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nolabear

(43,636 posts)
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:03 PM Jun 2023

I never post this kind of thing but DAMN I'm depressed.

I grew up in the super duper red South when it wasn’t even known as “red”. I’ve mentioned that my people can be among the most diverse in the nation without it being known—I mean, drag was part of New Orleans since before we were a country.

But I went to a high school that was integrated while I was there, in 1970. I had a grandfather (disowned) who was both a state patrol and a KKK member. So you’d think I could hitch up my drawers and fight on.

And I will. I’m lucky to live in one of the most liberal, diverse parts of the country (Well, there are damn near no black folks here but that’s just a function of how slow people are to leave familiar places). But I’m terrified for my beautiful biracial grandchildren who may be denied and hated and discriminated against, even here in the PNW. I weep for my many gay and trans friends, my Southern friends and relatives, some of whom are reasonable human beings. I’m sad for women of childbearing age who will suffer and die without support. I’m afraid because I damn well know that it takes nothing—NOTHING—to be generous and kind and loving toward others except letting go of the community of fear and hatred. And I’m just plain depressed that this country has gone so far off the rails it’ll be a very long time before we find our way out of this labyrinthine hell. If ever.

If you’ve got an optimistic word I’d appreciate one right now. Because OUR community is based on caring and helping people thrive. Ach.

