I’d like to make a plug for becoming an election worker. Many years ago I found myself complaining about the advanced age of the election workers in my precinct. In a startling moment of self reflection, I decided to do something instead of complaining. I’ve been an election judge ever since.
I love seeing my neighbors come in to vote and have become friends with the other judges in my precinct.
Check with your county and sign up!! Make working on Election Day your Next Needed Thing!
I agree! I started working as an election judge in our very red county in western Colorado for the 2024 election. It was good for me to see the humanity of those who were likely voting completely opposite of me (my job was checking the voters in to verify eligibility and I could see how they were registered). There were just a few challenging personalities to deal with and most everyone else was just exercising their right to vote. Not that I had any previous doubts, I was able to see in person how secure and fair every step of the process is. I’ve since then worked on every election since then and truly enjoy it.
This is so important but honestly, it's been a challenge for the Election Commission in my county to make this happen for me. I'm a full-time teacher so I need the trainings during specific times. I always apply early and reach out months in advance to get the training but it's rare that I get a response. The times that have received responses, it's been right before elections with only limited trainings available. I'm willing to take PTO to be at the polls, but I cannot afford to take additional PTO for training that happen during the weekday. Any suggestions? My election commission is Denver county in CO.
I’m sorry they can’t be more accommodating. When I was working full-time, the trainings were sometimes a longer drive , but there were Saturday slots. Have you tried reaching out to the county clerks office or whatever office manages the elections?
Sorry, I didn’t read clearly. If you have reached out with no response, how about the local Democratic or Republican Party. Or local league of women voters? They can train you to be a poll watcher or perhaps get you to the right person at the election commission.
This is a long one because this situation has been weighing on me. Some good, some bad, some soul searching needed.
I've lived in SC and NC my whole life. A close friend of mine finally came to the realization that MAGA's promises were mostly all lies and that the actions of this administration are cruelly harming Americans. I've been having conversations with him about this for the past 3 years or so and it wasn't until the most recent Epstein Files release (still waiting on the rest, DOJ) that my friend turned around.
I struggled with this for years because it's so hard for me to remain in close contact with someone who votes and advocates for policy that is fed to them through lies and propaganda. I have no problem having friends with different belief systems, political or otherwise, but I feel like I'm not even equipped to have a conversation with anyone still on the MAGA train because our baseline definition of reality isn't even the same.
Part of me is proud to have stuck by my friend and help educate him and provide a different perspective to the news and social media he consumed. But a much larger part of me is tired and increasingly disappointed in some other friends of mine who claim they are "apolitical" but voted for Trump all three times because their social circle did so.
To those who have been in similar situations, any advice? These friends are good people but incredibly misinformed and pretty much refuse to talk about the news and politics. Any attempt to do so gets deflected or shut down.
I would prefer remaining friends with these people. I would prefer they have someone in their ear trying to provide information on our government and to stay politically informed. I just don't know if I can do both anymore.
One of my sons told me this week that “he’s late to the party, but he’s there now.” I’m thankful he finally understands. I think it’s very hard for some people to grasp the total depravity of what’s going on in DC these days. A lot of people are coming around. Hold onto hope!
Many of us are in the same boat. If you love your Maga friends and family, you love them. Just keep being you. It's been like this since the beginning of our country. It's our generation's turn. It's really hard. But this is your job. It's my job. Continue to do the things that bring you joy. Continue standing up for what you believe in. Don't let them change you. I'm holding on to the belief that they will come around but if they don't it's their loss; not yours, or mine.
