Well, I certainly hope that it doesn’t come down you giving up your lives. I am a dual national, and have the easy option of moving back to Switzerland. Except that, as you say, it’s not really an option. When Trump prevailed, Swiss friends wrote me in droves saying « come back. » But going back to Switzerland would mean going back to a country where, in some Cantons, women only got the vote in 1988, and where overt racism is perfectly tolerated (witness the main party’s employment of a poster that showed a black sheep being kicked out of a pasture of white sheep by a jackboot). We are an imperfect country, but I treasure the diversity, the discussions, and the fading but still enduring hope that the « melting pot » represents the best of us all.
Lucian, you are a man after my own heart, and I love you for your heart as expressed here.
Of course, as seems to invariably be the case, we are on the same side. However I do have to make a statement.
We need to acknowledge the deep despair, anxiety and concern wrought by these times.
I have people very close to me who are experiencing countless episodes of insomnia. Every week they are going through this hardship. The attacks on democracy are disturbing. We must have compassion for our dear ones who are being deeply affected. Losing sleep multiple times a week over concerns about the political stability of our democracy is not something easily brushed off if you are the one losing the sleep and awaking in the night terror.
What we must offer them is reassurance. Hope. Encouragement. They are looking for a remedy for their deep trouble, their despair. Leaving the country looks like a solution.
It is incumbent upon us to provide the acknowledgment, reassurance, and encouragement they need to help them weather this period of trial.
Democracy will prevail. In my opinion, the racism and sexism and gender orientation persecution we are witnessing so openly displayed is a result of our society shifting out of red and purple and into blue. The cornered animals are thrashing around wildly as they approach being captured and caged.
America will survive this test. Democracy will favor and outpace the attempts to curtail it. That is what I feel. That is what I believe will happen.
Just before the ship sinks, the rats and other pests abandon ship. But before they do, a lot of them will hang on for dear life, kicking and screaming, as the ship goes down. They will be invested until the bitter end to the “ship,” the old society of racism sexism
antisemitism gay bashing et al.
They know the end is near. The news media keeps running stories about their activities, but those relentless stories neglect mentioning the context within which those stories are taking place. The Republican Party, now majority extremist, is fighting desperately in a losing cause. The adherents to the old society are struggling for survival, for relevance. This society is going diverse, egalitarian, democratic.
For decades and decades and decades, men and whites called all the shots. We are going inexorably into a world where everybody calls the shots, not just the racists and sexists in denial.
Everyone has power now. The signs and symbols of the Confederacy, of male supremacy, of white supremacy, of straights persecuting non-straights, are disappearing one by one. The writing is on the wall. The direction of movement is clear. Reactionaries who are trying to keep us in the past are losing the battle.
Remember, too, it is women, non-whites, and non-straights who bear the brunt of the risk to their personal safety during this time of turmoil. We must send them love and reassurances of security, especially now.
I can so relate to your thoughtful comment, especially as regards sleep. Between stress over the next active Coup and taking care of a very old companion, I haven't slept for more than about 4 hours, uninterrupted in nearly a year.
Thank you, Lucian, for the pep talk, I needed it. I wouldn't really want to live in the majority of the Countries which would accept me, anyway, so I guess I'll buckle DC own and join you on the ramparts.
“We have a White House on the side of Democracy.” Nicole Wallace just said that, and I know that is true. There are still more people who believe in democracy than those who believe in trmp. Focus. Vote. Keep the faith.
Just became a paid subscriber, and want you to know how much I appreciate the work you do and courage you show. I'll be there with you, whether it's for voting or defending ourselves. Best to you and your family this holiday season.
Whenever I think about leaving this country and taking my body and my money to Italy, I remember that some Jews in Germany reacted to the rise of the Nazis by committing suicide. Although I understand the motivating despair, that was doing Hitler's job for him! I don't want to do the vote-suppressing, radical right-wingers' job for them, by making sure there is one less Dem vote to be counted. Also, no matter where you go, you can't escape the news of what's going on in the USA. Hiding in the woods or living in a foreign country doesn't make that reality invisible. Out of sight in this case is NOT out of mind.
I am inspired. Refreshed. So glad to have you in my life, even though we’ve never met. But so many of us know each other on a deep level and draw strength from one another. I’ll sleep well tonight. Thank you.
