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choie

(7,003 posts)
Tue May 19, 2026, 03:58 PM Yesterday

I think I've reached my limit.

The latest of trump’s victories against our constitution and the rule of law has made me so angry, and desolate. I just can’t deal with the fact that evil is winning in this country. And I really never use the word evil, but what else do you call a group of people enthralled by and led by a malevolent, sociopath bent on destroying our country. And includes those who refuse to do everything in their power to stop it.

I know, I know, wait until the midterms. But the anger and helplessness I feel in the face of this never ending and all encompassing injustice is really eating at me.

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I think I've reached my limit. (Original Post) choie Yesterday OP
It feels like getting suckerpunched every day. Same with all the harm done by the AI industry, which is highplainsdem Yesterday #1
It is VERY much like... some_of_us_are_sane Yesterday #4
You really can't believe pictures anymore. They're too easy to manipulate. COL Mustard Yesterday #21
All the techbros at the peoples house was evidence of the plan Evolve Dammit Yesterday #25
This! 👆👆👆👆👆👆 SheltieLover Yesterday #26
The midterms won't solve it. They might only give us a check on the vile psychopath.. CousinIT Yesterday #2
You get it gab13by13 Yesterday #7
For sure he's not leaving. That's why the nuclear blast proof ball room and everything that's going underground OGBuzz Yesterday #9
"I just hope America wakes up by then..." OldBaldy1701E Yesterday #24
Oh, he's leaving. orangecrush 21 hrs ago #35
Hoping your right but I'm skeptical. OGBuzz 20 hrs ago #37
If you think these elections won't have Elon's taint on it you are delusional. sellitman 4 hrs ago #57
If you think people are going to take this laying down orangecrush 3 hrs ago #63
Well, that's one way to deal with someone who won't leave. wnylib 20 hrs ago #38
It worked in Chernobyl. OGBuzz 3 hrs ago #61
Go to your county DEM Headquarters, ask what you can do to help promote candidates and get out policy information Attilatheblond Yesterday #3
This EdmondDantes_ Yesterday #5
I have found over and over that the best antidotes for depression and despair are community and action. Amaryllis Yesterday #16
My local Indivisible group is small but so helpful. Highly recommend each of us find our local and dig in. Attilatheblond 8 hrs ago #49
Thanks, I'm already a member of indivisible. choie 7 hrs ago #54
We tried that a few years ago. They sent us away. Told us to go to our local town HQ. Silver Gaia 20 hrs ago #39
Don't give up. If there isn't a group that works, START ONE that actually takes action, be it protests, LTTE, Attilatheblond 8 hrs ago #50
Thanks. We are members of Indivisible. Silver Gaia 2 hrs ago #66
If your Indivisible group is on social media, maybe you can help by sharing information the group posts? Attilatheblond 1 hr ago #67
Terrific question and analogy. We are a choir! mahina 15 hrs ago #44
Physical exertion (as one is able) really does help. The body gears up for a fight if the brain/nervous system stresses Attilatheblond 8 hrs ago #48
At this point I am seriously wondering IF there Hey Joe Yesterday #6
You are correct to do so. GoodRaisin 2 hrs ago #65
There will be a time when their defenses are down. harumph Yesterday #8
Pretty sure Just Jerome Yesterday #10
i have replaced a bunch of compasses Tetrachloride Yesterday #11
Well said, chole Grim Chieftain Yesterday #12
Until now, I rarely used the word "evil" PatSeg Yesterday #13
This message was self-deleted by its author PatSeg Yesterday #14
Yep. Our government is under complete control of an evil tyrant. And this could have been prevented. dalton99a Yesterday #15
A lack of actionable, REAL change after November will be catastrophic. Moostache Yesterday #17
Tech get the red out 10 hrs ago #47
He's funding his own personal police force to disrupt the midterms. CrispyQ Yesterday #18
Never thought this idea would occur to me, but wnylib 19 hrs ago #40
I don't think it's hyperbole Laurelin 6 hrs ago #55
I feel the same way, choie. HeartsCanHope Yesterday #19
Where's the goddamned justice for the Epstein criminals? Blue Owl Yesterday #20
yup.. me too markie Yesterday #22
I feel same way-- you are not alone! Together we are stronger and we will beat these mofos LymphocyteLover Yesterday #23
I just made another post saying my outrage receptors are overloaded. We are only human. Walleye Yesterday #27
I think that's a good way of verbalizing it. hamsterjill Yesterday #28
Yes, we desperately need relief from this madness Walleye Yesterday #30
If you've made it this far dweller Yesterday #29
We were operating blubunyip 22 hrs ago #31
Recommended. H2O Man 21 hrs ago #32
I always appreciate your posts, sir. love_katz 14 hrs ago #45
Thank you! H2O Man 3 hrs ago #62
Thank you for your very thoughtful reply. love_katz 2 hrs ago #64
Same. Waiting for the midterms doesn't feel like enough. "Vote harder" doesn't feel like enough. In It to Win It 21 hrs ago #33
Well, that's why we have DU. calimary 21 hrs ago #34
Midterms won't help. It takes 67 votes in the Senate for an impeachment conviction. phxjurist 21 hrs ago #36
Action helps. And connecting with people. summer_in_TX 19 hrs ago #41
I guess I'm the only one on this thread who doesn't let trump get to them NJCher 19 hrs ago #42
If enough people reach their limit . . . Aussie105 18 hrs ago #43
When I feel overwhelmed I look for even small things that can chip away GreatGazoo 12 hrs ago #46
it's like you read my mind. barbtries 7 hrs ago #51
We're all doing our best to maintain and relate in the face of the pure depravity and venality of the Trump regime. Martin68 7 hrs ago #52
If any consulation MaineNative 7 hrs ago #53
These are desperate times. The Grand Illuminist 5 hrs ago #56
Message auto-removed Name removed 4 hrs ago #58
I have seen evil, although nothing like the Trumpers annielion 4 hrs ago #59
Same. I don't know how much more I can take. Betty Boom 3 hrs ago #60

