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Maybe I'm not alone in reaching a breaking point recently. Kennedy retiring and giving Mitch McConnel two supreme court picks has pushed me over the edge. We're

Maybe I'm not alone in reaching a breaking point recently. Kennedy retiring and giving Mitch McConnel two supreme court picks has pushed me over the edge. We're heading for a dark, dark place as a country and I just can't care anymore. It's too much. It's not even anger, just inconsolable depression. I'm turning off the news and going back to playing World of Warcraft.

bigtech 8y ago
Please be sure to vote!
mandelbrotwurst 8y ago
I haven't read the article yet but just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. May you be well and may we all find strength, together.
deleted 8y ago
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- deleted 8y ago
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existencebox 8y ago
How is that in any way a response that shouldn't engender more frustration and anger that you're suggesting it be a viable course of action? Be angry. You should be. Get your friends angry. Don't let people shut off and tune out. That's a large part of how we got to this point, to my eyes. When we truly give up, well, then you'll get to see what "too much" really feels like. As long as I live I will not give up my agency to fight for what I believe in, no matter how hopeless the cause is. That's an integral part of my philosophy in what it is to be human; and preserving any optimism in a future of my country's governance is a hill I'm more than willing to die on.
- krapp 8y ago
  >That's a large part of how we got to this point, to my eyes. When we truly give up, well, then you'll get to see what "too much" really feels like. That's true. The other side saw globalism, liberalism, feminism and multiculturalism as a threat to the world they wanted, and they got angry, and fought against it, and arguably are winning. The world is shifting towards an embrace of right-wing, racialist and authoritarian populism in part because the people who could and should stand against it have become disillusioned and cynical and have decided to drop out. They've somehow convinced themselves that effort and political action doesn't work, despite the world around them being the result of effort and political action having worked against them.
gramstrong 8y ago
This quote from Atticus Finch has made the rounds recently, so I'm feeling very trite in reposting it, but: I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. Also, avoiding social media helps. If you want to hear someone's opinion (whether you agree or disagree), talk to them in person. Play WoW as a release, but don't give up on your convictions, whatever they may be.
chickenfries 8y ago
You're not alone, but we can't withdraw. Moderate your news consumption, go get some exercise, see a therapist, but don't just tune out. What are you going to do, tune out for the rest of your life?
- smacktoward 8y ago
  Not to mention that tuning out is a luxury that only those not currently being targeted can afford. Once you're on the list of targets, the news has a way of arriving on your doorstep whether you're paying attention to it or not.
  - mlevental 8y ago
    i don't understand why you're being downvoted. it's true (even if your diction is severe - "targeting"). when i heard the news about kennedy yesterday i commented to my friends that hey we really could move - we're all educated and white and etc. and i immediately felt like a coward because there are millions of people that aren't and don't have the option.
    - pmoriarty 8y ago
      As they say, you have a choice: you can live under US domestic policy or under US foreign policy. There's definitely something to be said for staying and trying to do what's right from within the belly of the beast, but I also understand those who wish to escape. I am curious as to where you're going to escape to, though. So many places are turning fascist in lock-step with the US, or have to bend over and do what the US tells them. And for those places that don't, it's usually not easy to immigrate unless you're a refugee (which some of us may well become after a few more cycles of this madness).
deleted 8y ago
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cryoshon 8y ago
how can you play world of warcraft when your duty as a citizen remains unfulfilled?
tgerhbes346 8y ago
Imagine telling future generations "We could have stopped it, but it was too stressful, so we played video games." People died fighting to end slavery. People died fighting for an 8 hour work day. People died fighting to oppose Hitler. You are just as strong as those people. No matter how bleak it seems, do not give up. Write, Complain, Vote. Edit: Why the downvotes? Ok, maybe I'm being too tough. OP, you should know that it's OK to feel sad. Everyone replying to this comment wants you to know that you're not alone, and we hope you can find your way out of a dark place. Please take care of yourself. Is it because of the last sentence? I'm not saying only do those three things. Or is it because I mentioned hitler. Sorry, I was thinking of my Grandpa. He fought in WW2, and whenever I feel like scared, I think of him because he was a brave person.
- mattcaldwell 8y ago
  Why do we have to fight for this stuff? Why can't people just be decent humans? That is the part that I struggle with.
  - mlevental 8y ago
    >Why can't people just be decent humans? because everyone has a different definition of what it means to be decent - the people on the other side of the debate do believe they're being decent as well
    - jonhohle 8y ago
      I've been thinking _a lot_ about this recently and how to communicate this in a loving way because I think it's critically important to understand that people have differing priorities that aren't necessarily morally wrong, just different. Jonathan Haidt's TED talks[0] are a good starting point. Getting people from both sides of an argument to see others as humans, neighbors, partners and how different perspectives add value. Miyazaki comes to mind quite a bit. For the most part the "villains" in his movies are easy to empathize with and the protagonists learn about their goals and view points and work within those to solve the problem they originally set out to solve. I'd like to think people within a country are more like Ashitaka, San, and Lady Eboshi than Luke Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine. My own personal conviction would like to see more constructive action from everybody. I don't consider threatening people, screaming at others, demeaning them, or name calling constructive. I think if more people found thing they thought could make _any_ impact, and went and helped real people, a lot more would be done than by lamenting the current state of the universe. And unless you need help, don't talk about it, don't expect anything in return, and don't put down others for not thinking the areas you choose to focus on aren't as important as the areas they've chosen to focus on. 0 - https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_on_the_moral_mind https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_on_the_moral_mind , https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_can_a_divided_america_heal https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_can_a_divided_ameri...
TrevorJ 8y ago
Yeah, judges that are constitutionalists are literally going to ruin the country! /s
- krapp 8y ago
  There's no such thing as a "constitutionalist." The premise that there is a single, correct and uncontroversial interpretation of the Constitution that is both aligned with the original intent of the Founding Fathers (who were hardly united in their politics) and always relevant to case law in the 21st century is absurd. What people tend to mean when they say they want "strict constitutionalists" and not "activist judges" is that they want judges who interpret the Constitution according to modern conservative and likely Christian ideology. It's not that they don't want judges to interpret the law - because that's what judges are supposed to do, they just don't want liberal judges to interpret it. Whether or not this will "ruin the country" is, of course, a matter of debate. But people who want "constitutionalists" on the Supreme Court also tend to want the country ruined for certain segments of the population who believe in and depend on progressive ideals.
  - TrevorJ 8y ago
    Then why have a constitution at all? Your argument is basically "words don't matter because reasons".
- meko 8y ago
  A country built on the backs of slaves.
unimpressive 8y ago
A great deal of the strategy here is meant to be demoralizing you out of putting up any resistance. When you begin feeling that, it's a sign you've been insufficiently ruthless with your opponent. The biggest question in electoral politics right now, which the future of the country hinges on is whether exasperation and despair drive or depress turnout. If they depress turnout then the only way you'll know peace is if you figure out how to make those other guys stressed and exhausted to the breaking point instead of you.
meko 8y ago
That's... Exactly where I'm at right now. Just resubbed yesterday haha. Quit news a year+ ago after I just couldn't hear 45's name on repeat anymore.

