I agree with all that you have to say, Vanessa, and want to suggest that maybe it's time to kick it up another notch. If you follow Thom Hartmann...in his post today he has some very interesting things to say about "culture wars" and fascism. His premise is that culture wars are the grease to move toward all-out fascism. He suggests that we need to get the media to talk in those stark terms. Those of us who recognize our democracy is in peril are already on board. But there are far too few of us. Calling what the Republicans are attempting to do "fascism" instead of allowing them to control the narrative of "culture wars" will anger them. And maybe it will start to awaken those who are complacent. Those who think the "culture wars" will blow away, that their insular, lovely little lives will not be affected by any of this. Hartmann cites research from Nazi Germany--and it is sobering. They didn't see fascism coming until it was too late. Will it be too late for us?
I'm finding the whole "diving into community" thing difficult right now. Part of that is that I ran into a health issue, but part of that is that the culture wars ramp up into fascism is so bad in this state that I'm getting my family out of here. So...I have to make decisions about how much emotional and time investment I put in when I'm not sticking around. I was at a point where people were expecting things that would require longer term commitment to this area than I am able to make.
At the same time, I know I'm lucky. I have the means and ability to leave. Lots of people don't without throwing everything away.
I am fortunate. I live in a progressive state. I can't imagine living somewhere that is already moving in the direction of fascism. They attempt to be subtle. They couch their actions in terms of "culture wars." I am so sorry that you are faced with this--but removing yourself may be the best (the only?) answer unless we are able to turn things around in this country, and sadly, I don't see that happening any time soon. If we don't act, no state will remain safe or progressive. Take care.
Thank you for the comment, as always. I know we're all in different places. I am wishing you all so much luck with your move. It is so tough that you have to do that, but like Evelyn said you have to do what you all need to do to find what you need. All of the best as you move toward it - Vanessa
Evelyn, thank you so much for this. And I am now subscribed to Hartmann's Substack. This is a tricky area. Messaging and reaching people is difficult, and the word "fascism" is a word that people run away from.... either because it's overused or wrongly used, or because they think it's alarmist and it's hard to get them to listen if you use it. I agree that their attempt to use "culture wars" is a move toward all-out fascism, for sure, but the culture war idea they've been pushing is decades old and well recognized now if you refer to it. That being said, they're the ones pushing a culture war, even though they act like others are when the rest of folks are fighting for things like justice and equity and recognition and their right to survive and flourish and vote and so on. This might be a good topic for an online Zoom call down the road as it definitely needs attention. Thank you, as always - Vanessa
I agree with all that you have to say, Vanessa, and want to suggest that maybe it's time to kick it up another notch. If you follow Thom Hartmann...in his post today he has some very interesting things to say about "culture wars" and fascism. His premise is that culture wars are the grease to move toward all-out fascism. He suggests that we need to get the media to talk in those stark terms. Those of us who recognize our democracy is in peril are already on board. But there are far too few of us. Calling what the Republicans are attempting to do "fascism" instead of allowing them to control the narrative of "culture wars" will anger them. And maybe it will start to awaken those who are complacent. Those who think the "culture wars" will blow away, that their insular, lovely little lives will not be affected by any of this. Hartmann cites research from Nazi Germany--and it is sobering. They didn't see fascism coming until it was too late. Will it be too late for us?
I'm finding the whole "diving into community" thing difficult right now. Part of that is that I ran into a health issue, but part of that is that the culture wars ramp up into fascism is so bad in this state that I'm getting my family out of here. So...I have to make decisions about how much emotional and time investment I put in when I'm not sticking around. I was at a point where people were expecting things that would require longer term commitment to this area than I am able to make.
At the same time, I know I'm lucky. I have the means and ability to leave. Lots of people don't without throwing everything away.
I am fortunate. I live in a progressive state. I can't imagine living somewhere that is already moving in the direction of fascism. They attempt to be subtle. They couch their actions in terms of "culture wars." I am so sorry that you are faced with this--but removing yourself may be the best (the only?) answer unless we are able to turn things around in this country, and sadly, I don't see that happening any time soon. If we don't act, no state will remain safe or progressive. Take care.
Thank you for the comment, as always. I know we're all in different places. I am wishing you all so much luck with your move. It is so tough that you have to do that, but like Evelyn said you have to do what you all need to do to find what you need. All of the best as you move toward it - Vanessa
Evelyn, thank you so much for this. And I am now subscribed to Hartmann's Substack. This is a tricky area. Messaging and reaching people is difficult, and the word "fascism" is a word that people run away from.... either because it's overused or wrongly used, or because they think it's alarmist and it's hard to get them to listen if you use it. I agree that their attempt to use "culture wars" is a move toward all-out fascism, for sure, but the culture war idea they've been pushing is decades old and well recognized now if you refer to it. That being said, they're the ones pushing a culture war, even though they act like others are when the rest of folks are fighting for things like justice and equity and recognition and their right to survive and flourish and vote and so on. This might be a good topic for an online Zoom call down the road as it definitely needs attention. Thank you, as always - Vanessa