I love that you have a bunch of links at the bottom about how to get involved…. But I’m sitting here in my living room in SW Germantown, Philadelphia, disabled, working full time as a freelancer because my husband has cancer and is out of work, we’re barely scraping by — and while the work I do as a freelancer is all about disability justice and community-building, and feels like good work in the world…. it’s what I’ve always done. I don’t have much bandwidth to go into crisis mode because we sort of live in crisis mode… but I do want to do my part. Could you make a list of really discrete, low-bandwidth things that people and small communities could do that isn’t “organize a tenants union” or “protest tesla” etc? Something we could do to respond to this moment of crisis in a meaningful way that isn't going to send us into personal crises on account of poverty and disability? I would really love something like that and would absolutely share it with my own communities of spoonies.
Not sure, but any of these organizations may have needs for things that can be done at a computer or by phone. Uprisings take a lot of administrative support!
I am in a similar situation. I'm living with metastatic cancer. These days it takes all my energy just to do simple activities of daily living, like walking my dog or taking a shower. I don't work anymore so there is no union for me to join. I joined the DSA, but perhaps I shouldn't have since their focus is worker and tenant rights. So yeah, its challenging for me to find ways to help the resistance to fascism, but the desire is still there.
Another thing you can do that is underrated is repost actions on social media to amplify what people are doing out there -- In my experience, every organizer of an action appreciates help getting the word out. The mainstream press isn't going to do it, so we count on you!
My email is at the bottom of the newsletter, if you want to ask me any specific questions related to your interests/concerns. I'm happy to help. The newsletter might end up in your promotions folder, so check there if you don't see the one I sent out very early Wednesday!
I completely relate to this, and feel the same struggle to help when living in permanent crisis mode. But I think that's intentional - Capitalism forces the majority into poverty, scraping by, so we don't have the ability to do more than survive. The question then becomes how do we fight back without endangering ourselves? Is it actually possible? And at what point is it too late, with the majority just barely surviving suddenly finding ourselves in a world where we're more disposable that we already are? (These are just hypothetical questions to think about, I don't know if there are decisive answers to them.)
Yeah, more and more I'm coming to understand that I'm already doing all that I can, which to be fair, is more than just scraping by. Living simply so as not to need as much income, building community, supporting and being supported by others in times of need, building mutual aid networks, making art--it all seems too little though, I guess because it's what I've always done.
Hi Marta, in my view part of bringing down 'the system' is for each of us to do what we can to not support it, taking into account our personal position and circumstances.
Can you frequent small local businesses rather than corporate chains? Apps like No Thanks or Boycat can help you make ethical choices when you shop. Buy second-hand. Re-use, repair. Set up skills-swaps with friends and neighbours. Learn to grow your own food - set up a community garden if there is space available or garden-shares e.g. if a senior citizen is no longer fit to manage their garden and you can share the produce. Look into 'craftivism'. Make items for fundraisers for a charity of your choice...
Whatever feels right for you! Just being here in solidarity is appreciated
Hi Dx, thanks for this thoughtful and helpful reply. I'm 59 years old and have been doing all of this and more for most of my adult life. I guess when people say "it's time to step up" I just wonder if there's something ELSE I can/should do, given my various disabilities and financial precarity.
Hi Marta, I think our generation is / was more used to this approach to life and it's maybe the younger folk who can now learn that another way is possible. And I get how it can feel like whatever we do is not enough. I know there are things it's unrealistic for me to do, so I trust that if I use my skills and resources to do what I can, then that's good enough. Thanks and best wishes for everything you are doing ❤️🕊️,Dx
I meant to answer you hear about the 2025 2026 2027 INTERNATIONAL ARTIST'S CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES THRU ART FRAGRANT FLOWERS MILKWEED AND YOUR IDEA HERE. NO SIGN UP. NO DUES.NO EMAILS.
But I think I put it in other comments section???? I'm a Luddite Online...what do I know....?
I want to know when the Law Changed? Peaceful PROTEST IS LEGAL, PROTECTED CONSTITUTIONALLY. EVERYTHING about this Regime is. Unconstitutional. The Rump is an Adjudicated Insurrectionist and Convicted Felon. Two separate issues that are specifically ban him from holding office!! He is holding court in Florida every weekend with people who are paying him for US CITIZENSHIP. I have demanded my Reps begin Removal process Of NULLIFICATION. IN THIS WAY THE ENTIRE REGIME IS REMOVED.
ANY STATE OR COURT OR THE PEOPLE MAY NULLIFY ANY UNJUST OR UNCONSTITUTIONAL LAW OR ACTION. TENTH AMENDMENT. Since the leaders are not leading. The PEOPLE MUST!!
All of this is entirely true, and unfortunately I think we are beyond the point of legalistic remedies.
The regime has already shown a willingness to ignore court orders, and judicial actions do not self-execute. He would need to be PHYSICALLY removed from office: literally dragged out, bodily. And right now there is no institution that seems likely to do anything like that, court order or no.
