Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people as a self-proclaimed Reich attempts to turn children into a permanent subclass of workers (Mudsill Economics).
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 23 (213 total reports)
22.05.2023-28.05.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people as a self-proclaimed Reich attempts to turn children into a permanent subclass of workers (Mudsill Economics).
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
In a 10-Minute Commencement Speech, Neil deGrasse Tyson Tells Everyone That Grades Don't Matter. These 3 Things Do
This isn’t an article by Dr. deGrasse Tyson, it is a review of a commencement address he gave. To begin with, reflect on your own experience, personally, I can’t remember anyone asking me what my grades were in high school, college or post-graduate education. Sometimes, I wish they would because I worked very hard to keep them high. Over time, I also realized how arbitrary grading was and it was as much a reflection of the teacher’s disposition as it was of the student’s ability. Dr. deGrasse Tyson reminds us what employers really want are three essential qualities, recounted by the articles’ author, Nick Hobson; 1) solving problems, 2) doing good work, and 3) being a good person. I would add that the emphasis of this article is on employee-ship and more needs to be done about fostering entrepreneurship. Please, if you work or live with children, or have influence over how their lives are measured, read this article. At a time when Red States, the GOP, and the Trump Reich are attempting to dismantle education to form a permanent underclass, this article is pivotal.
Best Links of The Week
28.05.2024
Brown v. Board of Education is on Thin Ice With This Supreme Court
https://www.levelman.com/brown-v-board-of-education-on-thin-ice-with-supreme-court/
Everyone thought that precedence was behind Roe v. Wade and the Democrats became comfortable believing that it couldn’t be touched—but then it was. One wouldn’t think the decision to integrate public education would be up for grabs—but now it is. Now, the Christian Right Nationalists appointed by the Far Right GOP are musing about undermining Brown v. Board of Education and the loudest musings are coming from none other than bought-and-paid-for “Justice” Clarence Thomas. If Trump is re-elected he has promised to appoint more young, far right justices (like Kavanaugh and Coney Barrett) during his term and that could be as many as four more justices. Like the current conservative court, they wouldn’t be picked for their legal acuity—and certainly not for their fairness—but for their political agenda. Keep in mind that all the recent conservatives (Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett) appointed by the GOP swore to congress they would not change precedence (stare decisis—“it’s the law of the land”) on bodily autonomy law, but then they did.
27.05.2024
‘Everybody has not won’: trickle-down economics was an idiotic idea. How do we fix the inequality it causes?
The World Bank declared 2023 the “Year of Inequality.” We should stand up and listen (or heed and vote). This historic overview of the damages brought on by “Trickle Down Economics” is vital to our understanding of what has caused this inequality in our world. Interestingly enough, the term was coined by Will Rogers referring to the policies of Herbert Hoover which led to the Great Depression. This article does a good job at pointing out the “idiotic” use of the policy—especially in the US—and the damage it continues to cause. It also presents suggestions for alternative economic possibilities.
26.05.2024
Trump’s Money Problems Are Becoming a Crisis for the Entire Country
https://apple.news/AEA2WTh41Qg-uGnjH6jOSKA
When Donald Trump owes money, anyone—but him—is going to pay it back. Now the draft-dodging, tax-evading, debt-deadbeat, wants the US to pay off his legal fees and penalties. He has proven that he will sell secrets, undermine his family, and close friends, auction off the climate, and public land to pay off his mounting legal fees and criminal debt. This is not just a “future problem” as Trump’s enticements create a cast of miscreants that are willing to spread propaganda and falsehood to fix elections so they can cash in on his enticements. As witnessed at his most recent trial, everything in Trump’s life is transactional. That’s why Trump’s money problems are the world’s money problems.
25.04.2024
Why Republicans Want and Need a Permanent Economic Underclass
https://newrepublic.com/article/181939/republicans-want-permanent-economic-underclass
I never heard of the important concept of “Mudsill” before I read this article, and now I’m really intrigued by its historical importance dating back pre-civil war. Even the Republican presidential candidate, Abraham Lincoln, spoke out against it. A mudsill was a flooring put on top of the concrete foundation of a house that kept moisture from getting to the rest of the structure. In economic terms, it was a concept promoted by slave owning states to justify the need for a permanent underclass of workers. Red States are now manipulating child labor laws so that children can work instead of attend school while also diverting funds from public education to a private voucher system to create a permanent underclass (mudsill) of workers in their states. It is very interesting to view their policies and the policies of Trump’s new “reich” in these terms.
24.05.2024
Trump’s Assassination Fantasy Has a Darker Purpose
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/05/trump-biden-assassination-fbi/678476/
This is classic textbook technique that Donald Trump learned from his mentor, Roy Cohn. Cohn, who was Joe McCarthy’s top advisor during the Senator’s red-baiting era, always advised Trump to “Deflect and distract, never give in, never admit fault, lie and attack, publicity no matter what, win no matter what…” Like his protégée, Donald Trump, Cohn was a “user of other users,” according to late biographer, Wayne Barrett. Also, like Cohn, he was a tax dodger and renowned for not paying his debts—while bragging about both choices. Trump is following Cohn’s lead trying to dodge public focus on the revelation that more Top Secret files have been revealed in his bedroom at Mar A Lago. To distract, Trump has concocted a story that is blatantly false, but something his minions will eat up; that he is being targeted by the DOJ for assassination. Of course, this is part of a larger ploy by Trump so that, if he is reelected, he can dismantle the DOJ and remake it in his image, a personal tool that facilitates his dark fantasies of revenge.
