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Sacha Cohen's avatar

I’m alarmed every day by the cruelty of this administration and the rapid destruction of our democracy. But amidst my despair, I’m also hopeful when I hear leaders like Jamie Raskin, AOC, Tim Kaine, Elizabeth Warren, countless judges and lawyers, activists, writers, and independent media trying to push back against the insanity. The same hope I feel when every day people take a stand and resist. The community here on Substack also gives me glimmers of hope.

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Janice Airhart's avatar

Cruelty is indeed the word. Not ours, but theirs. It's heartbreaking.

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Jessica Smock's avatar

I’ve discovered so many incredible voices during the past few weeks on Substack as well.

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Kathryn DeZur's avatar

This.

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Wendy Kennar's avatar

Thank you for this piece. I wish you didn't have to write it. I wish we weren't going through each day on pins and needles, afraid of what is coming next.

And, I really hope you're feeling better and the worst is behind you.

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Jessica Smock's avatar

Thank you! Still tired but feeling much better!

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Diane Burley's avatar

I am so glad you feel better. I was just thinking I should get another Covid vax — god knows they will probably outlaw them.

Saw a suggestion that all media should take a stand with AP — which would neuter the threat. Unfortunately. I doubt that will happen.

Finally, every morning I call elected official. Using the “5 calls” app. So easy to use. You put in zip code and a list of (outrageous) concerns appears. Click on the one gnawing at you and you get a list of the appropriate folks to call. Comes with a script. I adhered to the script for the first couple days. Now I call them like I am their manager:

Yo! Try and get into the building — and create a ruckus forcing the media to cover.

Lo and behold (probably a coincidence) Andy Kim did.

Makes me feel like I am in control

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Jessica Smock's avatar

That's such a wonderful example of a small step that has been empowering to so many!

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Robin LaVoie's avatar

I found myself in tears with every Super Bowl commercial that showcased female athletes and hopeful little girls, and even courageous medical teams and breast cancer survivors -- cruel promotions as this broligarchy attempts to destroy our health and access and freedoms and yes even erase the language of diversity and inclusion everywhere. We will rise from this, I have to believe, but the losses we'll endure in the meantime feel horrific.

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Jessica Smock's avatar

I am feeling those losses deeply as well. Every day there are more.

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Adam Cheklat's avatar

Then let us use our own words. To bring it down.

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Maria Hanley's avatar

I wish it were all a bad dream. It's sickening and heartbreaking, more and more each day, but we can still wield our words, as you say. Thank you for writing this, and I'm glad you're rounding the corner. Flu is the worst.

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Jessica Smock's avatar

Thanks, Maria! I'm feeling much better each day.

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