Though we would prefer to concentrate our efforts solely on fowl, this is a topic that unfortunately demands all of our attention:
As you are likely aware, the United States is rapidly approaching a form of government known as fascism.
Under fascism we are all affected. We lose funding to our schools, jobs are harder to get/keep, prices for darn near everything goes up (especially eggs when you add in Avian Flu), and you start to lose the thread on what is real and what isn’t. This isn’t normal and it’s not acceptable.
Regarding that last point on what is real and what isn’t, let’s start with a list of what all decent people can agree on:
1) Nazis and white supremacists are bad people, as are those who sympathize with them.
2) Even if our democracy isn’t perfect, fascism is not better, and we would not benefit from it.
3) All people deserve to be treated humanely regardless of any wrongdoing, real or perceived.
4) We as Americans all have the right to simply exist without fear of persecution from our government.
Whether you voted for him or not, we are all in the same boat now.
Fascism Affects Us All
What Can We Do?
The time has come where remaining silent is no longer an option. Time and time again it has been community, support, love, and unity that has abolished the oppressive regimes of the past. Fascism only functions with an obedient, suppressed society that is either willing or complacent with the status quo. It makes no difference to Donald Trump or Elon Musk how you feel about any of their actions as long as you stay silent and do as you’re told, so don’t.
Action Items:
Talk to your neighbors or get to know who they are if you don’t. Strengthen relationships within your community.
Do you paint, draw, write, or engage in other art? Share something to inspire others in your area and/or online.
Boycott oppressive establishments and corporations that rely on workers, customers, and public support.
Engage with mass resistance and liberties afforded under the 1st amendment. Attend rallies, be vocal, cause disruption.
Do not normalize authoritarian policies. Call out each infringement on rights, no matter how small.
Related to point #2, I drive past a homemade, wooden ‘Black Lives Matter’ sign on Nicollet that’s been up since 2020, and just seeing that gives me a boost of strength and motivation EVERY DAY. Signs, symbols, and gestures become so important to our everyday lives. Think about the things that have inspired you in the past or made you feel like you’re not alone. It’s amazing what a single random of act of kindness can do for someone, imagine what a collective act of resistance could do.
Finally, if you’re trying to change that family member or friends mind, don’t. I truly believe that most people are good, but at this point, you’re not going to change anyone’s mind. They need to do that themselves, but you CAN help. Instead of outrage or judgement, ask a question. Starting with a simple “why do you feel that way?” can do a lot. Doing this without judgement allows them the space to open up (if they want to). I know this may be more grace than they would be willing to extend to you, but that doesn’t matter, because, like it or not, we are all in the same boat now.