Life of Wry

After the inauguration of the greatest threat to democracy in our history, we realized that we needed to gather with other like-minded friends (and strangers) and TALK. I suppose we felt lost (how could this resurrection-fomenting, document-stealing, women-abusing, blathering fool of a felon possibly get elected?). I suppose we felt powerless (how can we ever protect the things we love and need with a MAGA governmental trifecta?). Maybe we could gather our friends (and strangers) to talk about the latest book we’d read, but who’s got time to read books (when we’re busy trying to save democracy)?!

We (Sister District Yolo) came up with an idea: A Not-a-Book-Club. Instead of big, time-consuming books, we’d talk about timely articles that got us thinking, or sparked new ideas, or offered some inspiration in the midst of the most depressing firehose of news ever. Instead of feeling nauseous and defeated and overwhelmed and angry, we could find some common cause with our neighbors, some community, some solidarity.

We set up four groups, each meeting at a different time and place. I co-host the mid-week evening gathering with Don

This evening, we gathered for our third one (they’re monthy). We talked about JB Pritzger’s barn burning speech in New Hampshire a week or two ago. We contrasted his approach “everything, everywhere, all at once,” (including massive protests, mobilization and resistance) with a dem strategist’s approach (Doug Sosnick) that includes a sequential 4-part plan. It was a great discussion. Everyone came prepared (the readings took less than an hour .. easy peasy).

And there were snacks.

Here’s this month’s group (I cut off Chris’s upper body):

I’ll close with this:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

— Margaret Mead