Youth Advocacy
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 31 (221 total reports)
17.07.2024-23.07.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people as one older candidate bravely steps aside and the other digs in.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
Leonard Cohen on the Antidote to Anger and the Meaning of Resistance
https://www.themarginalian.org/2024/07/18/leonard-cohen-anger-resistance/
This book review by Maria Popova of Leonard’s Cohen’s writings offering “an antidote to anger and the meaning of resistance,” is perfectly timed for our current situation. Popover gently reminds us that (like children) we run to our parent(s) when the world around us feels chaotic and threatening. Though this is touching in children, in adults, we use this impulse to give our personal will away to authoritarians in times of societal stress. The commentator looks at this from Leonard Cohen’s perspective, revealing the depth of his reflections on the sense of helplessness many people have felt throughout history and how often that has led to the justification of violence and oppression. Cohen offers the antidote to anger and helplessness as meaningful relationships and a discovery of personal meaning. What could be a greater gift for us to offer young people today than a deeply affirming relationship based in purpose and belief that one’s life has meaning?
Best Links of The Week
23.07.2024
Suddenly Trump Looks Older and More Deranged
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/trump-looks-older-and-more-deranged/679186/
Now that President Biden has made the heroic choice to step aside and endorse Kamala Harris for President, the media is finally focusing on Trump’s age and failing mental capabilities (Older and More Deranged). His mental lapses and meandering, often violent, diatribes are nothing new, the only thing that has changed is the focus of the major news networks. Trump has been disintegrating mentally for months (perhaps years), but now the focus is on him. Many Republicans have already come out and stated that the GOP cannot win with him on the ticket and, of course, Trump is already backing out of a debate with the prosecutor who—as she has said—“has worked with his kind before.” Biden’s debate performance was abysmal and he has stepped aside appropriately, largely because of it. Will Trump step aside? Of course not. He’ll just circumvent debates and fall back on name-calling. Trump needs this election to gain more power, avoid his debts, and avoid his many court cases. Without the presidency, Trump will dry up like the old pervert and degenerate criminal he is. The GOP won’t stop supporting him because, they are in-too-deep. They need a patsy like Trump who will blank stamp their authoritarian agenda and continue to undermine the courts (Project 2025 and Putin’s Global Agenda). There is a new energy among the Democrats that will only grow as they continue through the VP pick and National Convention. Biden will join a cadre of impressive statesmen and past presidents, he will be remembered for his legislative prowess, service to his country, and for stepping aside when his country needed him to.
22.07.2024
A Candidate, Not a Cult Leader
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/07/a-candidate-not-a-cult-leader/679182/
President Joe Biden made the biggest choice of his career (and perhaps the hardest) yesterday. He decided that he was not the best candidate to lead the Nation in a victory against the Authoritarian Right. This act of courage and heroism will be the defining act of his career, perhaps even of politics this century. His timing couldn’t have been better. Following the clown show at the RNC and the demigod worship of their felon, sexual abuser, candidate, Donald Trump. The GOP had no wind left in its sails to detract from Biden’s statesmanly transition to Kamala Harris. Now, it will be prosecutor vs. felon and the Trump team is heretofore running scared. The GOP is already looking for ways to block Biden’s decision. This Atlantic article draws out that this is the difference between a real candidate (Joe Biden) and a cult leader (Donald Trump). One can never imagine Donald Trump stepping aside for the good of the country. One cannot imagine Donald Trump ever doing anything that wasn’t in his own best interest. People who admire that quality will continue to adore Donald Trump and it reveals a great deal about their internal character.
21.07.2024
What the Democrats’ Divisions Could Mean for the Election
https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2024/07/election-divisions-washington-week/679172/
(When I wrote this piece, Biden had not stepped aside, but I’ve decided to leave it in anyway). By all the numbers, the Biden administration has been a huge success for the middle class and the impoverished in the United States—except, of course, where a belligerent and incompetent Republican-led House has blocked him. A second Biden term would definitely provide more wins for the middle and lower economic classes of the United States, it would increase pressure for tax reform, for climate health, immigration reform, reform of the Supreme Court, and for empowering voting rights. It would lead to courts being allowed to justly prosecute Trump for his crimes and insurrectionists for their attempts to overthrow the US government. Mostly, a resounding win would tell the GOP and Trump that their authoritarian, white Christian nationalist movement has no place in the United States. Imagine the country being able to return to its democratic roots. If Biden steps down, none of these goals change, but the choice is Biden’s to make. He earned it and he beat Trump before. He needs our support to do it again.
20.07.2024
A Searing Reminder That Trump Is Unwell
To quote, Tom Nichols, the author of this article, "Trump is a vengeful autocrat with obvious mental deficits who has surrounded himself with a crew of vicious goons.”