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I never post this kind of thing but DAMN I'm depressed. (Original Post) nolabear Jun 2023 OP
Keep up the good fight. I truly believe we will overcome the current b.s. going on. LoisB Jun 2023 #1
I'm trying. And I hope it does. My faith in humanity has suffered. nolabear Jun 2023 #20
We still have Joe Biden as President! 50 Shades Of Blue Jun 2023 #2
And I think we can keep him. nolabear Jun 2023 #14
You are not alone. mahina Jun 2023 #3
Let's stick together and fight. nolabear Jun 2023 #15
Still fighting in NC. blm Jun 2023 #4
And I LOVE NC! Lived there for years. nolabear Jun 2023 #12
My optimistic words have already been posted here. wnylib Jun 2023 #5
That's what I hang on to. Thanks. nolabear Jun 2023 #13
I know how you feel, it plagues me constantly. My only solution has been to RKP5637 Jun 2023 #6
I wouldn't want to live in the South now, which is sad. nolabear Jun 2023 #16
I currently live in the hellhole of the nation, Florida. It is disgusting! I am on RKP5637 Jun 2023 #41
I know. I'm sad about Florida. nolabear Jun 2023 #46
I attribute our current and future situation to reliance on one "strategy" ... Grasswire2 Jun 2023 #7
Pattycake politics and "across-the-aisle" bonhomie no longer is an option. nt Grasswire2 Jun 2023 #8
I also feel that way about Biden refusing to even consider Dark n Stormy Knight Jul 2023 #80
legal weed and 71% acceptance of gay marriage GenXer47 Jun 2023 #9
I hear ya. We can ignore our own impending demise nolabear Jun 2023 #17
For me, it's a comfort to vent here today. yardwork Jun 2023 #10
I'm certainly signed up for my part. nolabear Jun 2023 #18
You are not alone-- rage & grief plague all of us here. But as Joe said of the AA ruling.... Hekate Jun 2023 #11
Thanks. We have to be family. I believe that. nolabear Jun 2023 #19
"This will not break us." ShazzieB Jun 2023 #22
For what it's worth, nolabear . . . peggysue2 Jun 2023 #21
nolabear in the words of Stephen King bronxiteforever Jun 2023 #23
Thank you for posting this excellent quote, my dear bronxiteforever! CaliforniaPeggy Jun 2023 #29
One of my favorites too! bronxiteforever Jun 2023 #30
Aw, thank you. I am definitely hanging in there. CaliforniaPeggy Jun 2023 #33
Love to you, Peggy. You make me happier than you know. nolabear Jun 2023 #48
Back atcha, darlin'! CaliforniaPeggy Jun 2023 #63
King is a smart, smart man. And he puts his words in great mouths. nolabear Jun 2023 #47
My hope is that younger people are seeing the excesses of the Republican Party and especially Lonestarblue Jun 2023 #24
I think so too, and I hate seeing them hurt. nolabear Jun 2023 #49
there will be words of comfort in this thread, I know. barbtries Jun 2023 #25
I'm beginning to feel stronger, if no less mad. nolabear Jun 2023 #50
I'm with you. There are millions of us. We vote. Take care and take heart. Joinfortmill Jun 2023 #26
In the words of a great woman... nolabear Jun 2023 #51
Ignore the court, it's been done before. Bluethroughu Jun 2023 #27
+1 The Wizard Jun 2023 #45
I wish I was younger. nolabear Jun 2023 #52
My daughter is 24, she walked in the door this afternoon and Bluethroughu Jun 2023 #65
The pendulum always swings back The Blue Flower Jun 2023 #28
We're not giving up in SW FL--people are coming together to fight the hateful policies Timeflyer Jun 2023 #31
Excellent advice. nolabear Jun 2023 #53
Try to stay positive! I can recall Quakerfriend Jun 2023 #32
Yes, you're right. I can be a good ally if nothing else. nolabear Jun 2023 #54
It's a lot, nolabear, these troubled times, this labyrinthine hell we're living through. thatcrowwoman Jun 2023 #34
You brought a good tear to my eye. nolabear Jun 2023 #55
It ain't over yet. They're fools if they think it is. marble falls Jun 2023 #35
I'm counting on that. nolabear Jun 2023 #56
Feel the sorrow. And fury. Wild blueberry Jun 2023 #36
I take heart from all that, and from those around me nolabear Jun 2023 #57
Thank you for posting that. Think. Again. Jun 2023 #37
And you for caring. nolabear Jun 2023 #58
I with you.. it seems overwhelmeing mountain grammy Jun 2023 #38
I won't. And I agree with you nolabear Jun 2023 #59
If we vote out hate & vote in compassionate Democrats, things can change. That must be our focus. CaptainTruth Jun 2023 #39
True dat. I'm feeling all these words of encouragement. nolabear Jun 2023 #60
Again, I AM WITH YOU! CaptainTruth Jun 2023 #70
Your beautiful biracial grand kids will know love from you Botany Jun 2023 #40
They're magnificent. I want the world for them. nolabear Jun 2023 #61
I got my "interesting perspective" from either the The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers or Mr. Natural Botany Jul 2023 #81
"What does it all mean?" nolabear Jul 2023 #83
I'm feeling it too. You are not alone. The assault on democracy and decency is palpable. Take care Evolve Dammit Jun 2023 #42
This message was self-deleted by its author ancianita Jun 2023 #43
Thank you. You too. nolabear Jun 2023 #62
It is important to have connections. Especially with people who sincerely care about our future. Evolve Dammit Jul 2023 #90
I feel you, nolabear. You've received lots of kind, caring thoughts here. ancianita Jun 2023 #44
I will. We will thrive in spite of all. nolabear Jun 2023 #64
Hear ya NB. What I'm not hearing anywhere are brilliant Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2023 #66
I'd love to hear that myself. nolabear Jun 2023 #67
I'm thinking it's just impossible to effectively communicate Laura PourMeADrink Jun 2023 #68
AM hate radio and Fox News got us in this mess. Initech Jun 2023 #69
I'm with you there. nolabear Jul 2023 #79
Basically agree but Elessar Zappa Jul 2023 #86
PLEASE check in with us tomorrow & let us know how you're doing! CaptainTruth Jul 2023 #71
Thank you, dear. It's near midnight and I'm at peace. nolabear Jul 2023 #75
Those hateful conservatives are in the minority RainCaster Jul 2023 #72
I'll remember. I do believe it. nolabear Jul 2023 #77
Fierce? No RainCaster Jul 2023 #82
Not mean. Just fierce. Courageous and proud of it. nolabear Jul 2023 #84
Glad to hear you got a good night's rest RainCaster Jul 2023 #85
The arc of the moral universe is long wryter2000 Jul 2023 #73
What a brave and moral man. nolabear Jul 2023 #78
Well, you came to the right place, my friend! calimary Jul 2023 #74
Amen and amen. nolabear Jul 2023 #76
Yeah, I do, too! She doesn't weigh in so much anymore. Anybody know why? calimary Jul 2023 #88
You are loved. Maru Kitteh Jul 2023 #87
They can try to legislate white supremacy and other types of bigotry, Jamastiene Jul 2023 #89
One major thing that I've latched onto...demographics. BobTheSubgenius Jul 2023 #91
We've still got a huge country and roughly half it still swings... TreasonousBastard Jul 2023 #92

