So let’s first enjoy something for all who need escape, a balm, and some peace, and then we can hunker down with additional thoughts for those who (this week) have stomach, capacity, and intent for the task before us. You choose what you want or need.
Balm
Two TV shows to recommend. The first is a simple, old school, high energy with charismatic lead and supporting actors, shining example of a digital narrative you can’t wait to lose yourself in. The Pitt, in its first season on Max. Archetypal medical drama, done spectacularly well.
And yes, that’s Noah Wyle from ER, and he grew up nicely.
The second is a clever, modern comedy–with real, quirky characters in real shapes and sizes played by endearing actors–and another archetypal story, i.e. saving the world from aliens. Except this time one of the aliens can’t help but help the humans.
Three seasons on Netflix now–with a fourth predicted to arrive on SyFy by the end of this year–it even has a great name: Resident Alien. Laughing out loud is so good.
Tools
As I understand social media, supporters of our current president are using talking points from their favorite media to ward off the truth of what’s going on. As it happens, living in my blue bubble, I know none of these people personally. I thought some of you might have a wider circle than I, so below are a few talking points of truth to drop into discussions if the opportunity arises.
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- The Associated Press is being blocked from the White House pressers because they won’t use Gulf of America. Is this the free press you want?
- Head of CPAP, Matt Schlap is again accused of sexual assault on a young man. Why doesn’t the Republican Party cut loose its wrongdoers like the Democrats do? (i.e. Robert Menendez of New Jersey)
- If your community is believing the stories about “USAID waste,” this might be useful. Even Elon agreed he made a mistake. Moving fast, breaking things, and making corrections has a completely different impact on a programs that help keep people alive than it does in a tech startup of mostly men mostly right out of school
- The reality of what Elon’s staffers are doing in the US Treasury’s system is far more complex and risky than Republicans/DOGE first let on
- As reported in 2003, the amount of Social Security paid to dead people is a tiny percentage of the program’s benefits, not worth the cost incurred in the case
- Your beloved National Park may be at risk
- Some Republicans in Congress are starting to push back. You won’t be alone if you change your mind. And you certainly won’t be alone if you think you didn’t vote for Elon Musk and you don’t like what he’s doing.
For comfort or strength, community is the thing. Reach out and have a wonderful weekend.
61 Responses
Thank you for putting this out there. Living here in the Washington, DC area and seeing the effects on real people in real life and reading the Washington Post is so alarming but the rest of the country seems to think everything is all fine and great.
I really don’t think very many people at all think things are all fine and great — it’s just that in the modern attention economy where only certain voices are amplified, and where so many “voices” online don’t reflect those of real humans, the vast majority of us remain unseen and unheard as we go about our busy (and often now very difficult) lives.
Agreed!
I could see how it might feel very lonely in DC right now, if you aren’t connected to others around the country. I can promise that in the SF Bay Area people are very aware. But the national press and most elected officials are not raising their voices in line with how we are feeling right now.
Agree completely that press and officials are not raising their voices in line with how I feel. I remember what you said about things that are definitely not normal being reported as normal… it’s a terrible, dystopian feeling to see that happening. And the fire-hose effect of all the craziness that’s happening makes it difficult and overwhelming for anyone to keep up. Those in power seem to be taking full advantage of that fact. Thanks for adding more context.
You/re welcome. Thank you for all your contributions.
We read the Washington Post as well. If it helps, there is solidarity throughout the country. I agree, though, that it seems a lot of my social media friends and local acquaintances appear to believe everything is fine. I have asked (because I really want to know) where they get their information and one high school friend unfriended me and two others gave non-answers that were vaguely insulting.
I think shame may be hitting some people who voted for him. Just speaking for myself, I will forgive all if they come round and tell the story of their coming round to their friends.
I can imagine that D.C. would feel terrible right now. This idea of “government waste” may feel really different when people see the effect the wholesale slashing on the lives of real human beings. Both the federal employees and those who benefit from the programs.
I totally disagree, and am not sure why you think the rest of the country seems to think “everything is fine and great”. What leads you to this conclusion? I am curious.
I’ve read in the Washington Post that a survey showed that a majority of the country is satisfied with what the president is doing and interviews with individuals who express happiness with the actions being taken. This was disturbing to read.
Here’s Pew Research Center’s assessment from February 7 — it’s not much more comforting, but should be as accurate as such research can reasonably be: https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/02/07/trumps-second-term-early-ratings-and-expectations/
Yes, this is more encouraging than the poll cited in the Washington Post . Some days I’m afraid to read the paper.
Wholly understandable.
Thank you, Jess!
“I’ve read in the Washington Post that a survey showed that a majority of the country is satisfied with what the president is doing…”
Thank you, but seriously? I didn’t think that SOB could go much lower than pulling the WaPo endorsement, but now this? Maybe we don’t need to look for the “truth,” maybe it speaks for itself.
