General Discussion

Where there is political will, a way is found.

I have no idea what the future holds. I just think we need to take care with predictions of doom. Sure, we may be doomed, but perhaps it's a turning point for the better. Just as things seem worse than we could ever imagine, the future could hold something better than we can imagine.

I always try to keep in mind that when we forecast doom, or declare that "everything is shit" we are doing the work of those we oppose. Engagement requires hope and a vision of what we are committed to accomplishing -- and FAITH that we can accomplish those goals. That is what powers the action needed to get things done.

We can be clear-eyed about the enormous challenges ahead without falling into the trap of sowing the sort of hopelessness and cynicism that immobilizes. When we do the latter, we are doing the work of those we oppose. They want us demoralized. They want us immobilized. They want us afraid. They want us tearing down allies who aren't "doing it right." I think it is up to each of us to take responsibility for the messages we spread. Consider before posting or saying something: Is this demoralizing or activating? Am I doing the work of those who want the "zone" flooded with negativity? Or am I countering that with hope, faith, and concrete, doable steps.

And on the "circular firing squad" front (you didn't raise this, but I see that as part of a tendency toward destructive negativity). Healthy debate and disagreement are essential. As is criticism. But whatever we do, we need to recognize the successes we are having and focus on building from there. We need to find areas of common ground with allies who may be doing things we disagree with.

And finally, structural reform is certainly a higher bar than policy reform. But we can begin building the political will for both in conversations with each other and through lobbying our electeds to get out there and advocate for some of those big changes. The answer to "why are you talking about xxx, it will never pass" is "xxx may not pass today, but I'm talking about it, and call on you to talk about it, because that's how we build the political will to get it done. We must push the boundaries of the possible. That is how you make what seems out of reach today a reality tomorrow.

The only thing that is certain is that if we stay silent -- if we and our electeds aren't out there making the case for xxx, than xxx, whatever that may be, will never get done.