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
20. I'm trying. And I hope it does. My faith in humanity has suffered.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:41 PM
Jun 2023

I keep reminding myself that loud and predominant aren’t the same. Then SIX unelected mofos ruin countless dreams.

Okay. Tits up. 😄

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
14. And I think we can keep him.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:32 PM
Jun 2023

But they’re trying to hamstring him at every turn. And it pisses me off.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
15. Let's stick together and fight.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:33 PM
Jun 2023

I’m down but not out. And I appreciate every one who feels the same but goes in anyway.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
12. And I LOVE NC! Lived there for years.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:30 PM
Jun 2023

You know how divided it is. I was in Durham and the Research Triangle. My late in-laws in Winston Salem literally had Jimmy Carter sleep in their house when he was running.

And then there are those other parts. So hard.

wnylib

(25,204 posts)
5. My optimistic words have already been posted here.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:18 PM
Jun 2023

Keep fighting. You are not alone. Biden is president. And we will win in the end, even though it does not look like it now.

We have more fights ahead of us. But each outrage from the right only makes me angrier and more determined.

If we stick together in unity and keep fighting, we WILL win out.

RKP5637

(67,112 posts)
6. I know how you feel, it plagues me constantly. My only solution has been to
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:21 PM
Jun 2023

give up everything and move away. It's horrible what some states are turning onto, filled with vile hatred. And now I am beginning to fear what the US might become. It is damn depressing.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
16. I wouldn't want to live in the South now, which is sad.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:34 PM
Jun 2023

There’s so much richness. But so much bigotry still.

RKP5637

(67,112 posts)
41. I currently live in the hellhole of the nation, Florida. It is disgusting! I am on
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 06:26 PM
Jun 2023

my way out. I could care less now about the warm weather and some beautiful scenery. There are now better places to be. I don't want anything to do with the south of the US. IMO it reeks of bigotry in many places and across the political spectrum.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
46. I know. I'm sad about Florida.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:32 PM
Jun 2023

It had so much richness, and now it’s just not worth it.

Grasswire2

(13,807 posts)
7. I attribute our current and future situation to reliance on one "strategy" ...
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:25 PM
Jun 2023

"Look forward, not back."

It might have sounded nice if we were all well-intentioned in America.

A concept of DETERRENCE through CONSEQUENCES for bad/harmful acts would have us in a totally different position now.

Dark n Stormy Knight

(10,281 posts)
80. I also feel that way about Biden refusing to even consider
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 03:12 AM
Jul 2023

expanding the court. Ds need to recognize that this is not a drill. The Rs will destroy everything if not stopped. We need to use every tool possible to halt their extreme, radical agenda.

 

GenXer47

(1,204 posts)
9. legal weed and 71% acceptance of gay marriage
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:27 PM
Jun 2023

Those are about it.
You didn't even mention the existential crisis, the absolute certainty: climate collapse.
Sorry to offer both salt and pepper but that's the way things come at us now.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
17. I hear ya. We can ignore our own impending demise
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:36 PM
Jun 2023

while fighting over the stupidity things. Ach.

yardwork

(65,939 posts)
10. For me, it's a comfort to vent here today.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:28 PM
Jun 2023

No question, today is a bad day. But we the people can elect more Democrats and turn things around. We have a strong, wise president on our side. We can do it!