bigtech 8y ago

Please be sure to vote!

mandelbrotwurst 8y ago

I haven't read the article yet but just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. May you be well and may we all find strength, together.

deleted 8y ago

[deleted]

deleted 8y ago
[deleted]

existencebox 8y ago

How is that in any way a response that shouldn't engender more frustration and anger that you're suggesting it be a viable course of action? Be angry. You should be. Get your friends angry. Don't let people shut off and tune out. That's a large part of how we got to this point, to my eyes. When we truly give up, well, then you'll get to see what "too much" really feels like. As long as I live I will not give up my agency to fight for what I believe in, no matter how hopeless the cause is. That's an integral part of my philosophy in what it is to be human; and preserving any optimism in a future of my country's governance is a hill I'm more than willing to die on.

krapp 8y ago
>That's a large part of how we got to this point, to my eyes. When we truly give up, well, then you'll get to see what "too much" really feels like. That's true. The other side saw globalism, liberalism, feminism and multiculturalism as a threat to the world they wanted, and they got angry, and fought against it, and arguably are winning. The world is shifting towards an embrace of right-wing, racialist and authoritarian populism in part because the people who could and should stand against it have become disillusioned and cynical and have decided to drop out. They've somehow convinced themselves that effort and political action doesn't work, despite the world around them being the result of effort and political action having worked against them.

gramstrong 8y ago

This quote from Atticus Finch has made the rounds recently, so I'm feeling very trite in reposting it, but: I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. Also, avoiding social media helps. If you want to hear someone's opinion (whether you agree or disagree), talk to them in person. Play WoW as a release, but don't give up on your convictions, whatever they may be.

chickenfries 8y ago

You're not alone, but we can't withdraw. Moderate your news consumption, go get some exercise, see a therapist, but don't just tune out. What are you going to do, tune out for the rest of your life?

