What do we do now?

Like you, I'm pissed we're in this mess. We have come too far, fought too hard. Buy a bracelet, boycott a business, march or move -- what do we do now?

Note: This was written in November 2024. The original post remains, with footnotes for edits.

Remain paralyzed?

Some of us have gone numb. it. And we can’t really pull them out of it. Sorry. We just need to be there for them when they come around.

And I’m glad you’re here.

All artwork by my preschool daughter; she’s how I survive this

What’s happening.

First, let’s talk call it what it is. Not to instill fear, but to accurately prepare without becoming paranoid.

Fascism - Political movement that favors nation and typically race above the individual, headed by a dictator, characterized by severe economic and social regimentation and forced suppression of opposition. 

Okay, that’s scary as #$%^. And we can’t predict the future, so there’s nothing to say any of this will happen.

The only reason we’re going through this exercise is that we want to hope for best case scenario and prepare for worst case scenario… while continuing to live a life we love.

Skip this next section if you want to get to What We Can Do.

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Fascism works by distancing people from the truth using propaganda, and keeping control using economic means and the military.

In addition to protecting the most vulnerable people, we need to protect

1. Education

2. Media

3. Law Enforcement

That third one is weird. We’ll get there. 🙂

First, education. Public schools will be (even more) under attack. Teachers’ wages suppressed, books banned, curriculum cleansed, public funding reduced (in blue areas). They’ll try to dismantle the Department of Education again, but this gives hope that won’t be successful.¹

Second, media. Take it from a marketing director, it’s HARD to get an audience – there’s a reason social networks are worth so much bank. It’s why Trump and Musk are bed buddies.² In addition to squashing the truth and promoting propaganda, Trump said he’ll jail journalists and fine networks that don’t agree with him.

Third, law enforcement. Historians say what could’ve stopped the Holocaust was telling people it’s okay to break the law in the name of decency.

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What we can do.

First, take a breath. Women do hard things. We got this.

Second, know that we have the benefits of:

1. Historians who can tell us what we can do to prevent help stuff from getting that bad, and sometimes keep bad things from happening

2. Modern advantages. Technology to connect us (hello!), bureaucracy to slow things down (that’s not bad anymore 😉), and lots of good humans like you. Remember: Michigan swung Trump by <78,000 votes — that’s fewer than attend any one U of M game…but prolly more than Spartans. (KIDDING! We are all on the same team now 😁 .)

First, what NOT to do

1. Do not argue with people on the Internet. While it may make you feel better momentarily, it sucks up valuable energy. Save it for what matters. (If you love keyboard jockeying, we’ll have a better job for you later. 🙂)

2. DO NOT LET ADVOCACY CONSUME YOU. Protect your body from burnout (don’t make me trot out the oxygen mask analogy), and focus on one thing you can do. That looks different for each person, and different week to week. Please don’t question or judge what it is for someone else. And please remember your loved ones must take priority.

Now, what TO do

1. Protect yourself. Here’s a list of things to consider and simple ways to do this.

2. Band together. The love we have for other humans and the desire we have for all humans to thrive is really powerful. And really, that’s the only action that’s required.

3. If you have it in you, do more. No pressure, but if doing something would make you feel better, here are some ideas of how you can make a difference. It’s most important that you choose something that resonates with you. And remember: you don’t have to do it all; there are a lot of us. ♥️ 🤍 💙

Ready? Let’s go. 🤠

P.S. Special thanks to Andrea Pitzer and her Next Comes What podcast — the inspiration to the name of this thing, as well as just general inspiration.³

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1. Shucks. But then again, maybe?

2. Until Mu$k became toxic, thanks to Tes-l@ Takedown! Here’s to the power of protest, people. 💪

3. Her podcast has since become my favorite. Full disclosure: I’m close to the producer. But also, I’m a huge podcast consumer and critic.