I say remain friends! Even if you don't talk about politics, you are demonstrating your values through your actions. I live in Minnesota and one of my closest friends votes the way she does because her parents do. She and I don't talk about politics. She sounds similar to your friends. A good person who cares about others. With all that is going on in our state, and knowing she voted for this administration, I am struggling with not wanting to see her right now. I have other friends who have been deeply affected by the ICE surge and it is hard for me to reconcile my one friend's votes with their pain. However, I strongly believe that if we want to work toward less division in our country, we have to have relationships with people who vote and think differently from us. If our friends do change their minds, they'll need support and someone who cares about them to help process. All that to say, you're not alone. Keep going. Know that it's not your job to change every one of their minds and take care of yourself as you need to.
that anyone can change- it’s possible for even the most determined and uneducated MAGA loyalist to start seeing the truth. We’re not going to be getting very far if we swear off everyone who ever chose wrong - but we do have make sure the truth is openly discussed and justice is served where needed.
I'm married to someone who got sucked into the vortex and this whole thread gives me hope. It's hard for anyone to say they have changed their mind after so vehemently defending a position for so long, so I'm excited that you've seen someone do that and I'm hopeful that continuing to be myself in my husband's life will grind down the edges of this box he's in.
For years, I have stopped posting anything about politics. In the aftermath of Jan 6th, there were a few interactions with friends online that turned me off from sharing anything political online. Two weeks ago, I was on my phone, and on Facebook a thread popped up saying “Do you support the ICE raids?” I am NOT the target audience for that, but it was automatically shared to me because my brother in TX had just posted to that thread, heartily approved of the raids. He had literally posted that the very day Alex Pretti was gunned down. We have butted heads over politics for years, but reading his comment, along with dozens of others, reveling in seeing ICE at work, set off a complete and utter disgust. And, in a case of bad timing, 5 min later, he texted me about the weather in Texas, and I went off on a huge rant about how completely disgusted I am with him. To announce his support (though I’m sure he had no idea I would see it) on the very day ICE MURDERED yet another person, just set something off in me, and I have been posting lots of political commentary since. I feel like I’m screaming into the void. What I share is largely ignored, and it feels useless and like it makes no difference. And the sad aftermath is that I’ve lost respect for him. He should be better than this. I have no desire to interact with him. Where is his morality, his empathy? I’m just disgusted. He always wants to theoretically not talk politics to maintain civility, but now I just don’t want to talk, because I don’t like who he has become.
That sounds so hard. I think I would have a similar reaction, given that timing. If it feels like you're screaming into the void, I wonder if you could pair the screaming with some productive action as well, like calling your reps, attending a No Kings observer training, contacting your state representatives about ice in your own state, joining an organization doing positive work for immigrants, etc. Just so you don't feel so helpless. ❤️
I did recently contact one State Representative and got a reply, identical to one my wife received but did address my stated concerns. At one time in the last few years, we taught an English class for Spanish speakers, which was fun, though at some point fizzled out. I think now that that community would be leery to show up. One of our class members I heard is now detained in TX, and it grieves me to wonder if he’ll ever see his pre-teen daughter again. Such a nice, gentle man! I’ve pondered changing my political postings from sharing others’ content to creating my own illustrations to express what I have to say. But too much concentration on political topics is detrimental to my mental health. Art is something I can go to for a break from the world, so mixing the two might be problematic.
Literarlly crying over this thread...I just wrote in my journal this morning that I feel unmoored because I don't know if I've done enough over the last ten years. I haven't wavered in my stance against this administration or the person at its head, but I wonder whether I could have been more overt with my family. Or would that have pushed them away? I have to tell myself that I have been a model of steadfastness and holding to my values. Full stop.
Thanks for the testimony of one person’s change of perspective! As far as sharing information with friends, it’s okay to rest for a season to take care of yourself, whatever that may look like for you. I have needed to do that for my own well-being.
I think for situations like this, it is kind of (but not exactly) those who came to the conclusion that there is systemic racism (think of those that joined the movements after George Floyd). I think it good to acknowledge their realization and welcome them. But then, put it back on them. Now what? What are you willing to do to make amends. How will you repair the harms that your choices / votes have done. What changes are you willing to make? Are you willing to do the work (or any work) to strengthen democracy and advocate for the marginalized (read and educate yourself, volunteer, donate, vote different party, etc.). It may take a while to get there, but if they really see the harm that has been done, then it is on them to take specific next steps to repair harm.
