The bad news is that the world is unpredictable and uncontrollable. The good news is that we are not helpless, and we shouldn’t feel hopeless. We can save ourselves and one another.
Florida does not elect senator replacements; the governor chose his Attorney General, Ashley Moody to replace Marco Rubio. That seat will be open in two years, though. We do have some Congressional seats open. Mike Waltz, arms dealer and Trump appointee (who was my representative until my district was gerrymandered) and Matt Gaetz' former seats have special elections. The widow of a friend from college is running there again, as she did against Gaetz: https://gayforcongress.com/
Thank you, Tamara for clarifying that. I have to worry now about a fund-raising appeal from an organization I respected. Gonna be a long stretch if it’s even over in my lifetime.
There is also an open Congressional seat in New York as election denier Elise Stefanik is going to the UN. Please check Ballotopedia.org for details. I will donate to special election candidates on the Democratic side after their primaries. There are 2 races in FL and one in NY.FL Districts 1 and 6 and NY District 21.
I live in Ohio and DeWine already filled the seat vacated by Vance with Jon Husted who was heavily involved with two of the biggest scandals in our state's recent history. Read David Pepper's recent substack on Husted for details.
Thank you, Shannon. Thank you for suggesting these small steps to take, because until I read this, I was floundering with not knowing what to do next. And I'll admit I have been feeling so much anger lately; this calmed me down. Thank you. 💜
This list is SO helpful. My first big loss was 2000 -- hanging chads and the recount debacle in Florida -- and every one thereafter brings me back to the recount. It is a tough slog here these days, but local action is the way. We are desperate for progressive leadership in the American South.
Great, productive, sanity-keeping suggestions. Protecting the most vulnerable is most important to me at this time, as I cannot leave my residence in the MAGA Central state. May I also suggest attending a service or joining the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship if you have one in your area. It has been my haven here in Florida. We have formed committees with action plans, such as Racial Justice, LGBTQ & Reproductive Rights, cooking & delivering meals to homeless shelters, making soup for the ill & disabled, aligning with & donating time & money to literacy groups to teach English to migrant citizens, etc. Finding like minded communities in a hostile state is key. And every small action adds up. Thank you for all that you do!
Thank you for this thoughtful insight into how to push back.
Personally, my husband and I are focusing on health, and clear-headedness. I gained 20 pounds in 2016 & consumed too much wine. This time, we’re eating healthy, meditating, exercising, and keeping wine to a minimum. Rest, staying informed through the reliable journalists and activists on Substack, like yourself, and NO cable news. It’s the only way for me to avoid having a nervous breakdown.
We need our strength and mental health to fight the Fascists takeover of America, and our healthcare system will become worse with him in charge. Being united with our beloved communities is imperative for survival.
Thanks for providing the spark to “light my fire”. I’ve know I need and want to be involved in bringing more balance and positivity into our world but just never know where to start and I fail to engage.
This has enlightened me one more time and I Am going to reach out and do something about it by joining an existing organization and hopefully keep on going in many directions. Thanks again. 👏👍🙏🏼
This is a great list and I'm going to send it to the many people who are coming to me lately asking how they can cope and take action. Thanks so much!
The only thing I would add is to get involved locally, school boards (esp if you are a parent), and city council or the equivalent in your area Not only will you be aware of local plans on how to handle the ugliness at the federal level (e.g. ICE raids) but you may help in helping your local government build some protections.
I have read countless posts at this point and your suggestions are by far the most practical for those of us who feel helpless but want to help. I’ve shared this on all my social media accounts. Thank You! 🇺🇸🌊🫶💙
So much of this is done in my CARE Club. These practices really help us from sliding down the “everything sucks” rabbit hole. It is not ideal, but we have experience fighting back.
Watching the midterm results in 1994 alone in my bedroom was a very low low. I felt so alone. There was no easy way to organize or connect with like minded people online. We are so lucky to have the tools and community that we’ve built since then.
This is the first thing I’ve read that has made me feel hopeful and like doing something about everything I am feeling, thank you!
That's great, Anna! And don't forget I'll have more actionable tips in my upcoming book: firedupbook.com.
💚Two special senate elections coming up in Ohio and Florida. Could change the calculus!
Florida does not elect senator replacements; the governor chose his Attorney General, Ashley Moody to replace Marco Rubio. That seat will be open in two years, though. We do have some Congressional seats open. Mike Waltz, arms dealer and Trump appointee (who was my representative until my district was gerrymandered) and Matt Gaetz' former seats have special elections. The widow of a friend from college is running there again, as she did against Gaetz: https://gayforcongress.com/
Thank you, Tamara for clarifying that. I have to worry now about a fund-raising appeal from an organization I respected. Gonna be a long stretch if it’s even over in my lifetime.