All Trump had to do was stick to the teleprompter, but his self-serving ego wouldn’t even allow him to do that. Like a bad comedian at a garden party, Trump’s bellicose manner stole all the air from the room to focus the attention on himself. Also like an attention hog at a, evening social, he told the same jokes getting louder with each one. Smugly, smiling at his own self-perceived wisdom while showing the rest of the world (except for his cult followers) that he is indeed, “unwell.” People who back Trump don’t do so because of his intelligence (he’s the dumbest man to ever hold the office of President), certainly not for his ethics (he has none), and definitely not for his policies (they will harm the majority of his own constituents). They follow him because he appears to be what they are not—a strong, unbending, personality in the midst of a chaotic world. They think he will stand up to “whatever bad guys” the GOP concocts this week; immigrants, other races, people with dissimilar sexual preferences, people who are not White Christians. They want a “White Chrisitan” takeover of the US and they want everyone forced to believe exactly like they believe. Everyone else is a threat to them and they believe that Donald is the demigod that will rid them of those threats. Imagine a world without his hatred. Imagine a world without his daily whining diatribes. Imagine a world where his imaginary friend, Hannibal Lector, is not vaunted as a role model. That world, is achievable with a heavy vote turnout. It doesn’t matter who the Democrats run, they just need to beat Trump and his “goons;” Project 2025, the Supreme Court of Donald Trump, and the White Christian Nationalist takeover of the United States.
19.07.2024
Why the Christian Right Believes Donald Trump Is “Anointed by God”
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/christian-right-donald-trump
I’ve been trying to understand the fascination any self-proclaiming Christian would have with the felon, sex offender, Donald Trump. This article identifies it as a fixation on ideology rather than theology. The other factor, I believe, is simply about control. A lack of feeling in control of your own personal life always leads to a desire (often compulsion) to control the lives of others. Modern Christian Nationalism is no different than Islamic Sharia Law with the exception of what version of God they want to force on others. It is amazing to me that the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life has become a rallying cry for the far right that he is “ordained by God” to be the next leader of the government. I suppose that flies in the face of Revelations 13:3, “And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” But what is Religious fanaticism if not picking only the sacred writings that support your opinion (or in this case, ideology)?
18.07.2024
We the People Are on Our Own
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/07/individual-responsibility-renew-democracy/679024/
A convicted felon and serial sexual assaulter, Donald Trump, is accepting the nomination of the Republican party tonight. Meanwhile, elderly statesman, Joe Biden is sidelined from campaigning by COVID with an increasing number of his own party members calling for him to step down. Trump is supposed to call for unity, but the only unity his party has been pushing in the last three nights of the Republican National Convention is unity around letting Trump not face the consequences of his actions. They would like all of us to put aside our differences and support his authoritarian bid for president. The author of this article, Shannon A. Mullen, wants to tell us that neither presidential candidate offers unity to America at this point, but her viewpoint is that this can be a plus for all of us—IF in the process we rediscover our own “agency.” Agency, according to psychologists is the sense of control that you feel in your life, your capacity to influence your own thoughts and behavior, and have faith in your ability to handle a wide range of tasks and situations. Your sense of agency helps you to be psychologically stable, yet flexible in the face of conflict or change. Ms. Mullen wants us to remember that—in a time when politicians and the media are playing up our helplessness—we need to remember that we OWN the democratic process. Our ability to unite as a community and express our vote will decide our future. Our ability to engage each other in CIVIL discourse is our most important (and I don’t use this word lightly) weapon. Find civil ways to voice your opinion, be open to the opinion of others, don’t allow politicians and pundits to force us into camps of “us vs. them.” Encourage discourse in the face of violence. Your voice and your vote are still your ticket to agency. Rise above helplessness and turn out for the vote this November. Your voice is needed and your voice still counts.
17.07.2024
The 22 Scariest Lines We Found in Project 2025’s 900-Page ‘Mandate for Leadership’
Who better to do an overview of a plot to overthrow women’s rights to their own bodies (as well as the constitution), than the people at Ms. Magazine? Long a bastion of journalistic integrity and support for women’s rights all over the world. This magazine is unflinching in its review of what the GOP is planning on implementing during a Trump Takeover of the government of the United States. If you haven’t read through Project 2025, this is your chance to do a solid overview. Please read this and pass onto friends. Trump and the GOP Have to lose in ROE-vember.