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
18. I'm certainly signed up for my part.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:37 PM
Jun 2023

Covid kept me from working for Joe the way I did for Hillary. But now? Hell yes.

Hekate

(96,882 posts)
11. You are not alone-- rage & grief plague all of us here. But as Joe said of the AA ruling....
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:28 PM
Jun 2023

“This will not break us.”

Believe him. This will not break us.

I will give you all I have to give today, a virtual DU hug, and my thanks for your being here.


nolabear

(43,636 posts)
19. Thanks. We have to be family. I believe that.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:38 PM
Jun 2023

And as family we can help others. I know that. But I’m tired of being tired. It doesn’t exactly bring out my best side.

ShazzieB

(19,933 posts)
22. "This will not break us."
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:51 PM
Jun 2023

I love that. It's going to be my new mantra. Thanks, Joe, and thank you for calling this to my attention!

peggysue2

(11,709 posts)
21. For what it's worth, nolabear . . .
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:45 PM
Jun 2023

I truly believe we'll get this turned around. Those that fear and/or hate modernity are on a losing mission. The past is not viable or reachable for any longer than a flickering moment. No doubt, there will be pain in-between. Progress has always been hard and bumpy but it endures the long journey. The future will not be denied, no matter how hard these people try to turn back the clock to some mythical, whacked-out Golden Age.

We'll win this thing. Holding together and heaving forward.

bronxiteforever

(10,209 posts)
23. nolabear in the words of Stephen King
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:54 PM
Jun 2023

“Remember, Red: Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.” — Andy Dufresne

CaliforniaPeggy

(153,283 posts)
29. Thank you for posting this excellent quote, my dear bronxiteforever!
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 03:16 PM
Jun 2023

From my probably top favorite movie!

It brought the tears.

bronxiteforever

(10,209 posts)
30. One of my favorites too!
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 03:23 PM
Jun 2023

You keep hanging in there with assurance that you are one of the good ones and god knows the world needs you! We are in this together.



CaliforniaPeggy

(153,283 posts)
33. Aw, thank you. I am definitely hanging in there.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 03:42 PM
Jun 2023

We are all in this together, and we're all necessary.



nolabear

(43,636 posts)
47. King is a smart, smart man. And he puts his words in great mouths.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:34 PM
Jun 2023

I happen to be a huge fan. Red is one of the best narrators in fiction, and the end of that novella one of the most satisfying.

Thanks. I needed that.

Lonestarblue

(12,459 posts)
24. My hope is that younger people are seeing the excesses of the Republican Party and especially
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 02:55 PM
Jun 2023

their right-wing white evangelical white supremacist backers and rejecting their propaganda. It may take a few years for them to become the kind of constant voters we need, but they will get there as they see how their lives are being impacted by stupid decisions by right-wing politicians and courts. One encouraging sign is that younger people are leaving extremist religion behind. Voters are also seeing how nasty and hateful Republican legislatures are when put in control of women’s lives and LGBTQ+ rights.

The job for Democratic leaders is to publicize this loss of rights and get young voters to the polls. The overturning of Roe, the obvious privileging of extremist religious beliefs, the end of affirmative action, and the saddling of young people with huge debt should be enough to get them to vote in the future.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
49. I think so too, and I hate seeing them hurt.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:36 PM
Jun 2023

But I do have to remember they’re strong and determined. I teach them sometimes and just adore them. Could we possibly have been so lovable?

barbtries

(30,265 posts)
25. there will be words of comfort in this thread, I know.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 03:00 PM
Jun 2023

I can only tell you that I understand because I'm feeling the same damn way.


it is so fucked up.

