I just opted into the Politics Section. It seems that everything I thought to be true about my country is being thrown to the wind. I look forward to what you will be saying.
It's a rotten sensation, to feel muzzled in your own space, worrying that political expression will turn readers away. In the long run, it's probably best for you that you're willing to fight through that feeling. Speak freely. It's supposed to be the one thing we are all permitted to do-- a naturally born, god-given right, as they say.
True, Matt. I've avoided dealing with this for too long. Too many other things going on for a while, but my fear and dread for our future supersedes everything.
I'm a people person, always nervous about stepping on toes, which is the worst possible thing an activist can be. I'm tired of trying to balance everything. This is who I am and I'm not about to change. Thanks for your support.
I have no problem with your politics, in fact that’s why I follow you on Twitter although the new management seems to be messing with the algorithm and I see my regular follows less. Feel better soon, I think I also have a mild case of RSV, thanks to my husband who feels he must share everything with me’ Thankfully both of us are negative for covid.
Thanks, Maite. Yes, Twitter is a mess right now, but I've never had much luck getting my followers to read and respond to my outside work. I don't know why.
Yes, I do like Substack for many reasons, and I hope I can grow my readership here, but I have well over 6000 followers at Twitter, so it does seem odd that I can't get more feedback for my outside work. I know nothing about algorithms so tweaking anything is completely foreign to me. LOL.
Well, you know I agree with you. I'm very direct in my own writing what I think about Republicans. While I wish they'd get deprogrammed, those still in the cult aren't coming out for a while, so they can just get over it. Onward! I look forward to reading your thoughts!
Every now and then I have to remind myself about what's most important, and right now there are no grey areas--it democracy. So to hell with anyone's feelings. If they're not feeling it, they HAVE no feelings.
"We thrive when everyone has an opportunity to thrive."
When did so many Americans cease to believe this is true? Why do so many act as though they're fighting for their lives in the midst of the Black Death, all the while hysterically denying that it exists?
I wish I knew. The fearmongers have a handle on the propaganda that works for them. We've never been able to combat it, but we've also never been this close to losing our freedoms.
I do know this is not the time to ease up. If anything, we need to batter them stronger, in ways they're not prepared for. Our numbers have to grow. Our solidarity has to be foremost. Nothing you or I say individually is going to do it--we have to do it together.
Good for you Mona. I'm with you all of the way on the potential loss of democracy in our country.
I applaud your courage to speak your truth- and I share that truth. My hope is that others can utilize their critical thinking skills to see the truth and not be so easily duped. This isn't about us vs them- it's about the truth. You have my absolute support.
I know you will be, Lisa. We grow stronger as our numbers grow, but first we have to know who's out there. We have to speak up. Raise our hands. Be heard. Too many of us think we're alone in this.
Sorry I don't comment often, but I am a continuing reader. I am particularly drawn to your political posts and am appreciative they will continue. Sorry to hear you've not been feeling well; glad that's turning around now. @tantemary
I live in a different country but democracy is democracy wherever. I think we should all have a vested interest in maintaining it and making it stronger.
My feeling about the Constant Commoner is taht this is your party and your rules and you stated them on the 'about' page. If people don't like it, don't read. Easy. But you have a right, in a free and fair society, to speak your mind within your own four walls and Constant Commoner is a representation of your four walls. Totally acceptable.
Perversely, I left Twitter because I don't like Elon Musk (a loaded and dangerous cannon) and liked him even less when he allowed Trump back. Hypocritical, I know, from my POV, when I say free speech is all, but those who threaten democracy across the globe don't need oxygen and an open forum.
Thanks, Prue. All you've said is true. As for Musk, he has no concept of free speech. Speech is never free of consequences, as he may be beginning to realize. I haven't left Twitter yet, and probably won't as long as I find it useful. As long as most of the people I admire and follow are still there, I'll be there, too. When they leave, I leave. The battle goes on.
