I keep coming back to this feeling that "no progress can happen" for the next four years, like it's all going to be a wash, at best. But that's a fallacy, I think. There is never a "good time" to start a movement... thus the need for the movement! And I remember if more of us are thorns in the sides of these people, then, at the very least, we can take away their enjoyment in committing these heinous acts. When you are so wealthy you can insulate yourself from every problem all the time, then even the slightest inconvenience--the one person who refuses you the deference you take for granted--can have a big impact. I actually think being simply annoying is more powerful than we realize, especially when Trump in particular can't help posting at 3am about every little thing that gets under his skin. Make them fight for every inch and make them feel miserable about it because that's what normal people have to go through in fighting for our rights every day!
Well said. They can talk big from press conferences in Washington DC but they can't actually control each of the millions of communities across the US and abroad, who say "No. That's not how we do it here." If civil disobedience means being merciful, and adhering to principles of justice, duty, and solidarity with your fellow human beings then I say bring it on.
"I don’t actually know what JD Vance was thinking. But goodness I know that look. He looked like he wanted to complain to Bishop Budde’s manager (God)." OK, this is not a funny topic, but that got a chuckle out of me.
Also... Ross Douthat has a podcast?!?!?!?! Garrett, there is only so much one man can endure. I think I can speak for your readership when I say we don't ever expect you to listen to Ross Douthat's podcast. Personally, I'd rather read both of Kristi Noem's books.
Sue, of the four podcasts I listened to, Ross Douthat was far and away the interviewer who challenged Andreessen the most? Now, did he challenge him in any substantive way? NO, NOT AT ALL! But comparared to the other three, it was basically Nixon/Frost.
This is a “Have you no shame”/Joe McCarthy moment, but sadly I don’t think it will matter this time. Bishop Budde probably isn’t Republican, she is female without Botox or eight inch heels, so she’s just nasty and “not smart” and should apologize for not respecting the divide between “Church and State” that Christian Nationalists abuse all the time.
I appreciate you saying this, Sandy, because one of the central questions I kept asking myself as I was writing this is "if I don't expect this to change Trump or his followers' beliefs, why did it matter?" and it made me realize was that its impact was on how it modeled a course of action for me and others who are potentially feeling hopeless right now.
At least Usha Vance was polite enough to put on her best Very Concerned face. Everyone else who was part of the crew heard nothing but "Zub zub WOKE, zub zub WOKE." Lord have mercy.
I keep coming back to this feeling that "no progress can happen" for the next four years, like it's all going to be a wash, at best. But that's a fallacy, I think. There is never a "good time" to start a movement... thus the need for the movement! And I remember if more of us are thorns in the sides of these people, then, at the very least, we can take away their enjoyment in committing these heinous acts. When you are so wealthy you can insulate yourself from every problem all the time, then even the slightest inconvenience--the one person who refuses you the deference you take for granted--can have a big impact. I actually think being simply annoying is more powerful than we realize, especially when Trump in particular can't help posting at 3am about every little thing that gets under his skin. Make them fight for every inch and make them feel miserable about it because that's what normal people have to go through in fighting for our rights every day!
This resonates so deeply, Gretchen. I love how you put it: "There is never a 'good time' to start a movement... thus the need for the movement!"
Here's to being tenacious and annoying.
Well said. They can talk big from press conferences in Washington DC but they can't actually control each of the millions of communities across the US and abroad, who say "No. That's not how we do it here." If civil disobedience means being merciful, and adhering to principles of justice, duty, and solidarity with your fellow human beings then I say bring it on.
"I don’t actually know what JD Vance was thinking. But goodness I know that look. He looked like he wanted to complain to Bishop Budde’s manager (God)." OK, this is not a funny topic, but that got a chuckle out of me.
Also... Ross Douthat has a podcast?!?!?!?! Garrett, there is only so much one man can endure. I think I can speak for your readership when I say we don't ever expect you to listen to Ross Douthat's podcast. Personally, I'd rather read both of Kristi Noem's books.
Sue, of the four podcasts I listened to, Ross Douthat was far and away the interviewer who challenged Andreessen the most? Now, did he challenge him in any substantive way? NO, NOT AT ALL! But comparared to the other three, it was basically Nixon/Frost.
Wow, I was not expecting that. Um... way to go, Ross Douthat?
This is a “Have you no shame”/Joe McCarthy moment, but sadly I don’t think it will matter this time. Bishop Budde probably isn’t Republican, she is female without Botox or eight inch heels, so she’s just nasty and “not smart” and should apologize for not respecting the divide between “Church and State” that Christian Nationalists abuse all the time.
I appreciate you saying this, Sandy, because one of the central questions I kept asking myself as I was writing this is "if I don't expect this to change Trump or his followers' beliefs, why did it matter?" and it made me realize was that its impact was on how it modeled a course of action for me and others who are potentially feeling hopeless right now.
What a beautiful, beautiful MUCH needed piece right now!!! Many thanks.
Thank you!
That’ll preach, Garrett.
You can take the boy out of Methodist youth group, but...
At least Usha Vance was polite enough to put on her best Very Concerned face. Everyone else who was part of the crew heard nothing but "Zub zub WOKE, zub zub WOKE." Lord have mercy.
Usha Vance is the only one in the current administration trying to keep the door open for a future columnist spot at the Atlantic or the Times lol