smacktoward 8y ago
Not to mention that tuning out is a luxury that only those not currently being targeted can afford. Once you're on the list of targets, the news has a way of arriving on your doorstep whether you're paying attention to it or not.
- mlevental 8y ago
  i don't understand why you're being downvoted. it's true (even if your diction is severe - "targeting"). when i heard the news about kennedy yesterday i commented to my friends that hey we really could move - we're all educated and white and etc. and i immediately felt like a coward because there are millions of people that aren't and don't have the option.
  - pmoriarty 8y ago
    As they say, you have a choice: you can live under US domestic policy or under US foreign policy. There's definitely something to be said for staying and trying to do what's right from within the belly of the beast, but I also understand those who wish to escape. I am curious as to where you're going to escape to, though. So many places are turning fascist in lock-step with the US, or have to bend over and do what the US tells them. And for those places that don't, it's usually not easy to immigrate unless you're a refugee (which some of us may well become after a few more cycles of this madness).

deleted 8y ago

[deleted]

cryoshon 8y ago

how can you play world of warcraft when your duty as a citizen remains unfulfilled?

tgerhbes346 8y ago

Imagine telling future generations "We could have stopped it, but it was too stressful, so we played video games." People died fighting to end slavery. People died fighting for an 8 hour work day. People died fighting to oppose Hitler. You are just as strong as those people. No matter how bleak it seems, do not give up. Write, Complain, Vote. Edit: Why the downvotes? Ok, maybe I'm being too tough. OP, you should know that it's OK to feel sad. Everyone replying to this comment wants you to know that you're not alone, and we hope you can find your way out of a dark place. Please take care of yourself. Is it because of the last sentence? I'm not saying only do those three things. Or is it because I mentioned hitler. Sorry, I was thinking of my Grandpa. He fought in WW2, and whenever I feel like scared, I think of him because he was a brave person.

mattcaldwell 8y ago
Why do we have to fight for this stuff? Why can't people just be decent humans? That is the part that I struggle with.
- mlevental 8y ago
  >Why can't people just be decent humans? because everyone has a different definition of what it means to be decent - the people on the other side of the debate do believe they're being decent as well
  - jonhohle 8y ago
    I've been thinking _a lot_ about this recently and how to communicate this in a loving way because I think it's critically important to understand that people have differing priorities that aren't necessarily morally wrong, just different. Jonathan Haidt's TED talks[0] are a good starting point. Getting people from both sides of an argument to see others as humans, neighbors, partners and how different perspectives add value. Miyazaki comes to mind quite a bit. For the most part the "villains" in his movies are easy to empathize with and the protagonists learn about their goals and view points and work within those to solve the problem they originally set out to solve. I'd like to think people within a country are more like Ashitaka, San, and Lady Eboshi than Luke Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine. My own personal conviction would like to see more constructive action from everybody. I don't consider threatening people, screaming at others, demeaning them, or name calling constructive. I think if more people found thing they thought could make _any_ impact, and went and helped real people, a lot more would be done than by lamenting the current state of the universe. And unless you need help, don't talk about it, don't expect anything in return, and don't put down others for not thinking the areas you choose to focus on aren't as important as the areas they've chosen to focus on. 0 - https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_on_the_moral_mind https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_on_the_moral_mind , https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_can_a_divided_america_heal https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_can_a_divided_ameri...

TrevorJ 8y ago

Yeah, judges that are constitutionalists are literally going to ruin the country! /s

krapp 8y ago
There's no such thing as a "constitutionalist." The premise that there is a single, correct and uncontroversial interpretation of the Constitution that is both aligned with the original intent of the Founding Fathers (who were hardly united in their politics) and always relevant to case law in the 21st century is absurd. What people tend to mean when they say they want "strict constitutionalists" and not "activist judges" is that they want judges who interpret the Constitution according to modern conservative and likely Christian ideology. It's not that they don't want judges to interpret the law - because that's what judges are supposed to do, they just don't want liberal judges to interpret it. Whether or not this will "ruin the country" is, of course, a matter of debate. But people who want "constitutionalists" on the Supreme Court also tend to want the country ruined for certain segments of the population who believe in and depend on progressive ideals.
- TrevorJ 8y ago
  Then why have a constitution at all? Your argument is basically "words don't matter because reasons".
meko 8y ago
A country built on the backs of slaves.

unimpressive 8y ago

A great deal of the strategy here is meant to be demoralizing you out of putting up any resistance. When you begin feeling that, it's a sign you've been insufficiently ruthless with your opponent. The biggest question in electoral politics right now, which the future of the country hinges on is whether exasperation and despair drive or depress turnout. If they depress turnout then the only way you'll know peace is if you figure out how to make those other guys stressed and exhausted to the breaking point instead of you.

meko 8y ago

That's... Exactly where I'm at right now. Just resubbed yesterday haha. Quit news a year+ ago after I just couldn't hear 45's name on repeat anymore.