It is not your responsibility to do the work for them. They must "do the work" (like the amazing W. Kamau Bell book says).
As I thought a little more about this, this is an amazing opportunity to move the needle against the oppression of this party. If, at minimum, they are willing to reach out to their elected officials (from school board on up, or at least what they have capacity for) and tell their story to that person (what changed their mind, what was their "a-ha") AND tell them out if they don't change legislative actions, policy priority, holding their peers and party accountable, hypocrisy, cruelty, (whatever was the breaking point), they will not support them in the next priority or election. A former MAGA voice will carry more weight than a "TDS liberal". doing their usual whining.
It's hard to be reasonable with unreasonable people , but , if they are your friends , you just continue to love them anyway and wish the best for them and maybe,, in time they will see the light .
My son turns 18 today. He will now have a vote and I believe he will use it well. He is becoming a fine young man, a kind leader among his peers who is concerned about justice and fairness, a young white Christian man with a racially and religiously diverse group of friendships. I am very proud of him.
In one of Sharon's upcoming posts, could she please add her thoughts about why journalists—particularly male journalists—don’t seem to have each other’s backs during presidential press conferences when Trump insults female journalists (Kaitlan Collins, Catherine Lucey, Karen
Travers, Nancy Cordes, Katie Rogers, Mary Bruce, and the list goes on)?
The next person could ask the exact same question and say, “You didn’t answer the previous question. It is a legitimate question—please answer it.”
They could also call him out and say,“ Sir, that previous comment was misogynistic and cruel. I would like you to answer her question.”
They could even all leave after Trump attacks a female journalist. Why don’t the other journalists do something other than just take it? This is not serving the American people. Are they afraid of losing their place in the press corps? Are they afraid of personal attacks? Are they following guidelines? Are they afraid of losing their jobs? Please help me understand.
I wish there was a way to hold the news organizations accountable for the information they put online. We are being manipulated. Is there a solution? Seems like we’re heading in the wrong direction to me. How do we raise peoples awareness of the manipulation. Great leaders and great people do good things. Examples are a great way to guide us in a better direction.
The big news organizations have sold their souls to gain more money at the expense of truth telling , but in a small but growing way the independent news sources available through Substacks is making some difference , it seems to me and there are still some news sources that Hearst owns that are still telling it like it is e.g. The Houston Chronicle, The San Antonio Express News, The Dallas Morning news, to name a few.
While I like that Substack has given me and so many of us something to turn to when WaPo and other once big newspapers failed to meet our needs, we who found Substack are a small minority when considering the many thousands who get handed what the various algorithms pass out as news and who think that is all there is. My state is lucky to have a new online news option covering primarily local and state news with no commercial giant or CEO telling them what to cover and what to say. It is funded entirely by donations of readers.
If you don't see that in your area already, see if there is a smaller entity sharing some local news and donate to help them grow and even contact the reporters or management to suggest additional ways they may gain readership and power. For example, think of how many people used to open whatever printed newspaper was dropped in their yards just to read the scores of local school or community teams, or get news about upcoming local events like parades or learn what is new at the local library. I firmly believe if a wide range of local people become addicted to getting this type of news from these new smaller online news operations, they cannot help but read and hear ideas different from what they are being fed online already. Just knowing there is something else out there can lead them to ask good questions about what they think they low.
I’m staying in touch with my reps (state and federal) by email and holding out hope that the midterms will be a stern rebuke of the current administration.
On a personal note, I’m almost done crocheting my Melt the Ice hat. I start a new job in a little over a week! And I’m excited to watch the Olympics. I’m suddenly an expert in the luge. 😂😂😂
It’s been a hard 2025 for us and looking like a hard 2026 so far. Last year my mother in law died suddenly from complications from chemo. A few days after we buried her my brother in law was diagnosed with a rare and incurable lung cancer and his prognosis is not what we would have hoped. My poor sister in law has had to deal with this just after losing her mom. We are all very close and they have an amazing support system, but it’s been a challenge. He is very down (understandable) and I’m worried about how that will affect his efforts to fight this, especially for their son. Now the positive news, the three of us work for a local law enforcement agency and they have really come together in love and support- they started a go fund me and seeing the way people have come to help my family has been so heartwarming. This is a good use of Al Gore’s internet ❤️
I finished a book today called ‘Is This a Cry for Help’ by Emily Austin.