There is also an open Congressional seat in New York as election denier Elise Stefanik is going to the UN. Please check Ballotopedia.org for details. I will donate to special election candidates on the Democratic side after their primaries. There are 2 races in FL and one in NY.FL Districts 1 and 6 and NY District 21.
I live in Ohio and DeWine already filled the seat vacated by Vance with Jon Husted who was heavily involved with two of the biggest scandals in our state's recent history. Read David Pepper's recent substack on Husted for details.
I understand, and in-cycle elections can still unseat him, right? Thank you for the article reference to David Pepper!
Thank you, Shannon. Thank you for suggesting these small steps to take, because until I read this, I was floundering with not knowing what to do next. And I'll admit I have been feeling so much anger lately; this calmed me down. Thank you. 💜
I'm so glad, Amy. Please share it with others you think might be feeling the same way.
This list is SO helpful. My first big loss was 2000 -- hanging chads and the recount debacle in Florida -- and every one thereafter brings me back to the recount. It is a tough slog here these days, but local action is the way. We are desperate for progressive leadership in the American South.
I'm so glad it was so helpful, Tamara.
Wanted to be first to like this smart, thoughtful post. Thank you. Sharing! Micro-communities and local are the way. 100% agree.
Thank you for sharing!
Great, productive, sanity-keeping suggestions. Protecting the most vulnerable is most important to me at this time, as I cannot leave my residence in the MAGA Central state. May I also suggest attending a service or joining the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship if you have one in your area. It has been my haven here in Florida. We have formed committees with action plans, such as Racial Justice, LGBTQ & Reproductive Rights, cooking & delivering meals to homeless shelters, making soup for the ill & disabled, aligning with & donating time & money to literacy groups to teach English to migrant citizens, etc. Finding like minded communities in a hostile state is key. And every small action adds up. Thank you for all that you do!
Love this tip, Lisa!
Thank you for this post! This is the kind of content I need right now. Actionable items that prevent me from jumping off a cliff.
Thank you, Erin. Please share it with others that feel the same!
Thank you for this thoughtful insight into how to push back.
Personally, my husband and I are focusing on health, and clear-headedness. I gained 20 pounds in 2016 & consumed too much wine. This time, we’re eating healthy, meditating, exercising, and keeping wine to a minimum. Rest, staying informed through the reliable journalists and activists on Substack, like yourself, and NO cable news. It’s the only way for me to avoid having a nervous breakdown.
We need our strength and mental health to fight the Fascists takeover of America, and our healthcare system will become worse with him in charge. Being united with our beloved communities is imperative for survival.
Yes, taking care of ourselves first and foremost is so important!
Thanks for providing the spark to “light my fire”. I’ve know I need and want to be involved in bringing more balance and positivity into our world but just never know where to start and I fail to engage.
This has enlightened me one more time and I Am going to reach out and do something about it by joining an existing organization and hopefully keep on going in many directions. Thanks again. 👏👍🙏🏼
Thank you for this. It has been easy to feel overwhelmed.
This is a great list and I'm going to send it to the many people who are coming to me lately asking how they can cope and take action. Thanks so much!
The only thing I would add is to get involved locally, school boards (esp if you are a parent), and city council or the equivalent in your area Not only will you be aware of local plans on how to handle the ugliness at the federal level (e.g. ICE raids) but you may help in helping your local government build some protections.
I have read countless posts at this point and your suggestions are by far the most practical for those of us who feel helpless but want to help. I’ve shared this on all my social media accounts. Thank You! 🇺🇸🌊🫶💙
Great actionable advice. And I love your questions for self-reflection. Thank you
So much of this is done in my CARE Club. These practices really help us from sliding down the “everything sucks” rabbit hole. It is not ideal, but we have experience fighting back.
Watching the midterm results in 1994 alone in my bedroom was a very low low. I felt so alone. There was no easy way to organize or connect with like minded people online. We are so lucky to have the tools and community that we’ve built since then.
Thank you for this. Action is a powerful antidote to despair.
Thank you so much, Lynn. And don't forge that there are a lot more tips in my upcoming book Fired Up - firedupbook.com.
Already ordered, Shannon! Thanks for helping keep us all sane. I love your energy!
I've been saying for over a year "I want marching orders!"
Thank you!
🙏💜🕉
You're welcome! I've got lots more "marching orders" in my book too ;) firedupbook.com