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I truly feel ill. We are screwed. They are taking over the US government. I cannot believe that article in the WSJ by the broligarchs. We need to take some action. I’m not a lawyer. What can I do? I am trying to take positive steps; if I don’t take action, I get swamped with fear, anger, despair. I am meeting with my local Democratic chapter this Saturday. And I will work to make sure New Jersey keeps a blue governor, I will take that positive action. …I want to add that I don’t watch the news ..but read and it’s difficult to avoid finding out about Dump’s abhorrent cabinet picks. I don’t want to be ignorant of what he/ they are doing. I have to, at the least, call my representatives…the public outcry is what forced Gaetz out. We need to resist.

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Disinformation will be exposed when the economy crashes. People who are hungry, sick and poor won't tolerate tyrants. Once the pain is severe enough, for enough people, the revolution begins. My suggestion is we have 18 mths to make that happen so we can flip the house and senate in '26. Think ahead. Buy anything you may need in the next 2 years now. That includes autos, appliances, tvs, household goods, food, meds.. etc. That will help Biden's economy go out strong. Then come Jan 6th, STOP SPENDING with big corps and Maga businesses. We need to SAVE money like we are going to lose jobs, and take cuts to other services plus see tax and rate hikes. Because we will. If and when people stop spending the economy will go down the tubes. The sooner the better for a quick turn around. And please, for your health's sake, STOP WATCHING THE NEWS! Go for a walk, read a novel, listen to music, find a hobby and beat your technology addiction! There are plenty of other people out there that will join you! Blessings!

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Wow...interesting advice, especially about getting supplies in advance of Biden leaving office, and then spending only locally. That may be a challenge, but thinking I will try it.

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We can start out boycotting/canceling teslas (musk), starling (musk), PayPal (thiel), Amazon (bezos), whole foods (bezos). Little things. Love T Allen's ideas of making big purchases before jjan. 6 or 20. I am still donating to Harris. She is helping with the counts and curing of votes. Write to her and beg her to be our out of office spokesperson. Remember how Trump never stopped yapping when he held no position? We need that.

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"I'm stocking up on supplies, I fully expect these morons to crash the economy and tank the dollar within a year." Deb Haaland's post on Blue Sky

https://bsky.app/profile/debhaalandnm.bsky.social/post/3lb24mq2nbs2r

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I think it makes sense to take care of any business you have now, while things still work. While contract law is still in effect.

Things like... car repair, dental work, estate planning, making sure your passport is current, having cash on hand, and, probably, preparing for natural disasters.

And extending and deepening your social network.

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I have a GREAT dentist in Mexico. Excellent care at a third the cost. American Biodental.

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Good idea!

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I like the way you think! I have gone on a news fast since the election and am finally sleeping well and enjoying my (non virtual) life with friends and family. There will be huge economic consequences for this administration, and as an infamous Philly politician once said "money talks, bullshit walks". A bad economy will be the best revolution against 47.

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IF we can guarantee that our elections are, and will be, free and fair. I think that’s a big “if.”

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Frogs -;

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Pamsy, I think it's a definite no. The fogs are boiled.

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I share your concerns - two weeks ago I began looking at replacing my car before tariffs increase costs. Also, I suggest if you need any government documents (e.g. Passport, TSA PreCheck etc.), you take care of that now because when Trump's KAOS (i.e. Deconstruction) administration takes office, I believe we'll see a mass exodus (or firing) of non-partisan government workers. Federal government dysfunction will reign supreme over the next 4 years.

As for disinformation being exposed, just know that if the economy falls into recession (which I believe will happen) and people stop spending (a natural outcome), Trump will blame Democrats for the recession. In other words, there will be disinformation on top of disinformation.

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I think stocking up is a good idea, then going scorched earth…prices will definitely go up …My family and I are going to renew our passports now...

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Trump will take credit for Biden’s economy in the 6 months following his inauguration That is a fact

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You’re right! Trumpistas and other Republicans lied about the Biden economy, claiming it was bad. Once in office, they’ll attempt to take credit for its momentum, which will likely carry six months or so into the new Trump era.

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I agree with all of what you say T Allen. Great advice . I was just discussing our current (2024) purchasing power with my husband this week. Buying bigger items now also makes sense if the Felon really plans to exert tariffs. I plan on only necessary spending in 2025-26.

