I believe I'm engaged, but I also voted to empeach Neusom. I think he's not good at his job. Didn't vote for the guy who came in second either. I voted for the guy who seemed to have a track record of doing it right.
It's a complicated question for me. I became a US citizen back in 2005 specifically so I could vote and be engaged in politics but the ever-increasing craziness of the far-right has gotten me pretty much exhausted at this point. I've always been very engaged with politics -- before I emigrated from the UK, I was pretty active in politics back there (a paid-up member of the Labour Party, and active voter for Labour, LibDem, and Green, in different levels of elections -- the UK multi-party system is complicated!).
I've donated, voted, discussed at length with friends and strangers to persuade, over the last two and a half decades... but now I feel like I just can't reach or persuade anyone else. Many of my in-laws are insanely right-wing and some are steeped in Q-nonsense at this point, sadly. I've excised most of my right-wing "friends" from my social media feeds because I just can't take their nonsense any more and I can't bear to watch the damage they're doing to this country.
It's all very, very sad. All I can do now is just try to make sure all my centrist and left-leaning friends and acquaintances actually get out to vote, to try to head off these attacks on democracy, science, and common sense. Where is the empathy and sense of community now? Heartbreaking...
I escorted at women's clinics through the Reagan to Bush 2 years. I had lots of energy then, taking women through hollering crowds and grasping hands. I was once pinned to the side of a building until the police arrived to free us.
I phoned for candidates - very rewarding in 2008 when I helped a 90 year old man get to the polls.
Now I give money to progressive causes and still carry my ACLU card. I vote and hold signs. But I am tired, and grieve for the state of our country. We are a worldwide disgrace in so many ways.
I will fight to my ability - but heartsore defines me.
To answer the question - YES, VERY much engaged. And if it's a choice of flight versus fight in 2020, I don't care how exhausted I am, I will do all I can to ensure that Dems are elected and that we save this democracy from devolving into fascism.
At midlife I feel compelled to do more. After the last five years I am convinced my contribution will align with the thinking and leadership of Marianne Williamson. (She is also publishing on substack).
As with Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., I believe love is most needful. What does that look like in political engagement? I honestly don't know yet, but there are people like Marianne who have ideas.
I believe the potency of such love-leading work will be revealed in part by the reaction to it. It is likely to touch a nerve in some, maybe in many.
Absolutely! I am continuing to Phone bank Registering Voters in GA & PA, also Virginia elections. Do I feel Frustrated at the In Fighting and subsequent lack of movement? Absolutely! The efforts of Red States to Legislate Elections🤬
I am continuing to learn more, write more letters to the editor of my city's newspaper, try to talk about issues and news (but not much as those closest to me are mostly not interested), read your Steady and Heather Cox Richardson's Letters to an American and further study some of what I read or watch on the news.
I had intended to get more involved with a local Democrats group but it hasn't happened yet due to the virus and other interferences.
And I intend to keep voting on the slight chance that my vote will make a difference in this community, state and country.
I agree with your comments. I am trying to get more knowledgeable about local issues and politicians. My request fro an absentee ballot has not arrived yet. If it gets lost we will still vote at the polls,
Good for you, Nancy. Last year was the first time I voted by mail due to the COVID-19 virus. I had planned to continue by mail until reading Dan's grandson's experience with observing election ballots and how much handwritten signatures were questioned and not counted. My signature is definitely different than when I first registered to vote.
Like others who've commented, I'm despairing for our country. I really relate with the progressives in the Democratic Party, and that's where I think I've seen the most "active" of the activists, the most enthusiasm, and the most young people. I fear for our progressives; the
Democrat "centrists" are coming across like Republicans! and the Republicans are coming across as selfish, toadying, hypocritical idiots. The events of January 6, 2021 horrified me. The fact that there are Republicans in Congress who don't view these events as any kind of sedition or even
wrong-doing flabbergasts me. I have written out postcards, made phone calls, and donated money. But I'm discouraged and exhausted. The Democrats aren't LISTENING. They wring their hands and blame Republicans, and yes, that's partly valid, but I think these conservative Dems are HAPPY not to make waves or take a stand. They're all about being conciliatory and partisan with the Republicans, and the Republicans don't give a rat's behind about being partisan with the Democrats. Which, conveniently, gives the conservative Dems a reason to point fingers and not take the blame for their inaction. If they aren't going to end the filibuster, they should at LEAST change it back to what it was meant to be—with the speaker having to be present, standing (ideally), while making his or her case. The Democrats, when I grew up, were touted as being the "party of the people." The only ones in Congress who seem to care about "the people" are the progressives. As long as there are people in government who actually CARE, I'll continue to support them. But, at 70, I'm tired, and my income is finite. Don't ask me for money for some war chest. And don't keep railing on me about "Federal deadlines." My last note to Act Blue was, in essence, if Democrats start doing their job, I'll start donating again.
