As we’ve been helping American trans people intent on escaping Trump, we’ve encountered more than once the use of an Underground Railroad metaphor in relation to today.

We think that’s inappropriate, we’d prefer that people didn’t do that, and here’s why.
(more)

#trans #TransRights #usa

People in Gaza have been pushed “beyond breaking point” with families, widows and children enduring “almost unparalleled suffering”, according to the secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Jan Egeland visited Gaza this week and found “scene after scene of absolute despair”. #Gaza

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/nov/08/gaza-unparalleled-suffering-jan-egeland-norwegian-refugee-council-aid-ceasefire-hostages-peace-process?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

I know you want to burn bridges over the political events of the last couple of days, but take a breath, don't be rash, remember this:

Bridge fires are a nice toasty event to bond with your actual friends around, and don't forget some marshmallows to roast.

The most scary fact I have read this week:

In the 2024 US presidential election one third of US voters did not vote.

It was literally a choice between a convicted felon with a fascist agenda and a law and order candidate who wanted to defend democracy — and still, every third US voter did not care.

Apathy is the first step to ending democracy.

I'd just like to remind Americans that France is currently on its Fifth Republic since 1789 (with three Empires—with monarchs—interleaved until 1870).

The USA appears to be in the dying days of its Second Republic (time out in 1860-65) but something better will emerge eventually, if we avoid planetary ecosystem collapse in the meantime.

This, too, shall pass.