Bluethroughu

(7,059 posts)
27. Ignore the court, it's been done before.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 03:15 PM
Jun 2023

Ignore them until they resign. They are corrupt and illigitimate...they are partisan and on the take from benefactors. They are lawless, shameful, hateful, useless illegitimate justices.

Ignore the court.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
52. I wish I was younger.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:39 PM
Jun 2023

I’m 68 and it irritates me to no end to see Kavanaugh and Barrett up there. Term limits are sorely needed.

Bluethroughu

(7,059 posts)
65. My daughter is 24, she walked in the door this afternoon and
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 09:08 PM
Jun 2023

The first thing out of her mouth before she could even open the door all the way for me to see her was, "term limits"!

Great minds think alike!

Timeflyer

(3,063 posts)
31. We're not giving up in SW FL--people are coming together to fight the hateful policies
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 03:34 PM
Jun 2023

and the power-drunk people behind them. Trust that you don't hear about the successes, small though they might be, on the ground. Stay strong, raise hell, and don't stop.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
53. Excellent advice.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:42 PM
Jun 2023

I love FL and hate that the fierce rascals who love living there get subsumed by the bigots. Shoot, have they forgotten they drop a drag Queen in a high heel on New Years Eve in Miami? This too is Florida until they get run out.

Or not.

Quakerfriend

(5,757 posts)
32. Try to stay positive! I can recall
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 03:40 PM
Jun 2023

during the Bush years feeling this way.

My young son wanted to put a peace sign decal on the car & I didn’t think that was a good idea (!) given the political climate that followed 9/11 and the Iraq War.

But, boy how things changed when we elected Obama.

We shall overcome!!

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
54. Yes, you're right. I can be a good ally if nothing else.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:44 PM
Jun 2023

Thanks for the solidarity. It really helps.

thatcrowwoman

(1,230 posts)
34. It's a lot, nolabear, these troubled times, this labyrinthine hell we're living through.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 03:50 PM
Jun 2023

But we’re not alone. We’re living through it together.

Your knowledge that “it takes nothing—NOTHING—to be generous and kind and loving toward others except letting go of the community of fear and hatred” is profoundly and simply powerful.

I think that’s a key to how we don’t give up, by being generous and kind and loving toward others. And also toward ourselves, my sweet mama would remind us.

She would also advise us: If you’re tired, don’t quit. Rest.

Sending some sweet Shalom your way, peace be with you, nolabear.
🕊thatcrowwoman

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
55. You brought a good tear to my eye.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:45 PM
Jun 2023

Your mama sounds like good people. As do you. Thank you for the love. ❤️

Wild blueberry

(7,514 posts)
36. Feel the sorrow. And fury.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 04:26 PM
Jun 2023

Get some good sleep. Walk outside. Be with friends.
Then get back up and keep working.
Like planting an apple tree you may not live to see bear fruit, but plant it anyway.
It took women over 70 years to get the vote.
Hugs!

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
57. I take heart from all that, and from those around me
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:47 PM
Jun 2023

They are indeed doing good work. Sometimes against a sea of troubles. Thank you.

mountain grammy

(27,616 posts)
38. I with you.. it seems overwhelmeing
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 04:50 PM
Jun 2023

but I'm fighting back.. I'm 75 and have no fucks left to give. Even when my children, all Dems, or Democratic friends whine about Biden's age or a million other reasons like "he doesn't have star power??!!" whateverthefuck that means, and "I wish we had another Democrat to run" and blah blah blah.
I'm standing right up and saying, he is our President and is running for re-election. That's it! That's all! We support him wholeheartedly. No primaries, no challengers.

The bottom line is this: HE'S OUR NOMINEE AND WE WILL VOTE FOR HIM BECAUSE HE'S DOING A FANTASTIC JOB AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. sorry for shouting.

