Thank you, Ally, for organizing all the things into a cohesive story. My brain has been on overdrive this week trying to process this barrage of crap.
I hope the people who voted for him do realize what they’ve done but I’m skeptical since a lot of what I’m reading indicates that all the negative aspects of this horrifying bill, all the things being taken away, are not slated to kick in until January 2028, after we might have midterms. If true, this means that they’ll be duped into voting for more republicans since their lives have yet to be affected. It’s a nefarious design. But totally on-brand.
I know, Harry. It’s all so depressing. Seems like some things go into effect sooner, some expire after 4 years and some are permanent, so it’s by design. One of the reasons I hope everyone will call it the Trump Budget Bill, the Republican Budget Bill etc. just really pound that home. It’s not enough, but it’s something. Hugs, friend. Can’t believe we’re all gonna have to hear fireworks today.
It's one a.m. and I'm exhausted and wide awake. Wondering if yesterday's reports that Mike Johnson was short by 20 Republican votes to pass this bill were just a sadistic lie to make us suffer more.
Knowing that there is nothing I can do to protect my in-laws, whose green cards do not make them safe from those who laugh at the idea of brown people eaten by alligators.
I worry that we're beyond repair. Not just the US, but the world. Our beautiful world, full of people who disdain compassion, who are excited by cruelty, who think they are heroic for making the wealthy richer.
And I know these people have always existed, but not that there were so many in this country. I'm so angry. It's almost all we have, that rage, and our arsenal of words. It has to be enough.
I feel every word of this, and my heart hurt reading what you've written because I have the same thoughts and fears. There's something deeply wrong. I still feel in my heart there are more people who feel the way we do, though. I don't think I'm wrong, but I never would have imagined we'd find ourselves here. It is wild and shocking to me, still, to see the people who are so openly cruel. So casually heartless. I wonder what happened to them to make them that way.
Try to get some sleep if you can. I say that even as I've had such trouble lately. But hang in there and don't give up. We've seen dark times before and we're still here. I was in San Miguel de Allende the last week, and there's an Anne Frank exhibit about to happen there. I did have this thought one day, that the reason we all know her story is because she wrote it down. So it does matter. Our words and our feelings do make a difference, even if they can't stop the course of events on a dime. I'm sending you a lot of love. Rest if you can, we're going to need our energy xx
It’s the first 4th in a while I’ve thought blowing shit up was a good idea. I mean if we’re going to terrify our pets and trigger PTSD in veterans, let’s at least make the explosion worth it.
Yes to all of this Ally. I'm heartbroken and furious. My parents and I emigrated from Soviet Russia when I was nine years old for all the reasons you listed (woot, America, woot!), and now I feel like I've been kicked in the stomach.
And yet you're absolutely right: we have to fight. We have to.
It is unfathomable to me that we find ourselves here. I never would have thought this would happen in my lifetime and my heart is broken, but more than that I am so angry. These people are cruel and petty and small. They are truly the worst in humanity writ large. They're the people you walk away from on the street, the ones you don't invite for dinner, the ones you tell your children not to emulate. WTAF. But yes, we have to fight, so we will. And we'll win, some way or another, because we have to. I can't believe you are going through this twice. I am truly sending you so much love.
I am a cynic but I am a little in shock how smoothly this went over. Together with SCOTUS effectively destroying the rule of law by kneecapping nationwide injunctions we are in Code Red territory now.
The thing that has me gobsmacked is there are people walking around here seemingly clueless as to what just happened. Either that, or they're in shock, but honestly it feels like ignorance. I don't mean that in a derogatory way, I mean it in a literal one - like they are unaware of what is happening. I'm finding that (almost) scarier than anything else. If I think of anything you can do, I will let you know! Thank you for the solidarity, that alone is so helpful. Venceremos! We must. Hugs.
We literally must. And… I think you are right. It’s ignorance. It’s the same here. The vast majority of people thinks it’s pretty much normal - sure, Trump is a moron but so was Bush and sure the Americans are being a bit weird but by and large it’s all business as usual. Sometimes it makes me feel like I am going crazy and in a needlessly alarmist position but then I do a reality check and I keep finding that I am still right unfortunately.