Back in 2017, when tfg's first move was to ban Muslim immigrants, I decided to go public on Facebook as a descendant of despised immigrants and a liberal who believes immigrants have always been the backbone and beating heart of the United States. If imy politics cost me readers, so be it. In the first week, I went from 1700 to 30,000+ followers on Facebook. Speak up and speak truth. Be not afraid.
Wow! I'm not afraid to speak the truth in other places, and my record shows it. I've done a lot of political writing over the years and fear has never been a problem. I think what slowed me down here is the format. It's a newsletter. So different from anything I've done before, since none of it required a subscription, which is sort of a commitment. I had to decide what I owed my subscription holders and I admit it took me a while. That old 'wanting to please everyone' syndrome. As if they're guests in my house and not potential allies or compadres.
It took me a while with a few back and forths, but I'm on track now. This is how it's going to be.
I admire those of you who have the kind of confidence that lets you be you. I'm working on it.
Ramona, thank you for writing from the heart. My thinking is that we should pay more attention to local politics more so than national politics. Probably local policies affect us more, from state Supreme Court judges, District attorneys, local sheriffs, local school boards. These elected officials can change policies from one election to the next, which of course is the purpose of elections.
I was just thinking having Trump in the WH was like an abusive marriage to some & we couldn’t divorce him until the next election. Thank goodness most of us came to our senses without cheating!
Yes, getting involved in local politics is so important. If more people did it, we might be spared having to deal with loonies at the federal level. They'd never get that far!
I only wish we could 'divorce' Trump. He's like a stalker in our lives. We just can't get away from him.
I just opted into the Politics Section. It seems that everything I thought to be true about my country is being thrown to the wind. I look forward to what you will be saying.
Thanks, Janice. I'm happy for your support.
It's a rotten sensation, to feel muzzled in your own space, worrying that political expression will turn readers away. In the long run, it's probably best for you that you're willing to fight through that feeling. Speak freely. It's supposed to be the one thing we are all permitted to do-- a naturally born, god-given right, as they say.
True, Matt. I've avoided dealing with this for too long. Too many other things going on for a while, but my fear and dread for our future supersedes everything.
I'm a people person, always nervous about stepping on toes, which is the worst possible thing an activist can be. I'm tired of trying to balance everything. This is who I am and I'm not about to change. Thanks for your support.
I'm be right here with you, all the way.
I appreciate that!
I have no problem with your politics, in fact that’s why I follow you on Twitter although the new management seems to be messing with the algorithm and I see my regular follows less. Feel better soon, I think I also have a mild case of RSV, thanks to my husband who feels he must share everything with me’ Thankfully both of us are negative for covid.
Thanks, Maite. Yes, Twitter is a mess right now, but I've never had much luck getting my followers to read and respond to my outside work. I don't know why.
I think Substack is a better medium for that. I enjoy reading what you write.
Yes, I do like Substack for many reasons, and I hope I can grow my readership here, but I have well over 6000 followers at Twitter, so it does seem odd that I can't get more feedback for my outside work. I know nothing about algorithms so tweaking anything is completely foreign to me. LOL.
Well, you know I agree with you. I'm very direct in my own writing what I think about Republicans. While I wish they'd get deprogrammed, those still in the cult aren't coming out for a while, so they can just get over it. Onward! I look forward to reading your thoughts!
Every now and then I have to remind myself about what's most important, and right now there are no grey areas--it democracy. So to hell with anyone's feelings. If they're not feeling it, they HAVE no feelings.
"We thrive when everyone has an opportunity to thrive."
When did so many Americans cease to believe this is true? Why do so many act as though they're fighting for their lives in the midst of the Black Death, all the while hysterically denying that it exists?
I wish I knew. The fearmongers have a handle on the propaganda that works for them. We've never been able to combat it, but we've also never been this close to losing our freedoms.
I do know this is not the time to ease up. If anything, we need to batter them stronger, in ways they're not prepared for. Our numbers have to grow. Our solidarity has to be foremost. Nothing you or I say individually is going to do it--we have to do it together.