23.05.2024
Mapped: The Income a Family Needs to Live Comfortably in Every U.S. State
There is a massive disconnect in the US right now between what a family must earn to live comfortably and what a family is able to earn. Progressive Republican administrations have cut taxes to the wealthy for decades. Taxes for the wealthy were cut by Reagan, both Bush presidencies, and Trump. At the same time, funding for the military was increased under Reagan (35%) and both Bush administrations (48.6% under George W.). Squeezed in between were both the middle class and the poor. In most of the States where one has to earn more than $230,000 a year for a comfortable living, people can work full-time and still live below the poverty line. In 2022, 12.4 percent of the US population or 40.9 million were among the “working poor.” Everyone who works full-time in the US for the average minimum wage is well below the poverty line. Meanwhile, compensation to CEO’s between 2023 to 2024 increased 9.3% in nearly every industry in the US. The next Administration must tax corporations and the wealthy and take away their tax loopholes.
22.05.2024
The Difference Between Polls and Public Opinion
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/05/issue-polls-pitfalls-public-opinion/678445/
One of my favorite commentators (and writers) is David Brooks. Almost every Friday night his comments are available on the PBS News Hour as the conservative counterpart to a liberal commentator (usually Jonathon Capehart). In one commentary, Brooks stated, “Americans frequently use polls to vent, not to vote…” This article uses research to confirm Brook’s intuition. It helps, when you are concerned about what polls are indicating to remember Brook’s adage. Don’t give up hope and please make sure you vote! 40 million registered Democrats didn’t think their vote would count in 2016. Don’t let negative polls prevent you from showing up in ROEvember! As one pundit put it, “Vote Left or Reich.”
This Week’s Links
28.05.2024
Brown v. Board of Education is on Thin Ice With This Supreme Court
https://www.levelman.com/brown-v-board-of-education-on-thin-ice-with-supreme-court/
Liberal Justice Sotomayor Says Some Decisions by Her Conservative Colleagues on the Supreme Court Left Her in Tears
A Missouri fifth grader raised enough money to pay off his entire school’s meal debt
https://apple.news/A2IN5FpBUT72paYKVaNQX-g
EXCLUSIVE: Florida educators trained to teach students Christian nationalism
https://popular.info/p/exclusive-florida-educators-trained
Study shows relatively low number of superspreaders responsible for large portion of misinformation on Twitter
https://phys.org/news/2024-05-superspreaders-responsible-large-portion-misinformation.html
The State Of Affairs For American Children And School Gun Violence
Surprising study finds there are actually four distinct subtypes of autism
27.05.2024
‘Everybody has not won’: trickle-down economics was an idiotic idea. How do we fix the inequality it causes?
What Does Fascism Really Mean? - What Is Fascism? | CFR Education
https://education.cfr.org/learn/learning-journey/what-does-fascism-really-mean/what-is-fascism
Eric Trump Slammed For ‘Particularly Disgusting’ Memorial Day Weekend Post
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eric-trump-memorial-day-weekend-post_n_66540768e4b0f5ad55974fc9
How to ask questions that get people to open up
https://www.fastcompany.com/91129715/how-to-ask-questions-that-get-people-to-open-up
'The Hamilton Scheme: An Epic Tale of Money and Power in the American Founding'
Greg Abbott Gets Scathing Rebuke From Texas Newspaper
https://www.newsweek.com/greg-abbott-gets-scathing-rebuke-texas-newspaper-1904851
Therapist Shares 10 Things Adult Children Desperately Want To Hear From Their Parents
26.05.2024
Trump’s Money Problems Are Becoming a Crisis for the Entire Country
https://apple.news/AEA2WTh41Qg-uGnjH6jOSKA
Planned Parenthood CEO: 'Shame on Louisiana' for abortion pill bill
America's critical shortage of school counselors
https://www.axios.com/2024/05/26/school-counselors-shortage-inequality-midwest-west
Harvard psychologists have been studying what it takes to raise 'good' kids. Here are 6 tips.