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That's a great comment. You've spurred me on to replace my washer/dryer now. I'm ill today so I brought my computer upstairs. But I've made a point to leave both my phone and my laptop downstairs every evening. We don't have a tv so watching the news is not an option. Your recommendations for staying sane are excellent. Thank you.

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Interesting plan... I like it.

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You mirror my feelings. I am ready to resist as well. However, if disinformation played a role in this loss, and I believe it did, how will we right the ship in future elections when the levers of power are in their hands?

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I hear you. I feel ok most days and then the enormity of the corruption just overwhelms me. Yes, the disinformation and the media hose of lies is overwhelming. How can we take back the media? Also the voter suppression issues are real. How can we fight these corrupt appointments when the GOP has just capitulated and become the party of autocracy?

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Ellen here-Kathy, consider supporting ACLU and Southern Poverty Law Center. They are always working to protect our freedoms but it will become increasingly difficult to keep up with the sheer numbers of lawsuits too file. Except for ourselves. they remain our most effective guardrail in the coming chaos.

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Counteract the disinformation by calling it out and countering when you hear it in your personal interactions with your friends, loved ones and acquaintences. It's difficult and painful and feels so much better just to avoid the conflict. I have been guilty of that. I'm telling myself I'm not going to do that anymore and instead will challenge. Wish me luck.

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I agree. I thinking about writing some Biden/Harris facts on an index card to use in conversation. I'm also going to check out Braver Angels and their sessions on effective communication. Harris is right. There is more that unites than divides us, but Trump/MAGA will do everything they can to keep that from happening.

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Common Cause on Zoom gives virtual guidance for conversations with family and friends.

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Ditto. So far, I have focused my action on writing letters to 8 Republican senators (in addition to mh two) who might vote not to approve Gaetz, Hegseth, Gabbard, and/or Kennedy.I want them to know that they should do their constitutional duty, and not rubber stamp unqualified/dangerous nominees.

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Please visit Indivisible.org to find a local group near you. If there isn’t one, you can get help starting one.

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On mobilize.us, Indivisible Virtual Coffee with Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg Zoom is super helpful. They provide a free 30-page Guide, and they gave me Hope.

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Calling the annoyance of Trump’s nominees " a clown show" is the ultimate insult to clowns.

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It is not a « clown show » – there’s nothing to laugh at. It’s a serious wrecking ball show.

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That, Michael, is exactly what keeps me up at night. Fascists have no sense of humor. They are deadly serious about the wrecking ball.

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Thank you Kathy. Your words here matter. You inspire others to DO SOMETHING, as Michele urged us to do. Don't sell yourself short please. Your words matter, and your service to our country is vital. Stay well !! Oh, and remember monitor yourself for conscious, steady breathing. You are doing the right things.

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Thank you for your kind words of support! You’ve really helped ! I feel like what can I do, as Dump and the criminals are so powerful and I feel very small right now. We need to band together.

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Hi Kathy, I think there are lots of us who feel as you do. When I get down, I try to remember how many of us voted for Harris/Walz and who are committed to work for a better, saner, safer, and happier America.

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Kathy, I totally agree that America and democracy are screwed. The anxiety about what's coming can most definitely be overwhelming. My outlet for my angst is working with my Indivisible group to do all we can to combat the darkness. For example, we just wrote postcards for a MS Supreme Court candidate. It felt good to be doing something positive and constructive. We are planning for 2025 and beyond. Join an Indivisible or similar group, i.e. Swing Left is an example, as we all work together for a sane and safe future.

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Join organizations like Lawyers Defending American Democracy! And write/call/email all your representatives in Congress.

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Boycotts? General strikes? We need to hit them where it hurts (their wallets).

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Money appears to be the only thing these folks deem important. I found a bookmark in a used book I bought. The back of the bookmark lists the following from the Office of Educational Research and Development 1996. 25 million children in the U.S. today cannot read proficiently.65% of 4th grade students do no read at a proficient level. 2/3 of children experiencing poverty have no books to call their own. The bookmark was created by Reading is Fundamental (RIF.org). Those children are now adults. It's a sobering thought.

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Thank you for this comment. I too feel ill and last night I pretty much fell apart after learning about Trump's list of unqualified and dangerous candidates. I refuse to be bullied by these folks, but some days are harder to take than others. Simon Rosenberg has a terrific interview with Abigail Spanberger who is running for Governor of Virginia in 2025. I got teary watching the interview because she is so competent and qualified. A welcome contrast to the quite repulsive and incompetent cabinet picks by Trump. We're all going to need to shore each other up over the next four years.

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