highplainsdem

(63,107 posts)
1. It feels like getting suckerpunched every day. Same with all the harm done by the AI industry, which is
Tue May 19, 2026, 04:01 PM
Yesterday

very much allied with Trump.

There are days I can hardly believe what we're dealing with.

COL Mustard

(8,391 posts)
21. You really can't believe pictures anymore. They're too easy to manipulate.
Tue May 19, 2026, 05:43 PM
Yesterday

Damn...I wish some of that technology had been around during my third divorce case. I could really have taken that private eye to the cleaners.

CousinIT

(12,753 posts)
2. The midterms won't solve it. They might only give us a check on the vile psychopath..
Tue May 19, 2026, 04:01 PM
Yesterday

...for a couple of years. IF we have free and fair elections and IF his little Johnson swears in the newly elected Democrats (he won't - not without a bunch of "fraud" excuses first).

And then what?

Dems must gerrymander their states to the hilt before 2028, for one thing. If the vile turd won't leave in 2028, then what?

gab13by13

(32,789 posts)
7. You get it
Tue May 19, 2026, 04:35 PM
Yesterday

Democrats should start thinking outside the box.

Nominate the fiercest fighters, running on a political platform is nice, but politics don’t matter in a dictatorship.

Dems, nominate a non-politician, nominate the fiercest fighters, there will be no arguments between moderates & progressives .

Miles Taylor
Malcolm Nance

2028- throwing out the billionaires and bringing back democracy is the platform.

OGBuzz

(629 posts)
9. For sure he's not leaving. That's why the nuclear blast proof ball room and everything that's going underground
Tue May 19, 2026, 04:46 PM
Yesterday

below it, and establishing his private mercenary force at taxpayer expense to keep him in power long after 2028. I just hope America wakes up by then and buries him under a million tons of concrete in his bunker.

sellitman

(11,750 posts)
57. If you think these elections won't have Elon's taint on it you are delusional.
Wed May 20, 2026, 02:42 PM
4 hrs ago

He fixed the last election and there has been nothing done to change it.

I'd love to be optimistic but we have past that exit.

Attilatheblond

(9,249 posts)
3. Go to your county DEM Headquarters, ask what you can do to help promote candidates and get out policy information
Tue May 19, 2026, 04:04 PM
Yesterday

Best medicine for that feeling of depression that can lead to a sense of helplessness is to roll up sleeves and work along side others who know that dark place and decided to take action to stop what they can.

