So. What to do.
There are many issues needing our attention (see *list at end of post).
There is value in deciding what to do based on the following criteria:
• what is most threatened soonest;
• what is most important among the threats;
• what is most achievable among the actions;
• what is most likely to galvanize others;
• what is most politically expedient to enlist those in power;
• what is most or least likely to get media attention;
• what is least threatening to any other cause or group;
• what is emotionally immediate to each of us.
After consideration, I personally feel most anxious, emotional, and intellectually insulted by racism against blacks. This is where I plan to investigate ways of helping most intensely, without ignoring opportunities to help elsewhere.
But it is important that we not imply that one cause eclipses the others. If you choose a different cause from mine, I will support and join you.
Symbols are important, peaceful protests are important, action is imperative.
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*in no particular order, and certainly not exhaustive: terrorism, women's rights, women's reproductive rights, immigration, racism, religious freedom, the environment, energy policy, the concerns of voters who felt unlistened-to and voted for Trump, global relations, labor rights, gay marriage, industry regulation, minimum wage, pharmaceutical profiteering, oil company profiteering, education, Native American rights, the devolution of public discourse, fake news, biased media, social media's contribution to dividing opinion, extremist groups including religious extremists, Wall Street, the "swamp," nepotism, conflict of interest of those in government who own businesses, undocumented workers, insurance, mental health, voter rights, voting methods, voter apathy, reasonable gun control, making sure responsible gun owners are not vilified, Citizens United repercussions, the continued health of RBG, science funding, respect for science, okay I'm stopping but there's tons more.
• what is most important among the threats;
• what is most achievable among the actions;
• what is most likely to galvanize others;
• what is most politically expedient to enlist those in power;
• what is most or least likely to get media attention;
• what is least threatening to any other cause or group;
• what is emotionally immediate to each of us.
After consideration, I personally feel most anxious, emotional, and intellectually insulted by racism against blacks. This is where I plan to investigate ways of helping most intensely, without ignoring opportunities to help elsewhere.
But it is important that we not imply that one cause eclipses the others. If you choose a different cause from mine, I will support and join you.
Symbols are important, peaceful protests are important, action is imperative.
-----
*in no particular order, and certainly not exhaustive: terrorism, women's rights, women's reproductive rights, immigration, racism, religious freedom, the environment, energy policy, the concerns of voters who felt unlistened-to and voted for Trump, global relations, labor rights, gay marriage, industry regulation, minimum wage, pharmaceutical profiteering, oil company profiteering, education, Native American rights, the devolution of public discourse, fake news, biased media, social media's contribution to dividing opinion, extremist groups including religious extremists, Wall Street, the "swamp," nepotism, conflict of interest of those in government who own businesses, undocumented workers, insurance, mental health, voter rights, voting methods, voter apathy, reasonable gun control, making sure responsible gun owners are not vilified, Citizens United repercussions, the continued health of RBG, science funding, respect for science, okay I'm stopping but there's tons more.
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