The Republicans in the United States are not alone in what they are doing to subvert democracy. Conservative factions in the global body politic are equally hard at work albeit perhaps in fewer numbers depending on the country to which we are compared. They are inescapable.
Being a citizen is like being married until it isn’t. How many times have we witnessed the carnage an abusive spouse inflicts on the weaker partner. “If I can’t have you then no one will” and an entire family is wiped out. The behavior of someone who is hellbent on an outcome and has the means to see it through is virtually unstoppable unless locked up. A battered or threatened spouse at least has the paper protection of a protective order and a promise of a day in court. The Republicans have efficiently chipped away the rule of law and taunt the “better half” to defy them. This fight is more than a vow of richer or poorer but more likely till death due us part. Get the divorce and speak and act in terms the bastards understand.
This is a good analogy. And think back to all those who originally came to the US from elsewhere -- they all made a conscious decision to escape an intolerable situation, no matter the cost. Maybe this time will come again, only in reverse, and those with foresight and determination will seek out a better life on a distant shore.
"Tracy and Ruby and I are atop the bulwarks, and we are heavily armed with our hearts full and our hands ready to work for this country we cherish." Absolutely beautiful in both form and content. Says it all. Demoralization is part of the right-wing playbook. Resistance is both our civic right and duty.
For every American who takes their $ to retire in Italy, a thousand in Central America and elsewhere --who would gladly trade places. Fight back at the punks with Jackboots...
Well, I certainly hope that it doesn’t come down you giving up your lives. I am a dual national, and have the easy option of moving back to Switzerland. Except that, as you say, it’s not really an option. When Trump prevailed, Swiss friends wrote me in droves saying « come back. » But going back to Switzerland would mean going back to a country where, in some Cantons, women only got the vote in 1988, and where overt racism is perfectly tolerated (witness the main party’s employment of a poster that showed a black sheep being kicked out of a pasture of white sheep by a jackboot). We are an imperfect country, but I treasure the diversity, the discussions, and the fading but still enduring hope that the « melting pot » represents the best of us all.
1988? Ekelhaft.
Vile, disgusting, cringe-worthy
Lucian, you are a man after my own heart, and I love you for your heart as expressed here.
Of course, as seems to invariably be the case, we are on the same side. However I do have to make a statement.
We need to acknowledge the deep despair, anxiety and concern wrought by these times.
I have people very close to me who are experiencing countless episodes of insomnia. Every week they are going through this hardship. The attacks on democracy are disturbing. We must have compassion for our dear ones who are being deeply affected. Losing sleep multiple times a week over concerns about the political stability of our democracy is not something easily brushed off if you are the one losing the sleep and awaking in the night terror.
What we must offer them is reassurance. Hope. Encouragement. They are looking for a remedy for their deep trouble, their despair. Leaving the country looks like a solution.
It is incumbent upon us to provide the acknowledgment, reassurance, and encouragement they need to help them weather this period of trial.
Democracy will prevail. In my opinion, the racism and sexism and gender orientation persecution we are witnessing so openly displayed is a result of our society shifting out of red and purple and into blue. The cornered animals are thrashing around wildly as they approach being captured and caged.
America will survive this test. Democracy will favor and outpace the attempts to curtail it. That is what I feel. That is what I believe will happen.
Just before the ship sinks, the rats and other pests abandon ship. But before they do, a lot of them will hang on for dear life, kicking and screaming, as the ship goes down. They will be invested until the bitter end to the “ship,” the old society of racism sexism
antisemitism gay bashing et al.
They know the end is near. The news media keeps running stories about their activities, but those relentless stories neglect mentioning the context within which those stories are taking place. The Republican Party, now majority extremist, is fighting desperately in a losing cause. The adherents to the old society are struggling for survival, for relevance. This society is going diverse, egalitarian, democratic.
For decades and decades and decades, men and whites called all the shots. We are going inexorably into a world where everybody calls the shots, not just the racists and sexists in denial.
Everyone has power now. The signs and symbols of the Confederacy, of male supremacy, of white supremacy, of straights persecuting non-straights, are disappearing one by one. The writing is on the wall. The direction of movement is clear. Reactionaries who are trying to keep us in the past are losing the battle.
