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! 💜
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
Juliet: It’s not overkill. I’m glad you made your phone or computer safer. Without laws and releasing criminals from jail (and musk getting our private info (I expect the security freezes I put on the three credit companies will be useless) crime to go up. putin’s puppets will blame it on everyone but themselves by lying. Years ago, I had Capitol One free credit card (no interest or something like that). I chopped it up and sent back after a couple of weeks due to the number of errors due to their issues. I don’t use apps on my phone and when I see my spouse doing that, I shut up but it’s annoying :) .
You lost me when you started with ways to bug out and leave the country. If we all can’t fight for our country against obvious fascism then what’s the point? Leaving isn’t an option for me.
We have to let folks cope however they need to. When I was younger and more resilient, I was in the streets and mouthing off. Now that I’m old and poor, I would leave tomorrow if I could find a way. Yes, we all should be fighting as hard as we can, especially if we have privilege! If I were privileged I would feel obligated to help others first. Unfortunately, everyone doesn’t feel that way, and they may even have a good reason to feel that way. We won’t help anybody by wrangling about that. I hope those that can figure out how to leave will share their info just in case it opens doors for others in some way. I do also hope that white folks remember that nonwhites will be so much more in danger and will have some empathy and compassion for them, and will feel compelled to assist in any way they can.
Yes, Denise, self-preservation is built into our D.N.A. I am outraged by the effort by this Administration to obliterate transgender Americans from public life. I have personally known two magnificent transgender women. What is their future in this dystopian nightmare? I will do whatever I can legally do to protect our democracy from fascism but I’m not self- destructive. Thank you for your past activism. May God bless you and protect you!
That is the worst part, isn’t it! Instead of looking at us all as human beings, we get divided into boxes and labeled worthy or non worthy. Such a cruel way to live life! I hope we all can survive!
Some people are - or have loved ones who are - very likely to be in grave physical danger if things continue to go south. Having a plan to get them to safety so they are not rounded up to perish in a camp (or just summarily executed) is wise. The more brave souls who can stay and work for change the better - but for some, fleeing for their life before the collapse is the only option.
I understand, but I don’t exactly want to die and leave my younger daughters alive to have a lifetime of rape and torture. I’d rather all 3 of us die at the same time or make an attempt to leave.
You can continue to support democracy from abroad. My husband and I moved to the EU one year into 45’s administration. We volunteer our time, continue to vote, boycott companies that support this administration, and write our elected representatives regularly about important issues. It may not be an option for you but it was the right decision for us and it is for others as well.
Well, even though there’s much that unites us, “we all” have very unique life circumstances. My hope and dream would be that everyone would stay and fight AND I have heard some very convincing, heart-wrenching stories from people who can’t.
Good point. However, I think children must be protected from fascism. I doubt I will leave the country but worry about my great-grandchildren. Thanks for writing.
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.
I posted a comment about freezing credit reports but musk has guys working for him that can probably get around anything we do.
Also check your bank holdings. If they’re holding a lot of real estate, you may want to consider moving it elsewhere. We’re going to have to use other banks (I like the interest but we don’t have a government so fdic and other insurers will be useless).
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.
I really don’t like worrying myself about all the unknown. I dislike worrying others more but, we have to do what we can. I was fretting for months and voiced my concern but it appeared to be finally heard this Tues. morning so we hustled to get the 401k moved. It’s no longer in the market and it’s safe for now. Good luck.
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?
Sometimes we do “lucky” things but not often. I’m in the news (in nightmares when sleeping …) and I saw more bad stuff in the horizon. Part of that was due to a stable fund being stripped out and a couple of riskier funds replaced it and one without any data about it because it was so new.
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.
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! 💜
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.
