We need to reach out....now

[KatK]

7. I gave up on MAGA folk, but now is a time to rethink that and build solidarity

We're all going to be hit hard, and so it's an incredible opportunity to find common ground and resurface our persuasive conversation skills. Finding common ground comes first.

For decades, cohesion amongst the working class (which broadly speaking includes everyone except the wealthy) has eroded. So even in progressive neighborhoods, people believe that each family/individual is responsible for their own well-being, rather than knowing that well-being on all levels depends on community connections and solidarity.

With the coming upheaval, people won't know what to do. So let us find ways to demonstrate that community matters, that standing up for each other and helping one another is the key.

Building solidarity isn't easy, because most of us haven't had it for at least a couple generations. So my intention is to start with the low-hanging fruit and with "easy wins". I am starting with a neighborhood card-playing group, then to snow shoveling, and on from there. I also run a Little Free Pantry - a sturdy plastic bin with free food and personal supplies for anyone in need.

We're all going to be screwed, so we have that in common. We've all been lied to, so we have that in common. We all want respect, love, and safety, so we have that in common. The list goes on, and so we can see that it's possible to imagine finding common ground with folks that we have dismissed as [your adjectives of choice].

Thoughts?