I should probably stop writing these. The authoritarian regime is disappearing people. They're kidnapping legal residents (after revoking their legal status) and trafficking them to notorious prisons out of the country. Sure, they haven't come after citizens. Yet. It's just a matter of time.
Here's Trump saying to Bukele that "homegrown criminals are next" and talking about how El Salvador will need to build "about five more places."
— Philip Bump (@pbump.com) April 14, 2025 at 9:31 AM
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They're taking away legally acquired social security numbers, stating the immigrants are "deceased" and taking away their access to their money. They're telling immigrants to register with the government. They're working on a bill to require people to prove their citizenship to vote, only there is no way for a married woman to prove her name change (marriage certificates are not allowed documents for proof).
We have a measles outbreak that the regime is downplaying.
And, of course, the tariffs. That are tanking the stock market.
It just keeps coming. Fast. And everywhere.
There is no sense to this. Well, there is. The regime is lashing out because they're malicious. They're doing it all very badly because they are stupid.
And the press is complicit. Did you hear about all the protests last weekend (April 5th)? No? Yeah, because the mainstream press barely mentioned it. They're not doing their duty.
Also, Congress. Senator Cory Booker spoke for 25 hours on the Senate floor. And then they all voted for the regime's newest cabinet member. Sigh.
The federal government is lost. We are in an authoritarian state.
So, what do we do? I haven't a clue. I found some online articles that I wanted to link to (more for me, really, but you might find them useful).
- A Threat Model for Opposing Authoritarianism
- All of US: A Directory To Connect, Care, & Build
- Some Actions That Are Not Protesting or Voting
And I will resist as I can where I can. Although, I'm not brave, so if the fascists challenge me, I'm not terribly convinced that I'll stand up to them. We can hope.
Stay safe. Help others where you can.
Today's A to Z Challenge post brought to you by the letter
Such a wild and terrifying time to be alive. I don't have any answers either but I believe resisting in any way we can, every day, is essential. I also believe that thinking locally is key, from community to local politics. One day, one step at a time. Take good care of yourself.
ReplyDeletehttps://boldandqueer.com/category/2025-a-to-z-challenge/
We are living in scary times. And he’s crashing the economy, so we will all be miserable.
ReplyDeleteThe cuts have hit home here. The city north of mine (it's not far, it's where I got Mickey) had approval of FEMA money for building a new water treatment facility (FEMA isn't all help after something happens, this was a program to prepare communities). The one they have now was build in 1930! FEMA's letter said the program was a waste of money. Then there is CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. They advocate for children in foster care and in court. One source of funding was cut, one that allowed them to pay for things foster children might need, such as braces or school required computers and tutoring. It's hard enough on foster children without cutting their support. Their money trickled down from the Victim of Crime Fund, which was cut nationwide by 37%, which also provides/ed money for domestic abuse hotlines, counselors for children who are victims of sexual abuse, etc.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more, Liz. Clearly, our congressman are spineless and unfortunately, for the moment, they rule the roost. I'm sure come November that will not be the case. We need to vote and protest and show up at the town halls. I've already told my kids to have bail money ready because they won't cart me out of a town hall like they did that woman in northern Idaho. It will be like trying to wrestle with an alligator. I am so thoroughly disgusted with our country right now. Vote, vote, vote!
ReplyDeleteMy autistic brother in law (of Social Security age and also dependent on Medicaid) is beyond anxious. He saw right through the lies, too. But what can I say to him? It's as bad as it appears to be, if not worse?
ReplyDeleteI so feel for everyone suffering. That is, unless they voted for the orange clown or didn't care enough to vote at all. Like I've said a few times I think, people are too clueless to realize they just might be next on the government's target list. Everyone has privilege, I learned back when I studied intersectional feminism a bit, but most people are also part of at least one oppressed group.
ReplyDeleteIt sucks that the mainstream media didn't cover the protests. I read a little about them on a Dutch news site.
These are terrifying times and I'm exhausted all the time from the emotional stress of it all. @samanthabwriter from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
There's no doubt these are extraordinarily challenging times. But I'm comforted and inspired by your final words - "Stay safe. Help others where you can." Yes, yes, yes!
ReplyDeleteTrump is killing the good aspects of globalisation in order to MAGA.
ReplyDeleteI mean, yes, we are in the shitter right now due to all of the things you mentioned. The reality of what's happening seeps into my daily life when I least expect it and it knocks me off balance. People are laughing and chatting and walking their dogs and I look at them and feel like I'm floating up off the ground. It's like what I'm seeing isn't real.
ReplyDeleteYou’re not alone. So many of us are feeling overwhelmed, angry, and quite worried.
ReplyDeleteI can understand presidents and PMs caring for their country. But how they do what they have to do is where it's all going wrong.
The downplaying of the measles outbreak is incredibly irresponsible and puts public health at risk. Stay safe.
Hi Liz - I so agree ... it's a very sad time. As you say take care of you and others ... with thoughts - Hilary
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