JVL, I love that you and Shannon are raising kids that are so compassionate toward animals!
Re solutions, here's something simple I stumbled across recently. Because visibility is helpful, I just ordered a bundle of stickers: "No. In the name of humanity we refuse to accept a fascist America!" from refusefascism.org. They also have tees and caps, etc., with a variety of similar slogans.
I imagine there are other groups out there with similar merch, as well.
I remember what a comfort and a thrill it was in the 80s to see another car with a rainbow or, before that, a pink triangle in the window or on the bumper. Helps us to not feel so alone when we're out in the world, and let's others know they're not alone, too. It's small, but small things do add up.
Glad you were able to escape with your family for a bit!
I struggle with deciding how much of the horror (not just here in the U.S., but Gaza, Ukraine, Africa, et al) to subject myself to, in light of how little I am able to do to alleviate it.
This isn't new; I went through the same thing when I was heavily involved in the animal rights movement 40+ years ago. I couldn't justify looking away from accounts and footage of factory farms, slaughterhouses, laboratories, etc. when millions of animals were (are) experiencing unimaginable suffering every single moment.
I've learned that I need to temper my need to be well-informed with remaining sufficiently functional to be an effective and loving presence in the world. Prayer helps - and asking for guidance (especially when I have the self-discipline to do it hourly, which is less often than I'd care to admit).
With love and deepest gratitude for you, JVL, and for this good, kind community you're growing.
JVL, I love that you and Shannon are raising kids that are so compassionate toward animals!
Re solutions, here's something simple I stumbled across recently. Because visibility is helpful, I just ordered a bundle of stickers: "No. In the name of humanity we refuse to accept a fascist America!" from refusefascism.org. They also have tees and caps, etc., with a variety of similar slogans.
I imagine there are other groups out there with similar merch, as well.
I remember what a comfort and a thrill it was in the 80s to see another car with a rainbow or, before that, a pink triangle in the window or on the bumper. Helps us to not feel so alone when we're out in the world, and let's others know they're not alone, too. It's small, but small things do add up.
Glad you were able to escape with your family for a bit!
I struggle with deciding how much of the horror (not just here in the U.S., but Gaza, Ukraine, Africa, et al) to subject myself to, in light of how little I am able to do to alleviate it.
This isn't new; I went through the same thing when I was heavily involved in the animal rights movement 40+ years ago. I couldn't justify looking away from accounts and footage of factory farms, slaughterhouses, laboratories, etc. when millions of animals were (are) experiencing unimaginable suffering every single moment.
I've learned that I need to temper my need to be well-informed with remaining sufficiently functional to be an effective and loving presence in the world. Prayer helps - and asking for guidance (especially when I have the self-discipline to do it hourly, which is less often than I'd care to admit).
With love and deepest gratitude for you, JVL, and for this good, kind community you're growing.