25.04.2024
Why Republicans Want and Need a Permanent Economic Underclass
https://newrepublic.com/article/181939/republicans-want-permanent-economic-underclass
Louisiana poised to become 1st state to make abortion pills a controlled substance
https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/05/23/louisiana-abortion-pills-controlled-substance
Benito Mussolini: This Was the Life of Il Duce
https://www.thecollector.com/benito-mussolini-life-duce/
Robert Reich: The Supreme Court’s Republican Partisan Hacks – OpEd
Uvalde families sue Meta and 'Call of Duty' publisher over alleged links to gun violence
Big Oil May Pay Billions for Climate Pollution under New Legislation
Early-Life Trauma, Adult Relationships, and Sexual Behavior
8 Key Techniques to Empower Self-Empathy
24.05.2024
Trump’s Assassination Fantasy Has a Darker Purpose
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/05/trump-biden-assassination-fbi/678476/
Anti-abortion hardliners want restrictions to go farther. It could cost Republicans : Consider This from NPR
Bipartisan border deal fails again in Senate
https://www.axios.com/2024/05/23/bipartisan-border-deal-vote-senate-schumer
First-of-its-kind medical school in Cherokee Nation graduates inaugural class of doctors
Adam Grant Says the Key to Lifelong Learning Comes Down to This 1 Thing. You Might Not Like It
23.05.2024
Mapped: The Income a Family Needs to Live Comfortably in Every U.S. State
In a 10-Minute Commencement Speech, Neil deGrasse Tyson Tells Everyone That Grades Don't Matter. These 3 Things Do
Are You Serious?! Samuel Alito Flew Yet Another January 6 Flag
https://newrepublic.com/post/181855/samuel-alito-another-jan-6-flag-new-jersey
Here’s What Trump and the GOP Really Think About the Working Class
https://newrepublic.com/article/181856/what-trump-republicans-really-think-working-class
ADHD diagnoses are rising. 1 in 9 U.S. kids have gotten one, new study finds
People Who Excel at Conversation Follow 4 Simple Rules, According to Bill Gates
22.05.2024
The Difference Between Polls and Public Opinion
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/05/issue-polls-pitfalls-public-opinion/678445/
The right’s fascism problem
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-nightly/2024/05/21/the-rights-fascism-problem-00159265
Wisconsin Senate Candidate Says Old People Shouldn't Get To Vote Because They're Almost Dead
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60858371/republican-senate-candidates-2024/
A new book argues most white US Christians worship a religion of whiteness
Exactly How Bad Is Justice Samuel Alito at His Job?
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60861967/justice-alito-republican-loyalty/
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is doing an exceptional job at driving her state further & further into the ground - Queerty
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people as a group of fascists seeks to end bodily autonomy in the US.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 22 (211 total reports)
15.05.2023-21.05.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people as a group of fascists seeks to end bodily autonomy in the US.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
Bill Gates: 'You need to read' this new book about AI and education
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/19/bill-gates-you-need-to-read-this-new-book-about-ai-education.html
The book recommended by Bill Gates written by the brilliant founder of Kahn Academy, Sal Kahn, “Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (And Why That’s a Good Thing).” In my past work with Education, Social Services, and Youth Corrections, I referred many young people who were falling behind in education to the incredible learning opportunities available through the Kahn Academy. Kahn continues to innovate, now providing free AI mentoring to students worldwide through an app called Khanmigo.
Best Links of The Week
21.05.2024
The Funding Crisis Behind Teacher Layoffs
The GNP and Stock Market are misleading ways to measure the financial vigor of a country, more indicative is whether you can educate your children, feed them, house them, and clothe them. The US is a financially healthy country for the wealthy, but the signs laid out in this article show children there are suffering and going to suffer more. The backbone of teaching is not technology, it is not curriculum, it is teachers. There is perhaps no greater investment in the future of a country than its investment in educators, not education… but educators. Equipping them, training them, hiring them, and paying them. Budgets show priorities, they reveal values, what does it say about a nation that “can’t afford” to educate, provide health care, and food security to its own children? Budget projections by the GOP show they want to produce children, they just don’t want to take care of them. Donald Trump has spoken frequently about “post-birth abortions,” but the real post-birth abortions occur between the average age of five and 18, when children go to underfunded schools or have no food programs in place. The US is in grave danger of becoming one of the least educated countries in the world, and not just least educated, but MIS-educated. Educating children in religious and/or political ideology creates a close-minded, fearful population and will ensure eventual economic collapse.
20.05.2024
Pope Francis says U.S. conservatives have a "suicidal attitude"
https://www.axios.com/2024/05/20/pope-francis-60-minutes-interview-takeaways
Pope Francis is a world influencer that is both loved and hated by billions around the world. That’s why his words on US conservatism and his definition of conservatism is so important. He defines conservatism as "one who clings to something and does not want to see beyond that." Using that definition, perhaps we all need to examine what things we cling to and do not want to see beyond? This matches closely with yesterday’s deeper concept of loneliness by Ms. Hannah Arendt. It would be a great conversation to put both ideas together and discuss their influence on our lives, our relationships, and our politics.
19.05.2024
Is Loneliness Making Us More Totalitarian?
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/05/19/mag-weiss-samantharosehill-q-a-00158439
German philosopher, Ms. Hannah Arendt, whose writings were the basis for this article, has an important definition of loneliness that includes being closed-off both emotionally and mentally. When one occurs, so does the other, resulting in a deeper isolation that most people identify. This deeper isolation also makes one susceptible to a longing for totalitarianism and, as Ms. Arendt explains, a broader leaning towards authoritarianism.
18.05.2024
Interstate travel becomes a target for the anti-abortion movement with Texas filing
Currently, four states will not allow a woman who is pregnant to divorce their husband, which has led to an increase in peripartum homicide, child marriage is legal in 38 states and the GOP is pressing for more, and now many GOP legislators are attempting to block women from interstate travel during pregnancy. This can only be done if States track women’s menstrual cycles—which Senator Katie Britt (yes, of the Republican’s creepy response to the State of the Union address) is attempting to legalize. These are but a some of the draconian attempts to end bodily autonomy being introduced by fascists in the GOP.
