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River's avatar

Please hear me out: remember how, back in the Occupy Wall Street movement, they made a makeshift “microphone” out of the people there? It occurs to me that everyone in this country is only a few acquaintances removed from each other. Desperate times call for desperate measures: if all else fails, how will news travel? The way it used to: by word of mouth.

We all have to start talking to people offline a lot more.

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Lisa Gallagher's avatar

Absolutely. I have had four good conversations with people this week sharing information. & Attended a political action meeting today.

The pandemic really taught us to exist on our own little islands, but I think this is going to teach us to remember how to interact face-to-face.

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River's avatar

I know it’s weird, but things like this make me happy even in times like this. I would not feel as brave as I do right now if it weren’t for all of you. <3

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Anne Bethel's avatar

I totally agree that we need to prioritize connecting with people offline, especially now. Word of mouth can be a super effective way to share ideas and build support. There are plenty of ways to start. Joining local community groups or attending town hall meetings is a great way to meet people who care about the same issues. Book clubs or casual meet-ups over coffee focused on current events can also help spark those important conversations. Plus, organizing or going to workshops that focus on civic engagement can empower folks to come together and really amplify their voices. It’s all about building those connections in real life and working together to make a difference!

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River's avatar

I studied a decent bit of sociology and psychology as an old hobby, so now my hobby is trying to figure out where things are going and try to gently steer things in a better direction. I’m feeling very optimistic right now. :) Worried but hopeful.

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pail.of.water's avatar

I remember when great bands would come through town and play at certain venues and somehow,we who loved them, found out. We also had the privilege of pasting bulletins on wooden street signs. Maybe little black markers with a code word? Eek?

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pail.of.water's avatar

Or, find a business that will allow for posts on a community board?

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River's avatar

I saw a sign with the 3 Ds glued to a mirror in a thrift store changing room about a month ago. I just scratched a “yes” onto the sign underneath everything else.

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Lisa Gallagher's avatar

I don’t usually recommend Reddit, but that is how I found out the suggestion of the political action group in my county.

I would try searching for your county name and political action (or party affiliation) and see what comes up.

That’s actually the one thing that I am going to assume responsibility for within my new group. Is putting old-fashioned flyers up in high traffic areas where people can scan a QR code or grab a tab with a website listed.

There are groups out there and like-minded people. It just takes a little digging sometimes. But I definitely feel less alone when I interact with people who make me feel like I’m not crazy after all.🤦🏻‍♀️

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Sal Teodoro's avatar

Absolutely Aaron! He’s a demented old man whom I think didn’t win the 2024 election that was rigged by a South African immigrant but I’m not one to spread conspiracy theories without facts. Project 2025 was written over the past couple of years and a blueprint for his return to power. We are with you 150%. I’m not living under no authoritarian regime and I’m sure no one here wants to either. 💙🇺🇸💙🇺🇸✊🏽✊🏽

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Barbara Dillard's avatar

Look up Election Truth Alliance they checked out the voting machines found out there was tampering votes removed from Kamala and given to Trump they have a go fund me to help with Attorney fees and court cost check it out maybe you can donate

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Patricia Reed's avatar

I agree with you but I wonder why the Democrats didn't cry foul. Why did they just accept the results?

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Betty Gray's avatar

I so agree with you!!

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ladtodt's avatar

This has stuck with me and I find it quite credible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3PM15wCVn0

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Jacqueline Anderson's avatar

I am sharing you everywhere so that more people can support you!! Please take note of 50501movement all over our country!! We are protesting in all states all the time and it does not get picked up on main stream media!! People are and have been on the streets!! Please look them up on IG..every state has one!! Thank you

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Lysa Bee's avatar

Friends and I protested with them a few weeks ago and again tomorrow at our Reps office in Florida.

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Jacqueline Anderson's avatar

That’s great! 😃

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Linda Blake's avatar

It’s good he’s doing all of this crazy shit all at once.

Everyone now has a beef.

You hate Vets and poor kids?

MAGAs have hit rock bottom.

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River's avatar

100%, bad chess moves all over.

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Kathy Fielding's avatar

Yes all the way. I feel that we no longer live in a democracy- and if we ever get rid of him - our work will be cut out for us. Just in 2 months he has dismantled everything. I am starting to think we will never get rid of him.

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River's avatar

Hope is like a birthday balloon: as long as you can hold onto it, it can at least kind of keep you happy even when things look a bit down. But if you let it go, it can just float away into the atmosphere and never come back.

So, I’m trying to see it as an opportunity. We didn’t have a system that worked for the people. Now we have an excuse to make one. We have the motivation to make it happen. We have the support from each other we need to speak and be brave. It’s very, very scary, but I’d like to think we have hope.

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Claire Read, PhD's avatar

Yes, Aaron, you are right. I want to remind everyone of something the Orange Milliken said during his campaign. He said, and I paraphrase, that "if. you vote for me, my wonderful [whatever he called his then supporters], you will never have to vote again." It seems to me that when we hear stuff like that coming out of his mouth, we tend to gloss over it because it seems so insane. We shouldn't. He means every word of it. So, I am watching these pieces fall into their dreadful places. Yes, the time is now and we haven't much of it. He means to consolidate in his first 100 days and we are almost there. Also, we cannot forget the Project 2025 people, the other oligarchs, and, especially, Curtis Yarvin, the warped mind behind this mess. Onward.

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Diane's avatar

We are 100% with you, Aaron!

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Barbara Dillard's avatar

I’m with you whatever you need from Washington state

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Forest Woodruff-Higgins's avatar

I’m with you! From Maine!

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Rene Cantwell's avatar

In my opinion these are very dangerous times indeed. Where are the voices of reason? People who are not familiar with the checks and balances should be hearing why the press is essential to protecting democracy. There’s a fantastic documentary titled The Fourth Estate that highlights this issue. I highly recommend it.

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hoyt's avatar

It is time to take the offensive against Kevin Roberts of The Heritage Foundation and Stephen Miller and any of their staff who are pushing this outrageous agenda on all Americans. Trump is too senile, old, and lazy to do this on his own.

Those are extremists and do NOT represent the majority of the American way of life.

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Kimberly Jeffries's avatar

I agree. Trump doesn't like to read and he's lazy. He's had other people wait on him all his life. Your statement makes sense.

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Lynn's avatar

I am sharing you too. Trying to make the point that we need to stay informed and this is the way. Thank you for what you do.

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Barry G. Hall's avatar

Yes!

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Judi Morgan-Fuller's avatar

Where are the leaders? The Democrats seemed to have all but disappeared.

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Jennifer Wilson's avatar

Hey friends - a kernel of an idea: take back the colour red. Protest with red hats on. Wear flags and do all the real patriotic stuff. My theory:

1. confusion of who is on what ‘side’. May reduce the us vs them?

2. Will irritate Rump to see his colours protesting

3. May help some on the fence Rump voters realize it’s ok to be mad?

Hell, why not just take back the idea of making America great again. The concept is certainly more relevant than ever now 😆

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Sandra Greer's avatar

I notice that I have stopped donating to "charities" and have been investing in various independent publishers like this one. Also, political discussions have been arising in things like choir and gym and orchestra people.

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