When I get down that rabbit hole, and almost all of us do from time to time, I ask myself 'What would someone in Minneapolis do?' Then I pick a task. It really helps.

In the meantime, rest when you need to, We are a choir and we can hold the note while you catch your breath and join back into the powerful music.

EdmondDantes_

(2,089 posts)
5. This
Tue May 19, 2026, 04:10 PM
Yesterday

And if you need to be less embedded in politics, find a local nonprofit that needs volunteers. Seeing the good day to day really helps fight the overwhelming feeling.

Amaryllis

(11,430 posts)
16. I have found over and over that the best antidotes for depression and despair are community and action.
Tue May 19, 2026, 05:28 PM
Yesterday

I highly recommend joining an Indivisible group. It is what keeps me going. My Wonderful senator Jeff Merkley tells people do that and so does TImothy Snyder. Community and action with like minded people is an absolute life saver and I mean that literally.

https://indivisible.org/

https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/874938/

Thursday: “What’s the Plan?” with Leah + Ezra (3pm ET/noon PT)
Our weekly interactive Q&A with our co-founders and executive directors Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin.




Attilatheblond

(9,249 posts)
49. My local Indivisible group is small but so helpful. Highly recommend each of us find our local and dig in.
Wed May 20, 2026, 11:03 AM
8 hrs ago

Information, resources, people who 'get it'. It's a great place to find kindred spirits and find friendship based on shared values and inspiration. Finding out what others are doing is a balm for feeling hopeless.

Silver Gaia

(5,435 posts)
39. We tried that a few years ago. They sent us away. Told us to go to our local town HQ.
Tue May 19, 2026, 11:25 PM
20 hrs ago

That was just a bunch of local neighborhood meetings, and they were doing NOTHING but having meetings. It was a waste. I hope it's better now. We thought maybe they did that because we were seniors. We did not expect to be treated like that.

But that was then and that was here. I hope it's better out there now! Everywhere!

Attilatheblond

(9,249 posts)
50. Don't give up. If there isn't a group that works, START ONE that actually takes action, be it protests, LTTE,
Wed May 20, 2026, 11:21 AM
8 hrs ago

Making voice heard at local government meetings on topics that matter to you. It is all good exercise and we build strength through active precipitation.

Indivisible is a good resource. One of our best local group for movers & shakers is the Democracy Defenders. They get local actions organized and use resource ideas, and organizing methods to 'get the word out'. Helping locals find ways to be heard really matters on a grand scale and a very personal one.

Everybody has a talent or a quiver of talents. We just need to dig and reach. We are all Victory Gardens of Potential. Together we can sustain our community through hard times.

Being alone, stewing in one's own juices or just being part of 'whine sessions' is not gonna make any of us feel better in the long run, and it won't help the nation recover and get back on path. I got one neighbor coming to protests and even a local DEM service club. Living alone and having a brain, he was becoming depressed watching/reading the news. He was getting angry with no where to put that energy. That is not a good thing for one's health.

Stepping our of his comfort zone and meeting others was tough for a shy gentleman, but he put in real effort. He smiles more now and has been relieved to find there are others who are aware, who care, and who are not going to just give in.

I truly hope you find 'your people' and do not give up until you do. They are out there. Check your local library for groups that meet in their facilities. Sometimes it starts out kind of oblique, but often it is a way to make friends and find comrades.

Silver Gaia

(5,435 posts)
66. Thanks. We are members of Indivisible.
Wed May 20, 2026, 05:28 PM
2 hrs ago

I'd like to be a lot more active than I am able to be right now. I am too sick. When and if I heal, I will be "fired up and readyto go," though.

Attilatheblond

(9,249 posts)
67. If your Indivisible group is on social media, maybe you can help by sharing information the group posts?
Wed May 20, 2026, 06:06 PM
1 hr ago

I am pretty gimpy and can't always be counted on to be able to leave the house, but I can help my pal who does the local Indivisible FB page by bringing worthwhile news to post and sharing the information others put on that FB page.

Sending you good wishes and healing energy.

mahina

(20,724 posts)
44. Terrific question and analogy. We are a choir!
Wed May 20, 2026, 04:14 AM
15 hrs ago

Also I find lifting heavy things and punching bags help.

