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I know we should all be optimistic for a new era in the USA beginning with the inauguration of Biden, and... I may even be guardedly so.
But I want to take a moment to say some scary things out loud.
1/11
But I want to take a moment to say some scary things out loud.
1/11
I fear what we're really going to see is the entrance of a new center right regime (in the global sense) which won't be able to do anything while there is also an armed, radicalized, heavily propagandized and very disjointed insurgency that is millions strong.
2/11
2/11
I don't think most of the USA population has any idea what that can mean.
It's easy to say "oh pshaw, bad things can't happen here," and it's understandable to say "don't be a pessimist," but like... the thing is...
It is happening. It IS.
3/11
It's easy to say "oh pshaw, bad things can't happen here," and it's understandable to say "don't be a pessimist," but like... the thing is...
It is happening. It IS.
3/11
And it happens bit by bit and people keep being able to say "no, this is fine" just like the cartoon with the dog in the burning building, and all, just like the whole boiling a frog metaphor, and it is totally undesirable and unpleasant to be like "omg this is real."
4/11
4/11
So like... don't throw up your hands and give up in despair or whatever, but also don't be a total pollyanna about this.
Lots of people, millions of people, all around the world have lived through the decline and fall of their governments and nations.
5/11
Lots of people, millions of people, all around the world have lived through the decline and fall of their governments and nations.
5/11
Don't look away. Don't distance yourself.
Actually look at, say, Syria. Read about the former Yugoslavia. What went down in Rwanda? Follow a Bosnian. Read about where the phrase "banana republic" actually comes from. Who do you know in the former USSR?
6/11
Actually look at, say, Syria. Read about the former Yugoslavia. What went down in Rwanda? Follow a Bosnian. Read about where the phrase "banana republic" actually comes from. Who do you know in the former USSR?
6/11
Those are all places where people led their normal lives, some folks through the entirety of some really heavy shit.
The odds are very, very good that people in the USA will come to have some of those experiences. Some already have, like Nashville for Christmas.
7/11
The odds are very, very good that people in the USA will come to have some of those experiences. Some already have, like Nashville for Christmas.
7/11
A lot of my friends, when I say this kind of thing, are like "so what am I supposed to be doing to prepare, then?"
And I can't tell you specific things, but I can tell you: I think you should prepare yourself emotionally for the idea that MAJOR SHIT IS LIKELY TO GO DOWN.
8/11
And I can't tell you specific things, but I can tell you: I think you should prepare yourself emotionally for the idea that MAJOR SHIT IS LIKELY TO GO DOWN.
8/11
What kind of major shit? Like I say, maybe google "ongoing civil wars" or something and just read your way through some info about them a few times a week.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_civil_wars#Ongoing_civil_wars
9/11
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_civil_wars#Ongoing_civil_wars
9/11
I just... think we should all brace for further impact.
It's a rough road ahead. Everything is probably not about to return to whatever you feel normal was 5 years ago.
Take a few deep breaths, and remind yourself you've made it this far, and you can keep surviving.
10/11
It's a rough road ahead. Everything is probably not about to return to whatever you feel normal was 5 years ago.
Take a few deep breaths, and remind yourself you've made it this far, and you can keep surviving.
10/11
But, don't just shrug it off, don't just be in denial, don't just pretend it isn't heavy and scary out here in the world right now. Look for ways to center yourself and your community and stay afloat and alive.
We can do it.
11/11
We can do it.
11/11