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Keep your messaging simple:

“Trump fired everyone in charge of airplane safety, and a week later planes started crashing into each other.”

That’s it. That’s the messaging. Don’t get bogged down disputing Trump’s false claims. Just blame him, in short and repeatable sentences.

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The Big Picture: How We Got Into This Mess, And How We Get Out of It | R…

“I’ve been in or around politics for over a half-century now. I’ve watched as corporations ransacked our system. In 1952, the corporate share of federal tax revenue was 32%. In 2020, it was down to 7%. Here’s how we break the corporate oligarchy and return power to the people.”

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(via Updated: I promised you I’d send you my list of fact-based news sources and creators and added more to the list.)

Holy shit, people, this is the motherload of legitimate news sources in America. It’s a really long list, but you should save this somewhere and go exploring. I’m finding new people all the time.

Corporate media is a cesspool, so we have to go find our people will speak to us with honest, integrity and civility, even if some of them cuss like sailors like I do. 

I won’t even make this list because I’m too busy writing fiction, but I’m trying to run a weekly substack newsletter on how to talk about the issues and really dig in past all the bullshit of corporate media to the heart of the matter. Read me if you like right here: https://readingwritingrevolution.substack.com/

Anyway, hang in there. Stay informed. Hydrate. Learn to find the things that make life wonderful so you can regroup and prepare for battle when you’re feeling it.

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America, the New Russia.

There’s been a lot of discussion about authoritarianism creeping into American politics, and it’s hard not to see some unsettling parallels between Putin’s rise to power in Russia and what Trump could be shaping up to do in a second term. While the U.S. and Russia are obviously different in terms of government structure and institutions, there are patterns that feel a little too familiar for comfort. Let’s break it down.

Centralization of Power and Authoritarian Tendencies Putin didn’t start as an outright dictator—he consolidated power over time, pushing out opposition, reshaping government institutions to serve his interests, and taking control of key sectors of society, like the media. Trump’s rhetoric and actions have long suggested an affinity for strongman tactics. His repeated challenges to democratic norms, attacks on the judiciary, and efforts to undermine election integrity all point to a leader who doesn’t exactly have a healthy respect for checks and balances. If given another four years, there’s a legitimate concern that he’d escalate his efforts to tilt institutions in his favor.

Nationalism and Populism as a Political Strategy Both Putin and Trump have mastered the art of appealing to nationalism and populist anger. Putin leans on Russian exceptionalism, Soviet nostalgia, and traditionalist values to maintain power. Trump’s ‘America First’ brand of politics taps into a similar energy—framing global cooperation as weakness and positioning himself as the only one who can “fix” a corrupt system. Populism isn’t inherently bad, but when it’s mixed with authoritarian tendencies, it can quickly become a vehicle for eroding democracy.

The Oligarch Connection: Who Really Runs Things? Putin’s grip on Russia has been solidified in part by his close ties with oligarchs—business elites who thrive under his regime as long as they stay loyal. While Trump isn’t operating in a system with state-controlled oligarchs, his second-term agenda is packed with policy moves that benefit the ultra-wealthy and corporate elite. His administration has shown favoritism toward donors, big business, and industries that align with his interests, reinforcing the idea that money equals influence in his version of governance.

Media Control and Disinformation Putin doesn’t just control the Russian government—he controls the narrative. State-run media ensures the public hears what he wants them to hear, silencing opposition voices. While Trump doesn’t have that same level of control, he’s spent years delegitimizing mainstream media, aggressively promoting his own echo chambers (Truth Social, Fox News, etc.), and peddling conspiracy theories to sow distrust in independent journalism. The goal is similar: create an environment where only his version of events is believed.

Undermining International Norms and Alliances Putin has made it clear that international laws and agreements don’t apply to him. Whether it’s annexing Crimea or interfering in foreign elections, his strategy revolves around destabilizing global order in ways that benefit him. Trump has also shown an outright hostility toward international institutions like NATO and the UN, viewing alliances as liabilities rather than strengths. A second Trump term could further isolate the U.S. from global leadership, mirroring Putin’s approach of prioritizing personal power over diplomatic stability.