Thank you, Mr. Rather, and Steady, for letting me vent.
One has to wonder if it is productive to describe the Democratic Party as "Progressives" and "centrist Democrats that are essentially Republicans." No Democrat is anywhere near being one of today's Republicans. We're all on the same team. United we stand, fractured we fall.
I will vote in every election for which I am eligible. In addition, I give money where I can, especially in Senate and House races which we can flip to blue. Since my senators are both Dem, I concentrate on other states where Dems need help. I am also committed to the state Governor's race next year since we need a Dem to remain since our state legislature is Republican. But I am done talking to people about politics. It is too divisive for me to engage with my family members who are solidly delusional in the Fox talking point propaganda.
It is my duty as an American to do my part to maintain a consciousness that sees peace between the parties in America, progress in our respect and treatment of each other, and a government that is progressive and moving forward. Yes, we are exhausted and we also know that we cannot give up. There is too much at stake. Many of my peers feel the same way. Also take whatever action you are guided to take within your community. Remember that "peace" is the target.
Yes, I'm engaged! Live in deep blue part of CA, so trying to find contenders for House and Senate who are actively working with grassroots folks in their own districts. Not a fan of current national groups who seem to think that winning elections happens only when our side outshouts the other side, or the DNC cadres who are adopting the hysterical claims and focus on the "fight" rather than on building a positive movement that engages new or lapsed voters.
Have you looked into joining a local chapter of SWING LEFT? We don't waste our time trying to engage with Republicans. We motivate Democrats and Independents to get out to vote through engaging conversation and developing relationships.
Not engaged, doesn't seem like anything affects me since I'm mostly in a bubble. Go to work & mind my own beeswax. I vote Blue cuz I can't relate to the Reds. I live in a Red state so anything I could do would be helpless.
Katie, you can do a lot. When we live in a really red district, or really blue district, we aren't going to change outcomes of our own district. That's why groups like SWING LEFT look at which districts are flippable from red to blue, and only focus time in those districts. My local chapter of SWING LEFT did a lot of work in nearby counties and states. We don't engage Republicans. We only approach Democrats and Independents to motivate them to get out and vote. Voter registration booths (wear your Biden or Harris or Obama shirt), canvassing door-to-door (only at homes of registered Democrats), and letter writing to Dems.
I live in a red state too (turning purple because we are NOT giving up) and since I cannot abide the GOP creeps here, I contribute to their opponents and to Dems in other states. Every little bit counts. You count.
If anyone is wondering why there are so few comments on this post, I believe it is because the "Leave a comment" link in today's e-mail is sending people to a different post -- "Read any good books lately?" from September 22. I originally posted my comment there and read through a lot of others, until inexplicably I reached a point where suddenly all the comments were about books. :-)
Who wouldn't be exhausted and demoralized at this point? I live in a very blue area of a very blue state, so I don't really feel that there's much I can do politically other than to continue to pay close attention and vote. The "GOP" has become a ruthless, shameless, authoritarian, undemocratic party that has given itself over to lies, hatred, corruption, conspiracy theories and racism. I am so dismayed to see so many Americans continue to support it as if it were their hapless hometown sports team. It often occurs to me that a number of major countries have lived through periods of fascist totalitarianism. If what is happening around this country isn't enough to keep Democrats increasingly engaged, I believe it will soon be our turn. I've never been a proponent of the idea of American exceptionalism, but now it has been exposed as a myth. I would rather my state secede along with other blue states than remain in a trumpian "USA." I fear that too many people are keeping silent to avoid confrontations with family, friends and neighbors. I urge anyone reading this to speak out, loudly, for our democratic values and the truth, before it's too late.
When you live in a very blue district, there is still a lot you can do to contribute. Join a local SWING LEFT chapter and help to flip districts from red to blue in a neighboring district or far away state. There simple letter writing, post card writing, and phone banking that can be done for other districts remotely.
I live in a very blue district in southern California. My chapter and others helped to flip all of Orange County blue in 2018. We are working now for Virginia.
I believe I'm engaged, but I also voted to empeach Neusom. I think he's not good at his job. Didn't vote for the guy who came in second either. I voted for the guy who seemed to have a track record of doing it right.
