Also the planning for the end articles and no emphasis on activism in my opinion is missing a key piece. We need each other right now. Those who have immense privilege should be using that to help protect your community.
I keep reading this sentiment across social media. Surely I’m not the only person who does not have community or family or privilege to “help protect my community” (not really sure what that means).
In theory, I agree but the emphasis on needing each other and needing community is relatively new in many parts of the culture. The emphasis has been on getting yourself and your family ahead, prosperity for just your chosen few. It’s a huge shift to get those people to now think with humanitarian largesse.
Curious your thoughts now in late April seeing all the protests etc. Are you seeing positive change in that direction? Do you feel like things have shifted? I definitely agree with you and am feeling like people are beginning to see that we need to band together.
I see and feel a tremendous shift, in myself as well as the parts of the general population that I encounter online. My mood and perspective about America's future are enjoying an undeniable boost -- watching (and participating in) the 50501, HandsOff, etc. actions; Cory Booker's record-breaking address to Congress, Chris Van Hollen's heroic generosity; AOC&Bernie's electrifying Fighting Oligarchy tour...
But while my Bluesky feed is full of evidence that people are uniting and energized around a shared mission to save American democracy, I'm surprised by how little of that energy I see or feel here in the Kansas town where I live. I'm not disheartened by this curious silence; the excitement and commitment in other parts of the country are contagious and I have begun to feel tiny inklings of hope. I'm also connecting virtually with groups like Red, Wine, and Blue.
That’s similar to my community. I went to Boston 4/5, and was blown away by how peaceful and cordial it was. Here at home it feels like ho hum biz as usual which makes me feel like maybe I’m a little crazy. Cognitive dissonance! I think as things get more difficult more people will wake up. I’m happy to see you’re seeing some change and feeling positive! 💜
Yes but it’s actually the shift we need to make. Because it’s actually how we stop people going the way of the narcissistic
maga type cult and Alao how people get through horrific times. It’s what they did in war times . It’s what we need to adopt. And it starts by talking in spaces like this and organizing .
I totally agree. Just saying that it's not as instinctual for 21st century Americans to turn to neighbors. As you see in my later comments, I can feel something turning, some kind of communal coming together is happening. Now that the masks are off and we can see the fascistic face of MAGA, I think people will be even more inclined to reach out to each other.
The only one I disagree with presently is the capital one shopping app. I deleted the extension due to its capacity to spy on my internet activity. Maybe it’s overkill but I’m looking at doubling down on privacy
And touch base with the seniors in your life to help them. I recently put freezes on both of my parents’ credit because they didn’t even know what it was and were unsure how to do it.
Thank you for mentioning that. Sigh…it’s worse than we anticipated. Saw a lot coming, but at this level…I need to talk to my husband about moving our money.
Where did you move your 401k. I mean I don’t need specifics but did you move it from one type of acct to another? Or one financial institution to another?
For those who are thinking of leaving the country: only you know your situation. But if you are leaving, please consider yourself to be DOUBLY responsible for activism, as you are now safe.
It can never be the ethical thing to say everybody who's able to get out should do so, and forget the people who are left behind.
But many kinds of activism do not require that you be there in person. And demonstrating in other countries is also effective.
There's a woman I greatly admire who's on substack, Linda W. (Linda on Life Abroad). She has dual citizenship and is living in the EU for the foreseeable future. She has been organizing via Democrats Abroad and through a book group focused on understanding and responding to fascism.
She embodies this sense of responsibility to the United States especially for those who are currently safe elsewhere.
This is so helpful. Thank you for removing the panic and making it clear and rational. On the leaving section, where do you see yourself or clients researching to go? If things go the wrong direction, where would be safe and accessible?
Appreciate that. I’m having a meeting with a relocation expert that specializes in Spain in a couple weeks, and I’ll create a new post with my key findings.
I have been researching Spain for the last year. The biggest thing you need to prepare for is the taxes. Especially the wealth tax if you have a lot of assets.
I’m looking into Mexico City. Fabulous place, so much safer and saner than American cities. Central time zone and a four-hour nonstop flight to Chicago.
These tips are great. But for someone like me, lower income, no savings to speak of, no spare cash aside from pocket change and definitely no ability to exit, what are your other ideas? These seem to be middle to upper class ideas and I am trapped behind a red curtain in Utah. My blue community is spotty at best.
Community doesn't have to be local (though it definitely helps). There are some great virtual/online communities that can at least help alleviate the feeling of isolation and provide inspiration and moral support. I've been attending an Indivisible weekday Zoom that's based in IL:
Coffee and Conversation Zoom. M-F 9am Central time
This sounds like a list for privileged people who have a lot of time on their hands. Sorry, most people live paycheck to paycheck and couldn’t imagine having 6 months of cash on hand.
