Not Helpless Against the Tide

We Will Get Through This

We are not helpless against the orange tide.

But, what can we really do? The Criminal-in-Chief thinks he’s king of the world. He runs roughshod over the spineless enablers in Congress. And, he has a Supreme Court stacked in his favor that basically has given him a license to do whatever the hell he wants, thanks to their ruling that Presidents have immunity for acts performed as part of their “official” duties.

Admittedly, sometimes the outlook looks bleak. Never forget, though, we are not helpless.

It is important to remember the Criminal-in-Chief is not some savvy political genius, or well-educated policy wonk, or dyed-in-the-wool Conservative true believer.

He is a petty, vindictive, opportunistic, ignorant, insecure, mentally weak little man who has learned how to adopt the attitude of strength and say what the gullible among us want to hear.

His criminal administration has only been in power for half a year. It’s still early and there is still time to resist, and effect change. And, there is still time for this administration to collapse under the weight of its own incompetence and criminal ways.

So, how are we going to retain our sanity and get through this?

I’m not going to pretend to have all the answers. We as individuals have to figure out what works for us. However, I’ll share some thoughts on coping with this disaster.

We are not helpless against the tide.

Protests and Boycotts

I find it very encouraging to see folks out in the streets peacefully protesting the anti-democratic activities of President Zero and his administration of criminals, fools, and incompetents. There are several grassroots organizations putting protests together, but the one I am most familiar with is the 50501 Movement, which stands for: 50 Protests - 50 States - 1 Movement. Here’s a link to their website:

https://www.fiftyfifty.one

I am not a social media person, but even I recognize how valuable the social media platforms can be in organizing people all over the country. The message can be spread instantly with just a few clicks.

50501 has gotten some pretty big crowds around the United States, and I dare say the crowds will only get bigger. Having a peaceful outlet for the airing of grievances against a criminal administration will draw even more folks to participate. Even those who thought their days of protesting in the streets were over.

The No Kings rallies all around the country on June 14, 2025 were a big success. An estimated 4-6 million patriotic Americans took to the streets to protest against the Fascist Faux King. We went to the one in our town and it was encouraging to see such a large turnout.

I don’t know if boycotts are all that effective, however, I believe they do have at least one positive effect - they give the boycotters the feeling of taking action. For a lot of us, it is quite important to feel like we are doing something. Often, our options for taking action are limited by our unique circumstances, but getting involved in some small way can help to dispel feelings of hopelessness.

I predict the 50501 Movement will continue to grow.

Do Not Obsess

Here’s one that can be very challenging: Do not obsess over every bit of malfeasance and assholery emanating from the Criminal-in-Chief and his cult of toadies in the White House and Congress.

Easy to say but tough to do.

Personally, I’ve come to the realization that to read every news story coming out of Washington is counterproductive to my good mental health. I do get a couple of newsfeeds which allow me to scan the headlines and pick and choose a few stories to read. But, man, there is a lot of information out there and trying to consume it all is just too much.

If I read too many stories on the latest acts of boorishness or criminality or stupidity or ignorance or lies from the Lyingest Liar who ever lied a lie, I’m sure I would lose my freaking mind. I believe it is important to stay informed, but obsessing over every detail in every news story, will rot my brain. And, I cannot afford to lose any more brain cells.

Remember History

I have touched on this in previous posts. I just want to remind everyone that in the almost 250 years our country has been in existence, we have been through a lot of scary, difficult times. We’ve had wars, assassinations, riots, crime waves, debilitating economic recessions and depressions, worldwide pandemics, Constitutional crises, and a society that enslaved those who were not white, and oppressed those who were not male.

And, although we are not perfect and there is much more to do make our society equitable for everyone, we have survived.

We’ve never had a crisis like this current one, though. We’ve never had a criminal president who was trying to destroy our democracy from within. We now have a president who wants to turn our country into his own personal fiefdom or dictatorship.

However, our shared history tells me that we’ll get through these hard times, just as we did all the others. It’s not going to be easy. Effecting lasting, meaningful, necessary change is never easy.

I have to believe we can do it.

This flag has survived a lot.

Enjoy Your Favorite Substacker

There is so much good writing on Substack. It’s great for people who need a place for staying informed on the issues of the day. It’s also great for simply getting away from everything. There are a lot of talented writers on this platform, who write on a variety of subjects. (Check out my personal recommendations on The Storm. By Norm home page.)

Or, do as I do and write your own Substack. If I did not have this forum on which to vent, I suppose I would be living in our garage. I don’t think my wife could stand me being around otherwise.

Your favorite Substack.

Live Your Life

Sometimes I think the best thing we can do is to simply go about our normal lives as best we can. Granted, these are not normal times. But, my thinking is, basing my emotions and feelings and activities and my daily life on what the loathsome prick in the White House does, to spend my time worrying about what despicable thing he’s going to do next, and constantly wondering how our country can even survive, is not going to do anything but make me miserable and depressed.

Sure, there are going to be times when I will have to engage with what’s going on in America and the world. We all may have to rethink what constitutes “normal” if President Zero plunges us into a recession or a war with Iran. Decisions may have to be made which might change how we live our lives.

But, I can’t let thoughts of what might happen consume me. So, I will endeavor to keep my life as normal as possible, while at the same time, be open to making changes as needed, and participating in the resistance to the fascist scumbag and his enablers in my own way and as I am able.

I had to temporarily lift the ban on using the Asshole-in-Chief’s name to publish this photo. I saw this while stopped at a traffic light. Resistance takes many forms.

Ridin’ the Storm Out

It is prudent and proper to prepare for an oncoming storm. We all have to deal with it as best we can. But, when a storm hits, sometimes all we can do is ride it out and do what needs doing in the aftermath.

Whatever happens, have no fear. We can do this. We are not helpless.

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To my far-from-helpless subscribers, thank you for your support.

And, don’t be afraid to scroll to the bottom and hit that Like button! (But, only if you really mean it.)

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