He got the railroad workers to not strike and continued to press the companies until finally, after the fact, sick days were approved. He never gives up and neither will I! And, nolabear, I know you won't either.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
59. I won't. And I agree with you
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:50 PM
Jun 2023

about how much the things he’s gotten done get ignored. I hope he gets the support he deserves in what I do think will be another term.

CaptainTruth

(7,509 posts)
39. If we vote out hate & vote in compassionate Democrats, things can change. That must be our focus.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 04:56 PM
Jun 2023

I feel your post. There are times when I get down but then I think to myself "WTF am I doing? I don't have time to be depressed, there's too much work to do, work that must be done if we want to save our country."

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
60. True dat. I'm feeling all these words of encouragement.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:51 PM
Jun 2023

They help tremendously. Thank you for yours!

CaptainTruth

(7,509 posts)
70. Again, I AM WITH YOU!
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 11:54 PM
Jun 2023

I feel so much of what you feel! If we are to save our country, we need to work together.

We cannot forget that. We must stick together & work together & I will always be there, arm-in-arm with fellow Americans like you.

Don't ever feel like no one cares or it doesn't matter. We ALWAYS care & it ALWAYS matters. Know that!

Botany

(73,659 posts)
40. Your beautiful biracial grand kids will know love from you
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 05:25 PM
Jun 2023

If you can take them for a walk or a picnic and live for
the moments when they smile and laugh. And always
remember you're directly above the center of the earth.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
61. They're magnificent. I want the world for them.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:53 PM
Jun 2023

And they’re lucky, because their family will do anything for them.

What an interesting perspective about being above the center of the earth. Gives me much to think about. Thank you.

Botany

(73,659 posts)
81. I got my "interesting perspective" from either the The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers or Mr. Natural
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 09:03 AM
Jul 2023




I have always been into great literature.

Evolve Dammit

(20,383 posts)
42. I'm feeling it too. You are not alone. The assault on democracy and decency is palpable. Take care
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 06:57 PM
Jun 2023

Response to Evolve Dammit (Reply #42)

Evolve Dammit

(20,383 posts)
90. It is important to have connections. Especially with people who sincerely care about our future.
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 07:23 PM
Jul 2023

ancianita

(40,173 posts)
44. I feel you, nolabear. You've received lots of kind, caring thoughts here.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 07:57 PM
Jun 2023

You can also look for good news out in the world, and try to see good news and small wins as signs of better days ahead. Humans want peace and good lives for themselves, their friends and families. All of us together can withstand the very small number who are so fearful that they often know not what they do, or fear.

Still, we can lose perspective about human suffering when we dwell on our own, so to help others feel better might help you feel better, too.

Our speck of time is precious and worth being grateful for. Every day, small joys, truth, love, smiles and kindness do win out.

You'll come out of this. Because you want to.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
64. I will. We will thrive in spite of all.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 08:55 PM
Jun 2023

Yes, the encouragement is wonderful to see. It can be hard to ask for, but I’m glad I did. Thank you.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
66. Hear ya NB. What I'm not hearing anywhere are brilliant
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 10:46 PM
Jun 2023

counter plans on how to rectify this all. Geez we are just simple people who care. We work, we vote.

But jhc where are our leaders that are supposed to be leading and fixing and laying out plans ?? Perhaps it's in the works? I'll stand down.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
67. I'd love to hear that myself.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 11:24 PM
Jun 2023

In ordinary times Joe’s plans are excellent. And they still are. But I would like to see some healthy grandstanding about them. We need to drive that home.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
68. I'm thinking it's just impossible to effectively communicate
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 11:39 PM
Jun 2023

unless you have what they have. We free thinkers are everywhere. Why it's so easy for the other side. All dumbed down. Everyone at a few places. All uniform thinking
Master utters short phrases and repeats a million times.

BUT, don't we have media experts? Or maybe it's the state of the media that makes media experts non-effective?

Certainly above my pay grade. But it would be nice to know greater minds making progress. Although it has been 6 1/2 years!