Yes!!
It's a complicated question for me. I became a US citizen back in 2005 specifically so I could vote and be engaged in politics but the ever-increasing craziness of the far-right has gotten me pretty much exhausted at this point. I've always been very engaged with politics -- before I emigrated from the UK, I was pretty active in politics back there (a paid-up member of the Labour Party, and active voter for Labour, LibDem, and Green, in different levels of elections -- the UK multi-party system is complicated!).
I've donated, voted, discussed at length with friends and strangers to persuade, over the last two and a half decades... but now I feel like I just can't reach or persuade anyone else. Many of my in-laws are insanely right-wing and some are steeped in Q-nonsense at this point, sadly. I've excised most of my right-wing "friends" from my social media feeds because I just can't take their nonsense any more and I can't bear to watch the damage they're doing to this country.
It's all very, very sad. All I can do now is just try to make sure all my centrist and left-leaning friends and acquaintances actually get out to vote, to try to head off these attacks on democracy, science, and common sense. Where is the empathy and sense of community now? Heartbreaking...
I am heartsore. Not disengaged.
I escorted at women's clinics through the Reagan to Bush 2 years. I had lots of energy then, taking women through hollering crowds and grasping hands. I was once pinned to the side of a building until the police arrived to free us.
I phoned for candidates - very rewarding in 2008 when I helped a 90 year old man get to the polls.
Now I give money to progressive causes and still carry my ACLU card. I vote and hold signs. But I am tired, and grieve for the state of our country. We are a worldwide disgrace in so many ways.
I will fight to my ability - but heartsore defines me.
To answer the question - YES, VERY much engaged. And if it's a choice of flight versus fight in 2020, I don't care how exhausted I am, I will do all I can to ensure that Dems are elected and that we save this democracy from devolving into fascism.
At midlife I feel compelled to do more. After the last five years I am convinced my contribution will align with the thinking and leadership of Marianne Williamson. (She is also publishing on substack).
As with Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., I believe love is most needful. What does that look like in political engagement? I honestly don't know yet, but there are people like Marianne who have ideas.
I believe the potency of such love-leading work will be revealed in part by the reaction to it. It is likely to touch a nerve in some, maybe in many.
Absolutely! I am continuing to Phone bank Registering Voters in GA & PA, also Virginia elections. Do I feel Frustrated at the In Fighting and subsequent lack of movement? Absolutely! The efforts of Red States to Legislate Elections🤬
However, I’m doing what I can… 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸
I am continuing to learn more, write more letters to the editor of my city's newspaper, try to talk about issues and news (but not much as those closest to me are mostly not interested), read your Steady and Heather Cox Richardson's Letters to an American and further study some of what I read or watch on the news.
I had intended to get more involved with a local Democrats group but it hasn't happened yet due to the virus and other interferences.
And I intend to keep voting on the slight chance that my vote will make a difference in this community, state and country.
I agree with your comments. I am trying to get more knowledgeable about local issues and politicians. My request fro an absentee ballot has not arrived yet. If it gets lost we will still vote at the polls,
Good for you, Nancy. Last year was the first time I voted by mail due to the COVID-19 virus. I had planned to continue by mail until reading Dan's grandson's experience with observing election ballots and how much handwritten signatures were questioned and not counted. My signature is definitely different than when I first registered to vote.
So many incredible posts here. WE must not become complacent. Democracy is worth fighting for.
Like others who've commented, I'm despairing for our country. I really relate with the progressives in the Democratic Party, and that's where I think I've seen the most "active" of the activists, the most enthusiasm, and the most young people. I fear for our progressives; the
Democrat "centrists" are coming across like Republicans! and the Republicans are coming across as selfish, toadying, hypocritical idiots. The events of January 6, 2021 horrified me. The fact that there are Republicans in Congress who don't view these events as any kind of sedition or even
wrong-doing flabbergasts me. I have written out postcards, made phone calls, and donated money. But I'm discouraged and exhausted. The Democrats aren't LISTENING. They wring their hands and blame Republicans, and yes, that's partly valid, but I think these conservative Dems are HAPPY not to make waves or take a stand. They're all about being conciliatory and partisan with the Republicans, and the Republicans don't give a rat's behind about being partisan with the Democrats. Which, conveniently, gives the conservative Dems a reason to point fingers and not take the blame for their inaction. If they aren't going to end the filibuster, they should at LEAST change it back to what it was meant to be—with the speaker having to be present, standing (ideally), while making his or her case. The Democrats, when I grew up, were touted as being the "party of the people." The only ones in Congress who seem to care about "the people" are the progressives. As long as there are people in government who actually CARE, I'll continue to support them. But, at 70, I'm tired, and my income is finite. Don't ask me for money for some war chest. And don't keep railing on me about "Federal deadlines." My last note to Act Blue was, in essence, if Democrats start doing their job, I'll start donating again.
