Hilariously, I have about the same number saved. It’s all kinds of places that I’ve been, want to go to, or just want to keep saved as reference, from all over the world. They just kinda built up over the years and I’m thankful for this thread because I want to make the switch.

Absolutely stellar breakdown.

We’re in an era where money is power, and it affords you the time, energy, and other resources to mostly ignore anything you want, even laws. While the working class comparatively has little to no control over their few resources, those that organize are doing so because they feel they have no other choice, and it’s literally about survival. I’m sure most folks involved in protests have important things to do in their daily lives and they wouldn’t be demonstrating en masse unless it was deemed important.

Strength in numbers is all we have, and to understand the scope of an issue, we must organize, educate, and then disrupt and demonstrate if we ever hope to reform or dismantle systems that continue to exploit every single thing with value in this world. We’re seeing the consequences of inaction in real time, and guess what? Climate and ecosystem collapse + severe economic inequality is what we get when we do nothing to course correct.

Moving past feeling “lucky” to be able to pursue my desires in life, I can’t help but feel shame when I reflect on the multitude of reasons why Afghanistan has deteriorated to this state. Yet another tragic victim of foreign invasion and meddling, of which my country is complicit.

Such a good blog post. It covers so much important information in an entertainingly snarky tone.

You know that effect you get when you stare at a dancing soap bubble in the sunlight? All of those! 😊

I’m such a major fan of the FTC and Chair Khan right now. This is spot on.

Pixelated, even!

I think I get how this can be related to politics, but maybe the discussion lies in the conditions where capitalism is positioned to thrive off of the backs of working class folks by stealing their precious little free time.

You talk about the effect that it has and that does have value. But if we’re to learn how to fight against oppressive systems, we have to start somewhere by focusing on a sector to improve the awareness or interest in, say, mutual aid networks.

How do they serve us, the working class, and how might we reclaim this precious free time by changing our approach to something we do day to day? Fighting capitalism and oppression takes time because we have to learn why we’re being oppressed.

And if I may, you might focus on union busting tactics and legislation. What’s the friendliness factor toward labor movements in your local government? Who in your city council is a thorn in the side of labor movements? How do they systematically prevent people from helping people through collective action?

Just a few observations and thoughts that might get any conversation on track. Hope it’s helpful!

That really puts it in perspective.

It’s not smooth, but it sure acts like it sometimes.

It’s always disturbing to see the influence that money has on information flow. Kudos to Bianca Graulau for having immense journalistic integrity and not backing down on sharing this story!

This is my hope as well. As a mostly independent voter, she’s gonna have to do more to convince the Greens, PSLs, and Liberals that she won’t renege on things she’s signaled have her support and what will be challenged.

The fact that so many international companies have decided to side with a major aggressor during this terrible event in history is one of the most awful things I didn’t expect to witness. We all know that big business and money shapes world politics, but damn… This is straight up horrible. It could be any of us for any reason moving forward.

There is a procedure in place for granting permits to industry like this in every state. In New York, for example, when a potential site is selected, the business must apply for the permit to build and goes through a process of reviewing environmental and human harms in the area based on their operations. They are also required to notify residents and hold public participation events to ensure residents can ask questions about the development. “Good neighbor laws” are sorely needed in Texas, but the state would never allow that cause there’s no money to be made in protecting the people and the planet.

Same, and so many others I know share this sentiment. We’re working on it by advocating for a just, equitable, and overall better world. Keep spreading this message!

Thank you, I appreciate it as well! 🙌🏽🫶🏽

Solidarity, comrade! All of your comments are welcomed - not a ramble at all. Excellent points, and doubly so for me because several of my loved ones identify with having “invisible” disabilities.

I’m with you on the last paragraph 1000%. Biden isn’t left enough for me, so I’m going Green this year.

I’m sorry to hear that. It sucks to be burned by people when you’re just trying to do the right thing. I keep wanting to hold out hope that we can, against all odds, find ways to build bridges where it seems impossible. Maybe it’s not quite there yet, but I’m hoping they can see the writing on the wall sooner or later. Say if they experience one bad weather event, maybe they put hate aside and really start acting on addressing climate change. Not all of them will be convinced, but I’m seeing the tide change for the better and that’s reason enough for hope to remain alive for me. My wishes for you too to stay hopeful, friend.

Dang, this reply is chock full of truth and good reminders. I fully agree with the need for helping with no strings attached, and it harms others when the help comes with stipulations. You also reminded me that it’s important to outwardly recognize that everyone has a strength, so ensuring people can exercise that talent in a safe space is what enriches and sustains a community. Also most importantly, you mention a reliable communication device, plus electricity access – such good points to keep in mind as we find ways to connect folks that are overburdened from climate change and other systemic pressure with these resources. Amazing, thank you for this!