I think all of us sharing whatever truthful information, confirmed, science-backed, from reputable sources, that we find, is the way forward.
Understood. I’m one to trust the gut, but won’t persist here, I promise. I have done what you suggest, but 45/47 is having triumphant success using hearsay under radar muscle, political if/then threats, punitive retribution, underhanded tactics. On-the-record, reputable reporting: https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/donald-trump-cabinet-confirmed-27c91227
Jane, I live in the DMV and what’s happening is devastating and alarming. The recklessness and cruelty in firing federal employees has enraged me.
Yes, I fear the worst is yet to come. And I appreciate all the voices chiming in here.
I appreciate you. Truly.
Rightly so.
Wonderful post. I’ve been too upset and frightened this year to get my thoughts together, mostly. Thank you for the recommendations and talking points, Lisa, and I really appreciate all the effort you put into creating community both on the blog and IRL. Have a peaceful, lovely weekend. ❤
Also, the first link for point #7 didn’t work properly, but I think it’s supposed to link to https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/doge-hammers-us-government-republicans-stir-quiet-objections-118741954 — is that correct?
Oh, yes, it is. Thank you, I’ll correct it.
“I’ve been too upset and frightened this year to get my thoughts together.”
Perfectly stated. Me too! Witness: the day Lisa posted her request for tabletop suggestions, I was at a total loss. I used to LIVE for tabletop. I had to scramble hard to find my teeny tiny tabletop channel that had been completely quashed by relentless political news!
“I really appreciate all the effort you put into creating community both on the blog and..” Me too! Lisa, thank you so much for the structure of this forum you’ve given us [despite my proclivity to “blurt”].
Thank you, Lisa.
As Jess mentioned, attention spans are short (and, I’d also add, distrusting). This no-nonsense list is excellent.
You’re welcome. It becomes so impossible to keep screening the barrage for truth.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
It’s the least I can do. I have time. Many of you are working full-time, or have children at home. We help each other.
I generally wouldn’t comment on US politics, as I live in Canada. But I feel I need to point out that Mr Trump has been running around like a bull in a china shop, threatening to annex or invade Greenland, Panama, the Gaza Strip (and get rid.. somehow..of its rightful inhabitants), and now…its long-standing ally, Canada. I feel someone has put LSD in the drinking water.
In the diet Coke. :(
Ha! We wonder too! And we look around at our neighbors and shake our heads in confusion if they have drunk the Koolaid.
Resident Alien, was a fun watch. I it was refreshing to see real bodies in main roles!
Glad to find a fellow fan! And SO refreshing!
I wonder if a lot of the people not paying attention are just trying to get through their day and don’t have the bandwidth. Talking points like yours are so helpful — we can only do this one bite at a time.
I think you’re right. So many people just have to put their heads down and do what they have to do for their lives. So I am glad to speak up, so that it’s clear that even those who are silent are feeling it and we are not alone. I hope the NYT interviews the federal employees devastated by what has happened with the same solicitude they gave the people in rural America previously.
It’s a really good point Maria. I have a lot of difficult personal things going on at this time, all of which causes a lot of stress. I do keep informed about what’s going on, but don’t have the mental bandwidth to rage about it nonstop. And I know other people, at a different point in their lives, where it’s their central focus and I’m glad someone else has the energy for both of us.
Same here, KSL… I just lost a loved one in January and am miserable, so all of this has been so hard. I hope things get better for you soon. ❤
Oh, Jess, I’m so sorry you lost someone you loved.
Thank you, Lisa. ❤
One of the reasons I’m posting here about all this, with less recreational content, is so others can know that those of us with bandwidth are focused on it. I am so sorry for your stress. xo
I enjoy your voice here, Kathy, and noticed fewer comments lately. I especially thought of you around the time of the LA fires, remembering you live there [or used to]. Hope things will ease up for you.
Thank you for this Lisa – all good sources. And thanks for the lighter entertainment suggestions too. Both sound promising.
You’re very welcome. Feel free to add more sources, anyone, if something comes to mind, not to mention coming back to exclaim over no-longer-young and better for it Mr. Wyle;).
Wonderful post and suggestions. Thank you!
You are very, very welcome.
I agree with those who’ve pointed out that 1875 is what you get in COBOL when your date field is a dud.
It’s been my experience that Social Security is extremely efficient at cutting off payments to those who’ve passed on.
I think Musks maraud through Federal databases has mostly been to show that he can and will if people don’t toe the line. It’s a sword hanging over Senators who might decide to oppose him.
I love that you have COBOL street cred. Musk would have cut a lot deeper if he’d you on his team, but my guess is that he could only recruit kids with little to lose to do blatantly illegal things.
The person I read and listen to is Whitney Webb. She’s the best if you can stomach uncomfortable truth and withstand her unflinching dedication to going where her rigorous research takes her. Current events are tied to goals people in power don’t say out loud.