What’s the Takeaway? Look, America isn’t Russia, and Trump isn’t Putin. But ignoring the warning signs would be naive. The patterns are there—consolidation of power, nationalism as a rallying cry, catering to elites while presenting himself as a populist, discrediting the media, and disregarding international norms. Whether or not Trump can successfully push the U.S. further down that path depends on how much resistance he faces from institutions, the public, and political opposition.

The biggest difference? The U.S. still has functioning democratic mechanisms that could prevent full-scale authoritarianism—if people actually use them.

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A discord conversation I had a couple days ago, they approached me to debate my stance on asking individuals to leave my server if they voted for Trump:

[REDACTED] — Yesterday at 9:22 AM Can we have a conversation?

FiveEven — Yesterday at 10:18 AM ?

[REDACTED] — Today at 7:14 AM Sorry for leaving you hanging I have my daughter with me so she gets most of my time when she's with me. Just lemme know when you have a few moments.

FiveEven — Today at 10:01 AM What's this about

[REDACTED] — Today at 10:09 AM Something you said a while back that hasn't sat right with me. And I don't write people off or shake them for their views, so I wanted to talk about it.

FiveEven — Today at 10:10 AM ok feel free to state your piece

[REDACTED] — Today at 10:42 AM So I've never been a political or judgemental person. Meaning I don't care how people live their lives. It doesn't effect me or my life how someone else lives and also doesn't bother me. I may not agree with some things, but again. It doesn't bother me in any way. I'd rather talk about this then text. Text is too...idk like you can read too much or not enough into what someone texts. I'm just busy right now making unicorn friendship bracelets with my kiddo. What a nightmare. It's so hard to do. Image Image I have no idea what I'm doing.

FiveEven — Today at 11:19 AM Have fun making bracelets. I’m not in a position to have a debate in person either. However, I will say this: I also wasn’t political until I was. If—and I don’t mean to assume—you’re reaching out because of my anti-Trump stance, or my decision to cut people out of my life over it, I understand that some may feel it’s an extreme overreaction. I don’t think it is.

The thing about not being affected by politics is that it’s a privileged stance to take. I am a cis, white woman who largely wouldn’t be directly affected by politics, as my state is pro-choice and holds progressive views. However, I strongly believe that staying in my bubble and ignoring politics means I’m failing in my responsibility to my fellow human beings.

Gun rights affect all of us. Women’s rights affect women in states I don’t live in (but could travel through). Immigration politics impact everyone. Legislation on gender affects people, whether you know them personally or not.

More than anything, I value character. I firmly believe that a vote for Trump reflects either a moral failing or a failure to be fully informed. Some willingly chose to ignore that Trump is a felon, a traitor who incited an insurrection, a rapist, a grifter, and a con man. Even if there were a direct correlation between who is in charge and egg prices (a frequently used argument), I am not willing to sacrifice the well-being of marginalized groups for the sake of cheaper eggs.

The beauty right now of freedom of speech and the right to vote is that we are allowed to have opinions, and that means we also have the freedom to reap the consequences of those opinions and votes among other citizens. There are many who chose to cut ties with others over their Trump vote. This election was not just about a difference in policies like tariffs or tax cuts—it was about human rights. Nearly 50% of the nation voted the way they did, saying that being a felon, a rapist, and an overall deplorable racist is fine. Now we are all in the "find out" stage of his presidency.

The first week of Trump’s presidency has only reinforced my perspective. In this short time, we’ve seen mass pardons for violent offenders from the January 6th insurrection, executive orders to undermine the 14th Amendment (which grants citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the U.S.), and orders preventing agencies like the CDC and FDA from sharing critical information—such as food recalls (e.g., E. coli outbreaks on spinach or listeria contamination that directly impact consumers) and updates about avian flu. The flu, which spreads among birds, cows, and even cats, has already killed a human. It must be tracked closely in case it evolves to transmit from human to human, which would be catastrophic.

