Laura, WP has been doing a number on comments – I just now received this very passionate comment you wrote. Your sentiments seem increasingly more salient & true with each passing day. I refuse to give up hope!

I am very grateful to those who have chosen to stay and fight for social change in ways that only they can. I have benefitted from them, and I hope my grandchildren will also benefit from and learn from as well as be those strong and courageous human beings! This country is born from desires for better living for everyone. I would hate to see the fighters and champions succumb to those who are greedy and demand complete control over the masses.

Good point about social media and bots. I will look into BlueSky, although I honestly prefer to skip social media altogether these days.

Thanks for your belief in me and sharing some examples of local people working together for good. Reminders that this kind of compassion does still exist, even if it is not widely reported on or highly visible, is good for my soul.

*virtual hugs*

You are more than welcome, Marie.

Sadly, yes…

Michelle, there’s so much in this installment of your story that I’d want to speak to. Like you, I was disheartened by the apparent glee that some people exhibited when USAID was cut. Even if people didn’t really understand what USAID was about (and there definitely was a great deal of ignorance), how could anyone gleefully support cutting funds for vulnerable people.

I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if most of the negative comments you saw online came from bots. Again, sadly, that’s how so many of these social media platforms work, especially Twitter/X, with bots drowning out the voices of reasonable people. I’ll put a pitch in here for BlueSky. Although bots do pop up, generally I’ve found people on BlueSky to be civil.

I hope you do find another job doing what you love to do. I see in this country, states are organizing to fill the gaps that the current administration is creating. A coalition of northeastern states and another of western states are looking to directly work with pharmaceutical companies to ensure their residents have access to the COVID vaccine. Recently I heard that CA, OR, and WA are working with provinces in western Canada to pool resources for fighting wildfires.

That’s just a couple of “local” examples of people trying to do the right thing. I believe you will find your place again. I believe this because I believe in you.

Thank you again for sharing your story. I wish you the best.
(note: comment edited for length, LBL)

Even if your representatives are not paying attention, you are making yourself heard and not sitting idly by. Thank you for the actions you are taking.

Thank you for your kindness. It is uplifting.