Thread by @CKeeves

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So many people in my network who have successfully avoided #Covid19 -- and have consistently worn high-quality masks indoors etc -- are now sick.

Many of them are teachers, gig workers, and performers... and if they don't work, they don't get paid.

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One of my besties texted me this morning: she FINALLY had a pre-Covid weekend's worth of gigs lined up and wanted me to confirm that the super faint pink line on her rapid test means that she's Covid+.

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She's trying to document w/ a PCR test but all the free testing sites have been shut down.

Simultaneously, she's scrambling to find subs so she doesn't burn bridges for future work as she's forced to cancel last-minute in a city where not everyone supports these precautions.

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She is frustrated but willing & able to sacrifice a big chunk of much-needed income to keep others safe.

Unfortunately, many people don't have the support, information, or flexibility they need to self-sacrifice like this for the common good.

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It is beyond irresponsible for our elected officials to shirk all responsibility for what should be a collective response to a huge public health crisis.

For "regular" working people, the situation is the same or worse as it was under TFG.

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As @POTUS & @WhiteHouse continue to downplay the risks of #COVID19...

...responsible decisions come at huge -- sometimes impossible -- costs;

...Congressional, state, and local elected officials have a free pass to withdraw what little support existed;

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...individuals lack the knowledge/tools they need to keep their communities safe;

...the resulting cultural shift encourages criticism instead of gratitude for people making hard choices;

&
...people are forced to risk their lives & livelihoods to stay fed & housed.

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After all, what's a struggling athlete or performing artist supposed to do when the urgent need for income is juxtaposed with long-term risk of disability or community wellness?

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.@Potus, @WhiteHouse, and other elites (ahem, @DrLeanaWen) are forcing "Average Joes" to make hugely painful, significant sacrifices while they refuse to give up luxuries like fancy dinners or wear masks.

This is the same #TwoAmericas that @kdurquiza highlighted at the DNC.

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When we pointed out these rife inequalities under TFG, so many Dems cheered us on.

But now that this same message no longer serves their purposes ("bc midterms!"), they've left us high & dry and are demanding that we shut our mouths.

As the only nat'l survivor-led org fighting for comprehensive #CovidJustice - incl response, recovery, resilience, restitution, & recognition - it's critical that we push for the safest, most equitable policies, regardless of who's is in the oval.

More: markedbycovid.com/policy

That's why @MarkedByCovid is non-partisan.

We fight for *the people.*

Candidates or leaders hoping for our support must earn it by joining the fight. Individuals cannot be allies if they like our truth-telling only when it serves their agenda.

Because #SilenceEqualsDeath.

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@MarkedByCovid Wow. Bestie will be floored when I share this response! Everyone making these tough decisions deserves support like this.

Please be an #ArtsHero - follow @BeAnArtsHero and sign their petition to support artists who are #FlyingWithoutANet: beanartshero.com/circus-workers…

& add others 👇🏾

Update from bestie ICYMI:

https://twitter.com/ckeeves/status/1537540198182989824