17.05.2024
Yes, That’s Right: American Fascism
https://newrepublic.com/article/181258/american-fascism-look-like
This article was helpful to me personally as I believe the greatest threat to our young people’s future right now is the rise of authoritarianism. For this reason, i have re-focused most of my writing on that subject. Sometimes I receive comments like, “What does this have to do with Youth Advocacy?” This article helped me with that change of focus, it debates whether the global rise in authoritarianism can be labeled fascism and points out that, rather than debate if the label is correct, it is more important to raise an alarm about the dangerous trend occurring globally.
16.05.2024
The 2024 Ranking of America’s Most Racist States
https://becausemomsays.com/25-states-confronting-the-highest-levels-of-racial-inequality/
Atheists Take Up More Than Half the Population in These 15 States
https://living.alot.com/entertainment/the-most-atheist-states-in-america--20655
It’s rare that I post two “Best Links of the Day” but these two links illustrate something very important when viewed together. The most racist states in the US are also the least educated, with the highest poverty, and the most reliance on the Federal Government for social assistance. Take a look at the article to view other signs of government failure in these states. Alternatively, the least religious states are also the states performing best the key scales where racist states are failing. You can draw your own conclusions from these articles, but it makes me even more wary of the White, Christian, Nationalist, Nation that Trump, the Heritage Foundation, and the GOP want to create.
15.05.2024
To Defend Democracy, We Must Protect Bodily Autonomy
https://msmagazine.com/2024/05/13/philanthropy-democracy-attacks-women-lgbtq-race-gender/
Ms. Magazine names this issue quite accurately, it is not abortion that the GOP is attacking, it is bodily autonomy—in all forms that disagree with their White, Christian, Nationalist, viewpoint. It includes those who decide to make personal choices about sexual preferences (and yet, the GOP seems extremely lenient about child marriage and rape). House Speaker Mike Johnson showing up to defend serial sex offender, Donald Trump, at his fraud trial reveals the height of their hypocrisy.
This Week’s Links
21.05.2024
The Funding Crisis Behind Teacher Layoffs
Trump Allies’ Horrifying Plan to Undo Democracy for Good
https://newrepublic.com/post/181707/trump-allies-plan-fbi-democracy
20.05.2024
Pope Francis says U.S. conservatives have a "suicidal attitude"
https://www.axios.com/2024/05/20/pope-francis-60-minutes-interview-takeaways
At Morehouse, Biden says dissent should be heard because democracy is 'still the way'
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/19/1252367711/joe-biden-morehouse-college-gaza-ceasefire-democracy
After yet another far-right controversy, how do we trust the Supreme Court with our rights?
https://www.advocate.com/voices/scotus-advo-convo-flag-alito
4 Tips for Talking So People Will Listen
19.05.2024
Is Loneliness Making Us More Totalitarian?
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/05/19/mag-weiss-samantharosehill-q-a-00158439
Bill Gates: 'You need to read' this new book about AI and education
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/19/bill-gates-you-need-to-read-this-new-book-about-ai-education.html
Decline of Decorum - 21 Manners Today's Parents Fail to Teach Their Children
Trump’s most important legal team isn’t in court. It’s on Fox News.
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-trial-fox-news-coverage-rcna152819
‘How do you get hypothermia in a prison?’ Records show hospitalizations among Virginia inmates
No one should think that Trump’s ‘surrogates’ are mere ‘members of the public’
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-surrogates-hush-money-trial-rcna152894
18.05.2024
Interstate travel becomes a target for the anti-abortion movement with Texas filing
Not Sure Why I'm Surprised That Greg Abbott Pardoned A Racist Murderer
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60831547/greg-abbott-daniel-perry-pardon/
Youth detention facilities face increased scrutiny amid a wave of abuse lawsuits
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/17/1251963778/youth-detention-juvenile-crime-sexual-abuse-lawsuits
This wholesome banger from a group of Irish kids is the spark you need
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/17/1252089387/irish-kids-rap-song-the-spark
17.05.2024
Yes, That’s Right: American Fascism
https://newrepublic.com/article/181258/american-fascism-look-like
7 Books for Better Mental Health
https://bookriot.com/books-for-better-mental-health/
Winners of the GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2024
16.05.2024
The 2024 Ranking of America’s Most Racist States
https://becausemomsays.com/25-states-confronting-the-highest-levels-of-racial-inequality/
Atheists Take Up More Than Half the Population in These 15 States
https://living.alot.com/entertainment/the-most-atheist-states-in-america--20655
Trump's "God Bless the USA" Bible deletes women's voting rights and slavery amendments
The “Day One” Dictatorship
https://newrepublic.com/article/181224/day-one-dictatorship
The End of Civic Compassion
https://newrepublic.com/article/181274/end-civic-compassion
The Heritage Foundation is gunning for your Social Security
https://www.mediamatters.org/heritage-foundation/heritage-foundation-gunning-your-social-security
US prisoners are being assigned dangerous jobs. But what happens if they are hurt or killed?