Adding that anybody who is serious about resusting the oligarchy control of the U.S. please join the General Strike movement too https://generalstrikeus.com/
And please, remember that clicking a button that says "Join the General Strike!" is actually not enough for it to actually happen. Strikes require organizing amongst its participants (things like common strategy, strike funds, strike goals etc) to have an impact and not just fade away into nothingness. Organizing lies at the essence of every strike and can be done by every worker, even if it's only a tiny bit you can contribute.
And Julian Assange, Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden and many, many others.
The part they don't ever talk about is how all your friends and family stop talking to you because "you MUST have done something really wrong" to elicit this sort of vile behavior.
Not re foreign policy and war and peace but butterflies.
At the demand of 4 Magic Monarch Butterflies who came to me I have created a NO ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION called
The 2025 2026 2027 INTERNATIONAL ARTIST'S CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES THRU ART FRAGRANT FLOWERS MILKWEED AND YOUR IDEA HERE. NO SIGN UP. NO FEES. NO EMAILS.
If you have interest and ability just plant some Fragrant Flowers and Milkweed if you can. Even in a flowerpot on the fire escape. Or make some butterfly art. Buy and hang up or give away some butterfly art.
I will be praying this idea til at least the end of 2027 if I'm able to. But there is NO ORGANIZATION whatsoever.
(Typo...not "praying" ...I meant I'll be "promoting" this flowers milkweed and art campaign until 2027. System won't let me edit it.)
This is no Magic Solution to Extinction Crisis.......but it's something.....and if you have ever stood in between a demanding Magic Monarch Caterpillar or Butterfly and Lamp Number One Enemy Of The City......with them demanding you do something major.....and not accepting my protest that I a devastated crimes victim again on the edge of homelessness.....well.........you do what you can....if you can.....
You can see 2 of those Caterpillars and one of those Butterflies in photos on my Ary site. Also Lamp Number One Enemy Of The City photos...which is of course an inanimate object definitely Not capable of speaking or communicating.......
I love that you have a bunch of links at the bottom about how to get involved…. But I’m sitting here in my living room in SW Germantown, Philadelphia, disabled, working full time as a freelancer because my husband has cancer and is out of work, we’re barely scraping by — and while the work I do as a freelancer is all about disability justice and community-building, and feels like good work in the world…. it’s what I’ve always done. I don’t have much bandwidth to go into crisis mode because we sort of live in crisis mode… but I do want to do my part. Could you make a list of really discrete, low-bandwidth things that people and small communities could do that isn’t “organize a tenants union” or “protest tesla” etc? Something we could do to respond to this moment of crisis in a meaningful way that isn't going to send us into personal crises on account of poverty and disability? I would really love something like that and would absolutely share it with my own communities of spoonies.
This is so valid and important.
Not sure, but any of these organizations may have needs for things that can be done at a computer or by phone. Uprisings take a lot of administrative support!
I am in a similar situation. I'm living with metastatic cancer. These days it takes all my energy just to do simple activities of daily living, like walking my dog or taking a shower. I don't work anymore so there is no union for me to join. I joined the DSA, but perhaps I shouldn't have since their focus is worker and tenant rights. So yeah, its challenging for me to find ways to help the resistance to fascism, but the desire is still there.
How about we contact the TSA union and say they have our support for a general strike???
I have written a weekly activism newsletter for eight years. I always include phone calls to be made and emails to be sent for people who are disabled/short on time/in precarious financial positions etc. https://us20.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=b0ff5ba7f2c72c38a9df9e0e5&id=b4e3b6c230
Another thing you can do that is underrated is repost actions on social media to amplify what people are doing out there -- In my experience, every organizer of an action appreciates help getting the word out. The mainstream press isn't going to do it, so we count on you!
I just signed up for your newsletter. It looks like it will a great resource for actions I can actually do! Thanks!
Heather, one more option for you that I just came across: https://jamieraskin.com/doge-privacy-act-requests/
My email is at the bottom of the newsletter, if you want to ask me any specific questions related to your interests/concerns. I'm happy to help. The newsletter might end up in your promotions folder, so check there if you don't see the one I sent out very early Wednesday!
I completely relate to this, and feel the same struggle to help when living in permanent crisis mode. But I think that's intentional - Capitalism forces the majority into poverty, scraping by, so we don't have the ability to do more than survive. The question then becomes how do we fight back without endangering ourselves? Is it actually possible? And at what point is it too late, with the majority just barely surviving suddenly finding ourselves in a world where we're more disposable that we already are? (These are just hypothetical questions to think about, I don't know if there are decisive answers to them.)
Yeah, more and more I'm coming to understand that I'm already doing all that I can, which to be fair, is more than just scraping by. Living simply so as not to need as much income, building community, supporting and being supported by others in times of need, building mutual aid networks, making art--it all seems too little though, I guess because it's what I've always done.
Hi Marta, in my view part of bringing down 'the system' is for each of us to do what we can to not support it, taking into account our personal position and circumstances.
