This is what I keep saying to everyone who will listen... I'm using my very small bully pulpit as a Rotary club president to talk to everyone in my community who will listen. There is political resistance - but even more important is finding the holes being left in our society by what's going on and then figure out how in a small way, we can fill them. If the government won't do it - we as a community need to step up.
Seek those who have needs that society is not fulfilling AND differences of opinion…to share your compassion. 49% of Americans voted for the dime store fascist in the White House. A large percentage of them, the MAGA faithful, as I call them, are consumed by what passes for that man’s charisma. The analogy I give is this…..when I see a ginormous pickup truck with a MAGA flag and a flat tire….i will stop, offer my assistance….and show them that liberals are human beings with kind hearts and willing hands….and hopefully, that small gesture starts them questioning the value system sold to them by Fox News or OANN….that their vociferous opposition to all things liberal might be diminished because the had to set aside the process of dehumanizing their opposition.
I love your thoughtful, intelligent, data-based pieces! I quote you ( as best I can!) often. Thank you. You inspire me and also inspire hope, compassion and understanding. Love always wins! You explain why. I’ll keep trying to use my well developed brain as I resist!
Thank you, Dan. Your words today contribute to the “zoom out” — the long view — that helps me in these times. We are, some wise ones say, in the midst of a societal shift — an eddy or rapids — which will improve the planet, even if many of us don’t survive it. When I am able to look beyond the swirling white water and the destruction and the injury and death, i have great hope for a fairer, more just, more genuine, kinder and more nurturing society. You’ve helped me do that today, Dan, and I am grateful.
Well said! Not so easy to articulate this point of view as people think. Like u so well said, at first for the undeveloped soul this seems “not worth it.” lt’s what I call the “I have 2 get mine be4 I can share w/u “POV. Yogis of older & more advanced cultures have recognized for millennia, that this selfish POV never really works even 4 the individual. Ironically the end goal should be service toward everyone else and a kind of mental starvation of the childish adolescent thinking I.e. i need 2 get me, myself & mine 1st be4 I can share thinking.” Selfishness has the word self in it 4 a reason. Basically tho less deep thinking minds can never quite grasp the very real fact that our universe favors the generous. I know, I know the greedy will exclaim “ I’d rather be DOGE robbing the US blind and firing folks right left & center or even tRump, who is so caught up in lavish self love, he can’t even see how foolish he looks, to everyone, except his acolytes, who he doesn’t realize don’t love him, they just think it would be great to “be him.” I hate 2 b the one to tell those folks always grasping , w/ mentality of “I need more, more, more” is actually not a sign of a happy contented joyous soul & never will. Yes, I can hear the naysayers who are poor exclaiming. Yeah, but I’d still like to be that rich at least 4 awhile. And the universe says” Go ahead , but stepping on folks to get there as u will have to do w/ a few rare exceptions, creates bad karma and as wise men a women always report….karma is a real b****! Have at it!
Iain McGilchrist (His latest Q&A session) has some nuggets and caveats for hope in the very precarious now wide world. Heartening he believes our small actions and thoughts close to home matter the most.
Thank you for this post especially. Caring community ‘feels’ the best way to counter the chaos…..engaged in eye contact with the passerby, greeting and sharing smiles, Sunday dinner potluck on a regular basis, a safe and hopeful venue to share concerns and plans…..bring in young ones and especially the older, sharing insights produces the best results and satisfaction. Thank you so much. Kate Mc
This is what I keep saying to everyone who will listen... I'm using my very small bully pulpit as a Rotary club president to talk to everyone in my community who will listen. There is political resistance - but even more important is finding the holes being left in our society by what's going on and then figure out how in a small way, we can fill them. If the government won't do it - we as a community need to step up.
If I may add to your comment…..
Seek those who have needs that society is not fulfilling AND differences of opinion…to share your compassion. 49% of Americans voted for the dime store fascist in the White House. A large percentage of them, the MAGA faithful, as I call them, are consumed by what passes for that man’s charisma. The analogy I give is this…..when I see a ginormous pickup truck with a MAGA flag and a flat tire….i will stop, offer my assistance….and show them that liberals are human beings with kind hearts and willing hands….and hopefully, that small gesture starts them questioning the value system sold to them by Fox News or OANN….that their vociferous opposition to all things liberal might be diminished because the had to set aside the process of dehumanizing their opposition.
I love your thoughtful, intelligent, data-based pieces! I quote you ( as best I can!) often. Thank you. You inspire me and also inspire hope, compassion and understanding. Love always wins! You explain why. I’ll keep trying to use my well developed brain as I resist!
Thank you, Dan. Your words today contribute to the “zoom out” — the long view — that helps me in these times. We are, some wise ones say, in the midst of a societal shift — an eddy or rapids — which will improve the planet, even if many of us don’t survive it. When I am able to look beyond the swirling white water and the destruction and the injury and death, i have great hope for a fairer, more just, more genuine, kinder and more nurturing society. You’ve helped me do that today, Dan, and I am grateful.
Well said! Not so easy to articulate this point of view as people think. Like u so well said, at first for the undeveloped soul this seems “not worth it.” lt’s what I call the “I have 2 get mine be4 I can share w/u “POV. Yogis of older & more advanced cultures have recognized for millennia, that this selfish POV never really works even 4 the individual. Ironically the end goal should be service toward everyone else and a kind of mental starvation of the childish adolescent thinking I.e. i need 2 get me, myself & mine 1st be4 I can share thinking.” Selfishness has the word self in it 4 a reason. Basically tho less deep thinking minds can never quite grasp the very real fact that our universe favors the generous. I know, I know the greedy will exclaim “ I’d rather be DOGE robbing the US blind and firing folks right left & center or even tRump, who is so caught up in lavish self love, he can’t even see how foolish he looks, to everyone, except his acolytes, who he doesn’t realize don’t love him, they just think it would be great to “be him.” I hate 2 b the one to tell those folks always grasping , w/ mentality of “I need more, more, more” is actually not a sign of a happy contented joyous soul & never will. Yes, I can hear the naysayers who are poor exclaiming. Yeah, but I’d still like to be that rich at least 4 awhile. And the universe says” Go ahead , but stepping on folks to get there as u will have to do w/ a few rare exceptions, creates bad karma and as wise men a women always report….karma is a real b****! Have at it!
Tiny typo in last line Dan?
Iain McGilchrist (His latest Q&A session) has some nuggets and caveats for hope in the very precarious now wide world. Heartening he believes our small actions and thoughts close to home matter the most.
He would know, Phil. One of our generation’s great minds. Will check it out.
Significant food for thought from both sides! 👍
Appreciated!
I went to a Tom Tillis town hall last night. ( of course he was not there). I was amazed how polite and kind the attendees were. Hope is not lost
Thank you for acknowledging the importance of caring. It's nice to be reminded that small kindnesses protect us and connect us in the dark woods.
Thank you for this post especially. Caring community ‘feels’ the best way to counter the chaos…..engaged in eye contact with the passerby, greeting and sharing smiles, Sunday dinner potluck on a regular basis, a safe and hopeful venue to share concerns and plans…..bring in young ones and especially the older, sharing insights produces the best results and satisfaction. Thank you so much. Kate Mc
The answer will come, soon. ❤️🌈