I think cash on hand (operating expenses) perhaps means just that. If the banks start to go sideways which is already beginning with the changes to staffing of the FDIC, there will be a point in time when they will limit withdrawals or freeze accounts without notice. At the very least try NOT to keep all your savings in one account. Or keep cash on hand. We purchased a fire/waterproof safe and bolted it to the floor (ground floor only). We have just about 3 months operating expenses but we are shooting to gradually build on that amount. We have one more large expense and then all spending stops. We are installing a whole house generator for worse case scenario, when Musk/Starlink starts fooling around with the grid, we will have an operational home. Best case, we will have protection when the power grid goes down from weather events. Also, added value to our home.
What if you have no money? I’m long-term under-employed and I know what do but don’t have money to do it. I’m dependent on my parents rn who are elderly (which is part of why I’m not keen on up and leaving - plus same money problem).
Is it really safe to have your emergency fund in a high yield account? I fear if electronic funds become obsolete or the system no longer functions- how would we be able to get our money out? Wouldn’t it be safer to have it in a local community bank or credit union?
Piss poor planning results in piss poor performance is what I always say. While your suggestion to immigrate to another country includes thorough research, it is harder now than ever to just move somewhere - unless you have heritage by descent, dual citizenship, are independently wealthy, or a high demand skill - moving abroad is going to be out of reach for most of us. Unless things really hit the fan and we’re able to claim asylum in other countries. I am urging Americans to understand that we all need to fight as I see and hear “I’ll just move when my red line is crossed” way too often and it creates cognitive dissonance between what is going on here and what people feel they can do about it. It’s incredibly privileged to think other countries will welcome us with open arms, or that we will be able to have the same lifestyle here as we do in another country. It is harder than ever to move abroad.
Well-said. And remember, last summer people in several European countries, such as Portugal, protested Americans moving there because extra bodies strain existing housing resources. Also important to note that this right-wing ideology is taking hold globally, not just in the U.S. Putin's goal is to destroy the West, all democratic states, not just the U.S.
I agree...I think it is already too late to leave. Maybe but only maybe the 2026 midterms can stem further descent into autocracy but that's a big maybe.
Also the planning for the end articles and no emphasis on activism in my opinion is missing a key piece. We need each other right now. Those who have immense privilege should be using that to help protect your community.
I keep reading this sentiment across social media. Surely I’m not the only person who does not have community or family or privilege to “help protect my community” (not really sure what that means).
In theory, I agree but the emphasis on needing each other and needing community is relatively new in many parts of the culture. The emphasis has been on getting yourself and your family ahead, prosperity for just your chosen few. It’s a huge shift to get those people to now think with humanitarian largesse.
Curious your thoughts now in late April seeing all the protests etc. Are you seeing positive change in that direction? Do you feel like things have shifted? I definitely agree with you and am feeling like people are beginning to see that we need to band together.
I see and feel a tremendous shift, in myself as well as the parts of the general population that I encounter online. My mood and perspective about America's future are enjoying an undeniable boost -- watching (and participating in) the 50501, HandsOff, etc. actions; Cory Booker's record-breaking address to Congress, Chris Van Hollen's heroic generosity; AOC&Bernie's electrifying Fighting Oligarchy tour...
But while my Bluesky feed is full of evidence that people are uniting and energized around a shared mission to save American democracy, I'm surprised by how little of that energy I see or feel here in the Kansas town where I live. I'm not disheartened by this curious silence; the excitement and commitment in other parts of the country are contagious and I have begun to feel tiny inklings of hope. I'm also connecting virtually with groups like Red, Wine, and Blue.
That’s similar to my community. I went to Boston 4/5, and was blown away by how peaceful and cordial it was. Here at home it feels like ho hum biz as usual which makes me feel like maybe I’m a little crazy. Cognitive dissonance! I think as things get more difficult more people will wake up. I’m happy to see you’re seeing some change and feeling positive! 💜
Yes but it’s actually the shift we need to make. Because it’s actually how we stop people going the way of the narcissistic
maga type cult and Alao how people get through horrific times. It’s what they did in war times . It’s what we need to adopt. And it starts by talking in spaces like this and organizing .
I totally agree. Just saying that it's not as instinctual for 21st century Americans to turn to neighbors. As you see in my later comments, I can feel something turning, some kind of communal coming together is happening. Now that the masks are off and we can see the fascistic face of MAGA, I think people will be even more inclined to reach out to each other.
Well this whole post is a grift to use her services, I don't think she's an activist.
The only one I disagree with presently is the capital one shopping app. I deleted the extension due to its capacity to spy on my internet activity. Maybe it’s overkill but I’m looking at doubling down on privacy
Valid!
Nope, you are 100% corect to be suspicious of any shopping extension spying on your browser activity.
I would add freeze credit reports and credit cards when not in use.
And touch base with the seniors in your life to help them. I recently put freezes on both of my parents’ credit because they didn’t even know what it was and were unsure how to do it.
Great point. Seniors are especially vulnerable, especially now.
Good idea. Thanks.
Thank you for mentioning that. Sigh…it’s worse than we anticipated. Saw a lot coming, but at this level…I need to talk to my husband about moving our money.
Where did you move your 401k. I mean I don’t need specifics but did you move it from one type of acct to another? Or one financial institution to another?
