Exactly! Focusing on the bigger picture and what’s truly at stake helps us remain clear, strategic, and effective, rather than constantly reacting to every distraction. Glad this resonated with you!
I wish this would work. Unfortunately, some people believe the words "human rights" are "woke" code words for support of all the groups they hate---immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+, etc. The only rights they care about are their own. Trump supporters can't get their heads around the fact that the current destruction of our democracy will affect them. They in fact, don't seem to be particularly interested in democracy. The only concerns that might resonate involve their personal wealth and whatever issue caused them to support Trump. Whatever that issue is, they are unlikely to change their minds.
You raise an important point, Donna, and you're right: some individuals dismiss 'human rights' as partisan or ideological. However, the goal here isn't necessarily to change the minds of committed Trump supporters. Rather, there are many people who aren't currently engaged or informed enough to fully grasp what's at stake. For these people, framing the conversation around democracy, fairness, due process, and basic dignity can resonate deeply. They might not yet understand where the lines are drawn or why these issues matter but once they do, many become clear advocates for democracy. It's about reaching and activating this wider group, as much as trying to convert those who've firmly chosen a side. Thank you for engaging and caring!
You won't be able to reach all (or even most) Trump supporters, at least initially, but remember that many people of both political persuasions are very concerned about the direction the country is going. While republicans don't tend to talk much about democracy, democrats don't talk much about patriotism, and the absence of these conversations has left a void in our culture. By starting to discuss these deeper issues again, however small the scale, I think more people will be drawn in over time.
Looking back to the pre Revolutionary period, it wasn't only about the highly gifted "elite" founding fathers coming up with lofty ideas. They had to get the support of the general public as well. In many communities the local townspeople discussed and debated these deeper issues at town meetings or other gatherings. Most of the townspeople were simple farmers or shopkeepers, with much less formal education than we have today. Nevertheless, they figured out how to talk about the important issues and not get stuck in trivia.
If they could do it, there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to as well. It does need to start with treating people with basic respect, and with a willingness to keep an open mind. At least we have to try. What do we have to lose?
Well said, Ann and I deeply appreciate this perspective. You're right that meaningful change doesn't always start from total agreement, but from respectful conversations focused on common ground and shared concerns. Historically, as you mentioned, real progress has often come from people simply talking openly about what's important to them and finding common values beneath their differences. Your optimism is inspiring, and I believe you're correct that we have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, by trying.
This post’s timing is ideal. Just yesterday I sent a request to a family member to set a time for us to discuss clarifying some issues around my protest activism and their perceived disapproval.
Thanks for the suggested talking points to emphasize the critical nature of supporting human rights through democracy.
I'm so glad the timing aligned well for you. Those conversations can feel challenging, but clarifying the fundamental connection between human rights and democracy really helps. Thanks for doing the important work of engaging and opening dialogue!
“it’s those who believe that basic human rights and democracy are worth defending, and those who don’t” I totally agree, but also - there are people who don’t even realize our democracy needs defending right now. 😢
Absolutely, you're making such an important point here. Many people genuinely aren't yet aware of the stakes or the urgency. That's why having calm, clear, and respectful conversations is crucial. It's definitely frustrating, but each conversation matters deeply. Thanks for highlighting this!
Thanks for the practical and more easily applicable conversation advice. Just what I needed to address the bottom line of our current circumstances as a nation, Brilliant help!
Perfect! What is mine to do today ? Focus on the big picture not on all the landlines that are being set for us each day!
Exactly! Focusing on the bigger picture and what’s truly at stake helps us remain clear, strategic, and effective, rather than constantly reacting to every distraction. Glad this resonated with you!
I wish this would work. Unfortunately, some people believe the words "human rights" are "woke" code words for support of all the groups they hate---immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+, etc. The only rights they care about are their own. Trump supporters can't get their heads around the fact that the current destruction of our democracy will affect them. They in fact, don't seem to be particularly interested in democracy. The only concerns that might resonate involve their personal wealth and whatever issue caused them to support Trump. Whatever that issue is, they are unlikely to change their minds.
You raise an important point, Donna, and you're right: some individuals dismiss 'human rights' as partisan or ideological. However, the goal here isn't necessarily to change the minds of committed Trump supporters. Rather, there are many people who aren't currently engaged or informed enough to fully grasp what's at stake. For these people, framing the conversation around democracy, fairness, due process, and basic dignity can resonate deeply. They might not yet understand where the lines are drawn or why these issues matter but once they do, many become clear advocates for democracy. It's about reaching and activating this wider group, as much as trying to convert those who've firmly chosen a side. Thank you for engaging and caring!
You won't be able to reach all (or even most) Trump supporters, at least initially, but remember that many people of both political persuasions are very concerned about the direction the country is going. While republicans don't tend to talk much about democracy, democrats don't talk much about patriotism, and the absence of these conversations has left a void in our culture. By starting to discuss these deeper issues again, however small the scale, I think more people will be drawn in over time.
Looking back to the pre Revolutionary period, it wasn't only about the highly gifted "elite" founding fathers coming up with lofty ideas. They had to get the support of the general public as well. In many communities the local townspeople discussed and debated these deeper issues at town meetings or other gatherings. Most of the townspeople were simple farmers or shopkeepers, with much less formal education than we have today. Nevertheless, they figured out how to talk about the important issues and not get stuck in trivia.
If they could do it, there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to as well. It does need to start with treating people with basic respect, and with a willingness to keep an open mind. At least we have to try. What do we have to lose?
Well said, Ann and I deeply appreciate this perspective. You're right that meaningful change doesn't always start from total agreement, but from respectful conversations focused on common ground and shared concerns. Historically, as you mentioned, real progress has often come from people simply talking openly about what's important to them and finding common values beneath their differences. Your optimism is inspiring, and I believe you're correct that we have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, by trying.
Thanks! By the way, where did you get the mug?
I've had people locally ask me for shirts and mugs so I created a small shop. You can order the mug here: https://criticalresistance.printful.me/
This post’s timing is ideal. Just yesterday I sent a request to a family member to set a time for us to discuss clarifying some issues around my protest activism and their perceived disapproval.
Thanks for the suggested talking points to emphasize the critical nature of supporting human rights through democracy.
I'm so glad the timing aligned well for you. Those conversations can feel challenging, but clarifying the fundamental connection between human rights and democracy really helps. Thanks for doing the important work of engaging and opening dialogue!
“it’s those who believe that basic human rights and democracy are worth defending, and those who don’t” I totally agree, but also - there are people who don’t even realize our democracy needs defending right now. 😢
Absolutely, you're making such an important point here. Many people genuinely aren't yet aware of the stakes or the urgency. That's why having calm, clear, and respectful conversations is crucial. It's definitely frustrating, but each conversation matters deeply. Thanks for highlighting this!
I definitely agree about there being MANY who aren’t aware … the family member I mentioned being one.
My parents being two. Ughh so hard and frustrating
Thanks for the practical and more easily applicable conversation advice. Just what I needed to address the bottom line of our current circumstances as a nation, Brilliant help!
I like this so much. Thank you.
Thank you for your support, Ann. I'm glad you're here!
♥️💪💚💛💙💪🤎🖤🩷💜🌏💪keep shining! UNITED WE STAND ♥️💪
Absolutely, Nancy! Thank you for the encouragement and for standing together.