The following quote is from the book: ‘Who I am was built on the shoulders of the person I was last year, and the year before, and before, and before. I’m not just thirty-three; I’m twenty-seven. I’m eighteen. I’m nine. I was just born. And I have to carry all of those versions of myself, the feelings they have, and the mistakes they’ve made, everywhere I go.’
And the following snippet from a Rumi poem is included in the book: ‘Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,There is a field. I'll meet you there.’
Both left me thinking about people, relationships, what drives us. It’s a short read at 190 pages and I really recommend it!
I’m trying to remember a discussion about 504 plans being in danger a few months ago. I could have sworn there was a Preamble article about it but I can’t find it. Maybe it was just a discussion Sharon had on Instagram. Does anyone remember the article? I’d like to share it with my colleagues. I’ve googled but it’s so hard to know what’s reputable or not these days. Thanks!
Well…I’ve searched and cannot find it! I know it was a year ago that it was in her IG story, because on Feb 15th I posted about it (I have a daughter with a 504 and I am also a former teacher, aside from being generally irate about it). I couldn’t find an article in my archived Preambles, though. Good luck—I hope you can find it!
Happy for this space! Excited for the Kamala book discussion. Got both my young adult daughters off on overseas adventures this week. One for year to Korea. Glad they are both getting a break from the crazy. I am hoping to watch the Olympics this weekend, enjoy the unseasonably warm weather here and hang with some friends. Back to the grind next week.
In spite of what is going on , for me, there is still hope for a better future as we all move forward into a more perfect union through our individual and collective efforts as well as the promise of a good outcome at the coming elections , so, encourage everyone to be wise in their choices and vote accordingly.
As for me, I will vote for the candidate(s) who will assure us that our democracy will prevail and policies will be written to continue our journey on the path of fair and equitable programs that will serve all Americans for the better, especially in the areas of affordability and taxing the rich.
In celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary this year, I would love to see an initiative to recommit to our constitution including everyone reading and maybe taking a class on the constitution. Sort of like many professions require to stay licensed. I don’t know how this could happen, but I dream.
I appreciate the comments about how to address maga in your personal life. I struggle with this also. I struggle with my anger and disgust for what has happened in my country and how maga has harmed us. I just stay in action and then compartmentalize my life for sanity.
I’d like a deep dive on how the single most important foundational pillar of a thriving democracy, robust Citizen Representation, has been denied to Americans since 1910. The number of House of Representatives was last increased to 435 in 1910, and was frozen at 435 by both parties when Congress passed the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929. In effect also freezing out any possibility of a strong 3rd party.
OUR population has tripled since 1910, and the Federal budget has gone from $96 million to Trillions! The most important function of OUR Representatives is budget oversight. They don’t have enough time for effective oversight or be able to serve the 750,000 people they represent. Americans have the least representation of any democracy in the world, except India
It doesn’t require a Constitutional amendment- it only requires Congress to pass a law and a President to sign it. I’d like a discussion on the detrimental consequences of the 1929 Act, how it’s contributed to extreme partisanship and the impact of sizing up the House as spelled out in Article 1, Section 2 of OUR Constitution.
More specifically the merits of tripling the size and the potential viability of PROJECT1305.org.
I’d like to make a plug for becoming an election worker. Many years ago I found myself complaining about the advanced age of the election workers in my precinct. In a startling moment of self reflection, I decided to do something instead of complaining. I’ve been an election judge ever since.
I love seeing my neighbors come in to vote and have become friends with the other judges in my precinct.
Check with your county and sign up!! Make working on Election Day your Next Needed Thing!