If it were just one thing it might be okay, but when it’s the Supreme Court and the press caving and due process violations and Congress letting him get away with murder and now this Bill? Yeah, it’s really bad unfortunately. Smh.
If it feel like ignorance, it probably is, and I agree that it's scary as hell. We were taught by capitalism to look out for of the self, rather than the collective; to regard greedy and pushy people as strong, and dismiss empaths as weak. We need to reinvent ourselves from the ground up, I think.
I know, believe me. I thought I was going to write three sentences, but then I got angry. Or then the anger rose to the surface. It's all just unbelievable. I wish we could meet somewhere and have a big cry, or scream into the abyss or...something. Sending you a ton of love. Tomorrow we shall regroup.
Thank you for this. I just had to vomit it out for the 4th too. How can you hold it? It's too much. We are all dissociating. Soon enough we will all have Multiple Personality Disorder from it. For no, stay strong. Tides turn.
The compartmentalizing skills are getting a real workout. It’s exhausting and not normal. But at least we have each other. Thanks for being here, Alecia ❤️🩹
Thank you, Ally! That was awesome and all-encompassing! Republicans and MAGA feel they’re justified in committing this injustice because they won. They need losing bigly! Keep reminding everyone about those leopards. They’re taking a brief nap.🐆
Yes, I am growing rather tired of that “landslide” nonsense. Just because you win doesn’t mean you demolish a country. I hope no one forgets that DOGE and the Defense Department are in part responsible for this latest disaster, one that was bound to happen once weather data became compromised. We all deserve warnings and protection when it comes to weather, and by tying NOAA’s hands, firing half their employees, closing weather stations and making sure that they get half-assed information, the people responsible for this have just committed murder and also destroyed a lot of families. Of course, they barely count, most of the dead also don’t vote. The rest of us need to do that, and I hope the next election will be that chance. Keep drilling it home!❤️
Thank you, Carole. My heart is breaking for Texas. And for all of us, and I’m also so angry. Such a senseless loss of life and it’s going to continue until we can vote these people out. This is the part that is so enraging and distressing - how many people are going to perish before we can right this ship? And the potus was playing golf yesterday and having his “victory event” at the WH.
Murderers here at home and in the rest of the world! Unfortunately, it’s going to take even more disaster before enough people see who’s causing it, and then, they’ll probably blame someone else.
Thank you, Carole. When I get down - which I do - I remind myself 32% of Americans voted for TFG, 31% voted Harris/Walz and 36% did not vote at all. It doesn’t make me feel *that* much better because we’re still in this shit-storm, but it does reassure me that this was no landslide or mandate. We need to get more of that 36% in the game. And we need the leopards to eat enough faces in the 32% that they do some serious soul-searching or go to Mars or whatever it is they need to do to not be wreaking havoc like this. Hugs, thanks for being here ❤️🩹
Beautifully said, Ally. I’m still somewhat in a state of shock that this bill passed. Trying to put it out of my mind to celebrate what this day really represents, not bastardized bullshit “patriotism” in the name of greed and cruelty.
I haven’t even wrapped my head around every awful thing it all means. I spared myself that kind of deep dive today. I hope you manage to have some kind of Happy 4th, or Faith in Us 4th. That’s what I’m going for. Hugs and thanks for being here, Chris.
They do a flyover of jets along the beaches in SC on July 4th and my husband asked me yesterday afternoon if I wanted to go. Ha! There were curse words.
Well, it’s 3:20am here and I’m awake, so you can imagine how I’m doing. And B) I just saw this woman who has hired me to teach at multiple corporate events post: Happy 4th! God Bless America, land of the free, home of the brave.
It took everything in me not to post my essay in the comments with a bunch of 😳😳😳emojis 🤣 I will be busy next time she wants me to teach. I cannot fathom posting that shit right now.
Thank you, Ally, for organizing all the things into a cohesive story. My brain has been on overdrive this week trying to process this barrage of crap.
I hope the people who voted for him do realize what they’ve done but I’m skeptical since a lot of what I’m reading indicates that all the negative aspects of this horrifying bill, all the things being taken away, are not slated to kick in until January 2028, after we might have midterms. If true, this means that they’ll be duped into voting for more republicans since their lives have yet to be affected. It’s a nefarious design. But totally on-brand.
