I'm so glad you are on the mend <3 Thank you for all of this and everything you do. I've been doing small actions as well. It's the only way I can live with myself.
I am absolutely terrified of the radicalization of young men. I flinch when I see them on the street. I think of the college professors who have to teach their smirking faces.
When they say, "They don't care about men and boys" what they mean is, "Men and boys are not at the center anymore and they want us to evolve and grow and we don't wanna!" We cannot go back. I will not go back.
Speaking of ideas, Anyone, especially in a red state, alarmed at the idea of RFK Jr being anywhere near the national health (or any other potential Trump appointee) start writing to your rep and your senators. Start organizing. Start communicating w/parents from your school or neighborhood listservs. No guarantees, but the more public support we can show *against* some of these people, the better off we’ll be.
Bryan Tyler Cohen also talked about how Democrats have missed the mark by relying on main stream media, who let us down in every way, instead of the alternate social media and talk shows that the Republicans have zeroed in on. Until the Democrats learn how to harness that form of discussion, we have lost in the long term. I’m very eager to hear about your ideas for helping young men. They seem to be the very target the GPO has indoctrinated. If any one can help us win the GOP game, it’s you.
I recall watching an interview with some of the VEEP writers during his first term. They said they wouldn’t have been able to write some of the things that were happening for VEEP because it would have been too unbelievable! 😫
FWIW, I agree that our information ecosystem is broken. This is one part of the reason intelligent, engaged, caring people can live in an alternate world (as they would say we do too).
Thank you for this and I hope you are feeling better everyday. I too am concerned about the young men and the idea that they heard what we heard and chose that. Excited to see what you are thinking about.
I can’t help but plan either. I’m thinking of organizing an event in my neighborhood with Harris supporters, asking them to invite a woman they know who voted for Trump. White women are the ones I think we can reach if we do it without judgment(hard) and meet them where they’re at with their concerns. Thinking of asking a state representative who I’m friendly with to help explain how politicians like Harris address their ideals and policies. I’d love suggestions for other action that involves expanding community.
Great thoughts... and yes, AM Radio. I lived in parts of the West where the only channels you could get on the radio were AM or FM hard Evangelical Christian and for the most part, the informed and factual and pro-democratic (small d) just ceded that space. More than once listening in I thought it was a huge mistake. I happened to live in a different community for awhile that had a local FM station, it's an Island but a close knit community and they kept alive this little station and it's glue, a great model (https://voiceofvashon.org/) We have to show up in these places, slide in sideways, with good music, build trust. Can't start soon enough.
You are spot on about AM radio. I live in a small town on California’s central coast and the first time I tuned in to the local AM morning program I *could not believe* what I was hearing.
Thank you as always for your thoughfulness and care. I am glad you are on the mend.
I've been thinking a lot too and talking to my teen son, who is struggling not to sink into despair.
Two things I want to share: I am not convinced the issue is media spaces, or podcasts in particular. There are dozens and dozens of left leaning podcasts, including the popular Pod Save America shows. Its 4 "Obama bros" and they have a whole network of shows. If they couldn't reach Joe Rogans audience, who says the Dems have anything they could offer that would? Harris went on a whole bunch of podcasts, talk shows, etc. but some people still say she couldn't do interviews or answer questions. Its mind boggling for sure. Maybe AM radio could do something that other media couldn't. But I don't think the podcast space is the answer.
As for what the GOP and orange one have done and will do, yes its bad. It sucks. I have been referencing 1994 and Newt Gingrich a lot in talks with my kid. Project 2025 isn't a new playbook -- its recycled from The Contract with America. At the time I was a college student terrified they would abolish the Department of Ed and Student Financial Aid. I dug in and organized with my peers, and even took an internship in DC to do lobbying work. It was tough and scary, but the organizing worked.
Join forces with groups already doing the work you care about (Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, Indivisible, etc).
Your comparison of the Veep team VS the Diplomat’s team is so apt and stark. I am in mourning for our country.
I'm so glad you are on the mend <3 Thank you for all of this and everything you do. I've been doing small actions as well. It's the only way I can live with myself.