Attilatheblond

(9,249 posts)
48. Physical exertion (as one is able) really does help. The body gears up for a fight if the brain/nervous system stresses
Wed May 20, 2026, 10:59 AM
8 hrs ago

Release of that hormonal response is important. When all else fails, find a safe place to just scream until your lungs say 'whoa!' Then catch your breath and do SOMETHING positive, even if it's a small thing. We build a lot of good on small things. It conditions us to move onto bigger and bigger things. Pretty soon, we look around and see some progress.

But the really helpful trick is to know you are not alone. Find 'your people' in your community. They might be trying to find you too.












Hey Joe

(814 posts)
6. At this point I am seriously wondering IF there
Tue May 19, 2026, 04:32 PM
Yesterday

will even BE any mid-term elections.
These crazed sycophants will do something to keep them from happening or claim they were rigged, etc…..
Putin would be so proud

GoodRaisin

(11,062 posts)
65. You are correct to do so.
Wed May 20, 2026, 05:00 PM
2 hrs ago

Blatent corruption, Krasnov stealing 1.8 billion from the Treasury in broad day.ight, kind of tells me he doesn’t think there will be midterm elections.

Grim Chieftain

(2,046 posts)
12. Well said, chole
Tue May 19, 2026, 05:12 PM
Yesterday

I am right there with you on all counts. I used to believe goodness and justice would prevail, but no more. He is the most evil and corrupt person to ever occupy the White House. For his nearly eighty years, he has amassed a fortune, committed many horrific crimes, is responsible for thousands of deaths, and he gets away with all of it, every damn thing, all the while living in the lap of luxury at our expense.

PatSeg

(53,557 posts)
13. Until now, I rarely used the word "evil"
Tue May 19, 2026, 05:19 PM
Yesterday

That word was reserved for fiction and fantasy, not for real people.

Now I use it often, because what we are witnessing truly is "evil".

Response to choie (Original post)

dalton99a

(95,306 posts)
15. Yep. Our government is under complete control of an evil tyrant. And this could have been prevented.
Tue May 19, 2026, 05:19 PM
Yesterday

Moostache

(11,297 posts)
17. A lack of actionable, REAL change after November will be catastrophic.
Tue May 19, 2026, 05:28 PM
Yesterday

If this is allowed to go unchecked - without a MASSIVE GOP-ending wave result in November - it will necessitate armed actions against the illegitimate usurpers in charge and a violent overthrow of the existing system.

That which cannot be changed peacefully WILL be changed violently when there is no other option.

This release of Trump granting himself and his thieving fucking family permanent immunity from IRS investigations or prosecutions is the last straw. I am giddy with anticipation for him to fucking die and still plan an epic and public celebration of that blessed event - one that will make many people uncomfortable with the degree of frivolity it will inspire... but if he is now immunizing his fucking worthless thieving grifter family as well? Nope... THAT dog won't hunt. No fucking way will we live in a country of laws for all not named Trump and privileges for them alone. We do NOT have a royal family and if we DID, it would NEVER be those filthy fucking sewer rat thieves from Queens...

get the red out

(14,072 posts)
47. Tech
Wed May 20, 2026, 09:03 AM
10 hrs ago

I am starting to entertain the possibility that Aliens (from outside Earth) have given him "healing beds", as he previously stated. But even technology thousands of years ahead of ours can only keep a specimin like him limping along.

CrispyQ

(41,103 posts)
18. He's funding his own personal police force to disrupt the midterms.
Tue May 19, 2026, 05:32 PM
Yesterday

I truly believe that. IIRC, one of the J6 groups was fairly well organized, the oath keepers, I think. The midterms could be a turning point in this mess. We either knock them off their game or they entrench themselves futher & continue to "deconstruct the administrative state."

wnylib

(26,467 posts)
40. Never thought this idea would occur to me, but
Tue May 19, 2026, 11:37 PM
19 hrs ago

it's almost like we need protective gear and first aid kits with us just to vote.

Yeah, that's hyperbole-- I hope.