Additionally, there have been mass deportations already impacting the agricultural and service industries, the firing of inspector generals who help prevent fraud and abuse, withdrawal from the World Health Organization, the abolition of DEI initiatives, and mandates recognizing only two genders.

I haven’t seen any of the positive promises fulfilled. He didn’t stop the Russian-Ukrainian war in 24 hours. Egg prices have risen by 38% this week alone. With the promised tariffs starting on February 1st and current ICE raids impacting farmers, we’re facing a significant increase in the cost of groceries and goods.

[REDACTED] — Today at 11:21 AM My question is what is a bigot? All you're doing is becoming what you claim to hate. Your post was unadulterated bigotry And then we turn 🛞 into a cycle of the same old bullshit.

FiveEven — Today at 11:23 AM I don’t believe setting personal boundaries or aligning my relationships with my core values makes me a bigot. Bigotry is about being intolerant of others’ existence or inherent characteristics, such as race, religion, gender, or identity. My decision to distance myself from Trump supporters isn’t about intolerance for different opinions—it’s about refusing to overlook the harm caused by policies and rhetoric that directly attack marginalized groups and basic human rights.

For me, this isn’t a matter of political differences like tax policy or trade agreements—it’s about morality and character. Supporting someone who is a felon, a traitor who incited an insurrection, a rapist, and a racist is a choice to overlook those facts. That vote impacts real people in significant ways, and I’ve chosen to stand with those who are harmed by those policies rather than remain in relationships that disregard that harm.

[REDACTED] — Today at 11:24 AM No, bigotry is being intolerant of others' beliefs and ideals. Let's not sugarcoat things.

FiveEven — Today at 11:24 AM I understand your perspective, but I don’t believe that setting personal boundaries to align with my values is the same as being a bigot. Bigotry is being intolerant of someone’s inherent characteristics—like their race, gender, or religion—or denying them basic rights and dignity.

Choosing to distance myself from people whose political choices I see as harmful to marginalized groups isn’t about intolerance of their beliefs; it’s about standing up for what I believe in: equality, human rights, and accountability.

We all have the freedom to make choices, and those choices have consequences, including in our personal relationships. I respect that you may see this differently, but for me, the ideals and beliefs I hold sacred—like advocating for vulnerable communities and rejecting harmful rhetoric—are non-negotiable.

I’m not sugarcoating anything—I’m being clear about where I stand. Choosing to end relationships based on someone’s support for policies and a leader who promotes harm, inequality, and hate isn’t intolerance; it’s a refusal to condone those actions and their consequences.

Bigotry would be if I were denying someone their right to exist or express themselves. I’m not doing that. I’m simply choosing not to maintain relationships with people whose beliefs and actions—like voting for someone who undermines basic human rights—conflict with my values.

You’re free to call it what you want, but I call it accountability. If you’re comfortable with your choices and beliefs, you should also be comfortable with the consequences, including how others respond to them.

[REDACTED] — Today at 11:26 AM So you would support Kamala voters?

Like I said. I don't align. I don't vote because I don't give a shit and I purely don't think it matters who votes for anyone. What's gonna happen is gonna happen.

But I clearly see a huge amount of bigotry coming from the LGBTQ+ community.

FiveEven — Today at 11:28 AM It sounds like we view the role of voting and politics very differently, and that’s okay. To answer your question, I would support voters whose choices align with values I believe in—such as advocating for equality, protecting human rights, and uplifting marginalized groups. It’s not about blind allegiance to any candidate but about supporting policies and leadership that reflect those principles.

I get that you feel voting doesn’t matter or that things will play out regardless, but I see it differently. Politics and policies have real, tangible impacts on people’s lives, especially those who are already vulnerable. I can’t look the other way on that, even if it feels overwhelming or out of my control.

