I like the direction this takes (and the optimism) and it's absolutely true that our democracy has never quite been what it ought to be. I understand the almost deification of the Democratic party recently because we desperately needed some type of hope but while much improved over the GOP, it didn't do much to help us avoid our current nightmare.

I belong to a local group whose mission is to facilitate understanding of the Black experience within the White community and it's been tremendously successful ... but they recognize their vulnerability and have taken a recent break, and that knocked the wind out of me big time. Hopefully we can find ways to reorganize at the local level in a way that can build a stronger government so this doesn't happen again ... presuming we can survive this one.

I'm going to a meeting with my daughter in law next week to pick each other's brains and network, see what subjects we are going to gather for and get others to join us. It's a start but during these next four years we're going to need to get things done.

IMHO, the biggest single thing to learn and develop is learning how to see and hear dis and mis information and maintaining a well oiled bullshit meter! Then hone the skills needed to communicate effectively. Gotta ditch the emotions and stick with facts. I tend to get too pedantic, always wanting to put too fine a point - need to not let my head get pointed!! LOL
Thanks for posting this!!

I'm feeling very dejected about how things are going.

I do have a local Indivisible group, but I stopped attending gatherings as I didn't feel it would be enough to stop the direction of the election. (I actually thought Harris would win, without my help.)

So, I might become more active in that, or participate in more of the events.

I don't have a lot of extra money, but I've decided to start donating more to the organizations I believe in. ACLU, FFRF, NPR, and support my news sources that I believe are sussing out the truth.

I worry about Facebook with the decision to start allowing disinformation unchecked. I'm always skeptical about posts shared by others anyway. I do not share memes and claims that do not have factual sources backing them up.

I've always tried to keep my political views somewhat private from my neighbors as I don't want to create conflict, but conflict from "the other side" has already taken root, so I have to decide whether to keep my peace or start waging war right back. I don't like that second option, but I fear we are heading for a civil war, like it or not.

The internal war within our country might be fought mostly in the social media, false news outlets and clothing, flags, and other symbols, rather than face to face.

My strategy (at this time) with my immediate community which has a strong Trump force, is to just be as nice and fair minded as I can be, and stay true to my convictions that we CAN get along together if we seek some middle ground. I just am not a militant fighter as some others might be. I know, a weak strategy, but it's all I can do at this time.

We need to remember our system has been the main part of our government for over two centuries and so has deep roots.
Absolutely, knowledge is paramount. Unfortunately our 'wonderful' internet has sown the seeds of lies and conspiracy theories.
I've gone over all 29 items many, of which are difficult from a smallish island. However, each island has it's own paper which often gives state and national news. Our library is also one of the best small libraries in the state. It has been said we are the bluest state in the nation (aside from a few scofflaws on the East side (just ask Silverotter). I have joined an Indivisible group (which has one group in the county) and continue to learn and proudly be a part of the 'Woke' community.

A huge however, education and knowledge are resources. As such they are limited and many countries are seeing the limit to their resources especially education. Look around and it's happening everywhere and includes extreme environmental destruction of which is anthropogenic (human caused). The more of the most invasive and destructive species ever and the more our growing numbers and activities the more the harm to the natural forces on this planet. This time has been predicted by groups studying population growth for some 50 years. The problem is purely one of our form of constant growth (on a finite planet) economic system. It is not, in any way, sustainable and we are reaping the results.

Our outgoing governor (his replacement and the recent election of a majority of Democrats in the state will also be dedicated to the community). Inslee, grew up on my island, Lopez, hence his appreciation for nature. Here's something he recently stated as being where we will be going in the future.

[washingtonstatestandard.com]