In this case, congrats to the people who “don’t know”. I imagine that some of them refuse to parrot the news, but also don’t have any personal experience living in London. There’s no shame in admitting that you don’t know when it’s the most accurate, honest answer you’re able to give.
Is there some kind of technical glitch? Are you not seeing the text under the pic? Anyway, here it is:
A lot of replies here (obviously from people not already aware of The Discourse on this point) were genuinely confused variants on “But why, they’re right, that’s a valid concern.” Let me leave a short thread for future readers explaining why that stuff is always unwelcome on here. (1/n)
It’s totally understandable if you’re dooming about any facet of the American experiment right now. So your feelings are “valid” in the sense that they represent real anxiety, and I get that. But to vent that anxiety in other people’s spaces is wrong for three reasons.
First, it’s factually wrong. There will be elections in 2026 and 2028 under Trump, just like there were elections last year under Trump and during his first term. This despite one of the two major parties now harboring a lot of anti-democratic elements and ideas.
I’m not particularly interested in convincing anyone on this point and won’t try, the future is the future. But if the left side of the political spectrum is still the domain of scholarship and expertise, take note that you don’t find scholars and experts you worrying about canceled US elections.
Second, and probably most importantly, it’s tactically wrong. “No point discussing political opposition to fascism, there won’t be elections anyway” cedes victory to your enemies. It’s defeatism and nihilism.
Finally, it’s wrong AS A MATTER OF ETIQUETTE. Entering a total stranger’s discussion and leading with your private anxiety is as off-putting in social media replies as it would be in real life. If you wouldn’t interrupt a stranger at a party to announce that America is doomed, don’t do it here.
If you are anxious and sad about the state of the world, that’s fine, and there are plenty of strategies for dealing with that. But I think you already know that drive-by online dooming isn’t a strategy. It’s selfish and adolescent. It’s a contagion that only spreads the worst of you, not the best.
Take a second and think before posting the easy Eeyore reply. You might have something substantive to say instead. Or, even better, you can say nothing at all.
https://bsky.app/profile/kenjennings.bsky.social/post/3mbuedepurs2x
The post that OP is responding to says that exactly. Scroll up if you don’t believe me.
Oh, I see what you’re saying. It’s an important distinction, and I’m glad you brought it up.
Acknowledging a problem is sensible, and that’s not what I’m arguing against. I’m not telling people to bury their heads in the sand. I just don’t think that surrendering immediately is the answer.
I don’t think so. If someone has nothing more to add to a conversation than "No point discussing political opposition to fascism, there won’t be elections anyway”, it’s like ignoring climate change because “we’re already screwed and there’s no way to help ourselves.”
Denial and doomers never help. They just give people an excuse to be complacent with whatever we’re given, and disempower those who are trying to improve our situation. I refuse to let the fascists win by laying down and accepting them.
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Do you need a back brace to stand up straight, buddy? Because at this point, I am certain you haven’t got a single vertebra.
Just want to make sure this line gets the attention it deserves.
I find it hilarious when huge corporations make abjectly stupid decisions like this.
This is why fascists hate education
It must have been nice to be free for a day. Now he’s going to feel unnecessary guilt for the rest of his life. I almost feel sorry for this hateful bastard. Almost.
It turns out that tariffs and slashing health insurance don’t actually lower your bills.
I love the tone of this article
Maybe because it’s combined with the mugshot, where he is quite possibly shitting his pants.
Not existing anymore. Lots of people fear that.
Logically, I think you’re right, but I don’t know how I’d react emotionally if I end up in a situation where I have time to realize I’m about to die.
I would bet that a lot of the folks who think they’re emotionally prepared aren’t. That is absolutely not a criticism of anyone. Death is so final and such an enormous concept that a lot of people just can’t comprehend it until death is staring them in the face.
The shame of being American continues, and will only get worse. Thanks, Don.
So… you were upset when I was quoting something that you didn’t think actually existed. Now you’re upset because I AM. I don’t think you understand what “debunked” means, either.
Go pester someone else.