I want to talk about what happened yesterday because it is flaring up my symptoms- specifically my panic attacks and agoraphobia. I need a place to put my thoughts. I need a place to document a tiny fraction of what is happening and how I am feeling.
I watched as it happened. Humanitarians on their way to feed people who are in dire need of support taken hostage. I watched as they updated us about what was happening, up until they threw their phones in the water. Then the live streams and updates stopped and turned into pre-recorded videos- “if you are seeing this video, I have been taken.” I cannot say more about this. It is devastating.
At the same time, there are protests all over the country because of what is happening here. Healthcare is on the chopping table with the budget bill, basic rights taken away by executive orders, arrests of legal US citizens by immigration officers, long delays between the courts ruling and correction by the administration. Rumors of martial law. Maybe it hasn’t happened by you.
I am worried about next weekend. The military parade, the protests, the mass led by the pope, and celebrations of Pride. It seems like a dangerous combination of things. I do want to point out that the last three things alone would not be concerning if it weren’t for the first.
My heart feels heavy with all that is going on and the lack of accountability. I’m tired of the same refrain from those who continue to repeat what he says, those who read the AI summary of something and believe the people who have intentionally misrepresented the truth about big things that will cause danger to millions of people. This is the largest proposed budget cut to social safety nets since they were first implemented.
This is not normal. This is not okay. This is not justice or “law and order.” This is not about elimintating waste, fraud, or abuse- which has been proven by logic and evidence from independent sources. For instance- “illegal immigrants” (🤢- humans are not illegal) pay taxes and are ineligible for benefits.
*****Because here is the thing- if we don’t stay informed and push back, then we all lose.***** If you think these cuts or the things in the bill won’t affect you, I think you would be surprised. I am urging anyone who can manage it to become more informed beyond the headlines. The most important skill I learned in college was to find credible sources and to think critically (many people don’t need to learn this in college- I did).
I am intentionally not putting hashtags on this. If you come in my comments to argue with me or tell me I am wrong- I will block you. This is not a post to debate me, tell me you disagree, or to tell me to stop watching what is happening. I will continue to fight and advocate. I will continue to stay informed as much as possible.
Because I am still fighting.
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