Same. Moved mine last month. My husband moved his and lost a lot already. He was pissed but said he should have paid closer attention.
For those who are thinking of leaving the country: only you know your situation. But if you are leaving, please consider yourself to be DOUBLY responsible for activism, as you are now safe.
It can never be the ethical thing to say everybody who's able to get out should do so, and forget the people who are left behind.
But many kinds of activism do not require that you be there in person. And demonstrating in other countries is also effective.
There's a woman I greatly admire who's on substack, Linda W. (Linda on Life Abroad). She has dual citizenship and is living in the EU for the foreseeable future. She has been organizing via Democrats Abroad and through a book group focused on understanding and responding to fascism.
She embodies this sense of responsibility to the United States especially for those who are currently safe elsewhere.
Excellent. I’ll look up Linda W.
The FDIC is being dismantled, which is something to keep in mind when considering where you keep your cash.
This is so helpful. Thank you for removing the panic and making it clear and rational. On the leaving section, where do you see yourself or clients researching to go? If things go the wrong direction, where would be safe and accessible?
Appreciate that. I’m having a meeting with a relocation expert that specializes in Spain in a couple weeks, and I’ll create a new post with my key findings.
I have been researching Spain for the last year. The biggest thing you need to prepare for is the taxes. Especially the wealth tax if you have a lot of assets.
I’m looking into Mexico City. Fabulous place, so much safer and saner than American cities. Central time zone and a four-hour nonstop flight to Chicago.
These tips are great. But for someone like me, lower income, no savings to speak of, no spare cash aside from pocket change and definitely no ability to exit, what are your other ideas? These seem to be middle to upper class ideas and I am trapped behind a red curtain in Utah. My blue community is spotty at best.
Community doesn't have to be local (though it definitely helps). There are some great virtual/online communities that can at least help alleviate the feeling of isolation and provide inspiration and moral support. I've been attending an Indivisible weekday Zoom that's based in IL:
Coffee and Conversation Zoom. M-F 9am Central time
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/602625/
This post has links in it to use her services. Don't fall for it.
so what? shes offering you valuable information, dont click on the link
Totally the wrong point of view—democracy actually fell in 1981. We need to prepare for the rise of democracy.
Good attitude for those of us who stay.
I love how you flipped that!!!
If it falls, it is our duty to knock the shit out of the ones who knocked it down, then bandage it up and set it on its feet again.
This sounds like a list for privileged people who have a lot of time on their hands. Sorry, most people live paycheck to paycheck and couldn’t imagine having 6 months of cash on hand.
It's a lost full of links to use her financial services.
I think cash on hand (operating expenses) perhaps means just that. If the banks start to go sideways which is already beginning with the changes to staffing of the FDIC, there will be a point in time when they will limit withdrawals or freeze accounts without notice. At the very least try NOT to keep all your savings in one account. Or keep cash on hand. We purchased a fire/waterproof safe and bolted it to the floor (ground floor only). We have just about 3 months operating expenses but we are shooting to gradually build on that amount. We have one more large expense and then all spending stops. We are installing a whole house generator for worse case scenario, when Musk/Starlink starts fooling around with the grid, we will have an operational home. Best case, we will have protection when the power grid goes down from weather events. Also, added value to our home.
What if you have no money? I’m long-term under-employed and I know what do but don’t have money to do it. I’m dependent on my parents rn who are elderly (which is part of why I’m not keen on up and leaving - plus same money problem).
I wish someone would write about the cost. And also, what to do when you get to where you’re going? Is there work?
Thank you for this, I’ve been struggling to get it all completed and trying to live a life.
You are of importance and so is the person whose life you’re trying to save. I hope you can find some peace and safety
Is it really safe to have your emergency fund in a high yield account? I fear if electronic funds become obsolete or the system no longer functions- how would we be able to get our money out? Wouldn’t it be safer to have it in a local community bank or credit union?
thats what I was wondering as well
Piss poor planning results in piss poor performance is what I always say. While your suggestion to immigrate to another country includes thorough research, it is harder now than ever to just move somewhere - unless you have heritage by descent, dual citizenship, are independently wealthy, or a high demand skill - moving abroad is going to be out of reach for most of us. Unless things really hit the fan and we’re able to claim asylum in other countries. I am urging Americans to understand that we all need to fight as I see and hear “I’ll just move when my red line is crossed” way too often and it creates cognitive dissonance between what is going on here and what people feel they can do about it. It’s incredibly privileged to think other countries will welcome us with open arms, or that we will be able to have the same lifestyle here as we do in another country. It is harder than ever to move abroad.
Well-said. And remember, last summer people in several European countries, such as Portugal, protested Americans moving there because extra bodies strain existing housing resources. Also important to note that this right-wing ideology is taking hold globally, not just in the U.S. Putin's goal is to destroy the West, all democratic states, not just the U.S.
Not a potential fall… it has fallen already. There is no longer a democracy. The US has become an autocracy that aligns with other World autocracies.
I agree...I think it is already too late to leave. Maybe but only maybe the 2026 midterms can stem further descent into autocracy but that's a big maybe.