I agree! I started working as an election judge in our very red county in western Colorado for the 2024 election. It was good for me to see the humanity of those who were likely voting completely opposite of me (my job was checking the voters in to verify eligibility and I could see how they were registered). There were just a few challenging personalities to deal with and most everyone else was just exercising their right to vote. Not that I had any previous doubts, I was able to see in person how secure and fair every step of the process is. I’ve since then worked on every election since then and truly enjoy it.
Same, Tori Jo! I look forward to it every election.
I’m a poll worker. Enjoy doing and the bipartisan community
Sent in my application!
This is so important but honestly, it's been a challenge for the Election Commission in my county to make this happen for me. I'm a full-time teacher so I need the trainings during specific times. I always apply early and reach out months in advance to get the training but it's rare that I get a response. The times that have received responses, it's been right before elections with only limited trainings available. I'm willing to take PTO to be at the polls, but I cannot afford to take additional PTO for training that happen during the weekday. Any suggestions? My election commission is Denver county in CO.
I’m sorry they can’t be more accommodating. When I was working full-time, the trainings were sometimes a longer drive , but there were Saturday slots. Have you tried reaching out to the county clerks office or whatever office manages the elections?
Sorry, I didn’t read clearly. If you have reached out with no response, how about the local Democratic or Republican Party. Or local league of women voters? They can train you to be a poll watcher or perhaps get you to the right person at the election commission.
I did the same. Good for you! I tell others to do the same if they complain.
I attended the Minnesota caucuses on Tuesday and signed up to be at the polls. My 84 year old friend has done it for years. If she can do it so can I!
I’m looking into signing up!
This is a long one because this situation has been weighing on me. Some good, some bad, some soul searching needed.
I've lived in SC and NC my whole life. A close friend of mine finally came to the realization that MAGA's promises were mostly all lies and that the actions of this administration are cruelly harming Americans. I've been having conversations with him about this for the past 3 years or so and it wasn't until the most recent Epstein Files release (still waiting on the rest, DOJ) that my friend turned around.
I struggled with this for years because it's so hard for me to remain in close contact with someone who votes and advocates for policy that is fed to them through lies and propaganda. I have no problem having friends with different belief systems, political or otherwise, but I feel like I'm not even equipped to have a conversation with anyone still on the MAGA train because our baseline definition of reality isn't even the same.
Part of me is proud to have stuck by my friend and help educate him and provide a different perspective to the news and social media he consumed. But a much larger part of me is tired and increasingly disappointed in some other friends of mine who claim they are "apolitical" but voted for Trump all three times because their social circle did so.
To those who have been in similar situations, any advice? These friends are good people but incredibly misinformed and pretty much refuse to talk about the news and politics. Any attempt to do so gets deflected or shut down.
I would prefer remaining friends with these people. I would prefer they have someone in their ear trying to provide information on our government and to stay politically informed. I just don't know if I can do both anymore.
One of my sons told me this week that “he’s late to the party, but he’s there now.” I’m thankful he finally understands. I think it’s very hard for some people to grasp the total depravity of what’s going on in DC these days. A lot of people are coming around. Hold onto hope!
Hi Ethan
Many of us are in the same boat. If you love your Maga friends and family, you love them. Just keep being you. It's been like this since the beginning of our country. It's our generation's turn. It's really hard. But this is your job. It's my job. Continue to do the things that bring you joy. Continue standing up for what you believe in. Don't let them change you. I'm holding on to the belief that they will come around but if they don't it's their loss; not yours, or mine.
I say remain friends! Even if you don't talk about politics, you are demonstrating your values through your actions. I live in Minnesota and one of my closest friends votes the way she does because her parents do. She and I don't talk about politics. She sounds similar to your friends. A good person who cares about others. With all that is going on in our state, and knowing she voted for this administration, I am struggling with not wanting to see her right now. I have other friends who have been deeply affected by the ICE surge and it is hard for me to reconcile my one friend's votes with their pain. However, I strongly believe that if we want to work toward less division in our country, we have to have relationships with people who vote and think differently from us. If our friends do change their minds, they'll need support and someone who cares about them to help process. All that to say, you're not alone. Keep going. Know that it's not your job to change every one of their minds and take care of yourself as you need to.