Can you frequent small local businesses rather than corporate chains? Apps like No Thanks or Boycat can help you make ethical choices when you shop. Buy second-hand. Re-use, repair. Set up skills-swaps with friends and neighbours. Learn to grow your own food - set up a community garden if there is space available or garden-shares e.g. if a senior citizen is no longer fit to manage their garden and you can share the produce. Look into 'craftivism'. Make items for fundraisers for a charity of your choice...
Whatever feels right for you! Just being here in solidarity is appreciated
❤️🕊️,Dx
Hi Dx, thanks for this thoughtful and helpful reply. I'm 59 years old and have been doing all of this and more for most of my adult life. I guess when people say "it's time to step up" I just wonder if there's something ELSE I can/should do, given my various disabilities and financial precarity.
Hi Marta, I think our generation is / was more used to this approach to life and it's maybe the younger folk who can now learn that another way is possible. And I get how it can feel like whatever we do is not enough. I know there are things it's unrealistic for me to do, so I trust that if I use my skills and resources to do what I can, then that's good enough. Thanks and best wishes for everything you are doing ❤️🕊️,Dx
How about we contact the TSA union and say they have our support for a general strike???
I meant to answer you hear about the 2025 2026 2027 INTERNATIONAL ARTIST'S CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES THRU ART FRAGRANT FLOWERS MILKWEED AND YOUR IDEA HERE. NO SIGN UP. NO DUES.NO EMAILS.
But I think I put it in other comments section???? I'm a Luddite Online...what do I know....?
Dodobbird.pixels.com (My art site)
“First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me”
-Martin Niemöller
My thoughts exactly. Thank you.
I want to know when the Law Changed? Peaceful PROTEST IS LEGAL, PROTECTED CONSTITUTIONALLY. EVERYTHING about this Regime is. Unconstitutional. The Rump is an Adjudicated Insurrectionist and Convicted Felon. Two separate issues that are specifically ban him from holding office!! He is holding court in Florida every weekend with people who are paying him for US CITIZENSHIP. I have demanded my Reps begin Removal process Of NULLIFICATION. IN THIS WAY THE ENTIRE REGIME IS REMOVED.
ANY STATE OR COURT OR THE PEOPLE MAY NULLIFY ANY UNJUST OR UNCONSTITUTIONAL LAW OR ACTION. TENTH AMENDMENT. Since the leaders are not leading. The PEOPLE MUST!!
All of this is entirely true, and unfortunately I think we are beyond the point of legalistic remedies.
The regime has already shown a willingness to ignore court orders, and judicial actions do not self-execute. He would need to be PHYSICALLY removed from office: literally dragged out, bodily. And right now there is no institution that seems likely to do anything like that, court order or no.
Adding that anybody who is serious about resusting the oligarchy control of the U.S. please join the General Strike movement too https://generalstrikeus.com/
And please, remember that clicking a button that says "Join the General Strike!" is actually not enough for it to actually happen. Strikes require organizing amongst its participants (things like common strategy, strike funds, strike goals etc) to have an impact and not just fade away into nothingness. Organizing lies at the essence of every strike and can be done by every worker, even if it's only a tiny bit you can contribute.
This x 100,000!
I’ve decided I can’t be quiet. I’m disabled & in pain & I risk everything. So what? I’ll die but I will die very loud.
My husband is Dutch. He’s a legal resident with a green card. I am legit terrified and am making plans in case we have to leave the country.
It happened to me: https://peteralexdreier.substack.com/p/a-california-nightmare-301967775154.
And Julian Assange, Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden and many, many others.
The part they don't ever talk about is how all your friends and family stop talking to you because "you MUST have done something really wrong" to elicit this sort of vile behavior.
This is exactly how fascism takes hold, folks...
Not re foreign policy and war and peace but butterflies.
At the demand of 4 Magic Monarch Butterflies who came to me I have created a NO ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION called
The 2025 2026 2027 INTERNATIONAL ARTIST'S CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES THRU ART FRAGRANT FLOWERS MILKWEED AND YOUR IDEA HERE. NO SIGN UP. NO FEES. NO EMAILS.
If you have interest and ability just plant some Fragrant Flowers and Milkweed if you can. Even in a flowerpot on the fire escape. Or make some butterfly art. Buy and hang up or give away some butterfly art.
I will be praying this idea til at least the end of 2027 if I'm able to. But there is NO ORGANIZATION whatsoever.
(Typo...not "praying" ...I meant I'll be "promoting" this flowers milkweed and art campaign until 2027. System won't let me edit it.)
This is no Magic Solution to Extinction Crisis.......but it's something.....and if you have ever stood in between a demanding Magic Monarch Caterpillar or Butterfly and Lamp Number One Enemy Of The City......with them demanding you do something major.....and not accepting my protest that I a devastated crimes victim again on the edge of homelessness.....well.........you do what you can....if you can.....
You can see 2 of those Caterpillars and one of those Butterflies in photos on my Ary site. Also Lamp Number One Enemy Of The City photos...which is of course an inanimate object definitely Not capable of speaking or communicating.......
Dodobbird.pixels.com (My art site.)
teeny note is Prem's last name has two k's :)