Initech

(104,323 posts)
69. AM hate radio and Fox News got us in this mess.
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 11:43 PM
Jun 2023

Right wing hate propaganda is 100% the root of all of the problems currently facing this country. If we are to get out of this nightmare hell world they created, we need to de-Fox this country. I don't care what it takes, it must be done.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
79. I'm with you there.
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 02:57 AM
Jul 2023

Now and then when I feel down Mr Bear smiles and says “Rush Limbaugh is still dead, you know.”

Elessar Zappa

(16,313 posts)
86. Basically agree but
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 04:54 PM
Jul 2023

I’d say social media has been even more instrumental in our demise than Fox News or radio. So many conspiracy theories are birthed on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, 4chan, etc.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
75. Thank you, dear. It's near midnight and I'm at peace.
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 02:49 AM
Jul 2023

I might be pissed off again tomorrow but I won’t despair. Not with so many good folks around.

RainCaster

(12,397 posts)
72. Those hateful conservatives are in the minority
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 12:06 AM
Jul 2023

They are increasingly desperate to keep their power. Even in red states, more than 60% of the populace disagrees with the RW agenda.

Nolabear, we are in the majority. Remember that as the right grows more crazy about their losing stance. In history, this will be a small bump as we improve our stand about what must be done for the people.

RainCaster

(12,397 posts)
82. Fierce? No
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 10:16 AM
Jul 2023

Repukes do that. All I can do is affect my little part of the world. So that is my only concern. Taking that attitude helps keep me sane.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
84. Not mean. Just fierce. Courageous and proud of it.
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 11:39 AM
Jul 2023

Yes. We do what we do.

It’s morning now. I slept well.

wryter2000

(47,776 posts)
73. The arc of the moral universe is long
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 01:35 AM
Jul 2023

But it bends toward justice. MLK Jr. If he could say that after all he’d been through, I believe him.

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
78. What a brave and moral man.
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 02:55 AM
Jul 2023

I’ll think of his courage and try to live up to that, however small my contribution may be.

calimary

(85,524 posts)
74. Well, you came to the right place, my friend!
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 01:56 AM
Jul 2023

You came to the right place anyway, but especially on a day (and evening) like this.

We're up here in the PNW too, and are almost literally drunk with delight at all the tall trees! Can you get out for a little walk through some leafy green areas or local parks? It'll feed your spirit and distract you from your troubles because it's just so damn beautiful! That tends to work for me. I can't believe the views up here - can't see the river or the volcano peaks, but who cares, for all those trees? Find some natural splendor to ease your worried mind and sinking heart.

I hope you'll keep this thread, too. It's bound to help lift your spirits even if only a wee bit. But every wee bit starts to add up, after awhile. We've got a good guy in the White House and the Senate is ours, and a Democrat in the governor's job. and chances are good that the Supreme Court will have thoughtfully kept enough of us pissed off that we will vote and make sure our friends are at least reminded about it.

I've never heard so many people in news stories and in man-on-the-street interviews lately - urging people to vote! And that's all we have to do: VOTE! Just remember, there are more of us, anyway, than the other guys have, so we have a built-in advantage already.

On a personal note - I'm SO glad there is DU. With everybody here. It's a feel-good tonic of a site, and as our own beloved Skittles once observed - "someone's always here." I can't tell you how often the mere thought of that has buoyed me up and kept me going. It's worth keeping in mind whenever you need your spirits lifted.

And somebody really is always here!

nolabear

(43,636 posts)
76. Amen and amen.
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 02:52 AM
Jul 2023

As the song says, “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain…” And for a lot of years I’ve had you folks to share it all with. I couldn’t appreciate that more. We are in small what I wish this country to be in large. And that’s very important.

I miss Skittles. Hope she’s well.

calimary

(85,524 posts)
88. Yeah, I do, too! She doesn't weigh in so much anymore. Anybody know why?
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 05:16 PM
Jul 2023

Here's hoping it's just the demands of work taking up most of her time.