My whole family is MAGA. It’s unbelievably hard. But I have to hold hope
that anyone can change- it’s possible for even the most determined and uneducated MAGA loyalist to start seeing the truth. We’re not going to be getting very far if we swear off everyone who ever chose wrong - but we do have make sure the truth is openly discussed and justice is served where needed.
Give yourself a healthy dose of self love, Caroline.
I'm married to someone who got sucked into the vortex and this whole thread gives me hope. It's hard for anyone to say they have changed their mind after so vehemently defending a position for so long, so I'm excited that you've seen someone do that and I'm hopeful that continuing to be myself in my husband's life will grind down the edges of this box he's in.
For years, I have stopped posting anything about politics. In the aftermath of Jan 6th, there were a few interactions with friends online that turned me off from sharing anything political online. Two weeks ago, I was on my phone, and on Facebook a thread popped up saying “Do you support the ICE raids?” I am NOT the target audience for that, but it was automatically shared to me because my brother in TX had just posted to that thread, heartily approved of the raids. He had literally posted that the very day Alex Pretti was gunned down. We have butted heads over politics for years, but reading his comment, along with dozens of others, reveling in seeing ICE at work, set off a complete and utter disgust. And, in a case of bad timing, 5 min later, he texted me about the weather in Texas, and I went off on a huge rant about how completely disgusted I am with him. To announce his support (though I’m sure he had no idea I would see it) on the very day ICE MURDERED yet another person, just set something off in me, and I have been posting lots of political commentary since. I feel like I’m screaming into the void. What I share is largely ignored, and it feels useless and like it makes no difference. And the sad aftermath is that I’ve lost respect for him. He should be better than this. I have no desire to interact with him. Where is his morality, his empathy? I’m just disgusted. He always wants to theoretically not talk politics to maintain civility, but now I just don’t want to talk, because I don’t like who he has become.
That sounds so hard. I think I would have a similar reaction, given that timing. If it feels like you're screaming into the void, I wonder if you could pair the screaming with some productive action as well, like calling your reps, attending a No Kings observer training, contacting your state representatives about ice in your own state, joining an organization doing positive work for immigrants, etc. Just so you don't feel so helpless. ❤️
I did recently contact one State Representative and got a reply, identical to one my wife received but did address my stated concerns. At one time in the last few years, we taught an English class for Spanish speakers, which was fun, though at some point fizzled out. I think now that that community would be leery to show up. One of our class members I heard is now detained in TX, and it grieves me to wonder if he’ll ever see his pre-teen daughter again. Such a nice, gentle man! I’ve pondered changing my political postings from sharing others’ content to creating my own illustrations to express what I have to say. But too much concentration on political topics is detrimental to my mental health. Art is something I can go to for a break from the world, so mixing the two might be problematic.
Literarlly crying over this thread...I just wrote in my journal this morning that I feel unmoored because I don't know if I've done enough over the last ten years. I haven't wavered in my stance against this administration or the person at its head, but I wonder whether I could have been more overt with my family. Or would that have pushed them away? I have to tell myself that I have been a model of steadfastness and holding to my values. Full stop.
Thanks for the testimony of one person’s change of perspective! As far as sharing information with friends, it’s okay to rest for a season to take care of yourself, whatever that may look like for you. I have needed to do that for my own well-being.
One of your friends changed their perspective; why can’t another? Do what you think is right and just.
I think for situations like this, it is kind of (but not exactly) those who came to the conclusion that there is systemic racism (think of those that joined the movements after George Floyd). I think it good to acknowledge their realization and welcome them. But then, put it back on them. Now what? What are you willing to do to make amends. How will you repair the harms that your choices / votes have done. What changes are you willing to make? Are you willing to do the work (or any work) to strengthen democracy and advocate for the marginalized (read and educate yourself, volunteer, donate, vote different party, etc.). It may take a while to get there, but if they really see the harm that has been done, then it is on them to take specific next steps to repair harm.