And that's what we'll be doing here.
Good for you Mona. I'm with you all of the way on the potential loss of democracy in our country.
I applaud your courage to speak your truth- and I share that truth. My hope is that others can utilize their critical thinking skills to see the truth and not be so easily duped. This isn't about us vs them- it's about the truth. You have my absolute support.
I know you will be, Lisa. We grow stronger as our numbers grow, but first we have to know who's out there. We have to speak up. Raise our hands. Be heard. Too many of us think we're alone in this.
Well said Mona. Sometimes I am alone in it!
Only where you are physically. This is why I need social media and like-minded websites and newsletters. They remind me that I'm not alone.
Right on. Isolation breeds silence.
We can self-isolate but when we're ready and no one else is around, the internet is ready, too. I find that reassuring.
Sorry I don't comment often, but I am a continuing reader. I am particularly drawn to your political posts and am appreciative they will continue. Sorry to hear you've not been feeling well; glad that's turning around now. @tantemary
Nobody is required to comment. You're always welcome, Mary. Thank you for your support.
I’m with ya, Mona!!!!
Yay!
Good heavens, Ramona, it’s your space, do what you want to do! 💚
Oh, I know Jack. That's the way I tell myself it will be, too. From now on, whenever I have my doubts, I'm going to read this post again!
(Thanks so much for your support. It's much appreciated. It moves me to go on.)
I live in a different country but democracy is democracy wherever. I think we should all have a vested interest in maintaining it and making it stronger.
My feeling about the Constant Commoner is taht this is your party and your rules and you stated them on the 'about' page. If people don't like it, don't read. Easy. But you have a right, in a free and fair society, to speak your mind within your own four walls and Constant Commoner is a representation of your four walls. Totally acceptable.
Perversely, I left Twitter because I don't like Elon Musk (a loaded and dangerous cannon) and liked him even less when he allowed Trump back. Hypocritical, I know, from my POV, when I say free speech is all, but those who threaten democracy across the globe don't need oxygen and an open forum.
Keep up the good work, Ramona.
Thanks, Prue. All you've said is true. As for Musk, he has no concept of free speech. Speech is never free of consequences, as he may be beginning to realize. I haven't left Twitter yet, and probably won't as long as I find it useful. As long as most of the people I admire and follow are still there, I'll be there, too. When they leave, I leave. The battle goes on.
Back in 2017, when tfg's first move was to ban Muslim immigrants, I decided to go public on Facebook as a descendant of despised immigrants and a liberal who believes immigrants have always been the backbone and beating heart of the United States. If imy politics cost me readers, so be it. In the first week, I went from 1700 to 30,000+ followers on Facebook. Speak up and speak truth. Be not afraid.
Wow! I'm not afraid to speak the truth in other places, and my record shows it. I've done a lot of political writing over the years and fear has never been a problem. I think what slowed me down here is the format. It's a newsletter. So different from anything I've done before, since none of it required a subscription, which is sort of a commitment. I had to decide what I owed my subscription holders and I admit it took me a while. That old 'wanting to please everyone' syndrome. As if they're guests in my house and not potential allies or compadres.
It took me a while with a few back and forths, but I'm on track now. This is how it's going to be.
I admire those of you who have the kind of confidence that lets you be you. I'm working on it.
Preach, sister!
Thank you - keep speaking up
Ramona, thank you for writing from the heart. My thinking is that we should pay more attention to local politics more so than national politics. Probably local policies affect us more, from state Supreme Court judges, District attorneys, local sheriffs, local school boards. These elected officials can change policies from one election to the next, which of course is the purpose of elections.
I was just thinking having Trump in the WH was like an abusive marriage to some & we couldn’t divorce him until the next election. Thank goodness most of us came to our senses without cheating!
Yes, getting involved in local politics is so important. If more people did it, we might be spared having to deal with loonies at the federal level. They'd never get that far!
I only wish we could 'divorce' Trump. He's like a stalker in our lives. We just can't get away from him.