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Deeanna Burleson's avatar

Good for you. After the protest in DC today, revisiting the list of all the reasons Trump should not have even ran for office, the senate’s vote on the CR and trumps insane speech from the Justice Dept, I am deflated. I feel my 26 years in the U.S. Air Force and my lost time with family and friends was a waste. I feel there is NOTHING I can do to protect or now restore our democracy, the ideal we worked for. I am emotionally and physically deleted.

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Drawn Treader's avatar

Never feel like your time was a waste. If it weren’t for you and people like you we could be in a worse position to be fighting this. That’s as to the past. Think how the show of courage and spirit by vets and other groups seen today in DC encourages and emboldens others to show up too. That’s for today and tomorrow. And for the near future and long haul, grab the food treat and drink of your choice the snuggle of your choice and enjoy your break.

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Deeanna Burleson's avatar

Drink and a good nights sleep and then a new approach. Thank you!

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RAISSA's avatar

Get some rest -- We the people of the United States (all of us) have been divided but united we outnumber those who are actively or just standing by while the current administration aggressively tears down our government, ignores the rule of law and order, threatens our democracy and is very vocal regarding plans to "rewrite" our Constitution. No one voted for it. And what we are witnessing is illegal top to bottom. It is frightening but united we will prevail. But please don't neglect yourself. We need you. We need each other.

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RK's avatar

Why do you feel “you” outnumber “them”. Why are your thoughts so politically divided that “you” can’t come together with “us” to find a way for admin which all Americans (including the silent conservative majority that most forget). The vast majority of Americans are reasonable people who work through the democratic process of voting and contacting their representatives and officials instead of ignorant protests and illicit and dangerous riots. We are here for you too. Just take the time to read the room, grow up if necessary, and be willing to work together.

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RAISSA's avatar

Who do you think I was referencing? I believe you misunderstood me. We outnumber the Trump administration. We can do nothing divided. I only see Americans not “us” versus “them” if that is what you are addressing. I believe in Americans. You refer to “we” are here for you too. Who are you if not a fellow American? Take care. God speed.

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RK's avatar

Sorry, the Trump admin is currently and primarily on the side of the majority AND the silent (vastly conservative) majority of Americans. If you don’t recognize that, please come work with us at least temporarily. Prices are even coming down already, but you won’t hear that centering on leftist condemnations of Trump instead.

Watching this Parna as to traditional unbiased journalism and so far the text is about 50%. But what I heard about the videos may skew that rating possibly. Don’t have time for those videos, preferring text.

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Bree's avatar

As a Canadian, you give me so much hope. It's easy to feel like there is a massive, roiling threat under our butt's. It's people like you that remind us the USA, at It's heart, is about individual freedom for all. Not this BS, never this BS. Thank you 😓😊

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Janice Darling's avatar

you hit the nail on the head... hang in there our excellent neighbor to the north...

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RAISSA's avatar

It is good to hear this for your sentiments match how we feel about our allies. It was also good to hear Trudeau's words nodding to the people of America that it is not us the people who he is targeting. And the words of the French Senator who gave a nod to us the people of the United States as banding together and a reference to our history of as a people fighting off fascism and how he said with such confidence "they will do so again." We are under siege. We are afraid for our own welfare but not one of us does not grieve that we have "lost a job" inherited from our parents and their parents and their parents which we so very much loved, which is aligning with our allies working for the greater good. Be hypervigilant. Shore up any weaknesses in the checks and balances in your nation. Watch the leaders you put in charge like a hawk. Hold them accountable. And teach your children well. God bless.

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JaxStax's avatar

You were in DC today? I almost went, but a work meeting was pushed back. Signs and photos were gorgeous and I’m so proud of everyone who protested today!!! Thank you!

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Klara Berne's avatar

I protested in Wisconsin on Friday to support our veterans and oppose the harmful cuts. Several hundred veterans and supporters turned out. It was good for my soul to be there with them. There are so many good people in our country, and we are coming together. People are so informed.

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Amanda Cassity's avatar

I want to find protests (I'm also in Wisconsin) but I don't know anyone that would go with me and I am scared to go alone.

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Cathi Connelly's avatar

Amanda, I went to the 50501 march, in Boston, and at 65 years old it was my first protest. A. I come from a military family and always valued their service. to our outstanding country. However, I was apolitical until the Orange Turd became a ruthless dictator, and ruined some many peoples lives.

I presumed they would have Ukrainian flag, shirts etc to buy etc. bring your own. Other wonderful people make extras to share, I will always treasure, Don't Tread On Me Poster. Fancy or Plain it is not important, YOU being there is the key. Old and Young valued each other and supported each other.

F. Now I am on the bandwagon, locally, DC, Chicago, LA, San Francisco

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Klara Berne's avatar

I have gone alone 3x in the last few weeks and yesterday my husband joined me. He is so F***ing mad about the betrayal of our veterans that it got him out in the streets. He has never protested before. If this strong and stoic and private man is turning out, the tide has turned. It gives me hope. But, to your point. I understand the concern of going alone. But I can tell you you won’t actually be alone. You will find good company in all the others who turn out too. A suggestion if you’re unsure is to just show up without a sign. Just be part of the public, watch from the sidelines, and melt into the crowd when and if you feel comfortable. Then melt back out when you’re done. I meet THE BEST people at rallies and protests. They care about people and their country. But you don’t have to talk to anyone. Just be another body in the crowd. That truly helps too! We all give each other courage and strength and hope.

