Pat Taub
We are at a critical juncture. Basic freedoms and our safety—rights enshrined in the Constitution are under assault. We are becoming a nation ruled by Fascists, criminals and grifters.
In the face of this danger, why are people disappearing into their phones, binging on Netflix, captive to gambling mania, scrolling through social media, having that extra glass of wine, or finding a thousand other ways to run away?
The impulse is understandable. The world does feel unbearable: nonstop wars, ICE’s escalating cruelty, climate disruptions, economic insecurity, AI’s looming dangers– forces larger than us are spinning out of control.
And sadly, in our desperation for a positive outcome, there’s the tendency to simplify our situation: believing if we vote in the right candidates this November, order will be restored. This ignores the very real possibility Trump’s legions will sabotage the elections.
And even if the elections occur and the Republicans are voted out, the wreckage will be everywhere.
Voting every four years is not enough!
To get lasting, meaningful change, we must continue to engage; we must resist the urge to run away, to avoid what’s happening here and around the world.
Why then are we running away?
Feelings of fear, despair, powerlessness can be overwhelming. What is the antidote? To take back control by acknowledging our primal need and will to connect. Be inspired by Minneapolis’ Resistance to ICE; you too can adopt their mantra, “I’m going to protect and defend my neighbor.”
Minneapolis neighbors in a peaceful ritual honoring Alex Preti
Retreating soothes pain, but only temporarily. When we cushion ourselves from social problems, when we lose connection with our community, we are blinded to events that affect our neighbors and their families. Ironically each of us knows how much such losses diminish all of us.
Yes, lead a balanced life: watch the football game or a Netflix series; enjoy your private pleasures, simple distractions. These may comfort but they don’t heal.
My Steps When I Realize an Intervention is Necessary:
Establish an “hour of attention.”
Choose one hour each day—or several times a week—with no phone, television, social media or news. Use that hour to walk, read, call someone, or simply notice the world around you.
Replace Doomscrolling with an Action.
Whenever you find yourself reading your tenth terrifying headline, stop and ask: Is there anything I can do about this?
If the answer is “Yes,” do one thing: make a call, write an email, attend a meeting, volunteer, sign a petition, help a neighbor, share a meal, read a book, share a smile.
If the answer is “No,” put the phone down.
Community meeting protesting an AI center in their locale
Help Someone on a Regular Basis.
Once a week, do something useful for another person. Bring food to someone who’s sick. Offer a ride. Help an elderly neighbor with an errand. Call someone who lives alone.
Volunteer:
Once a month, help in a food pantry, visit isolated seniors, support migrants, raise money for a local project, or help someone with housing or transportation.
Be Political:
Support candidates with a populist message–advocating universal health care, affordable housing; join a nurses’ strike; support a ban on ICE and AI centers in your community; join an anti-war action.