Laurelin

(959 posts)
55. I don't think it's hyperbole
Wed May 20, 2026, 01:05 PM
6 hrs ago

I'm thinking it's better not to vote alone. Go in a group. Those halcyon days when I took my small children to the polls to give them civics lesson on democracy are over. When they were older they volunteered at the polls, or did poll watching. Think of it. In Texas, no less my daughter and I sat as democratic observers to the ballot tallies and had civil, respectful conversations with the Republicans doing the same thing. WE ALL BELIEVED IN DEMOCRACY. Now they vote for crooks and want to destroy democracy.

HeartsCanHope

(1,763 posts)
19. I feel the same way, choie.
Tue May 19, 2026, 05:38 PM
Yesterday

I feel like all the norms are gone. I don't know if it helps that other people understand your anger and

feelings of helplessness, but hang in there, my friend. It will take time to straighten things out.

If you look back at history, we have to fight the same battles over and over again. People can be very

evil, but I believe that good will win in the end. We're also dealing with evil that has a time limit--Trump

is failing, and his deterioration is accelerating. Once he is gone, the MAGA movement, imho, will fall apart. There

is no one that is a clear cut leader to take up the reins. We have to make it to the midterms, and hopefully then we

can start the rebuilding process. This time we MUST strengthen the guardrails so we stop any future "Trumps"

before they get too far. We have a lot of work ahead of us.

Blue Owl

(59,627 posts)
20. Where's the goddamned justice for the Epstein criminals?
Tue May 19, 2026, 05:39 PM
Yesterday

This most major of scandals is just being ignored and swept under the rug — UNACCEPTABLE!

markie

(24,060 posts)
22. yup.. me too
Tue May 19, 2026, 05:50 PM
Yesterday

I am sad, angry and my heart hurts.... I am struggling terribly with the number of people who allow this to happen

LymphocyteLover

(10,156 posts)
23. I feel same way-- you are not alone! Together we are stronger and we will beat these mofos
Tue May 19, 2026, 06:12 PM
Yesterday

Walleye

(45,482 posts)
27. I just made another post saying my outrage receptors are overloaded. We are only human.
Tue May 19, 2026, 07:06 PM
Yesterday

hamsterjill

(17,760 posts)
28. I think that's a good way of verbalizing it.
Tue May 19, 2026, 07:09 PM
Yesterday

I know I'm that way. With all that's going on, the ordinary day-to-day stresses seem much worse. We could all use a little calm and peace.

dweller

(28,701 posts)
29. If you've made it this far
Tue May 19, 2026, 07:09 PM
Yesterday

You are a hella lot tougher than you think . . .

I’m in the same place tho , and it’s a challenge for sure



✌🏻

blubunyip

(308 posts)
31. We were operating
Tue May 19, 2026, 08:32 PM
22 hrs ago

under a lot of assumptions about democracy, the rule of law, behavioral norms, societal cohesion, ethics in government and business. We have now had all that illusion brutally ripped away by the most evil and corrupt regime the founding fathers ever experienced or imagined. It's up to us to fight back as hard as we can. Only then can we get the opportunity to restore what's worth saving and create new systems. The old ways have been dismantled and destroyed. Keep in mind exactly what we lost and who is responsible. America has been broken by cheaters and liars, operating mainly through the Republicon party. Show no mercy. Stick together with those you trust and keep fighting the small fights as well as the big. Everything they are about has become crystal clear. It's not even debatable. They want it all. Will we let them take everything?

H2O Man

(79,257 posts)
32. Recommended.
Tue May 19, 2026, 09:32 PM
21 hrs ago

That puts you among a heck of a lot of people. What is happening to or country is terrible. Now, this president is not the first politician in this nation's history that has a significant number of the features common to psychopaths/sociopaths/ malignant narcissists. There are lots of them in corporations, too. But what stands out is that this guy is evil, in the psychological sense that Gary Brucato speaks of in his 2019 classic, "The New Evil."

More, he compares with those that Erich Fromm wrote about in his "The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness." There are a few historic examples of what Fromm termed a malignant narcissist leading a nation. When it is a relatively small nation, that leader might be as rabid as was Idi Amin, but they become largely forgotten as the decades role on. It is only in the those in still somewhat crumbling empires that make the short list of the worst ever. More, as Fromm noted, they have what seems a gravitational pull, bringing anti-social personality disorder individuals in around them. These people feel they have license to engage in their most criminal -- often cruel -- fantasies.