I know, Harry. It’s all so depressing. Seems like some things go into effect sooner, some expire after 4 years and some are permanent, so it’s by design. One of the reasons I hope everyone will call it the Trump Budget Bill, the Republican Budget Bill etc. just really pound that home. It’s not enough, but it’s something. Hugs, friend. Can’t believe we’re all gonna have to hear fireworks today.
It's one a.m. and I'm exhausted and wide awake. Wondering if yesterday's reports that Mike Johnson was short by 20 Republican votes to pass this bill were just a sadistic lie to make us suffer more.
Knowing that there is nothing I can do to protect my in-laws, whose green cards do not make them safe from those who laugh at the idea of brown people eaten by alligators.
I worry that we're beyond repair. Not just the US, but the world. Our beautiful world, full of people who disdain compassion, who are excited by cruelty, who think they are heroic for making the wealthy richer.
And I know these people have always existed, but not that there were so many in this country. I'm so angry. It's almost all we have, that rage, and our arsenal of words. It has to be enough.
I feel every word of this, and my heart hurt reading what you've written because I have the same thoughts and fears. There's something deeply wrong. I still feel in my heart there are more people who feel the way we do, though. I don't think I'm wrong, but I never would have imagined we'd find ourselves here. It is wild and shocking to me, still, to see the people who are so openly cruel. So casually heartless. I wonder what happened to them to make them that way.
Try to get some sleep if you can. I say that even as I've had such trouble lately. But hang in there and don't give up. We've seen dark times before and we're still here. I was in San Miguel de Allende the last week, and there's an Anne Frank exhibit about to happen there. I did have this thought one day, that the reason we all know her story is because she wrote it down. So it does matter. Our words and our feelings do make a difference, even if they can't stop the course of events on a dime. I'm sending you a lot of love. Rest if you can, we're going to need our energy xx
🧡
It’s the first 4th in a while I’ve thought blowing shit up was a good idea. I mean if we’re going to terrify our pets and trigger PTSD in veterans, let’s at least make the explosion worth it.
Maybe we could line up all the presidential fragrances and grab some short-barreled rifles. Do a little stinky target practice.
You know that shit is flammable af.
Probably toxic af, too.
It’s probably made with the run off from Jrs meth lab
The sweat from the tanning bed.
Mar a loogey boob sweat after a round of golf.
YES!!!
Yes to all of this Ally. I'm heartbroken and furious. My parents and I emigrated from Soviet Russia when I was nine years old for all the reasons you listed (woot, America, woot!), and now I feel like I've been kicked in the stomach.
And yet you're absolutely right: we have to fight. We have to.
It is unfathomable to me that we find ourselves here. I never would have thought this would happen in my lifetime and my heart is broken, but more than that I am so angry. These people are cruel and petty and small. They are truly the worst in humanity writ large. They're the people you walk away from on the street, the ones you don't invite for dinner, the ones you tell your children not to emulate. WTAF. But yes, we have to fight, so we will. And we'll win, some way or another, because we have to. I can't believe you are going through this twice. I am truly sending you so much love.
I am a cynic but I am a little in shock how smoothly this went over. Together with SCOTUS effectively destroying the rule of law by kneecapping nationwide injunctions we are in Code Red territory now.
We‘ll see it through somehow, though. Solidarity from Europe. Bit of at my wits end how to best act from here. Taking suggestions, unironically. https://open.spotify.com/track/6PJLC7bpfdrKT57Y5s9Nmr
Anyway. Venceremos.
The thing that has me gobsmacked is there are people walking around here seemingly clueless as to what just happened. Either that, or they're in shock, but honestly it feels like ignorance. I don't mean that in a derogatory way, I mean it in a literal one - like they are unaware of what is happening. I'm finding that (almost) scarier than anything else. If I think of anything you can do, I will let you know! Thank you for the solidarity, that alone is so helpful. Venceremos! We must. Hugs.
We literally must. And… I think you are right. It’s ignorance. It’s the same here. The vast majority of people thinks it’s pretty much normal - sure, Trump is a moron but so was Bush and sure the Americans are being a bit weird but by and large it’s all business as usual. Sometimes it makes me feel like I am going crazy and in a needlessly alarmist position but then I do a reality check and I keep finding that I am still right unfortunately.
