Etiquette



DP Etiquette

First rule: Don't be a jackass.

Other rules: Do not attack or insult people you disagree with. Engage with facts, logic and beliefs. Out of respect for others, please provide some sources for the facts and truths you rely on if you are asked for that. If emotion is getting out of hand, get it back in hand. To limit dehumanizing people, don't call people or whole groups of people disrespectful names, e.g., stupid, dumb or liar. Insulting people is counterproductive to rational discussion. Insult makes people angry and defensive. All points of view are welcome, right, center, left and elsewhere. Just disagree, but don't be belligerent or reject inconvenient facts, truths or defensible reasoning.

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

So, now what?

We are in serious distress and need help


Our democracy, the rule of law and our civil liberties have entered what looks to be a deadly game ending in some form of kleptocratic authoritarianism. If that is mostly true, and I believe it is, one can reasonably ask, what can I do? Is there anything meaningful that any regular person can do? 

I plan to be more aggressive about criticizing people in the media who put out bad content about Biden while saying little or nothing about the far worse kleptocratic DJT and America's radical right authoritarian monsters are. The MSM keeps referring to the authoritarian wealth and power movement as "conservative", and I will keep calling that out as a lie. True conservatives are not authoritarian or kleptocratic. It is an insult to conservatives to smear them by calling authoritarians "conservatives."

I will try to engage at radical right authoritarian sites that allow me to engage. There may be none of those left, but I can at least check it out.

Things that some say are ways to protect democracy, civil liberties and the rule of law from openly hostile American authoritarianism:
  • Stay informed and engaged: Keep up with reliable news sources and fact-based information about threats to democracy. Understanding the issues is crucial for effective civic participation.
  • Vote in all elections: Participate in local, state, and national elections. Free and fair elections are fundamental to democracy, so exercising your right to vote is essential.
  • Support organizations defending democracy: Contribute time or resources to nonpartisan groups working to protect voting rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
  • Speak out against authoritarianism: Use your voice to condemn antidemocratic actions and rhetoric. Share factual information to counter disinformation.
  • Contact elected officials: Regularly communicate with representatives at all levels of government to express support for democratic principles and opposition to authoritarian policies.
  • Volunteer as a poll worker or election observer: Help ensure the integrity of elections by participating directly in the electoral process.
  • Engage in peaceful protest and civil discourse: Exercise your First Amendment rights to assemble and speak out in defense of democratic values.
  • Build cross-ideological coalitions: Work with people across the political spectrum who share a commitment to democratic principles, setting aside partisan differences to defend core values.
  • Support independent journalism: Subscribe to and share quality journalism that holds power to account and provides factual information.
  • Educate others: Have conversations with friends, family, and community members about the importance of democratic norms and institutions.
  • Participate in local government: Attend town halls, city council meetings, and other local government forums to stay engaged in community decision-making.
  • Support civic education: Advocate for robust civics education in schools to ensure future generations understand and value democratic processes.
  • Donate time or money to pro-democracy efforts 
I do some of those things now, but the urgency feels much greater today than last week. 



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