Now, we know that all of organic life on this living Earth exists in a mechanical fashion: they either grow or decay. That includes everything from a single cell to a human empire. Now, I am not prone to panic, but from what I have witnessed in life, I'd say this combination of a sociopath in power in a crumbling empire is where we are at. And if we really understand that today is a direct result of yesterday, and tomorrow from today, we see that we cannot stay the same. Nor can we go back in time, for it is always "Now," always has been, always will be.

Yet by changing today, we can change tomorrow. Have you ever watched the movie "Thunderheart"? Where agent Ray Levoi is told by Grandpa to run, run to the safe place? That is the same today ..... go to higher ground. Operate from that very real place within you. And take care of yourself. I just got off the phone with an old associate, and reminded him that even the greatest heavyweight champion ever, Muhammad Ali, took advantage of the minute's rest between rounds. And that young man defeated Uncle Same after a long and difficult struggle.

I know my sanity -- thin as it is! -- depends upon me taking time out in my gardens.

love_katz

(3,286 posts)
45. I always appreciate your posts, sir.
Wed May 20, 2026, 05:15 AM
14 hrs ago

Like everyone, I feel tremendous rage and despair over the injustices and outright rip offs that keep happening. The worst part is living with impotent rage over not being able to stop this regime, to successfully block their open criminality.
I seem to remember that you are a First Nations person, or have had valuable interactions with people who are? When I start to feel overwhelmed by the paralysis of despair, I remind myself that the Native tribes of this country, as well as all People of Color have been fighting these fights against cruelty and injustice for the entire history of the USA. Even though I am, to the best of my knowledge, descended from the tribes of Europe, I try to draw inspiration and strength from the fact that neither Native people nor people of Color ever completely give up.
You mention the movie, Thunderheart. I think that has John Trudell in it, doesn't it? Talks by John Trudell can be found on YouTube, along with spoken word performances with his band. I find his words to be very helpful, although I hope he would've eventually changed his mind about voting. I know there's a documentary about his life, called simply, "Trudell" which I would love to see. I dropped Amazon some time ago, so I will have to look elsewhere to see if I can find a DVD.
I also find talks by other Native people helpful: Oren Lyons ( my spelling may not be right) of the Haudenosaunee (sp?) Nation, and Robin Wall Kimmerer of the Citizen Potowatami are excellent for my morale.
You are correct in reminding us to take breaks from the fire hose of ugly $hit that spews from this maladministration every day. I'm having ongoing health problems, so I can't do yard work or garden anymore, but I can go outside for a few minutes, put my bare feet on the grass, and I can listen to the birds, even through my windows.
I think that those of us who are descendants of the tribes of Europe need to be aware of something: the tactics that are being deliberately used to make us fearful and helpless are the same tactics that were used against our ancestors going back to the Roman invasions of Europe. Specifically those tactics were/are: destroy the people's connections to the land and to each other as a community. The wannabe conquerors interfere with local leaders who can support the resistance by either bribing or buying them off, or by threatening them with violence and imprisonment. Successful resistance will be characterized by acting in ways that counter these tactics: resistance movements that are collective and as much as possible, leaderless. This all feels hard because the oppression has been going on for centuries and also, this could have all been avoided if more people had voted. We need to keep in mind that Hungary seems to have thrown out their dictator and his minions, even after having suffered for 16 years under his oppression.
I think we're at a pivotal point in our society. Can we find the strength of heart to keep resisting? The problems we face have been building up for centuries: attacks on the people and the land, greed, cruelty and injustice. The fact that our governmental systems have been a thin veneer masking the fact that freedom and justice have only been upheld for a favored few is being rubbed in our faces. Laws don't prevent people from breaking them, they only provide society with the ability to seek recourse when the laws are broken. What is so devastating is seeing that too often there is no recourse when this cruel and greedy regime just ignores and flouts our so-called justice system altogether.
One thought which helps steady me comes from the great environmental classic, " A Sand County Almanac ", by Aldo Leopold. I will have to paraphrase, because I can't remember the quote exactly. He says that wannabe conquerors always think that they know what is best for everything and everybody. It always turns out that they know neither, and so they fail.
I know my perspective is limited, but it helps to deliberately work to repair the damage that has been being done by the greedy and cruel, long before any of us were born. Seek out nature and like minded souls. Engage in whatever spiritual practices that you can do to help heal and renew yourself. I believe that Earth will support us in our endeavors. Why else would She create a thinking animal?

