Welcome, Friends,
This week, it struck me with undeniable clarity: we are living under the shadow of an authoritarian regime. The headlines offer no respite—only a relentless barrage of outrage, confusion, and heartbreak. One moment, a glimmer of hope; the next, it’s snatched away. Whiplash has become our new normal.
There is no rhythm anymore—just chaos. Court rulings, reversals, proclamations, and political theater collide hour by hour. “Breaking News” now triggers something like PTSD for those of us who are truly paying attention.
I cannot recall a time when our democracy has been in such a volatile, perilous state, even during the Nixon era. We are witnessing the erosion of freedoms that once felt guaranteed: reproductive rights, civil rights, freedom of the press, freedom of speech. Even the rule of law—our final guardrail—is fraying before our eyes.
And so, there is no time to waste.
We must act.
We must amplify.
We must amass our friends, acquaintances, and families together with the strength, clarity, and moral courage to resist with us.
PEOPLE ARE STEPPING UP
More and more people are passionately writing, researching, and building alternatives to mainstream media—which has too often disappointed and misled the public. Many outlets now wear ideological labels—left, right, or centrist—rather than adhering to the strict standards of factual, investigative journalism.
Fortunately, a powerful counterforce is rising on social media, SUBSTACK, Blue Sky, and other popular platforms. As I’ve tapped into these independent voices, I’ve discovered a wealth of insight from professors, corporate leaders, lawyers, psychologists and economists, to name a few. And, one cannot overlook the tremendous force of every day average Americans taking to written expression, music and art. These alternative sources offer not just information, but practical wisdom—tidbits that help us cope, understand, and act in ways traditional media no longer inspires.
ACT by making a conscious choice to pay attention to certain sources and resources. Learn what you can - what makes you angry and what you can do to change course. Pass the information along. Others may not know what you know. Share. Share. Share.
has offered lots of ideas - click on her “chop wood - carry water” concept of do what you can.STOP THE BILL THAT IS BEING RUN THROUGH THE SENATE
Make calls easily by downloading the 5 calls APP - I tried this today and learned that you can get scripting, pick your topic and make your calls. Or online at 5calls.org
Tell your representatives - NO TO CUTS ON MEDICAID, MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY. TELL THEM NO TO THE POISON PILLS that Americans are not paying attention to - like sidestepping judicial orders of contempt and making it easier for people to buy silencers.
MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE NO KINGS DAY PROTESTS - JUNE 14
Indivisible provides information, education and resources in nearly every zip code in the country about what, when and where events are in your zip code.
Someone I know who had been passionate about our democracy recently revealed to me that she has been so upset and depressed about our country and it’s demise that she wanted to just give up. She took some time away on a trip with her daughter, and thankfully has regained her strength and determination. She is preparing to march on NO KINGS DAY - June 14.
But learning alone is not enough.
We must AMPLIFY what we learn—by sharing it in conversation, through social media, and in letters, emails, and phone calls to our representatives. When we talk about what matters, we give power to the truth and speak truth to power! It is scary for many to reveal their position and fight for it.
Check out this video of the fight remaining in a Holocaust Survivor at a town hall meeting.
And we must AMASS our energy, talents, and communities—by coming together.
Host an art party to make protest signs.
Gather a group to brainstorm solutions.
Attend town halls, rallies, and marches.
These acts build a unified voice that cannot be ignored. We need people and our connections to join hands and stick together. We are under siege.
MY PERSONAL VISION…. Think about what yours is too!
That we stop this regime NOT just through daily resistance, but through something massive and unforgettable—a million-person march on Washington. Or a movement like Hands Across America or We Are the World —a cultural moment that galvanizes millions around the issues that matter most. It will take a lot of people, energy and organization to accomplish this. Reminders that things like this have been done, remarkably.
INTIMIDATION IS NOT WINNING
Law firms hit with executive orders are fighting and winning in court. Harvard University is standing up to the administration and winning. Tariffs are being rebuked. The courts are working to hold the line with the administration. Hang in there and let’s meet on JUNE 14 with great signs. Tyranny cannot win amidst the noise of millions of Americans.
NOTE TO SELF:
In the face of chaos and overwhelm, take care of your most important resource—YOU!
If the flood of news and headlines becomes too much—pause. Step away. It’s okay! Take time to nourish your spirit, rejuvenate and take a break. Resistance requires energy.
Listen to music.
Take a walk.
Meditate.
Sit in nature.
Watch a film that inspires you.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:
- filled with ideas, information and actions to take - get up to the minute information on the legal status of all things rogue administration.5calls.org or on the APP store - 5 CALLS - there is a wealth of help for you.