So, what *are* Donald Trump's horcruxes?

Those who are leading the cruelty are very real, far more legitimate than we wish they would be, and no amount of demeaning or belittling is going to take away their power.

Only clearly articulated principles and demonstrations of kindness and care will take away their power. Being a clear alternative to the cruelty is what will make their weakest enablers wither under the harsh light of contrast.

And political power really *is* fragile—it’ll take less than you think to turn the tide.

Don’t fixate on possible futures—the present requires your complete attention. Reach out to others for connection and support—invest now in your capacity to be safe from (and resilient to) the cruelty of others.

Resist the urge to dehumanize or infantilize those you’re resisting against—use their real names not unkind nicknames, avoid sharing delegitimizing “facts” about political leaders you oppose, and take them at their word (especially the cruel words).

Never forget that even a “resounding victory” in politics is objectively often by the smallest of margins & not necessarily reflective of real public opinion.

That political power is inherently fragile.

That anger might get someone elected, but is easily turned against those who try to wield it.

Resist the impulse to question your own compassion and convictions and instead be even more visible in your thoughtfulness and kindness.

Stand up for those being targeted, especially when they’re “not in the room”.

Question, loudly, the assumptions of those who would be cruel to others.

Watching current politics in Canada or the ‘States and feeling unsettled by the sharp rise in cruelty in discourse? That cruelty is being deployed to numb and discourage you, to set you on your heels and make you feel that what comes next is inevitable.

It’s not.

Hey friends, if you see this, could you introduce me to someone worth following on this app?

After fifteen years on that other app, it feels daunting to start again from scratch.

It’s 7:30AM and a morning chat with the 10yo about the King’s face appearing on new currency has turned into a full discussion about central banks, inflation and interest rates and some of the assumptions current monetary policy is based on.

This coffee isn’t strong enough.

Jesus was “woke”, and look how the Romans treated him. Have the Christians become the Romans in this chapter of the story?

Songs in English are more popular, they told the Italian singer. So, he released a song, 51 years ago, that *sounded* like English to the Italian ear. It’s a bop.

https://youtu.be/4C2wat_8VyI

If I told you that I just met someone with “The Knowledge”, would you be able to tell me what they do for a living?

Because I just met one, in the wild.

@Miss604 My friend and I met Neil and Chris from the Pet Shop Boys *right there* the day after their concert in Vancouver last fall--had a short lovely chat with two living legends. :)

@Jennerosity “🎵🎶who’s down with ACV? Yeah, you know me…🎶🎵” #genx

@StacieBee Vans, Sams, Bings, Queen Anne’s are all now giving you a hard stare.

@Jennerosity which way did you go?

Presented here, a photo of me reading a large group of kids a story about bare (bear?) bums! Guaranteed it was more risqué than any Drag Storytime…

https://www.keremeosreview.com/community/photos-teddy-bears-come-out-to-play-in-keremeos/

What *is* on my mind? I have no idea...

@jonjennings I get it, but this place feels like it's too much effort.

Haven't been on here in awhile, but since we're in the middle of the Great Twitter War, it seems time to remind myself of how awkward this place is.

The cool nerdy people came here first, but BlueSky feels a lot more like "home" than this place or... god-forbid... Threads.

Today is #followfriday (one of my favourite things about the other place, at least in the "good old days").

Today, I'm going to suggest @snarkysteff @Miss604, two people I've followed for ever elsewhere. Also @spookysquirrel because they were the first person to follow me here and that's awesome.

Who do you recommend?