It is not your responsibility to do the work for them. They must "do the work" (like the amazing W. Kamau Bell book says).
As I thought a little more about this, this is an amazing opportunity to move the needle against the oppression of this party. If, at minimum, they are willing to reach out to their elected officials (from school board on up, or at least what they have capacity for) and tell their story to that person (what changed their mind, what was their "a-ha") AND tell them out if they don't change legislative actions, policy priority, holding their peers and party accountable, hypocrisy, cruelty, (whatever was the breaking point), they will not support them in the next priority or election. A former MAGA voice will carry more weight than a "TDS liberal". doing their usual whining.
It's hard to be reasonable with unreasonable people , but , if they are your friends , you just continue to love them anyway and wish the best for them and maybe,, in time they will see the light .
My son turns 18 today. He will now have a vote and I believe he will use it well. He is becoming a fine young man, a kind leader among his peers who is concerned about justice and fairness, a young white Christian man with a racially and religiously diverse group of friendships. I am very proud of him.
In one of Sharon's upcoming posts, could she please add her thoughts about why journalists—particularly male journalists—don’t seem to have each other’s backs during presidential press conferences when Trump insults female journalists (Kaitlan Collins, Catherine Lucey, Karen
Travers, Nancy Cordes, Katie Rogers, Mary Bruce, and the list goes on)?
The next person could ask the exact same question and say, “You didn’t answer the previous question. It is a legitimate question—please answer it.”
They could also call him out and say,“ Sir, that previous comment was misogynistic and cruel. I would like you to answer her question.”
They could even all leave after Trump attacks a female journalist. Why don’t the other journalists do something other than just take it? This is not serving the American people. Are they afraid of losing their place in the press corps? Are they afraid of personal attacks? Are they following guidelines? Are they afraid of losing their jobs? Please help me understand.
Thank you.
I wish there was a way to hold the news organizations accountable for the information they put online. We are being manipulated. Is there a solution? Seems like we’re heading in the wrong direction to me. How do we raise peoples awareness of the manipulation. Great leaders and great people do good things. Examples are a great way to guide us in a better direction.
The big news organizations have sold their souls to gain more money at the expense of truth telling , but in a small but growing way the independent news sources available through Substacks is making some difference , it seems to me and there are still some news sources that Hearst owns that are still telling it like it is e.g. The Houston Chronicle, The San Antonio Express News, The Dallas Morning news, to name a few.
While I like that Substack has given me and so many of us something to turn to when WaPo and other once big newspapers failed to meet our needs, we who found Substack are a small minority when considering the many thousands who get handed what the various algorithms pass out as news and who think that is all there is. My state is lucky to have a new online news option covering primarily local and state news with no commercial giant or CEO telling them what to cover and what to say. It is funded entirely by donations of readers.
If you don't see that in your area already, see if there is a smaller entity sharing some local news and donate to help them grow and even contact the reporters or management to suggest additional ways they may gain readership and power. For example, think of how many people used to open whatever printed newspaper was dropped in their yards just to read the scores of local school or community teams, or get news about upcoming local events like parades or learn what is new at the local library. I firmly believe if a wide range of local people become addicted to getting this type of news from these new smaller online news operations, they cannot help but read and hear ideas different from what they are being fed online already. Just knowing there is something else out there can lead them to ask good questions about what they think they low.
I’m staying in touch with my reps (state and federal) by email and holding out hope that the midterms will be a stern rebuke of the current administration.
