Things are not breaking in the directions I would have thought, but there are also odd coalitions I didn't expect, like environmental defenders going all in on mutual aid. I think there are a lot of folks who can't afford their health insurance and student loan debt who will just stop paying for them, and live a more vagabond or congregant housing lifestyle. It is my hope that by consuming less and sharing what we do have, more folks will get the food and shelter and community they need without the hierarchy taking their cut. You have important stories to tell, and you help us find each other. Please keep writing if you can.
Aloha Michael from Maui Hawaii! I know I'm not the only one that appreciates your, "rants".
I know that the only way some of us will be able to survive this ongoing collapse is if we focus on caring for each other.
Rather than the popular idea of, "survival of the fittest", my sense has always been that survival is based upon the friendliest.
I don't have the study at my fingertips but years ago I read some research by a couple of women's scientist (I'm sure you can find it on Google scholar) that challenges the idea that, "fight or flight" are the basic trauma responses in humans – but rather that many of us, particularly females, respond by, "tending and befriending".
Forming communities of mutual aid in my mind and heart and life is the order of the day.
Don't be sorry. Ranting helps with the mental state we find ourselves in. Some good news, maybe. The Turkish PHD student was ordered released today. Did they actually cut her loose? I haven't seen any reports yet.
Meanwhile, the bad news, is that Mr. Abrego-Garcia is still languishing while they stonewall the judges some more. Mahmoud Khaleil is still languishing while they stonewall other judges. Trump is still trying to turn the U.S. into, as one expert called it, a kleptocracy.
My friend, who, along with his immediate family, are naturalized citizens, are in hiding for fear of the ICE storm troopers. My wife's friend has hired me, pro-bono, to help her edit immigration documents for her son. They're in their seventies and in failing health. They're trying to convince USCIS to grant the son a visa waiver, which I'm helping with. I don't hold up much hope given the current customs and border patrol attitude but I'll try anyway.
I hope you are having a wonderful day and will enjoy a nice quiet weekend my friend. Keep your passport and a bugout bag close to hand as you enjoy life, such as it is.
"The weirdest thing about it is that there are still dozens of articles, and books, and websites that tell you how to make money selling e-books or how to maximize your income on Substack, as though that’s what’s on people’s minds as they watch their jobs vanish, their savings dwindle, their family members sicken or die."
I've noticed the relentless promotion of the "side hustle" and a glut of articles, particularly in MAGA leaning articles, about people "making 100's of thousands" from them. The "normalization" of what I am calling "job poverty", or working poor if you are a traditionalist. With the message that having a side-hustle is going to be your road to success. Makes it seem that if you aren't working two jobs it's your fault that you're poor.
You can FEEL the desperation just below the surface now. It becomes more palpable by the week.
Things are not breaking in the directions I would have thought, but there are also odd coalitions I didn't expect, like environmental defenders going all in on mutual aid. I think there are a lot of folks who can't afford their health insurance and student loan debt who will just stop paying for them, and live a more vagabond or congregant housing lifestyle. It is my hope that by consuming less and sharing what we do have, more folks will get the food and shelter and community they need without the hierarchy taking their cut. You have important stories to tell, and you help us find each other. Please keep writing if you can.
No apologies. Rant on.
I'm going through the same. I may not be alive much longer.
That's the current situation and it's going to get worse. It's just starting.
Please hang in there and be as well and safe as you can.
Aloha Michael from Maui Hawaii! I know I'm not the only one that appreciates your, "rants".
I know that the only way some of us will be able to survive this ongoing collapse is if we focus on caring for each other.
Rather than the popular idea of, "survival of the fittest", my sense has always been that survival is based upon the friendliest.
I don't have the study at my fingertips but years ago I read some research by a couple of women's scientist (I'm sure you can find it on Google scholar) that challenges the idea that, "fight or flight" are the basic trauma responses in humans – but rather that many of us, particularly females, respond by, "tending and befriending".
Forming communities of mutual aid in my mind and heart and life is the order of the day.
Don't be sorry. Ranting helps with the mental state we find ourselves in. Some good news, maybe. The Turkish PHD student was ordered released today. Did they actually cut her loose? I haven't seen any reports yet.
Meanwhile, the bad news, is that Mr. Abrego-Garcia is still languishing while they stonewall the judges some more. Mahmoud Khaleil is still languishing while they stonewall other judges. Trump is still trying to turn the U.S. into, as one expert called it, a kleptocracy.
My friend, who, along with his immediate family, are naturalized citizens, are in hiding for fear of the ICE storm troopers. My wife's friend has hired me, pro-bono, to help her edit immigration documents for her son. They're in their seventies and in failing health. They're trying to convince USCIS to grant the son a visa waiver, which I'm helping with. I don't hold up much hope given the current customs and border patrol attitude but I'll try anyway.
I hope you are having a wonderful day and will enjoy a nice quiet weekend my friend. Keep your passport and a bugout bag close to hand as you enjoy life, such as it is.
Thank you.
"The weirdest thing about it is that there are still dozens of articles, and books, and websites that tell you how to make money selling e-books or how to maximize your income on Substack, as though that’s what’s on people’s minds as they watch their jobs vanish, their savings dwindle, their family members sicken or die."
I've noticed the relentless promotion of the "side hustle" and a glut of articles, particularly in MAGA leaning articles, about people "making 100's of thousands" from them. The "normalization" of what I am calling "job poverty", or working poor if you are a traditionalist. With the message that having a side-hustle is going to be your road to success. Makes it seem that if you aren't working two jobs it's your fault that you're poor.
You can FEEL the desperation just below the surface now. It becomes more palpable by the week.
Nothing wrong with a good rant. Hoping things pick up at your work place 🤞🏻