[REDACTED] — Today at 11:28 AM I don't force heterosexuality onto others or treat people poorly because they aren't, but I do see a lot of force coming from the opposite side of the spectrum, which is undeniable.

And as far as what I meant about it not mattering, there's a higher governing force that ultimately decides what's gonna happen politically. And the idea of democracy is purely to make the masses "feel" like they have an impact.

Regardless of how many people could have not voted for Trump, he was going to become president. It's a 3-ring circus, life. And we are indeed the clowns.

FiveEven — Today at 11:31 AM That is a fascinating perspective, but I think it’s important to differentiate between advocating for equality and “forcing” something on others. When marginalized groups and their allies push for representation or rights, it’s not about imposing their beliefs—it’s about ensuring they’re treated fairly and have the same opportunities and freedoms as everyone else.

For example, LGBTQ+ advocacy isn’t about forcing anyone to change their personal values or beliefs. It’s about dismantling systemic discrimination, creating inclusive spaces, and allowing people to live authentically without fear of judgment or harm.

It’s worth reflecting on whether what feels like “force” might actually just be discomfort with seeing society shift to make space for others. Nobody is asking you to compromise your identity—they’re asking for the same respect and freedoms you likely enjoy without even thinking about it.

I am a straight female with LGBTQ+ friends that I regularly hang with, and not once have I felt forced to be gay or change my gender.

[REDACTED] — Today at 11:32 AM Likewise.

FiveEven — Today at 11:32 AM There’s certainly corruption and systems in place that make it seem like our votes don’t matter. That said, I believe that even small actions—like voting or advocating for issues we care about—can ripple outward. Maybe we’re not changing everything at once, but we’re creating progress over time.

If life is a circus, as you say, I’d rather be the one trying to make it better for everyone in the tent, not just the ringmasters or the VIP section. It may feel futile, but I think standing for something matters, even in the chaos.

[REDACTED] — Today at 11:33 AM Are you a mother?

FiveEven — Today at 11:33 AM Interesting question! I’m not a mother, but I’m curious about why you ask. Does being a parent influence how you see this topic?

[REDACTED] — Today at 11:34 AM Yes. I don't want a penis flopping around the same bathroom my daughter uses. Is that bad?

FiveEven — Today at 11:35 AM It’s important to clarify that transgender individuals using bathrooms that align with their gender identity doesn’t pose a safety risk. Transgender people are statistically far more likely to be victims of harassment or violence in public spaces, including bathrooms, than to perpetrate it.

What I think we should focus on is creating safe spaces for everyone. If the concern is about inappropriate behavior, that’s an issue regardless of someone’s gender identity. Safety comes from addressing harmful actions, not from restricting the rights of an entire group of people to exist and participate in public life.

I know this can feel like a difficult topic, but I believe we can prioritize safety without marginalizing or stigmatizing others.

Transgender individuals also account for less than 6% of the total population.

[REDACTED] — Today at 11:36 AM And also, about the freedoms I enjoy... as a white single father... they lead me to want to oof myself frequently. Due to lots of things. Like I'm not sure what's so good for someone like me.

FiveEven — Today at 11:37 AM If a man truly wanted to harm a woman in a bathroom, they wouldn’t go through the immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges of transitioning—years of painful surgeries, hormone therapy, and societal stigma—to do so. Someone intent on causing harm isn’t going to respect bathroom signs or rules in the first place.

The reality is that transgender people are just trying to live their lives authentically, and they often face significant risks just for doing so. Statistically, they are far more likely to be victims of violence and harassment than perpetrators.

I think we can all agree that protecting safety in public spaces is essential. The key is focusing on actions and behavior rather than discriminating against a group of people who are already vulnerable.

[REDACTED] — Today at 11:43 AM Is it discriminatory to have a 3rd bathroom perhaps?

FiveEven — Today at 11:54 AM Look, I have to go, but I stand firmly by my beliefs and my decision to cut ties where necessary. My opinions are rooted not only in scientific facts but also in my own lived experiences. Wishing you all the best.