Psychologist Adam Grant Says Your Overall Success at Work Comes Down to Three Familiar Words
https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/adam-grant-explains-success-comes-down-to-three-words.html
15.05.2024
To Defend Democracy, We Must Protect Bodily Autonomy
https://msmagazine.com/2024/05/13/philanthropy-democracy-attacks-women-lgbtq-race-gender/
8,000 women a month got abortion pills despite their states’ bans or restrictions, survey finds
New model suggests envy fuels the radicalization process and distorts perceptions
Trump’s War on Government Will Take Public Health Back a Century
https://newrepublic.com/article/180704/trump-war-government-administrative-state-public-health
Florida outdoor workers vow to continue heat protection fight after DeSantis ban
https://prismreports.org/2024/05/14/florida-outdoor-workers-continue-heat-protection-fight/
Donald Trump, Who Is Banned From Buying Firearms, To Address NRA
'They should all be executed.' How Trump's attacks on judges are fueling calls for violence
Trump Brought His Little Gang of Weird Buddies to Court During Michael Cohen’s Testimony
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60787873/republican-senators-visit-trump-trial/
Devout Christian Mike Johnson Shows Up to Hush Money Trial to Defend a Guy Accused of Cheating on His Wife With a Porn Star
Winning isn’t enough for Thomas and Alito. They want praise for their destruction.
The most bipartisan members of the U.S. Senate
https://www.axios.com/2024/05/14/senate-bipartisan-senators-republicans-democrats
Don't focus on time management, try energy management instead
https://www.fastcompany.com/91123763/dont-focus-on-time-management-try-energy-management-instead
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in a time when some global leaders are sowing divisiveness to fuel anger and hopelessness.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 20 (210 total reports)
08.05.2023-14.05.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in a time when some global leaders are sowing divisiveness to fuel anger and hopelessness.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
The Case for Curiosity
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-limits/202404/the-case-for-curiosity
The greatest asset that children bring us when they first come to school is curiosity, indeed, in healthy children, curiosity borders on wonder. It should be the penultimate goal of education to graduate children with a greater sense of wonder than they first brought us when they initially walked through our door. We must ask ourselves, as we sift through our curriculum and lesson plans, “How will what I’m teaching deepen the level of curiosity of the children with whom I’m entrusted?”
Best Links of The Week
14.04.2024
The Toxic Relationship Almost Everyone Is in: With Ourselves
How many of us are on cordial terms with ourselves? Do we treat our friends better than we treat ourselves? The anger that we often feel towards the world around us usually begins with the conversations that we are having inside us. This well-written article examines the difference between self-criticism and self-awareness. One will help us grow and the other will immobilize us. Can you model the right internal conversation to those around you—especially young people? Please remember that the way we talk to our children (and the children around us) is the groundwork for their internal conversations.
13.04.2024
‘Civil War’ sends a message that’s more dangerous than the violence it depicts onscreen
https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/12/us/civil-war-movie-democracy-blake-cec/
One primary reason I am featuring this article today is that it begins with a reflection from one of my favorite authors, Yuval Noah Harari, recalling Harari’s thoughts on Zelensky’s response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The author, John Blake, reminds us that—as a culture—we are a compilation of the myths we tell. He paints a recent historic perspective comparing the myths the film genre created around WWII and the myths (stories) being told today. It is definitely an interesting read and left me examining our developing myths about the upcoming election. Democracy is in the balance, and the myths I have heard do not paint a good aftermath to this election. We need a strong turnout that will resoundingly bury racism and fascism and Trump’s myths of authoritarianism. We are faced with a stark choice in the upcoming election (only 6 months away) Biden or Authoritarianism. In this election, every vote will count!
12.052024
The rage epidemic: is our modern world fueling aggression?
https://apple.news/A-ntaQbTBQEuA0qLW__7zbA
It affects the way we drive, the way we communicate, and who we vote for, rage is rising around the world and we need to be aware of its causes as well as how it affects us personally, socially, and politically. The GOP has been tapping into rage for years, some say, using it, others say, intentionally causing it. In Hosea 8:7, the writer tells us that God said Israel had “sown the wind and would reap a whirlwind.” We need to question, who—in our current world—benefits from “sowing the wind?”
11.05.2024
Practical optimism can be learned. A psychiatrist explains how and why your well-being depends on it
There’s an important difference between being Pollyanish and having practical optimism. Practical Optimism is a healthy, mature response to the world around you that neither leaves you blind nor irrelevant. This article discusses how to grow that important cognitive response and how to pass it on to the young people around you.
10.05.2024
The Decay of Our Morals: 18 Disturbing Trends in Our Society We Glorify but Shouldn't
https://becausemomsays.com/the-decay-of-our-morals/
A lot of the trends in this report have become truisms, but they are still valid and worth reviewing. Which one(s) affects you the most and which ones do you think most affects the young people around you?
09.05.2024
“When you’re furious get curious”: How to handle emotional hijacking
https://bigthink.com/business/when-youre-furious-get-curious-how-to-handle-emotional-hijacking/
This article discusses what the author, Jeff Wetzler, calls “Curiosity Killers.” These are events leading to emotions that shut down open-minded responses to the world around you. It makes sense to keep track of your own Curiosity Killers, and if you are working with young people, help them keep track as well. Then, strategize together on how to either pre-empt those experiences or respond differently when they occur.