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RK's avatar

Veteran betrayal is a left wing talking point assertion by a liberal media. Sorry you feel that way, but a majority of Americans do support our veterans and want to to see reasonable accommodations for the future that don’t endanger ALL Americans, like the debt, leftist ideologies, and rampant uncontrolled migration.

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Klara Berne's avatar

I know a lot of veterans. I have a lot of veterans in my family. We have fought going back to the Civil War (union side). We are literally surrounded by veterans in our neighborhood. Almost everyone, us included, flies an American flag. I talk to them every day. They and I have eyes and ears and are watching and reading the news every day. These folks get their healthcare at the VA. They know what it means to cut 70,000-80,000 jobs from the VA. Less access to health care, limited facilities, veterans losing jobs. Those are not liberal talking points. That is what veterans know. And immigration, legal or not, has nothing to do with that. You are attempting a distraction. If you want to address illegal immigration to the United States, you don’t cut health care to United States Veterans. The two are totally unrelated.

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RK's avatar

I wonder how many of those that protested skipped over the democratic methods of voting and contacting their representatives and officials?

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Rosalie's avatar

Deeanna Burleso Thank you for your service. I just want to tell you I believe we will win. Everyday, I do something. Yesterday I was on call for 2 hours with Save our services, Let us Work. There were 65,000 people on the call. Every organization that has been attacked, including Veterans were represented. They are planning and organizing. There are more of us than there are of them. Hang in there. Get some rest we all need that if we are going to “Free America”! We need you. Best wishes!

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Willowed's avatar

I hope you know your feelings are valid. This is a lot to process, and I’m sure it weighs heavily on you emotionally. You dedicated your life to this country, and you’re being constantly let down by it. Your voice alone helps, and so does your oath… foreign AND domestic. Thank you for your service, and thank you for fighting for us to have the right to assemble and protest. Give yourself time to feel your feels.

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Shannon Banks 🦋's avatar

Thank you for service❤️

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Jackie Andula's avatar

We all have moments of despair, so I hear you. I was having one yesterday after that CR passed. You definitely need to take a little me time. Unplug, get out into nature and just breathe. Thank you for your service, because of you we can protest today. ❤️

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RK's avatar

I am sad that you feel that way, but perhaps updating your understanding of democracy would help? Has someone or something corrupted for you the model of a democratic constitutional republic that is deeply in distress politically and indebtedness?

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Klara Berne's avatar

I understand. But everything you are doing matters. Everything. Rest when you need to, then get back in the fight. Repeat as necessary. This horrible and unthinkable situation in our country is going to take a while to turn around. The resistance movement in WWII took 5+ years. When I feel discouraged, I think of my ancestors who were part of the resistance movement in WWII and who were imprisoned and tortured in occupied Europe. It stiffens my spine and gives me strength. And makes me really F-ing mad. I also try to remind myself that discouragement, defeat, and a sense of inevitability is diabolically what they want me to think as the authoritarian forces overtake our country. The morale of the public is something they WANT to crush to make their victory easier. We can’t let them succeed. I’m trying to let myself rest mentally and physically for an hour, for an evening. Haven’t made it a day yet but it would be good for me. We have to learn how to do this to take care of ourselves so we have the strength to fight long term. Thank you so much for everything you are doing.

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Laura's avatar

Keep fighting. We need you!

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MisticMagick's avatar

This actually makes me so very happy to hear! You HAVE TO fill your cup first so that you can pour your best into your work. REST is productive.

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WorldP3ace's avatar

I love pineapple pizza

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Deb colburn's avatar

I love your daily commentary and hard work, Aaron! Sounds like you are cultivating an awesome team. And as a grandmother. It’s a good thing to take care of oneself and put the oxygen mask on yourself first.!! Rest up and I look forward to your next report.

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Cheryl Holsonbake's avatar

This Nana concurs! No one can go at 110% every day. I’m glad you are resting, Aaron.🍕📺🛋️

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Ur Mom's avatar

I don’t blame you. I’m having pizza for Pi Day, some beer, and getting off my phone for the night. Rest up!

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Karen Burke's avatar

Glad you are taking a break. And you have to love a pineapple pizza! (fight me)

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Sal Teodoro's avatar

You deserve it Aaron. I’m not reading or looking at any news tonight. I’ve had enough with that vote today.

Sorry for the cussing earlier but I was so mad. The 10, should have been wearing the red caps, that’s all they needed.

But enjoy the pizza, relax with the family. See you tomorrow, I’m sure.

Thanks for all you do Aaron. 💙🇺🇸✊🏽

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Drea Delv's avatar

Enjoy, you deserve it! Pineapples pair perfectly with pizza, and that's not fake news 🙂

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Cath's avatar

A dose of mindless tv can be the best medicine.

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Bren M's avatar

Good for you doing some good self care. Enjoy your evening. Pizza for all!!

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Jacqueline Anderson's avatar

You have to take time off!! You’ll burn out so fast otherwise…we appreciate you but you and your family time needs to be foremost!! Enjoy your pizza!

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Kim Alexander's avatar

We'll let you off the hook, even if you couldn't share your pineapple pizza. Dang it! Now I'm hungry! 🍕 🍍

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Mb444's avatar

Proud of you 🫶🏻

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Mrsgk97's avatar

You deserve it and need to practice self care!!

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April Tumminelli's avatar

Relax and enjoy!

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Solstice's avatar

Enjoy your break! 😊 We all need to do self care and you work SO VERY HARD that it’s easy to forget that you need breaks too. Thank you for all that you do, it means a lot to us all

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