjacq
Ruby
Posts: 21,752 Likes: 94,434
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Post by jkjacq on Jun 28, 2018 7:49:55 GMT -6
ITS NOT ABOUT POLITICAL DIFFERENCES!!!! We're not talking about corporate tax cuts here, its not about defense spending, its not about healthcare. Its about treating ALL humans equally and with dignity and respect regardless of where they come from, what religion they practice or the color of their skin. Something this administration has shown they are unwilling and even completely against, time and time again. You can't say you are for equal treatment then jail young children. You can't say you think everyone is equal and continue to support groups whose sole purpose is to degrade and harm POC You can't say everyone is free to practice their religion then ban entire countries based on the most popular faith practiced. You can't say all lives matter then deny basic healthcare and the right to choose healthcare to 50% of the population You dont get to tout 'freedom of speech' then turn around and demonize those who are using that to protest This isn't about politics. /rant ETA she wasnt denied service because she was a republican, she was denied service because she is a shit human.
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Post by 4PrivetDrive on Jun 28, 2018 7:55:37 GMT -6
Trump was in Fargo yesterday to stump for that abominable piece of shit Cramer. The radio referred to the people who showed up as "the faithful". I threw up in my mouth. I've also heard reports of people being absolutely awful to non-Trump fans after the rally. I've already resistbotted both my senators. I hate everything.
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Dr. Cox
Emerald
Posts: 10,949 Likes: 80,277
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Post by Dr. Cox on Jun 28, 2018 8:01:27 GMT -6
Bernie is under my skin lately. Every other news story seems to be about his opinion on things. It’s annoying. I’m ready for Bernie to fade away now.
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Post by notblanche on Jun 28, 2018 8:07:49 GMT -6
For a little palate cleanser, Tim Kaine:
@timkaine: The Constitution is clear: With SCOTUS, both the President and Senate have roles in this process.
The GOP was clear: In an election year, the people also get a voice in this process.
So the people need to choose their Senate in November before we give consent to any nominee.
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