Remember, too, it is women, non-whites, and non-straights who bear the brunt of the risk to their personal safety during this time of turmoil. We must send them love and reassurances of security, especially now.
I wholeheartedly agree, Roland! Well said.
🙏
I can so relate to your thoughtful comment, especially as regards sleep. Between stress over the next active Coup and taking care of a very old companion, I haven't slept for more than about 4 hours, uninterrupted in nearly a year.
Thank you, Lucian, for the pep talk, I needed it. I wouldn't really want to live in the majority of the Countries which would accept me, anyway, so I guess I'll buckle DC own and join you on the ramparts.
Thank you.
Thank you for an encouraging statement.
Good for you; this needs to said and repeated. We're not leaving this place to Jim Jordan, J.D. Vance and Josh Mandel.
Need a giggle, Google Gym Jordan's gerrymandered district!
“We have a White House on the side of Democracy.” Nicole Wallace just said that, and I know that is true. There are still more people who believe in democracy than those who believe in trmp. Focus. Vote. Keep the faith.
I am counting on the highest vote count ever in the mid-term elections.
I and hundreds of thousands of other USians are working to making it happen. To paraphrase Mother Jones -- "Don't count -- Organize!" :-)
IF we hold, and increase our majorities in both Houses in the midterms, it will make holding the White House in 24 immeasurably more doable.
Now that is a wonderful statement. Thank you Leigh, I hope you’re right.
You leave me, as always, with hope and positive expectations of this cracked, but not broken, country.
Thank you, all three of you, and be safe.
Just became a paid subscriber, and want you to know how much I appreciate the work you do and courage you show. I'll be there with you, whether it's for voting or defending ourselves. Best to you and your family this holiday season.
Whenever I think about leaving this country and taking my body and my money to Italy, I remember that some Jews in Germany reacted to the rise of the Nazis by committing suicide. Although I understand the motivating despair, that was doing Hitler's job for him! I don't want to do the vote-suppressing, radical right-wingers' job for them, by making sure there is one less Dem vote to be counted. Also, no matter where you go, you can't escape the news of what's going on in the USA. Hiding in the woods or living in a foreign country doesn't make that reality invisible. Out of sight in this case is NOT out of mind.
you're right, of course. and so, obviously, is Lucian.
Naturally 👍
Nice Judith
Out here in the desert Southwest ... we're not going anywhere, either.
I am inspired. Refreshed. So glad to have you in my life, even though we’ve never met. But so many of us know each other on a deep level and draw strength from one another. I’ll sleep well tonight. Thank you.
Hear hear. Thank you.
The Republicans in the United States are not alone in what they are doing to subvert democracy. Conservative factions in the global body politic are equally hard at work albeit perhaps in fewer numbers depending on the country to which we are compared. They are inescapable.
Being a citizen is like being married until it isn’t. How many times have we witnessed the carnage an abusive spouse inflicts on the weaker partner. “If I can’t have you then no one will” and an entire family is wiped out. The behavior of someone who is hellbent on an outcome and has the means to see it through is virtually unstoppable unless locked up. A battered or threatened spouse at least has the paper protection of a protective order and a promise of a day in court. The Republicans have efficiently chipped away the rule of law and taunt the “better half” to defy them. This fight is more than a vow of richer or poorer but more likely till death due us part. Get the divorce and speak and act in terms the bastards understand.
This is a good analogy. And think back to all those who originally came to the US from elsewhere -- they all made a conscious decision to escape an intolerable situation, no matter the cost. Maybe this time will come again, only in reverse, and those with foresight and determination will seek out a better life on a distant shore.
Lucian Truscott being true to his ancestors
"Tracy and Ruby and I are atop the bulwarks, and we are heavily armed with our hearts full and our hands ready to work for this country we cherish." Absolutely beautiful in both form and content. Says it all. Demoralization is part of the right-wing playbook. Resistance is both our civic right and duty.
“Absolutely beautiful in both form and content.”
🏆❤️🏆🏆❤️🏆
I'm with you. It's not "love it or leave it" as some like to say, it's "I love it so I'll stay and fight for it."
For every American who takes their $ to retire in Italy, a thousand in Central America and elsewhere --who would gladly trade places. Fight back at the punks with Jackboots...