H2O Man

(79,257 posts)
62. Thank you!
Wed May 20, 2026, 04:03 PM
3 hrs ago

I identify as Irish-American. Various DNA tests have verified the oral history on both sides of my family, including a small amount of Native American and of Ashkenazi Jewish from around 900 ad in the Ukraine region. But overall Irish, going way, way back in time. Now my younger son's son, who a few of our community members have seen elsewhere, is a combination of Irish, African, and Onondaga. People have said that if Disney were to create the cutest little boy -- he is three -- he would be their model.

Oren is the Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation, one of the six of the Haudenosanee, or Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. Back in 1973, he and I were across the corner from each other, as my brother-in-law fought Greg Sorrentino, who was the great Carmen Basilio's last boxer. Oren trained him. In the decades that followed, we were in the same corner (!), working on numerous cases, usually having to do with burial protection and repatriation. Oren sat with Chief Waterman on the Onondaga Council of Chiefs and the Grand Council.

Now, without sounding like a "big-headed" person ..... I had a status that the NYS Museum's Iroquois Studies noted was the first time anyone had it in over a century. Of much greater significance than anything I've accomplished, would be the wisdom of Paul Waterman and his student Oren. I strongly recommend that people watch Bill Moyers' interview with Oren, which can be found on youtube.

I never met John, who was an amazing human being. The suffering he endured with the loss of his family would crush most strong people. We had a number of friends in common, and John allowed me to use his works in the Haudenosaunee newspaper I used to edit and write for. Those were The Days! And today, the strength and wisdom of Oren, Paul, and John provide us with examples of how we can not only survive this era, but actually grow in spite of the horrors.

Decades ago -- and I hope that you like this! -- when Paul and I were speaking at colleges & universities, a young man asked Paul why so many white people thought they were "part Indian?" Now, Paul had a unique sense of humor, and I could tell a hundred stories. His first respionse was, "Because my grandfathers were like me." Then he spoke of the fact that all human beings were tribal at one time, and that it is important that we all learn from our ancestors. We all had the Original Instructions and honored them. That we all share the wonder of being siblings in the human family.

love_katz

(3,286 posts)
64. Thank you for your very thoughtful reply.
Wed May 20, 2026, 04:53 PM
2 hrs ago

I will definitely look for the interview of Oren by Bill Moyers.
My favorite teacher from high school was half Lakota and half white. He grew up on the Rosebud reservation. It would take me a long time to try and explain that he taught me more than almost any other human being that I have met, and the insights that he shared played an important part in setting me on my path through life.
I was aware that Oren played Lacrosse when he was young, but I didn't know that he trained young men to box.
I do believe that if you go far enough back in time that all of our ancestors were tribal. I think we need to learn what we can about our ancestors so we can incorporate the best of their knowledge in order to create a society that truly embodies justice for all and a much better care of our planet and all the beings who live here with us. I hope that humankind can learn that we succeed best when we work together and treat each other as family. The human achievements that have lasted the longest were created by whole communities working together, sometimes for a couple of hundred years. Stonehenge, Avebury, the many stone circles and rows of Europe, the Serpent Mounds on the East Coast, Machu Pichu, even the Pyramids in Egypt seem, according to new studies, to have been built by a cooperative effort, rather than through slave labor. I just hope that we can see that there is a better way to live. People like Oren and John, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and many others, including you, can help us to find out how to live according to the Original Instructions. Earth, and the future generations, as well as ourselves, need this. I think this knowledge lives inside of us. Studying our ancestors and learning from nature, with help from science, can help us see ways to heal the many wounds of our time.
I wish you peace of the good Earth, and a fruitful harvest from your garden.
Thanks again for your reply. And hooray for the Irish, and all of our good ancestors.

In It to Win It

(12,827 posts)
33. Same. Waiting for the midterms doesn't feel like enough. "Vote harder" doesn't feel like enough.
Tue May 19, 2026, 09:40 PM
21 hrs ago

calimary

(90,812 posts)
34. Well, that's why we have DU.
Tue May 19, 2026, 09:55 PM
21 hrs ago

You’ll come here with your worries, fears, or troubles, and what do you get?