Juliet: It’s not overkill. I’m glad you made your phone or computer safer. Without laws and releasing criminals from jail (and musk getting our private info (I expect the security freezes I put on the three credit companies will be useless) crime to go up. putin’s puppets will blame it on everyone but themselves by lying. Years ago, I had Capitol One free credit card (no interest or something like that). I chopped it up and sent back after a couple of weeks due to the number of errors due to their issues. I don’t use apps on my phone and when I see my spouse doing that, I shut up but it’s annoying :) .
You lost me when you started with ways to bug out and leave the country. If we all can’t fight for our country against obvious fascism then what’s the point? Leaving isn’t an option for me.
We have to let folks cope however they need to. When I was younger and more resilient, I was in the streets and mouthing off. Now that I’m old and poor, I would leave tomorrow if I could find a way. Yes, we all should be fighting as hard as we can, especially if we have privilege! If I were privileged I would feel obligated to help others first. Unfortunately, everyone doesn’t feel that way, and they may even have a good reason to feel that way. We won’t help anybody by wrangling about that. I hope those that can figure out how to leave will share their info just in case it opens doors for others in some way. I do also hope that white folks remember that nonwhites will be so much more in danger and will have some empathy and compassion for them, and will feel compelled to assist in any way they can.
Yes, Denise, self-preservation is built into our D.N.A. I am outraged by the effort by this Administration to obliterate transgender Americans from public life. I have personally known two magnificent transgender women. What is their future in this dystopian nightmare? I will do whatever I can legally do to protect our democracy from fascism but I’m not self- destructive. Thank you for your past activism. May God bless you and protect you!
I have a transgender niece - she’s a fighter, which both makes me proud and frightened for her. It’s a horrific situation.
That is the worst part, isn’t it! Instead of looking at us all as human beings, we get divided into boxes and labeled worthy or non worthy. Such a cruel way to live life! I hope we all can survive!
Thanks for stating this kind and essential truth with such eloquence. As a poor, old, Black, woman, I felt every word of your Comment.
Really good points, Denise, and well said. 🙌
Some people are - or have loved ones who are - very likely to be in grave physical danger if things continue to go south. Having a plan to get them to safety so they are not rounded up to perish in a camp (or just summarily executed) is wise. The more brave souls who can stay and work for change the better - but for some, fleeing for their life before the collapse is the only option.
If your life is that desperate that you must consider leaving, then by all means do so.
I understand, but I don’t exactly want to die and leave my younger daughters alive to have a lifetime of rape and torture. I’d rather all 3 of us die at the same time or make an attempt to leave.
You can continue to support democracy from abroad. My husband and I moved to the EU one year into 45’s administration. We volunteer our time, continue to vote, boycott companies that support this administration, and write our elected representatives regularly about important issues. It may not be an option for you but it was the right decision for us and it is for others as well.
Well, even though there’s much that unites us, “we all” have very unique life circumstances. My hope and dream would be that everyone would stay and fight AND I have heard some very convincing, heart-wrenching stories from people who can’t.
Good point. However, I think children must be protected from fascism. I doubt I will leave the country but worry about my great-grandchildren. Thanks for writing.
Same!
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.
I posted a comment about freezing credit reports but musk has guys working for him that can probably get around anything we do.
Also check your bank holdings. If they’re holding a lot of real estate, you may want to consider moving it elsewhere. We’re going to have to use other banks (I like the interest but we don’t have a government so fdic and other insurers will be useless).
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.
I really don’t like worrying myself about all the unknown. I dislike worrying others more but, we have to do what we can. I was fretting for months and voiced my concern but it appeared to be finally heard this Tues. morning so we hustled to get the 401k moved. It’s no longer in the market and it’s safe for now. Good luck.
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.
Sometimes we do “lucky” things but not often. I’m in the news (in nightmares when sleeping …) and I saw more bad stuff in the horizon. Part of that was due to a stable fund being stripped out and a couple of riskier funds replaced it and one without any data about it because it was so new.
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.
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.
Totally the wrong point of view—democracy actually fell in 1981. We need to prepare for the rise of democracy.
I love how you flipped that!!!
Good attitude for those of us who stay.
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?
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.