Thanks for this, Brian! We all knew he and his minions would come after BIPOC folks, and the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone into book-learnin', but we might have been a little surprised by the way mainstream institutions and parts of government have been targets too (like the USPS, as you mentioned). Also, perhaps by the way the Fourth Estate has capitulated.
My own little plan of attack is to grow my use and support of the USPS. I'm a regular sender of cards and letters, so much so that USPS sends me a catalog every season (is there a nerd category for that?). ANYWAY, the other nice outcome of my efforts is that those I love get a something nice in the mail. It's a nice little surprise, and a tangible object that builds connection.
So that's one thing. There are others. But as someone at church said to me last weekend, I'm not optimistic but I'm hopeful.
At this point, it would seem a restoration of civility & dignity among our representatives in Washington, DC, is in order. My thinking is this: decent human beings in Congress (& every branch of government) would see healthcare, education, & preserving the basic civil rights of all people as important ways to serve their fellow humans, since upholding those basic rights is primary to everyone's survival, & is what they were hired to do in the first place.
I’m part of a group fighting for our county libraries, which are under attack by the local fascists for all the usual fascist reasons. Also supporting independent media and food banks. So many institutions need us to stick with them! It’s overwhelming and so, so necessary. Thank you for this, Brian.
I want to restore safe spaces for my LGBTQ friends, people of color, immigrants, and anyone who doesn’t “fit in.”
Also, let’s finally fix and beautify healthcare.
That’s where I’d start.
PS when I was a nerd child I wanted Baedecker guides for my future imaged travels. They seemed worldly and exotic and far from my humble life.
Love you, dear Fran.
Thanks for this, Brian! We all knew he and his minions would come after BIPOC folks, and the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone into book-learnin', but we might have been a little surprised by the way mainstream institutions and parts of government have been targets too (like the USPS, as you mentioned). Also, perhaps by the way the Fourth Estate has capitulated.
My own little plan of attack is to grow my use and support of the USPS. I'm a regular sender of cards and letters, so much so that USPS sends me a catalog every season (is there a nerd category for that?). ANYWAY, the other nice outcome of my efforts is that those I love get a something nice in the mail. It's a nice little surprise, and a tangible object that builds connection.
So that's one thing. There are others. But as someone at church said to me last weekend, I'm not optimistic but I'm hopeful.
I weirdly LOVE the support for the USPS!!! Happy new year, dear, dear Carmen. Let's meet in person in 2026! xo
Yes, let's!
At this point, it would seem a restoration of civility & dignity among our representatives in Washington, DC, is in order. My thinking is this: decent human beings in Congress (& every branch of government) would see healthcare, education, & preserving the basic civil rights of all people as important ways to serve their fellow humans, since upholding those basic rights is primary to everyone's survival, & is what they were hired to do in the first place.
oh you crazy clear-minded friend. How dare you be so straightforward in kindness and logic. Love you
I’m part of a group fighting for our county libraries, which are under attack by the local fascists for all the usual fascist reasons. Also supporting independent media and food banks. So many institutions need us to stick with them! It’s overwhelming and so, so necessary. Thank you for this, Brian.