Jamastiene

(38,198 posts)
89. They can try to legislate white supremacy and other types of bigotry,
Sat Jul 1, 2023, 05:21 PM
Jul 2023

but they cannot change our minds. Those of us who are against the bigotry will stay against bigotry. We will fight as long as we can and new generations will fight en masse as time goes on.

It's a never-ending fight. The overall war is never "won." It's just battle after battle after battle, back and forth, forever. That is what I have figured out so far about civil rights and human society in general. It's not about age or any of the other things people think it is about. Bigots don't "die off." New generations become bigots too. That one is one of the worst ones that people believe. It always irritates me. My grandmother was against bigotry against POC and gay people way back in the 1980s before she died in her 80s. Age doesn't determine whether a person is bigoted or not. Their ideology does.

It is about who is on the latest bigotry bandwagon. The people on the latest bigotry bandwagon will eventually get chewed up and spit out by the people they thought were their friends and things will shift the other way for a while, only to shift back later after that. Back and forth forever. I'm sad that it is that way, but it is.

Knowing that, pick your battles and take care of yourself is the best advice.

Take a break if you need to. It can be incredibly disheartening, but it is a long haul fight.

I'm still trapped in the red south in one of the worst counties imaginable. Walmart is our major employer here other than the medical facilities. I certainly can't afford to go to college to become a doctor and I'm disabled anyhow. I refuse to let them win. I know I am a good person and try my best to treat others with kindness until they give me reason not to. Even in that case, I tend to just avoid them if they are unkind.

Numerous people in my hometown heard about me being raped for being a lesbian and made it their mission to meet me to tell me God hates me, I'm going to Hell, and I should get raped over and over until I submit to their hateful version of God and learn to like it. I know I don't deserve that. I now tell them, After them. They need to show me by example and "learn to like it." I tell them that now with no regrets or shame.

They can't win if they can't break me. They haven't broken me. I don't always have the stamina as I have gotten older, but they still haven't won as long as I am me and I am alive and I know I deserve better than their hatred.

I will fight when I can. The rest of the time, I will enjoy my music and art and my cats. While I am living the best life than I can, under the circumstances, they are the furthest thing from my mind, despite knowing the town I live in is already a theocracy run by extremists almost as cruel as the Taliban, if not the same as them. It's overwhelming to type that. It's overwhelming to fight that alone too. It's not 100% on my shoulders alone to try to enlighten people who refuse to listen either though. That's how I look at it. Don't let them win, but take time for yourself to enjoy your family, friends, activities, and hobbies and whatever else you normally enjoy until you can do something to fight back.

The big picture is not 100% on your shoulders. This fight is not 100% on your shoulders, meaning it is not your responsibility to try to fight alone. Don't try to put all of the responsibility to fight on your shoulders. It will crush you, for no good reason. You aren't being fair to yourself if you try to do that.

No one person can change it all and we have to regroup and fight back as we can, with a plan that will work. Right now, no one has a plan. There is no plan yet. Other than supporting the ACLU to fight every civil rights violation coming out, I honestly don't know the answers either.

So, we tread water and wait. Literally, all we *can* do is take a break until we figure out how to fight them back.

BobTheSubgenius

(11,927 posts)
91. One major thing that I've latched onto...demographics.
Sun Jul 2, 2023, 11:47 AM
Jul 2023

"They" are dying out. They'll never be completely gone (sadly, but probably won't), but they will be very outnumbered in the years to come. Even Texas is purple and has a chance to be flipped in 2024.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
92. We've still got a huge country and roughly half it still swings...
Sun Jul 2, 2023, 02:23 PM
Jul 2023

a bit left.

We will never go fully for one side or the other, and as long as there is talk, there is hope. Even fighting talk.

The debates keep us engaged and we can't simply dive into the despair that invites ignorance and loss when 90 percent of us lose what little we have to the 10 percent.

The fight makes us stronger.

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