People are living through authoritarian harm daily while experts debate. Understanding these harm patterns is how we protect ourselves, support each other, and prepare for what comes next.
Like Sizzlin' Snake, how I and my loved ones have been affected thus far is mainly in price hikes. Nearly everything else has been a case of the regime missing their probable intended target - repeatedly, and because they are most likely clueless. I don't say that lightly, and I don't underestimate the enemy or their intentions. Only, so far so good.
To illustrate:
1) So far at least, mine has been one of those companies that has held the line on DEI, though there is plenty they don't share with us staff. Probably out of necessity.
2) I just came back from a mini-getaway in a nearby region that has become MAGA territory. But judging by reputation, and by encounters with individuals in that largely rural area, you wouldn't know it. Courtesy is much less scarce there than in the city and metro area where I live and work. Strange, maybe, but true.
If anything, the endless online 'hot takes' and doomsaying gets on my nerves harder, faster, and more intensely than anything that's happened to me personally, again, so far. So I take full advantage of this space. But I press that advantage more selectively after reading and re-reading your sets if 80 moves. These have confirmed what I've known from the start and/or helped me continue forward in a very big way.
Oh wow, thank you for such a thoughtful reply. I can relate to this: "If anything, the endless online 'hot takes' and doomsaying gets on my nerves harder, faster, and more intensely than anything..." That's why I wrote the post about Staying Sane in the face of all the news. It's like media coverage and platforms have emerged as another potent source of harm for my well being, personally.
I used to be a building contractor and my brother is also a GC. So I have a lot of connectivity in the world of building trades. We are just beginning to see the impacts of the tariffs. I know builders who've already lost their big projects for the coming year bc price instability either spooked the lender and/or pushed the project price out of reach of the client. And I was a professor for years. My friends in academia are struggling on two fronts: 1) the orders to muzzle what they say and walk on eggshells when talking about American history; 2) the severe budget shortfalls and the beginning of massive layoffs in research centers.
I know the rural friendliness you speak of. I live in NH and can see that here. And it is also scary to see guys with hateful bumper stickers who get out of their trucks carrying a pistol on their hip (open carry state). Such a paradox.
Thank you for this. I'm sending this to everyone I know. We aren't physically feeling it where I am yet (other than the price hikes) since red states have basically been authoritarian for the last few years at least. But I see what is coming. And knowing how to combat it is critical in these times. You're doing great work. 💛
Oh thank you! I’m so glad this work is useful to people. 🙏🏻.
Paid subscription is 50% off now. $25/year is just pennies a day. I’m trying to balance earning a living with helping as many people as possible. There will still be lots of free content. ☮️
Like Sizzlin' Snake, how I and my loved ones have been affected thus far is mainly in price hikes. Nearly everything else has been a case of the regime missing their probable intended target - repeatedly, and because they are most likely clueless. I don't say that lightly, and I don't underestimate the enemy or their intentions. Only, so far so good.
To illustrate:
1) So far at least, mine has been one of those companies that has held the line on DEI, though there is plenty they don't share with us staff. Probably out of necessity.
2) I just came back from a mini-getaway in a nearby region that has become MAGA territory. But judging by reputation, and by encounters with individuals in that largely rural area, you wouldn't know it. Courtesy is much less scarce there than in the city and metro area where I live and work. Strange, maybe, but true.
If anything, the endless online 'hot takes' and doomsaying gets on my nerves harder, faster, and more intensely than anything that's happened to me personally, again, so far. So I take full advantage of this space. But I press that advantage more selectively after reading and re-reading your sets if 80 moves. These have confirmed what I've known from the start and/or helped me continue forward in a very big way.
Oh wow, thank you for such a thoughtful reply. I can relate to this: "If anything, the endless online 'hot takes' and doomsaying gets on my nerves harder, faster, and more intensely than anything..." That's why I wrote the post about Staying Sane in the face of all the news. It's like media coverage and platforms have emerged as another potent source of harm for my well being, personally.
I used to be a building contractor and my brother is also a GC. So I have a lot of connectivity in the world of building trades. We are just beginning to see the impacts of the tariffs. I know builders who've already lost their big projects for the coming year bc price instability either spooked the lender and/or pushed the project price out of reach of the client. And I was a professor for years. My friends in academia are struggling on two fronts: 1) the orders to muzzle what they say and walk on eggshells when talking about American history; 2) the severe budget shortfalls and the beginning of massive layoffs in research centers.
I know the rural friendliness you speak of. I live in NH and can see that here. And it is also scary to see guys with hateful bumper stickers who get out of their trucks carrying a pistol on their hip (open carry state). Such a paradox.
Thank you for everything you’re doing!!!!
#WeAreTheFlood ✊🌊
Prep for protests on 6/6 and 6/14 in DC ✊🌊 info at 🔗 👇
https://www.fivebyfifteen.org
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Thanks for the article
Thank you for this. I'm sending this to everyone I know. We aren't physically feeling it where I am yet (other than the price hikes) since red states have basically been authoritarian for the last few years at least. But I see what is coming. And knowing how to combat it is critical in these times. You're doing great work. 💛
Thank you for sharing this work with others. That means so much to me! 🥹🙏🏻
Please don't paywall much. Your small tips and the series on staying human have been a huge help
Oh thank you! I’m so glad this work is useful to people. 🙏🏻.
Paid subscription is 50% off now. $25/year is just pennies a day. I’m trying to balance earning a living with helping as many people as possible. There will still be lots of free content. ☮️