General Discussion

One hopes there will be a big movement toward a more vocal and active public. As the saying goes: Democracy is not a spectator sport.

When so many acted, some independently, some via organic pop-up movements, to protect free speech just last week, it is a sign that there are more people willing to act to protect human rights than the fascists anticipated.

Been thinking a lot about all the people who sacrificed to defeat fascists decades ago, and what a better world we got as a result of their actions.

Been stressing out seeing so much progress being torn to shreds by people who do not want others to have basic human rights. Then, I think about the good local people who are working to educate and inspire others, who band together to protest and are now sharing sack lunches in the park afterward, turning strangers into friends and friends into a force to assure we do not allow despots to deny human rights. Those good local strangers who are now friends are legion, they are everywhere. It gives one strength and restores one's willingness to defend basic human rights. We have power. Never let them convince you otherwise. Rest when you must, but do not give up. We have power.

Old and tired, I do not expect to see our current problems fully resolved, but it gives purpose to be part of the fight in the here and now. My heart is lifted when I see, hear, read the good trouble and brilliant thinking others are engaged in to restore our nation and assure basic human rights.

Been thinking a lot about the brave people on flight 93 lately. The ones who, when they understood what was going on on 9-11-2001, organically mounted a defense against being pawns in somebody else's plan. They knew their efforts were not gonna end well for them personally, but there was a greater need to work for and they did the work.

We The People still hold power, or the fascists wouldn't be working so hard to silence us. Our votes still have power or the fascists wouldn't be working so hard to stop us from voting. We can assure good people get into office to stop the current madness and restore sound policies. Let's support those who step into the ring to continue the fight for basic human rights, and a more perfect union. Some work to assure elections are safe and accurate. Some work to educate. Some work to get specific candidates elected. Some work to expose the dirty dealings the fascists engage in to shore up their power. Some walk their precincts, write LTTE, share vital information with neighbors. All efforts are essential.

I remember the quote from Flight 93, whether actual or supposed, and I repeat those words: Let's roll!