This Week’s Links
23.07.2024
Suddenly Trump Looks Older and More Deranged
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/trump-looks-older-and-more-deranged/679186/
Democrats target GOP’s Project 2025 in Milwaukee amid Republican National Convention
https://www.advocate.com/politics/democrats-target-republican-project-2025
The Changing Odds of a Great Conflict in America
https://time.com/7001346/great-conflict-american-politics-update/
GOP Lawmakers Now Blame Women for Trump’s Assassination Attempt
As Harris launches her presidential run, the veepstakes is on. Here's who to watch
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/22/nx-s1-5048872/kamala-harris-vp-veepstakes-shapiro-newsom-cooper
Kamala Harris Kicks Off Her Campaign With Major Snub to Netanyahu
https://newrepublic.com/post/184119/kamala-harris-campaign-snub-netanyahu
22.07.2024
A Candidate, Not a Cult Leader
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/07/a-candidate-not-a-cult-leader/679182/
6 political takeaways from Biden's decision to step aside
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/22/nx-s1-5048115/biden-harris-drop-out-election-analysis
World leaders show respect and support as Biden quits race
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw9ygvw959ro
The Staggering Nihilism of the GOP’s Climate Policy Was on Display This Week
The results of the biggest study on guaranteed income programs are finally in
https://19thnews.org/2024/07/study-guaranteed-income-program-results/
Individuals Who Grew Up as 'People-Pleasers' Usually Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say
21.07.2024
What the Democrats’ Divisions Could Mean for the Election
https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2024/07/election-divisions-washington-week/679172/
The Country’s Most Conservative Court Just Reinstated a Jim Crow-Era Voter Suppression Law
The Trump Campaign Has Peaked Too Soon
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/trump-campaign-has-peaked-too-soon/679176/
20.07.2024
A Searing Reminder That Trump Is Unwell
This Crew Is Totally Beatable
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/donald-trump-republican-party-nomineee/679109/
Plans Are Afoot In Trumpland To Call The Election A Win, No Matter What
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a61650532/trump-2024-election-certification/
At the Republican National Convention, a ‘Darker, Gloomier’ GOP
Video provides chilling look at Project 2025's Christian Nationalist effect on public schools - LGBTQ Nation
People are going wild for a possible Kamala Harris/Pete Buttigieg 2024 ticket - LGBTQ Nation
Your brain wants you to be curious, not anxious
https://www.fastcompany.com/91159221/science-your-brain-wants-you-to-be-curious-not-anxious
19.07.2024
Why the Christian Right Believes Donald Trump Is “Anointed by God”
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/christian-right-donald-trump
RNC Celebrates Trump’s Horrific Campaign Promise With Sinister Signs
https://newrepublic.com/post/183987/rnc-celebrates-trump-horrific-campaign-promise-immigration
Fact check: Trump makes more than 20 false claims in RNC acceptance speech
https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/18/politics/fact-checking-night-4-republican-national-convention-trump/
The One Statistic about America’s Racial Wealth Gap that Says It All
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/one-statistic-americas-racial-wealth-gap-says-bookbite/50738/
Are We Finally Letting Go of Our Learned-Helplessness Syndrome Around the Supreme Court?
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/07/joe-biden-court-reform-plan.html
Leonard Cohen on the Antidote to Anger and the Meaning of Resistance
https://www.themarginalian.org/2024/07/18/leonard-cohen-anger-resistance/
18.07.2024
We the People Are on Our Own
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/07/individual-responsibility-renew-democracy/679024/
Why Some Americans Really Do Want an Authoritarian in Charge
https://newrepublic.com/article/183866/americans-want-authoritarian-president-trump
Make America Hungary Again
Logotherapy: Finding Meaning in the Face of Extreme Distress
https://www.healthline.com/health/logotherapy
17.07.2024
The 22 Scariest Lines We Found in Project 2025’s 900-Page ‘Mandate for Leadership’
The Gathering Conspiracy Against Freedom
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/the-gathering-conspiracy-against-freedom.html
Fighting Talk From Republicans
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/republicans-unity-national-convention/679045/
Is Donald Trump the victim of stochastic terrorism?
https://unherd.com/2024/07/the-psychology-of-political-violence/
Judge Cannon Slammed for “Erratic” and “Dangerous” Behavior
https://newrepublic.com/post/183885/judge-cannon-torched-logic-dismiss-trump-classified-documents
Widow of Trump Rally Attendee Killed in Shooting Said Biden Called Her but Trump Didn't?
https://www.snopes.com/news/2024/07/16/trump-shooting-victim-widow-biden/
RFK Jr.'s Embarrassing Phone Call Scandal With Trump Has Everyone Shouting The Same Thing
Why the far right is surging all over the world
https://www.vox.com/politics/361136/far-right-authoritarianism-germany-reactionary-spirit
Covid-19’s back. Should you be worried?
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/16/health/summer-covid-rise-wellness/
12 books that people say are life-changing reads
https://www.upworthy.com/12-books-people-say-are-life-changing-reads-rp2