08.05.2024
7 Reasons We Are So Angry All the Time
Waiting in line, stuck in traffic, checking out at the grocery store; Gallup Polls tells us anger is at an all time high around the globe. This article takes a deeper dive into where that anger comes from and reminding us, we can’t deal with what we can’t name. The issues at the heart of this article not only affect you, but also those around you. This is a great discussion starter for your family or those with whom you work.
This Week’s Links
14.04.2024
The Toxic Relationship Almost Everyone Is in: With Ourselves
It's Not Just You – This Is Why Everyone Is So Much Angrier These Days
The New York Trump Case Is Kind of Perfect
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/05/stormy-daniels-on-stand-trump-trials/678373/
DOJ: Democracy and those who protect it "under attack like never before"
https://www.axios.com/2024/05/14/justice-department-election-workers-threats-ai-technology
Jesuit scientist who bridged faith and science recounted in PBS documentary
13.04.2024
‘Civil War’ sends a message that’s more dangerous than the violence it depicts onscreen
https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/12/us/civil-war-movie-democracy-blake-cec/
The 9 worst court decisions since Trump remade the federal judiciary
https://www.vox.com/scotus/24151144/supreme-court-worst-decisions-donald-trump
These Are the Stories We Tell Ourselves
Economists Criticize Trump Plan To Deport Longtime Immigrant Workers
Bakery raises thousands for LGBTQ+ youth after “concerned citizen” rages over its Pride flag
Moral Teaching: Why Kant's Ideas On Education Are More Valid Than Ever
https://worldcrunch.com/opinion-analysis/kant-and-the-moral-education
12.052024
The rage epidemic: is our modern world fueling aggression?
https://apple.news/A-ntaQbTBQEuA0qLW__7zbA
A Mother's Day message: Don't repeat my mistake with your LGBTQ child
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/mothers-day-lesson-protect-lgbtq-children-rcna151656
Single mom perfectly explains to Congress why the U.S. poverty line needs a total rehaul
https://www.upworthy.com/poverty-line-congress-rp4
Capitalism As A Criminal Enterprise – OpEd
https://www.eurasiareview.com/12052024-capitalism-as-a-criminal-enterprise-oped/
11.05.2024
Practical optimism can be learned. A psychiatrist explains how and why your well-being depends on it
Katie Britt is back at it, pushing a bill to launch a pregnancy tracking federal database
Donald Trump Has Put a Literal Price on the Future of the Planet
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60755662/trump-oil-donors-event/
Can Donald Trump swear on the Bible to tell the truth?
https://religionnews.com/2024/05/10/can-donald-trump-swear-on-the-bible-to-tell-the-truth/
Study reveals nearly 60 companies to be responsible for half of world's plastic pollution: 'The industry likes to put the responsibility on the individual'
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/plastic-pollution-brands-study-waste/
What did Trump say? Explaining the former president's favorite talking points
10.05.2024
The Decay of Our Morals: 18 Disturbing Trends in Our Society We Glorify but Shouldn't
https://becausemomsays.com/the-decay-of-our-morals/
Dobbs Has Created a Health Care Apocalypse
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/05/dobbs-worsened-maternal-mortality-abortion/
Trump pitches a highly dubious $1 billion deal to Big Oil execs
Autocracies are pushing propaganda against democracy itself, says 'Atlantic' writer
09.05.2024
“When you’re furious get curious”: How to handle emotional hijacking
https://bigthink.com/business/when-youre-furious-get-curious-how-to-handle-emotional-hijacking/
Anger and Emotion: What's Really Setting Us Off?
The Case for Curiosity
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-limits/202404/the-case-for-curiosity
The Cases Against Trump: A Guide
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/05/donald-trump-legal-cases-charges/675531/
Medical residents are starting to avoid states with abortion bans, data shows
Biden Says Trump Will Not Accept 2024 Result: ‘I Promise You He Won’t’
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joe-biden-donald-trump-2024-result_n_663c10d9e4b0c38baf0edf67
Robert Reich: Stand Up To Trump And Bibi – OpEd
https://www.eurasiareview.com/08052024-robert-reich-stand-up-to-trump-and-bibi-oped/
3 Ideas from Aristotle on How to Build a Good Life
The Next Big Idea Club’s August 2024 Must-Read Books
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/next-big-idea-clubs-august-2024-must-read-books/49253/
08.05.2024
7 Reasons We Are So Angry All the Time
What we can learn from 4 schools that have reached agreements with Gaza protesters
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/07/1249368151/gaza-college-protest-deal-brown-rutgers
Trump’s Latest Abortion Position Is More Radical Than It Sounds
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/05/trump-abortion-comstock-election/678320/
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in a time when capitalism is undermining democracy.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 19 (209 total reports)
01.05.2023-06.05.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in a time when capitalism is undermining democracy.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
Mom creates 'how to be a person' camp for her kids that teaches real life skills all summer
https://www.upworthy.com/how-to-be-a-person-camp-rp4
Summer activities make a huge difference in lifelong learning, unfortunately they are often only affordable to middle and upper income children. It’s been shown that children can cumulatively lose up to three years of education from a lack of cognitive involvement over the summer. But, as delightfully revealed by this innovative mom, summer camps don’t have to be run by professionals, nor do they have to be expensive. Her “how to be a person” camp ideas are perfect for helping your child (children) grow over the summer. Take time to read this list and start dreaming about making your summer a vibrant learning experience for your children or the children around you.