She’s at UnlimitedHangout.com. She’s an independent journalist that digs deeper than anyone I know of, and seems to have a photographic memory for facts and history. She is incredible at connecting dots.
This is not someone I’d ever heard of! Where did you find out about her? On the site I see mostly stories about Epstein, but maybe I am missing other word?
I don’t recall how I heard of her. Check out the podcasts on her site as well as her book.
Other sites you can look at are MintPress News, The Last American Vagabond, The Conscious Resistance.
I have never posted on any internet site before now. First, thank you, Lisa, for your wise counsel. I began following you years ago because of your fashion commentary and quickly realized there is so much more depth and breadth to your writing. Therefore, I continue to read. To those who are feeling that the rest of the country is OK with the Trump administration’s actions during the past 3 weeks, know that the opposition is beginning to fully form. I live in a part of the US where some of the finest public servants are filing suit against the administration’s activity that is illegal and they are winning – at least for now – in the courts of judges appointed by both Republicans and Democrats. Some of our most vocal Democrats in the House and Senate and some Republican public servants are using their platform to speak the truth. Watch independent news sources for information about economic blackouts and boycotts being planned across the nation. If you have the bandwidth, one of the simplest things you can do is call or email (through their official website) your DC senators and rep to let them know your concerns. And thank them if you like what they are doing. We do have power. Do not lose hope. This is the objective of the present administration – to wear people down. We have been here before as a nation, but ultimately our democracy prevailed because people like you cared about it and about each other…regardless of political affiliation.
Linda, I’m honored that you’ve kept reading as Dries van Noten, Loewe and UNIQLO took a back seat. Thank you very much for this post. What you say aligns with what I’m reading. We can expect protests this week, and as many House reps are home for recess, it’s one of the best times to pay an in person visit if you have the time and fortitude. Their job is to hear us, and I’ve read (but not confirmed) that Republicans contact their reps much more than Democrats have, traditionally. We can change that, if it’s true, and we do have power. The power of public opinion is huge. There is no mandate for what’s being done to our systems of governance.
Thank you for the information and for the community.
Hi! I want to reiterate that we are not alone in our opposition, and that our voices have power. I feel better when I’m taking concrete action, so these are some things that I’m doing.
1. Here is a website where you can find out about events near you: https://indivisible.org . My husband and I have gone to three protests, most recently at our state capitol an hour away, and will be going to one at Portland City Hall on Monday. There are a lot of protests happening on Presidents’ Day. I understand that not everyone has the time or space to attend a protest, but I am recently retired and am able to do this. I think we have to keep showing up. Plus, it feels good to see that there are others who are resistant! I need to make some protest signs!
2. Here is a non-partisan website, https://www.goodsuniteus.com, where you can look up companies and brands to see how they spend their profits politically. I have been trying not to use Amazon. Another way that everyone can put her money where her mouth is.
3. There is an app and website I’ve heard of called FiveCalls.org. This makes it easy(ier) to contact your representatives and express your concerns or appreciation. They have a lot of information there and even sample scripts. Five minutes, five calls. I haven’t done this yet, but it’s on my list!
4. I’m also exploring volunteering for my local county democrats, in the spirit of think globally, act locally!
5. Subscribing to Heather Cox Richardson’s Letter from an American. She is a historian/professor. I admit that some days it is difficult to read her columns.
Also, there is a Buy Nothing Day scheduled for Feb 28, to demonstrate that we as consumers have power.
I hope some might find this helpful. Thank you for using your platform to share information!
This is all very helpful. I have begun to pass around these resources to my like-minded friends. I think it’s important that we share the information and guidance we find useful with each other. I especially appreciate that you get out and protest. Thank you.
Thanks, Lisa -for this community! Also: Simon Rosenberg of Hopium (https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/) –very helpful to see that all across the country there are people in opposition to the man who occupies the White House. I write nearly daily to various politicians about what I want in our country: for them to get out and meet as many people possible and see what the issues are. See the interview with Ruben Gallegos, Senator from Arizona, in the New York Times for what good leadership can provide (you can access his interview for free).
Try to not purchase from those who gave to the inaugural. Sheryl Crow sold her Tesla!
And will watch Resident Aliens!
So great to hear about your consistent and persistent efforts. Thank you.
Here is one more link, from Olwyn. The text was too long to fit on the blog, so I’m posting the link for her. It’s a theory about Elon Musk, Peter Thiel and a possible agenda.
(2/14 UPDATE: I’ve created a Substack and reposted this with links and sources for anyone wanting to do further research: https://substack.com/home/post/p-157052044?source=queue )
Diane Higham
Mountain Palm
Paauilo, Hawaii
Just want to comment that I am impressed with all the comments here about what to do in the face of this heinous administration and their attempt to destroy this country. I have downloaded the 5calls app to my phone and try to call my representatives daily. It’s quite telling that for the past couple of days I cannot reach anyone or leave a voicemail for either of my senators (red state here)!