So...it's been a rough year, and we're barely into March. The trauma has moved from just terrorizing Americans to terrorizing the world. It is increasingly difficult to find hope.

But, my darling pocket friends, that *is* their plan. To make us give up. Hopeless people don't fight back, because why bother.

Things are dark, yes. Things will get darker, because the cogs are already turning. But we, as a country, as a people, as a world, have faced far darker times than this clown kakistocracy.

Be angry. You should be angry! This is madness. Cuddle your anger like your favorite soft toy, and then direct it at action.

You can't feel hopeless when you're DOING something.

Plant a garden, even if it's containers by a window. Growing things soothes the soul. Take a walk. Say hi to strangers. If you have spoons and time, volunteer. So many orgs need help. Do a craft, any craft. Tactile stimulation is good for you.

Remember you're not alone, and I love you. 

@MissConstrue And please call your representatives in Congress and the Senate. Call them at least once a week. Pick a weekly topic, keep it short, be specific. Gardening is nice but it's not going to help the situation in Washington.

@mlanger @MissConstrue

Imho the weak point of the current regime is the economy and it is something I think we can fix by starting or joining initiatives for alternative economies with #timebank s and alikes.

@fdriesenaar @mlanger

I've heard the ideas tossed about, but haven't had a chance to deep dive into the concepts and details. Are there any sources you'd recommend?

@MissConstrue @mlanger

There are thousands of #timebank s worldwide. hOurworld and TimeBanks USA are major networks in the United States. Spice (now Tempo) has been influential in the UK. See also https://www.timebanks.org/timebank-map-and-directory.

Me myself I recently joined a Dutch one https://timebank.cc and may explore https://ruilkringdenbosch.nl, a similar itiative.

@MissConstrue
I’ve been re-reading a fave author’s journal, written in 1967-68, and the similarities between those dark days and our own nightmare are stunning. I’m sure many of us who lived through that time have forgotten the horror of the assassinations, the war/draft/protests, racial tension & violence, political slime, disillusionment, divisions among family & friends — much as were living through now.

The one comforting thought I had was yeah, those were awful times —and even worse as the war continued and Watergate happened, but we got through them.

IMO, it’s worse now in so many ways, but hope is not a virtue for the faint of heart & I’m hopeful that we’ll get through this too, largely intact, and maybe (long term) with some integrity restored & respect for the power we as citizens have.

@cynblogger I was thinking about revisiting the first years of Doonesbury.
@MissConstrue Right back at You !! Dave Stewart: "This Little Town"
@swggrkllr3rd 💕 Edit to add, this artist is new to me, thank you! I really enjoy his voice and vibe and have a dive into the catalog planned.