I’m sorry to hear that. It sucks to be burned by people when you’re just trying to do the right thing. I keep wanting to hold out hope that we can, against all odds, find ways to build bridges where it seems impossible. Maybe it’s not quite there yet, but I’m hoping they can see the writing on the wall sooner or later. Say if they experience one bad weather event, maybe they put hate aside and really start acting on addressing climate change. Not all of them will be convinced, but I’m seeing the tide change for the better and that’s reason enough for hope to remain alive for me. My wishes for you too to stay hopeful, friend.

Dang, this reply is chock full of truth and good reminders. I fully agree with the need for helping with no strings attached, and it harms others when the help comes with stipulations. You also reminded me that it’s important to outwardly recognize that everyone has a strength, so ensuring people can exercise that talent in a safe space is what enriches and sustains a community. Also most importantly, you mention a reliable communication device, plus electricity access – such good points to keep in mind as we find ways to connect folks that are overburdened from climate change and other systemic pressure with these resources. Amazing, thank you for this!

I share your frustration as I’m from a red state. Say you didn’t have such selfish and unfortunately ignorant neighbors - would you feel differently about engaging them?

Thank you for this education. My goal is always centered in respect for all and I appreciate you. In the spirit of the point of mutual aid networks, what do disabled folks need in times of crisis or extreme weather, in your opinion? I know the spectrum of needs is vast and varied, but I’m always seeking to learn more, should you or others wish to share!

It’s true that scientists were expecting that tropical cyclones would evolve like this with climate change, and I’m hoping we can expand on building those mutual aid networks needed post-storm in the most vulnerable communities. Between the threat of storm surge and the flooding due to torrential rains and monsoons, it’s gonna be a doozy of a task to deal with all this moisture. If we can’t manage storm water and waste water systems, or keep installing permeable surfaces, planting mangrove forests, and other mitigation/adaptation measures, we’re going to see a major public health crisis erupt from lack of access to resources, mold that causes airborne illness, wastewater exposure, and more. Not to be negative, but I just don’t see much support for addressing this because there’s so much political theater that jams airways. Anyone that could help from a governmental standpoint with grants and incentives to mitigate are too busy with bickering and personal gain.

It’s time we take matters into our own hands and establish mutual aid networks ourselves. This means getting to know your neighbors, where to share resources, how to gain access to water filtration and rain water collection, establishing community gardens, clean/renewable energy generation, transportation, communication, and ensuring elderly and differently-abled persons have an action plan when these events happen… and they will more often.

I hope to use this platform and social media in this way. We must start planning to take care of ourselves and our communities, and do away with “every person for themselves” because that just doesn’t work anymore.

Exactly all of this.

Do. Not. Trust. The. Police.

It’s peculiar that when we have mega farms and industrial agriculture, the practices we use to maximize output and profit always lead to the demise of all the surrounding affected land and species. It’s almost as if capitalistic principles are non sustainable and harming the planet…

Thank you for the actual source link. This assessment is spot on, and it really irked me to see a white dwarf star be called a “frog star” like, wtf no one says anything like that cause it’s not a thing.

Several ecological studies and recent meta-analysis have suggested an inverse association between lithium in water and suicide in the general population, with a lack of knowledge of clinically significant side effects.

That last part though.

100% agree. I’m cautiously optimistic about other states following suit. My guess is Massachusetts next, then we hopefully see a cascade effect.

So how do I opt out? I’m assuming we are all automatically opted in.

Is that all these “officials” know how to do? I only ever hear them lying, spinning, redacting, harassing, bullying, shaming, and spewing hate filled messages at people they deem “lesser,” which seems to be a lot of people. (Not to mention the ongoing genocide they’re leading…)

Agreed. In essence, the cost of doing business is ensuring your supply chain is lawful and morally sound. This lack of respect for humanity as a practice runs rampant because capitalism calls for nothing less than infinite growth and ever increasing profit. Imo, if you can’t afford to do business humanely, you shouldn’t be allowed to be in business.

And in the meantime, we’re seeing the US vote to defund a humanitarian organization, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)), that also helps the population prove they are indigenous to Filasteen and have a right to own land there, and land that is currently colonized as well. Because they house this info, Western governments probably see it as a threat to the legitimacy of the occupation and want to erase it from history.

It’s so impossible for me to understand how this is an endorsed action. I know cruelty is the point, but has society been so brainwashed that we’re here? I don’t believe the majority of us are so morally bankrupt.

Precisely why we must make more demonstrations of this, and find ways to codify protections that prevent such negative outcomes. It starts with spreading the word of this success to other potential towns that would benefit from a structure such as this. There are lots of small community land trusts whose basic principle is keeping the land affordable and ensuring it serves the community. There’s also a strong movement to have community owned utilities be the norm. Lots of intersections there that we could learn from and that would bring the residents economic prosperity over time.

Supporting the student, faculty, and public demonstrators!

Divestment always works. Support for the BDS movement!

This was a good read.