Thank you, Mr. Rather, and Steady, for letting me vent.
One has to wonder if it is productive to describe the Democratic Party as "Progressives" and "centrist Democrats that are essentially Republicans." No Democrat is anywhere near being one of today's Republicans. We're all on the same team. United we stand, fractured we fall.
I will vote in every election for which I am eligible. In addition, I give money where I can, especially in Senate and House races which we can flip to blue. Since my senators are both Dem, I concentrate on other states where Dems need help. I am also committed to the state Governor's race next year since we need a Dem to remain since our state legislature is Republican. But I am done talking to people about politics. It is too divisive for me to engage with my family members who are solidly delusional in the Fox talking point propaganda.
100%
It is my duty as an American to do my part to maintain a consciousness that sees peace between the parties in America, progress in our respect and treatment of each other, and a government that is progressive and moving forward. Yes, we are exhausted and we also know that we cannot give up. There is too much at stake. Many of my peers feel the same way. Also take whatever action you are guided to take within your community. Remember that "peace" is the target.
Yes, I'm engaged! Live in deep blue part of CA, so trying to find contenders for House and Senate who are actively working with grassroots folks in their own districts. Not a fan of current national groups who seem to think that winning elections happens only when our side outshouts the other side, or the DNC cadres who are adopting the hysterical claims and focus on the "fight" rather than on building a positive movement that engages new or lapsed voters.
Have you looked into joining a local chapter of SWING LEFT? We don't waste our time trying to engage with Republicans. We motivate Democrats and Independents to get out to vote through engaging conversation and developing relationships.
Not engaged, doesn't seem like anything affects me since I'm mostly in a bubble. Go to work & mind my own beeswax. I vote Blue cuz I can't relate to the Reds. I live in a Red state so anything I could do would be helpless.
Katie, you can do a lot. When we live in a really red district, or really blue district, we aren't going to change outcomes of our own district. That's why groups like SWING LEFT look at which districts are flippable from red to blue, and only focus time in those districts. My local chapter of SWING LEFT did a lot of work in nearby counties and states. We don't engage Republicans. We only approach Democrats and Independents to motivate them to get out and vote. Voter registration booths (wear your Biden or Harris or Obama shirt), canvassing door-to-door (only at homes of registered Democrats), and letter writing to Dems.
... and phone calling.
I live in a red state too (turning purple because we are NOT giving up) and since I cannot abide the GOP creeps here, I contribute to their opponents and to Dems in other states. Every little bit counts. You count.
So sorry to hear this. You are NOT helpless. YOU can make a difference.
If anyone is wondering why there are so few comments on this post, I believe it is because the "Leave a comment" link in today's e-mail is sending people to a different post -- "Read any good books lately?" from September 22. I originally posted my comment there and read through a lot of others, until inexplicably I reached a point where suddenly all the comments were about books. :-)
I was wondering.
Who wouldn't be exhausted and demoralized at this point? I live in a very blue area of a very blue state, so I don't really feel that there's much I can do politically other than to continue to pay close attention and vote. The "GOP" has become a ruthless, shameless, authoritarian, undemocratic party that has given itself over to lies, hatred, corruption, conspiracy theories and racism. I am so dismayed to see so many Americans continue to support it as if it were their hapless hometown sports team. It often occurs to me that a number of major countries have lived through periods of fascist totalitarianism. If what is happening around this country isn't enough to keep Democrats increasingly engaged, I believe it will soon be our turn. I've never been a proponent of the idea of American exceptionalism, but now it has been exposed as a myth. I would rather my state secede along with other blue states than remain in a trumpian "USA." I fear that too many people are keeping silent to avoid confrontations with family, friends and neighbors. I urge anyone reading this to speak out, loudly, for our democratic values and the truth, before it's too late.
When you live in a very blue district, there is still a lot you can do to contribute. Join a local SWING LEFT chapter and help to flip districts from red to blue in a neighboring district or far away state. There simple letter writing, post card writing, and phone banking that can be done for other districts remotely.
I live in a very blue district in southern California. My chapter and others helped to flip all of Orange County blue in 2018. We are working now for Virginia.
Thank you for these suggestions!