Furious on the Fourth

I don't know why anyone in the U.S. expects women to celebrate the Fourth of July this year. 

Our government — via the Supreme Court — has just demonstrated that they do not consider women citizens with the full rights of men. Our independence has been dramatically curtailed and it's going to get worse. There is nothing for us to celebrate.

We need to elect more Democrats at every level of government, especially in state legislative races. This is where the biggest threats to women and democracy will be. It's clear the court wants to mess with the validity of elections. Trump came close on January 6th but that was just a preview.

If you are not already reading her daily, check out Heather Cox Richardson's "Letters from an American" for clear and insightful explanations of what is happening in American politics, along with a dose of context and history. An excellent way to be informed without going ballistic over the news. 

Comments

[Barbara H.]

You turned me on to Letters from an American quite a while ago. She is excellent, though the subject matter is often depressing. But if we don't know it's headed right at us, we can't dodge the speeding disaster.

[Linda Brazill]

BARBARA — It can be very hard to open her letter up, knowing how much bad news there is. "Speeding disaster" seems like an appropriate description.

[Kristin]

You are absolutely correct. May people listen.

[Kris P]

Like Barbara, I started reading Letters from an American based on your input some time ago - thank you for that! I'm finding it very hard to conjure up any patriotic feeling this year as well, much less any tolerance for the numbskulls testing fireworks when they're banned through much of LA County due to our extreme fire risk and our city and many of those immediately surrounding us have levied hefty fines for transgressions.

[ceci]

Another HCR fan here - my brother turned me on to her as a historian who cites sources vs a journalist - at this point journalists seem to be doing so much pandering, false equivalency and sensationalizing that its hard to read them.
And yes, not a 4th to celebrate here, but hopefully one of wide spread resolve to do better.

ceci

[Linda Brazill]

CECE — This is the first year I have not put out our flag. Margaret Renkl in the NYTimes was talking about how the Republicans have "stolen" the flag. So she put hers out alongside a rainbow flag to indicate she wasnt a member of the GOP. Interstersing solution.

[Linda Brazill]

KRIS P. — I'm sure there have always been those who feel that such restrictions don't apply to them. But ever since Trump it feels like that group has expanded and has no thought or interest for the common good.

[Elizabeth]

P.S.: Thank you for the referral to Letters from an American. I don't know how I missed it before, but it's on my radar now.

[danger garden]

I keep flip flopping between being numb at the state of things, or furiously angry. I've never been one to really celebrate the 4th, but this year especially it is off the table.

[hb]

Nelson Mandela was in prison for 27 years. He endured. We must, also.

Thanks for the link.