Thank you for writing and inspiring us to continue to speak out and protest any way we can. My fear is we become despondent and give up. I was heartened by a simple interaction at Walgreens today. I made a couple of posters and had them blown up. My granddaughter helped me because she is more skilled in digital art. When I went to pick them up today, the young woman behind the counter said, “I printed those out last night and agree with both of them. I thought this woman knows what’s happening.”
A few days ago, my friend and occasional partner-in-rabble-rousing, Grace Grayson, said something that completely aligns with this spirit of "Do Something": 'Democracy isn’t dying. It’s being murdered. And every one of us is either a witness or an accomplice.' They’re right—this is no longer just about ‘staying informed’ or ‘hoping for change.’ It’s about doing the work, even when it feels small. We don’t need permission to fight back. Call your reps until their staffers groan when they hear your name. Show up to a city council meeting and yell until they listen. Or simply find a way to get in the fight in whatever way you can, as this article enumerates. This is about community now: We, not me.
I’ve always believed that democracy was an interactive process. Voting is an important part of it - just not all of it. “By the people” implies paying attention to what’s going on and speaking up when we take issue with the policies and practices of the government. I understand that Starhawk has been advocating for community and spiritually responsible practices for decades. I was delighted to see her substack as I am new to this, and grateful for the opportunity to support those working for the return of democracy.
Our belief that we can do any good waxes and wanes, and your writing was much needed in a moment of wane.
Thank you for writing and inspiring us to continue to speak out and protest any way we can. My fear is we become despondent and give up. I was heartened by a simple interaction at Walgreens today. I made a couple of posters and had them blown up. My granddaughter helped me because she is more skilled in digital art. When I went to pick them up today, the young woman behind the counter said, “I printed those out last night and agree with both of them. I thought this woman knows what’s happening.”
Wonderfully articulated, no matter where we live. Thank you. Much love from Tasmania, Australia
A few days ago, my friend and occasional partner-in-rabble-rousing, Grace Grayson, said something that completely aligns with this spirit of "Do Something": 'Democracy isn’t dying. It’s being murdered. And every one of us is either a witness or an accomplice.' They’re right—this is no longer just about ‘staying informed’ or ‘hoping for change.’ It’s about doing the work, even when it feels small. We don’t need permission to fight back. Call your reps until their staffers groan when they hear your name. Show up to a city council meeting and yell until they listen. Or simply find a way to get in the fight in whatever way you can, as this article enumerates. This is about community now: We, not me.
I’ve always believed that democracy was an interactive process. Voting is an important part of it - just not all of it. “By the people” implies paying attention to what’s going on and speaking up when we take issue with the policies and practices of the government. I understand that Starhawk has been advocating for community and spiritually responsible practices for decades. I was delighted to see her substack as I am new to this, and grateful for the opportunity to support those working for the return of democracy.