If it were just one thing it might be okay, but when it’s the Supreme Court and the press caving and due process violations and Congress letting him get away with murder and now this Bill? Yeah, it’s really bad unfortunately. Smh.
If it feel like ignorance, it probably is, and I agree that it's scary as hell. We were taught by capitalism to look out for of the self, rather than the collective; to regard greedy and pushy people as strong, and dismiss empaths as weak. We need to reinvent ourselves from the ground up, I think.
I don't even know what to say anymore.
I know, believe me. I thought I was going to write three sentences, but then I got angry. Or then the anger rose to the surface. It's all just unbelievable. I wish we could meet somewhere and have a big cry, or scream into the abyss or...something. Sending you a ton of love. Tomorrow we shall regroup.
It's so fucking unbelievable. Sending you a ton of love right back.
Thank you for this. I just had to vomit it out for the 4th too. How can you hold it? It's too much. We are all dissociating. Soon enough we will all have Multiple Personality Disorder from it. For no, stay strong. Tides turn.
The compartmentalizing skills are getting a real workout. It’s exhausting and not normal. But at least we have each other. Thanks for being here, Alecia ❤️🩹
OK first, you are so damn good with titles. Now off to finish reading.
Ha! Thank you, Holly 🙏🏼
Thank you, Ally! That was awesome and all-encompassing! Republicans and MAGA feel they’re justified in committing this injustice because they won. They need losing bigly! Keep reminding everyone about those leopards. They’re taking a brief nap.🐆
Yes, I am growing rather tired of that “landslide” nonsense. Just because you win doesn’t mean you demolish a country. I hope no one forgets that DOGE and the Defense Department are in part responsible for this latest disaster, one that was bound to happen once weather data became compromised. We all deserve warnings and protection when it comes to weather, and by tying NOAA’s hands, firing half their employees, closing weather stations and making sure that they get half-assed information, the people responsible for this have just committed murder and also destroyed a lot of families. Of course, they barely count, most of the dead also don’t vote. The rest of us need to do that, and I hope the next election will be that chance. Keep drilling it home!❤️
Thank you, Carole. My heart is breaking for Texas. And for all of us, and I’m also so angry. Such a senseless loss of life and it’s going to continue until we can vote these people out. This is the part that is so enraging and distressing - how many people are going to perish before we can right this ship? And the potus was playing golf yesterday and having his “victory event” at the WH.
Murderers here at home and in the rest of the world! Unfortunately, it’s going to take even more disaster before enough people see who’s causing it, and then, they’ll probably blame someone else.
Thank you, Carole. When I get down - which I do - I remind myself 32% of Americans voted for TFG, 31% voted Harris/Walz and 36% did not vote at all. It doesn’t make me feel *that* much better because we’re still in this shit-storm, but it does reassure me that this was no landslide or mandate. We need to get more of that 36% in the game. And we need the leopards to eat enough faces in the 32% that they do some serious soul-searching or go to Mars or whatever it is they need to do to not be wreaking havoc like this. Hugs, thanks for being here ❤️🩹
Beautifully said, Ally. I’m still somewhat in a state of shock that this bill passed. Trying to put it out of my mind to celebrate what this day really represents, not bastardized bullshit “patriotism” in the name of greed and cruelty.
I haven’t even wrapped my head around every awful thing it all means. I spared myself that kind of deep dive today. I hope you manage to have some kind of Happy 4th, or Faith in Us 4th. That’s what I’m going for. Hugs and thanks for being here, Chris.
They do a flyover of jets along the beaches in SC on July 4th and my husband asked me yesterday afternoon if I wanted to go. Ha! There were curse words.
Well, it’s 3:20am here and I’m awake, so you can imagine how I’m doing. And B) I just saw this woman who has hired me to teach at multiple corporate events post: Happy 4th! God Bless America, land of the free, home of the brave.
It took everything in me not to post my essay in the comments with a bunch of 😳😳😳emojis 🤣 I will be busy next time she wants me to teach. I cannot fathom posting that shit right now.