The next four years are going to be complicated, and I believe debates around transgender and LGBTQ+ rights will eventually feel like minor issues compared to the larger corruption and oligarchy we’re heading into. Perhaps that will create the illusion that something has been "fixed" so you don’t feel forced to deal with it anymore.

At the very least, with Trump declaring only two genders, LGBTQ+ individuals may feel compelled to be less visible for their own safety. I also wouldn’t be surprised if gay marriage—like Roe v. Wade during his last term—is overturned and left to individual states to decide. However, the current sentiment seems to lean toward a nationwide abortion ban and potentially a federal stance that LGBTQ+ individuals are not entitled to any rights at all.

One of my bigger concerns is that the current ICE raids and increased investments in private prisons could lead America back into a form of semi-slavery, with growing prison populations being exploited for labor in for-profit facilities and detention centers. This already exists and seems to be expanding, as immigrants are detained, countries of origin refuse to accept them, and immigration courts remain backlogged, taking months or even years to process cases—an issue that predates this presidency but appears to be worsening.

But who knows—maybe this is all just "liberal brainwashing" (which I’ve been accused of being susceptible to) and not an awareness of how history tends to repeat itself, or at least rhyme.

Godspeed, best of luck.

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History rhyming time

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Al Jazeera:

United States President Donald Trump says he would like to “just clean out” Gaza, urging Egypt and Jordan to take in more Palestinians from the coastal enclave. Speaking with reporters on board Air Force One on Saturday, Trump said he had a call earlier in the day with King Abdullah II of Jordan and would speak with Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi later on Sunday. “I would like Egypt to take people,” Trump said. “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say: ‘You know, it’s over.'” Trump said he complimented Jordan for having successfully accepted Palestinian refugees and that he told the king, “I would love for you to take on more, ‘cause I am looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a mess. It’s a real mess.” Israel’s genocide in Gaza displaced almost the entire 2.3 million people in Gaza, some of them multiple times. Trump said Gaza’s inhabitants could be moved “temporarily or could be long term”.

[...] Israel’s genocide in Gaza displaced almost the entire 2.3 million people in Gaza, some of them multiple times. Trump said Gaza’s inhabitants could be moved “temporarily or could be long term”.

Human disgrace Donald Trump endorses ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza by relocating them to Egypt and Jordan, as he would love to “clean out that whole thing.”

See Also:

AP, via HuffPost: Trump Wants Jordan And Egypt To Accept More Refugees And Floats Plan To 'Just Clean Out' Gaza

CNN: Trump suggests his plan for Gaza Strip is to ‘clean out the whole thing’

Rolling Stone: Trump Floats Forced Relocation of Gazans: ‘Clean Out That Whole Thing’

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BREAKING — Inspectors General are NOT leaving, stating Trump’s attempted firings broke the law

Also: Chuck Grassley, Republican Senator from Iowa, said Trump broke law requiring 30 days notice to Congress and detailed reasons for firing IGs

KEEP STANDING YOUR GROUND!

[fiveeven]

They don't care about us. They don't care if we care. All they want is for us to be tired, scared, and ignorant.

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My liver is going to struggle extra hard these first 100 days!

My conspiracy-theory-oriented brain is spiraling hard. I really hope we get to vote again in four years... I hope we don’t turn into an evangelical Christian nation... I hope hate and violence against marginalized communities don’t become rampant... I don’t want to fight in a civil war if I don’t have to.

I’m deleting all Meta profiles. I have to use Google for my dog training business, but I’ll start using Signal, Tumblr, Bluesky, and Twitch (unfortunately). I’m looking to volunteer locally and seeking out unbiased news sources like AP News.

It still feels like so little, like I have no power here.

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Republicans wrote laws in the House, Republicans in the Senate approved.

Trump is not in office.

There is no executive order.

Yet everything changed and changed back.

This is a performance.