General Discussion

It's about the survival of our democracy and the ecosystems of this planet, which support life itself.

It's about basic human decency, rights, justice, and the rule of law.

It's about truth versus lies, and generations of progress versus the hoarding of wealth and power by oligarchs at the top.

Having said all that ...

We can never reclaim America's highest ideals and save our country while its people are bitterly divided.

What oligarchs and truly evil men like Trump and Musk need, and constantly foster, is divisive hatred and contempt. They want American citizens at each others throats instead of working together for our own best interests.

How do they do it? With a growing network of "news" outlets and social media spreading a constant stream of disinformation triggering emotional responses, not rational thought.

Trump won because millions of ordinary Americans have been fed constant lies, big and small. This is not to say that truly vile racists and misogynists don't inhabit the USA, but chances are the Trump voter next door is a decent fellow who loves his wife, kids, and dog. He and you and I are all in the same boat economically, breathing the same air and depending on the life sustaining natural bounty of Earth.

In all things, try to be kind. Gentle persuasion is better than accusation.

This is not to say surrender to fascism. I'm saying that fascism thrives when The People are bitterly divided.

Abraham Lincoln in his first inauguration appealed to the better angels of our nature. After four years of a cataclysmic civil war, he proclaimed malice towards none and charity for all.

He also said A house divided against itself cannot stand.

Truer words were never spoken.