On a personal note, I’m almost done crocheting my Melt the Ice hat. I start a new job in a little over a week! And I’m excited to watch the Olympics. I’m suddenly an expert in the luge. 😂😂😂
It’s been a hard 2025 for us and looking like a hard 2026 so far. Last year my mother in law died suddenly from complications from chemo. A few days after we buried her my brother in law was diagnosed with a rare and incurable lung cancer and his prognosis is not what we would have hoped. My poor sister in law has had to deal with this just after losing her mom. We are all very close and they have an amazing support system, but it’s been a challenge. He is very down (understandable) and I’m worried about how that will affect his efforts to fight this, especially for their son. Now the positive news, the three of us work for a local law enforcement agency and they have really come together in love and support- they started a go fund me and seeing the way people have come to help my family has been so heartwarming. This is a good use of Al Gore’s internet ❤️
I finished a book today called ‘Is This a Cry for Help’ by Emily Austin.
The following quote is from the book: ‘Who I am was built on the shoulders of the person I was last year, and the year before, and before, and before. I’m not just thirty-three; I’m twenty-seven. I’m eighteen. I’m nine. I was just born. And I have to carry all of those versions of myself, the feelings they have, and the mistakes they’ve made, everywhere I go.’
And the following snippet from a Rumi poem is included in the book: ‘Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,There is a field. I'll meet you there.’
Both left me thinking about people, relationships, what drives us. It’s a short read at 190 pages and I really recommend it!
I love these. Thank you for sharing!
I’m trying to remember a discussion about 504 plans being in danger a few months ago. I could have sworn there was a Preamble article about it but I can’t find it. Maybe it was just a discussion Sharon had on Instagram. Does anyone remember the article? I’d like to share it with my colleagues. I’ve googled but it’s so hard to know what’s reputable or not these days. Thanks!
I remember it—I’ll look and see if I can find and share it with you
Well…I’ve searched and cannot find it! I know it was a year ago that it was in her IG story, because on Feb 15th I posted about it (I have a daughter with a 504 and I am also a former teacher, aside from being generally irate about it). I couldn’t find an article in my archived Preambles, though. Good luck—I hope you can find it!
I appreciate it!
Happy for this space! Excited for the Kamala book discussion. Got both my young adult daughters off on overseas adventures this week. One for year to Korea. Glad they are both getting a break from the crazy. I am hoping to watch the Olympics this weekend, enjoy the unseasonably warm weather here and hang with some friends. Back to the grind next week.
In spite of what is going on , for me, there is still hope for a better future as we all move forward into a more perfect union through our individual and collective efforts as well as the promise of a good outcome at the coming elections , so, encourage everyone to be wise in their choices and vote accordingly.
As for me, I will vote for the candidate(s) who will assure us that our democracy will prevail and policies will be written to continue our journey on the path of fair and equitable programs that will serve all Americans for the better, especially in the areas of affordability and taxing the rich.
In celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary this year, I would love to see an initiative to recommit to our constitution including everyone reading and maybe taking a class on the constitution. Sort of like many professions require to stay licensed. I don’t know how this could happen, but I dream.
I appreciate the comments about how to address maga in your personal life. I struggle with this also. I struggle with my anger and disgust for what has happened in my country and how maga has harmed us. I just stay in action and then compartmentalize my life for sanity.
I’d like a deep dive on how the single most important foundational pillar of a thriving democracy, robust Citizen Representation, has been denied to Americans since 1910. The number of House of Representatives was last increased to 435 in 1910, and was frozen at 435 by both parties when Congress passed the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929. In effect also freezing out any possibility of a strong 3rd party.
OUR population has tripled since 1910, and the Federal budget has gone from $96 million to Trillions! The most important function of OUR Representatives is budget oversight. They don’t have enough time for effective oversight or be able to serve the 750,000 people they represent. Americans have the least representation of any democracy in the world, except India
It doesn’t require a Constitutional amendment- it only requires Congress to pass a law and a President to sign it. I’d like a discussion on the detrimental consequences of the 1929 Act, how it’s contributed to extreme partisanship and the impact of sizing up the House as spelled out in Article 1, Section 2 of OUR Constitution.
More specifically the merits of tripling the size and the potential viability of PROJECT1305.org.
I’m excited that Mary Peltola is running for senate. It’s not new news, but I’m still excited about it.