I am absolutely terrified of the radicalization of young men. I flinch when I see them on the street. I think of the college professors who have to teach their smirking faces.
When they say, "They don't care about men and boys" what they mean is, "Men and boys are not at the center anymore and they want us to evolve and grow and we don't wanna!" We cannot go back. I will not go back.
Speaking of ideas, Anyone, especially in a red state, alarmed at the idea of RFK Jr being anywhere near the national health (or any other potential Trump appointee) start writing to your rep and your senators. Start organizing. Start communicating w/parents from your school or neighborhood listservs. No guarantees, but the more public support we can show *against* some of these people, the better off we’ll be.
The Samantha Bee movie is powrrful.
Bryan Tyler Cohen also talked about how Democrats have missed the mark by relying on main stream media, who let us down in every way, instead of the alternate social media and talk shows that the Republicans have zeroed in on. Until the Democrats learn how to harness that form of discussion, we have lost in the long term. I’m very eager to hear about your ideas for helping young men. They seem to be the very target the GPO has indoctrinated. If any one can help us win the GOP game, it’s you.
I recall watching an interview with some of the VEEP writers during his first term. They said they wouldn’t have been able to write some of the things that were happening for VEEP because it would have been too unbelievable! 😫
I appreciate you so much, Gabby. Sending healing thoughts as you get better after surgery.
FWIW, I agree that our information ecosystem is broken. This is one part of the reason intelligent, engaged, caring people can live in an alternate world (as they would say we do too).
I appreciate your thoughts…thanks for sharing with us. We each have similar thoughts, fears, and passionate secret prayers.
Thank you for this and I hope you are feeling better everyday. I too am concerned about the young men and the idea that they heard what we heard and chose that. Excited to see what you are thinking about.
I can’t help but plan either. I’m thinking of organizing an event in my neighborhood with Harris supporters, asking them to invite a woman they know who voted for Trump. White women are the ones I think we can reach if we do it without judgment(hard) and meet them where they’re at with their concerns. Thinking of asking a state representative who I’m friendly with to help explain how politicians like Harris address their ideals and policies. I’d love suggestions for other action that involves expanding community.
What a great idea! I was sort of thinking the same thing 🤔
The Diplomat is confirmed for season 3. The cast of the show is perfect.
As always, thank you.
Great thoughts... and yes, AM Radio. I lived in parts of the West where the only channels you could get on the radio were AM or FM hard Evangelical Christian and for the most part, the informed and factual and pro-democratic (small d) just ceded that space. More than once listening in I thought it was a huge mistake. I happened to live in a different community for awhile that had a local FM station, it's an Island but a close knit community and they kept alive this little station and it's glue, a great model (https://voiceofvashon.org/) We have to show up in these places, slide in sideways, with good music, build trust. Can't start soon enough.
I'm down for freedom fighting whenevs
You are spot on about AM radio. I live in a small town on California’s central coast and the first time I tuned in to the local AM morning program I *could not believe* what I was hearing.
Thank you as always for your thoughfulness and care. I am glad you are on the mend.
I've been thinking a lot too and talking to my teen son, who is struggling not to sink into despair.
Two things I want to share: I am not convinced the issue is media spaces, or podcasts in particular. There are dozens and dozens of left leaning podcasts, including the popular Pod Save America shows. Its 4 "Obama bros" and they have a whole network of shows. If they couldn't reach Joe Rogans audience, who says the Dems have anything they could offer that would? Harris went on a whole bunch of podcasts, talk shows, etc. but some people still say she couldn't do interviews or answer questions. Its mind boggling for sure. Maybe AM radio could do something that other media couldn't. But I don't think the podcast space is the answer.
As for what the GOP and orange one have done and will do, yes its bad. It sucks. I have been referencing 1994 and Newt Gingrich a lot in talks with my kid. Project 2025 isn't a new playbook -- its recycled from The Contract with America. At the time I was a college student terrified they would abolish the Department of Ed and Student Financial Aid. I dug in and organized with my peers, and even took an internship in DC to do lobbying work. It was tough and scary, but the organizing worked.
Join forces with groups already doing the work you care about (Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, Indivisible, etc).