Best Links of The Week
07.05.2024
Neoliberal economics: The road to freedom or authoritarianism?
The quote from this article that stands out the most, “Freedom for the wolves has often meant death for the sheep.” This review encapsulates a great philosophical struggle between three of the greatest economic minds in the last century. It is well worth the read and a watershed for forming your own opinion of what lies at the core of so much current economic and political unrest.
06.05.2024
45 Carl Jung Quotes on Life, Wisdom and Perspective
https://parade.com/living/carl-jung-quotes
Carl Jung’s thoughts are some of the most important watershed ideas of the last century. If you haven’t read them, here’s your chance to peruse many of his gems. I would suggest printing this list with a pad of post-it notes and having the adults around you pick their favorites each week and take them home to meditate on them. Then bring them back to share the insights they’ve gained before taking another note home.
05.05.2024
The Banana Wars: How the US Plundered Central America
https://www.thecollector.com/the-banana-wars-how-the-us-plundered-central-america/
I’m posting this story of US History because it fits the theme this week about how capitalism has undermined democracy in creating policy, not just for the US, but the entire world. It also, coincidently, presents a new perspective into why Cinco de Mayo is NOT a holiday in most of Mexico.
04.05.2024
How Today’s American Capitalism Undermines Democracy
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/todays-american-capitalism-undermines-democracy-bookbite/49142/
This is an historic review (in the US) of how Capitalism competes with Democracy and the advances of Capitalism—especially in the US—to the detriment of Democracy. As the article points out, it doesn’t have to be that way and there have been significant events in US history where people worked together to confront the advance of Capitalism when it undermined the rights of communities. Unchecked, Capitalism takes over the political system, the judicial system and—as we are seeing in the Trump Election Fraud trial—the media.
03.05.2024
The Illiberalism at America’s Core
https://newrepublic.com/article/180346/history-illiberalism-america-core-founding
This article would be better clarified if the term “illiberalism” were “anti-liberalism” because the primary focus of the article is a historic look (in US History) about how liberalism has been rejected and even attacked, including laws to undermine it. A quote I read this morning by Dr. Adrienne Keene, sums it up by saying, “The system in what is currently known as the US isn’t ‘broken.’ It was designed by male supremacists slaveowners on stolen Indigenous land to protect their interests. It’s working as it was designed.”
02.05.2024
“It’s A Mandatory Read”: Biden Urges Checking Out Trump Second Term Plans Revealed In Dystopian Time Magazine Q&A
https://deadline.com/2024/05/donald-trump-time-magazine-joe-biden-reaction-1235901734/
Donald Trump is actually more frightening when someone helps him string together two sentences that make sense (at least from his narcissistic perspective). His interview with Time should be read by every US Citizen—and especially those who plan to vote for him. Biden’s philosophy here is to let Trump speak for himself and then call attention to what he says. Donald Trump’s scary view of an America—whether he wins or loses—is not only dystopian but borders on apocalyptic. The problems with Biden’s premise (and perhaps his campaign) is that he assumes that 1) Trump’s followers would read an entire Time article and 2) that they are making a voting decision based upon rational thought.
01.05.2024
Finding a Way Out of America’s Cultural Blame Game
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/finding-way-americas-cultural-blame-game-bookbite/49136/
This book is rich with insights. Primarily it focuses on the shift in collective thinking to a victim mentality and no one is more helpless (and therefore miserable) than a person who sees themself as a victim. The article is a brief overview and definitely worth the read. Examine it to see if you play into the cultural myth of victimhood or if you are promoting that myth in any way to those around you. The book also looks at important steps to take to stop embracing that myth.
This Week’s Links
07.05.2024
Neoliberal economics: The road to freedom or authoritarianism?
Why I’m Not Calling the Police on My Students’ Encampment
https://newrepublic.com/article/181341/wesleyan-president-not-calling-police-student-gaza-encampment
Women’s Rights Are Essential to Democracy. Why Do Philanthropists Treat Investments in Women as a Special Interest?
