Thread by @HawaiiDelilah

HD Thread: These are unprecedented times. A Pandemic. More than 105k dead. More than 40 million jobless. Our international standing stained. Our international alliances damaged. And amidst the new civil and human rights fight. /1

All of this under the rule of a racist, sexist, xenophobic, predatory, corrupt, mendacious, narcissistic, autocratic, constitution-subverting, science-free, tool of foreign hostile governments. And all amidst the new civil and human rights fight. /2

As some of you know, I write about other countries for a living -- countries where people risk life and limb to vote in elections where their ballots don't count, but they do it anyway, hoping that it is a downpayment on the democracy dividend they will see some day. /3

I also write about countries where dissent is squashed - often using a security apparatus willing to violate human and civil rights, where the media is demonized and attacked, where the judicial system slowly but systematically becomes an instrument of executive power. /4

And as some of you know, for many years, I have written about countries where leaders, aided and abetted by government officials drunk on their proximity to power and unconcerned about their own complicity, increasingly act with impunity. /5

Let me assure you: Trump is like a 3rd world dictator losing control of his empire, desperately & unyieldingly trying to hold onto power. It won't get better. There is no one who can reason with him. As I say repeatedly: There is no lunatic whisperer. /6

It's June. We need to make it to November, hope our ballots count, and that we get a peaceful transfer of power in January 2021. There is a lot we cannot control. But there are a few things we can do. Stay with me... /7

Stay informed and engaged; have the courage to speak up for the voiceless; forget civility -- this is the time for truth. But be prudent in actions so you do not antagonize as you organize and mobilize for the election. /8

Volunteer with campaigns you support. Donate to worthy causes and campaigns. If you are able, get out there & join mass peaceful mass action knowing that justice, humanity, equality, and democracy are at stake. /9

Do NOT succumb to demoralization. Do not get sidetracked by purism and absolutism based on ideology divorced from the real quotidian lives of people. Lives are at stake. Be resolute against the forces of darkness. Stand FIRMLY on the right side of history and humanity. /10

Most importantly: VOTE. Commit to crawling over glass & through fire to vote. This is the end game.

Progress is on the ballot. Equality is on the ballot. Humanity is on the ballot. Justice is on the ballot. Democracy is on the ballot.

Vote DEMOCRATIC UP & DOWN BALLOT. /end