Valid point. I'm guessing the next few years will reveal the vulnerabilities in the system/process. Probably lots for us in US to learn from.

And now taking the lead by banning social media for kids!

This is one of the most constructive, timely policy outlines I've ever read. All rooted in common sense, best practices, fiscal responsibility & an effective public health value system. Thank you for crafting this.

This is fascinating, highly relevant info; thanks for posting!

I see your point, & yet something about your post isn't sitting well with me. Agreed that we shouldn't rely solely on women to save us. & yet when they can, shouldn't they? She shares equal responsibility with rest of GOP. Based on experience, she was most likely to step up.

Just did, via the 5calls site. Left message with Hawley intern and as always, left voicemail for Schmitt. Thanks for making these calls easier; I've used the scripts numerous times now.

Thanks for reporting, Ashley; new follower here. Would love to know from your sources, as well as any legislators who will go on record, what they are hearing from the majority of constituent phone calls and emails about this legislation.

The "host" asking excellent questions is Margaret Brennan.

It's interesting that two female senators spoke to Lee directly, demonstrating courage to do the difficult, right thing.

Jennifer, I so appreciate this piece & your perspective. We won't convince MAGA voters that they voted incorrectly or their beliefs are wrong. I strongly suspect we can convince them that they/we all deserve better. That, along with actions reflecting our determination to survive, may do the trick.

Exactly. And then psychologically and sociologically difficult to admit they chose poorly. It's difficult for most of us to do.

I agree with you, along with just general anti-Democrat sentiment. My point above is just one piece of the puzzle. Suggesting that it was several things, not just a couple. Both/and versus either/or.

Read your Substack & I appreciate the clarity of your explanations. I think a pivotal point has been overlooked: I've heard/read several times that many Trump voters did hear the messaging & didn't "want to be lectured to." Some messaging felt condescending to them & they voted based on emotion.

Completely agree with this. "All politics is local" rings true here. And until impacted directly, we'll continue to hear many psychological defense mechanisms, such as rationalization, deflection, etc. Think of how difficult & rare it is for most of us to completely change our views on something.

Beautifully, powerfully stated. Thank you for this clarity.

So those who are "frightened" can't problem-solve this to maintain some integrity? Collectively pool funds to increase security for their families? Have a private sector job lined up if they risk being primaried? "I won't do the right thing because I'm afraid" = ineffective leadership.

Not to oversimplify the process, but would this work: Find space, set day & time a week in advance, notify representative & their staff (contact all offices), & let staff/rep know you have contacted local media (local channels and several specific reporters in each, same with newspaper, CNN, MSNBC

I just attended a training explaining that narcissists get a large dopamine hit from hurting "good" things- relationships, people, projects, organizations. Also, consider the developmental age of someone who just destroys without creating. Rebellious teen years, maybe?

Great article. The ideas for practical application are particularly helpful.

@generalstrikeus.bsky.social When Corporate America is hurting, they will demand more effective policy from GOP. Today may be a leading indicator that Buy Nothing on February 28th can be highly impactful.

Just learned in a training that people with narcissistic personality types often get major dopamine hits from tearing things/people down. Also, dopamine increases with novelty. Completely agree that he's moved on.

Will do! I've been wanting to do more in addition to calling/writing Senators, etc. I'm unable to strike due to nature of my job. But No Spend Days? I'm all in.

Great article, with solid research backing it! Thanks for posting. This is encouraging.

Your explanation makes alot of sense. Thanks for the info!

@democrats.org You need an effective spokesperson. @petebuttigieg.bsky.social is your guy.

Serious question here: what would create enough safety for them to speak up? And are they contacting their representatives and senators? The GOP counts on rural votes; they may listen.

@americanair.bsky.social, how might this impact your business? I suspect you have some influence here with the GOP.

Unrelated but hopefully relevant: have others heard that Feb 10-15 is planned "no spend" (likely low-spend) week for immigrants communities? How can we amplify this and/or make it nationwide?

Great piece. I suspect we need a grassroots movement to help voters understand that we really can raise the bar for all elected officials. Yes, at this point we're getting what 50% of America voted for & yet, teaching people to raise their standards, when messaged well, is generally very effective.

I love this piece & believe we wouldn't be in the position we're in now if just a handful of legislators had done the difficult, right thing. As noted, what if we raised the bar for all elected officials?