Amadi LovelaceMay 12, 2023
I find it fascinating that as Republican controlled legislature after legislature is tumbling down a path of criminalizing healthcare, and the existence of LGBTQ people in different ways, when the Republicans in charge of the US House want to make senior citizens and disabled people pay for their tax cuts for billionaires and millionaires we still have people saying that Democrats are failing to sufficiently demonstrate the difference between them and Republicans for disgruntled voters.
Show threadAmadi LovelaceMay 12, 2023

At some point, voters have to do the work. At some point, voters have to decide what they personally stand for, and they have to assess candidates and parties, and figure out which one is closer. They can’t be handheld in that process and pulled along one by one.

Having a society of 330 million people is complicated and messy, and voters have to be willing to step up and do the tiniest part, reading a voter guide or asking a question, talking to friends or even phonebank callers. Something.

Show threadAmadi LovelaceMay 12, 2023

Every candidate can’t give civics lessons as part of their campaign. Every candidate can’t provide answers to every individual question every individual voter in their district or state might have.

And honestly, at this point, when the differences are more stark than they have ever been in any of our lifetimes it shouldn’t be so difficult to make that case.

People who say they don’t see the difference between Democrats and Republicans don’t want to. It’s a lie and a copout.

Show threadPaul CantrellMay 13, 2023
@amaditalks It is exactly that. People get so confused, thinking that voting for somebody…I don’t know, means you joined their fan club or married them or something?! To quote Mpls abortion rights activist and all-around sharp person Stacey Burns: I have zero cognitive dissonance about both voting for and protesting any given politician.
Show threadAmadi LovelaceMay 13, 2023
@inthehands I will have an absolute blast telling Stacey that she was just quoted in this context.
Show threadPaul Cantrell
@amaditalks Please tell her I said hi and we miss her here on Mastodon!
May 13, 2023 at 7:47pmWeb
Show threadStacey Burns 🤷🏻‍♀️May 13, 2023
@amaditalks @inthehands 👋 I miss both of you (and many others), too! I really should wade around some more, having become frustrated by the structure months ago. I’m on Bluesky and enjoying it, but the criticisms (another Jack product: why on earth would anyone trust him?) are valid.
Show threadPaul CantrellMay 13, 2023

@WentRogue @amaditalks Hi Stacey!!

The structure here is…bollixing to say the least, but not so bad once you get your bearings. I’m enjoying it! Like lots of community-built stuff, it’s built first for those already there, and doesn’t do a great job rolling out the welcome mat.

Show threadPaul CantrellMay 13, 2023

@WentRogue @amaditalks The experience can be miserable depending on who ends up in your replies. Being on a server that’s already blocked the worst offenders can help, but the techy origins can make it especially pedantic. Like everywhere, moderation is chaotic.

If we do get to hear your thoughts here sometimes, we’d be lucky!

Show threadStacey Burns 🤷🏻‍♀️May 14, 2023
@inthehands @amaditalks it’s good to see you both!