Friendship!
Sympathy!
Solidarity!
Empathy!
Definite proof that you’re not alone!

Don’t ever forget that. I believe it was Skittles who, LONG ago, said “someone’s always here.” And chances are, those someones are ready to hear you out, offer advice, or help, or comforting, or the mere message that Skittles was/is right. There really IS somebody always here. And that somebody is always ready to listen - AND to care.

NJCher

(43,534 posts)
42. I guess I'm the only one on this thread who doesn't let trump get to them
Tue May 19, 2026, 11:56 PM
19 hrs ago

Trump never ruins my day/week/month/year. I have an engaging, interesting, satisfying, and fun day every day. I think the amount it can bother a person depends on that person's world view. In my world view, trump is a nothing.

He bores me. Not worth my attention.

I've quit watching the political shows because they don't deal with his shenanigans with enough depth. I have a better knowledge of the system than these shows' producers do and I think they go along with his tactics to the extent that they can hook in scared viewers. What a scam.

Like his latest fantasy that he can never be audited. This is the fantasy of a six-year old. On stuff like this, take the long view.

I remember how unglued everyone here became when right after trump got into office and started issuing executive orders everywhere. I tried to tell people he'd be sued and what happened? Now everyone knows how lame his executive orders are.

I've also quit reading most of the threads. I skim them but don't spend much time on this stuff. It's the same ole same ole.

The world is way bigger than the U.S. and trump. There's so much more out there and worrying about trump is like worrying about your sneaker shoe string becoming undone.

*I'll never quit watching Lawrence, though! Nobody eviscerates like Lawrence.

Aussie105

(8,180 posts)
43. If enough people reach their limit . . .
Wed May 20, 2026, 12:53 AM
18 hrs ago

Last edited Wed May 20, 2026, 01:28 AM - Edit history (1)

there may be another Boston Tea party, or the use of the guillotine on public squares.

Both those events were triggered not by a small thing, but an accumulation of small things.

GreatGazoo

(4,703 posts)
46. When I feel overwhelmed I look for even small things that can chip away
Wed May 20, 2026, 07:08 AM
12 hrs ago

At time like that this is a menu of options:

198 Methods of Nonviolent Action by Gene Sharp
https://commonslibrary.org/198-methods-of-nonviolent-action/

barbtries

(31,353 posts)
51. it's like you read my mind.
Wed May 20, 2026, 11:34 AM
7 hrs ago

i am in EXACTLY the same place. this quiet rage eating at me from the inside. helpless to stop this, how is that possible? caring, about all the victims past, present, and most unsettling, future (the future my generation stole).

It is a lot. you are not alone.

Martin68

(28,072 posts)
52. We're all doing our best to maintain and relate in the face of the pure depravity and venality of the Trump regime.
Wed May 20, 2026, 11:58 AM
7 hrs ago

I keep having to remind myself to breathe.

Response to choie (Original post)

annielion

(111 posts)
59. I have seen evil, although nothing like the Trumpers
Wed May 20, 2026, 03:07 PM
4 hrs ago

I have seen evil go away because of losing its protection.

The Trumpers are a few. Millions of us see the evil. More and more of us will continue to see the evil. The Trumpers cannot control us because we are too many. They will have to go away.

I also am one who "knows" the election of 2024 was stolen, just as some "know": the election of 2024 was not stolen. I have always thought in ideas but also in numbers. I could easily write a computer program to steal an election for my candidate. I have seen the overwhelming amount of statistical evidence of the steal.

Maybe these things help me believe that we don't have to wait 2 more years to get rid of the evil ones.

Betty Boom

(465 posts)
60. Same. I don't know how much more I can take.
Wed May 20, 2026, 03:45 PM
3 hrs ago

When I’m not feeling depressed about it, I feel enraged. Not just at the perpetrators, but also at so many people I see around me just going along like everything is normal. I don’t understand why this latest has not caused people to pour into the streets.

And I better never hear another one of these MF-ers complain about taxes, when they’re sitting there on their hands and letting Trump steal $1.8 billion from the treasury. It’s sickening.

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