Abortion bans drive away up to half of young talent, new CNBC/Generation Lab youth survey finds
Gun incidents surge at Florida schools, research finds
https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/05/07/gun-incidents-florida-schools-shootings
Understanding 5 Famous Quotes by Descartes
https://www.thecollector.com/quotes-rene-descartes-explained/
The history of 'outside agitators' — from Gaza protests to Martin Luther King Jr. : Consider This from NPR
The Don's enablers
https://theweek.com/politics/the-dons-enablers
06.05.2024
45 Carl Jung Quotes on Life, Wisdom and Perspective
https://parade.com/living/carl-jung-quotes
Top Congress Democrat says 'Pro-Putin faction' of Republicans stalled Ukraine aid
Is it easy for migrants to enter the U.S.? We went to the border to find out
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/06/1248670734/immigration-us-mexico-border
18 Reasons Why Millions of Americans Are Abandoning Their Faith
https://radicalfire.com/why-americans-abandon-their-faith/
Nordic kids are the happiest in the world - Expert reveals top 3 tips for raising kids the Danish way
05.05.2024
The Banana Wars: How the US Plundered Central America
https://www.thecollector.com/the-banana-wars-how-the-us-plundered-central-america/
A second Trump term, in his own words
https://apple.news/AkjfGgn_uTHaIwAjUaQtouQ
These Republicans have united to defend the legitimacy of U.S. elections and election officials
NYC says half of those arrested at 2 pro-Palestinian campus protests were not students
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/04/1249188864/nyc-columbia-city-college-gaza-protests-palestinian-campus
Israelis rally to demand Gaza ceasefire and PM Netanyahu's resignation
Ruby Bridges blasts book bans as “ridiculous” attempts to “cover up history”
04.05.2024
How Today’s American Capitalism Undermines Democracy
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/todays-american-capitalism-undermines-democracy-bookbite/49142/
Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are ‘Losers’ and ‘Suckers’
https://apple.news/AWHyxz3MWQLG-sxjMdKnG0w
N.Y. prosecutors have already painted a picture of how Trump twisted the press
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/donald-trump-trial-corruption-free-press-rcna150624
Kamala Harris responds to Donald Trump’s views on state punishments for abortion: ‘It’s outrageous’
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/05/04/kamala-harris-donald-trump-response/
The lessons from colleges that didn’t call the police
A Psychologist Explains The Difference Between Psychopaths And Sociopaths
Mom creates 'how to be a person' camp for her kids that teaches real life skills all summer
https://www.upworthy.com/how-to-be-a-person-camp-rp4
03.05.2024
The Illiberalism at America’s Core
https://newrepublic.com/article/180346/history-illiberalism-america-core-founding
Trump says he will only accept 2024 election results ‘if everything’s honest’
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/02/politics/donald-trump-accept-2024-election-results/
Pregnant women in Missouri can't get divorced. Critics say it fuels domestic violence
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/03/1247838036/divorce-pregnant-women-missouri-abortion-marriage-abuse
14 states sue the Biden administration for the right to discriminate against trans kids
The Governor of Kansas Vetoed Four Anti-Abortion Measures. Republicans Rammed Them Through Anyway.
More States Are Allowing Child Support Payments to Reach Children
https://www.propublica.org/article/more-states-allow-child-support-to-reach-children
Biden is giving the Medal of Freedom to a who's who of Democrats (and Katie Ledecky)
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/03/1248808320/biden-medal-bloomberg-pelosi-kerry-ledecky
02.05.2024
“It’s A Mandatory Read”: Biden Urges Checking Out Trump Second Term Plans Revealed In Dystopian Time Magazine Q&A
https://deadline.com/2024/05/donald-trump-time-magazine-joe-biden-reaction-1235901734/
How to negotiate with a bully
https://www.fastcompany.com/91116266/how-to-negotiate-with-a-bully
Robert Reich: What To Say To A Republican Who Complains About The Federal Debt – OpEd
LGBTQ+ Youth Struggle With Mental Health and Are Deeply Impacted by Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws, New Survey Shows
https://www.parents.com/lgbtq-young-people-at-high-risk-for-suicide-8640350
Two Republicans help stop trans care ban & deliver a powerful speech: “The youth need our help”
How a post falsely claiming migrants are registering to vote spread to millions in four weeks
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/misinformation-migrants-illegally-registered-vote-rcna149557
Trump’s New Comments on Gaza Protests Make No Sense Whatsoever
https://newrepublic.com/post/181160/trump-gaza-university-protests-no-sense
01.05.2024
Finding a Way Out of America’s Cultural Blame Game
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/finding-way-americas-cultural-blame-game-bookbite/49136/
Trump’s coup plan: Bombshell Time interview exposes drive ‘to destroy system for his own purposes’
How a Few Secret Donors Are Fueling the New Right-Wing Infrastructure
Scoop: Yellen's urgent warning on threats to U.S. democracy
https://www.axios.com/2024/05/01/yellen-warning-jan-6-democracy-economy-trump
Democrats Defang the House’s Far Right
Woman passes bar exam on 1st try more than a decade after being released from prison
Florida’s Abortion Ban Should Be Our Breaking Point
https://www.thedailybeast.com/floridas-abortion-ban-should-be-our-breaking-point
6 out of 10 Catholics support abortion rights despite church's stance, study shows
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in a time of damaging myths of masculinity and a desperate need for new definitions of what it means to be male in our world today.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 18 (208 total reports)
24.04.2023-30.04.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in a time of damaging myths of masculinity and a desperate need for new definitions of what it means to be male in our world today.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
A Neuroscience Toolkit for Parents Determined to Raise Amazing Humans
Study this article if you interact with young people and want to see them become amazing humans. Among many gems of wisdom, I’m walking away with this statement, “Relationships require 1) the ability to listen and 2) the desire to understand.”
Best Links of The Week
30.04.2024
How do you counter misinformation? Critical thinking is step one
This article cites important research into the danger of misinformation, its current widespread use, the proliferation of its use we can expect to experience in the future, and the tools needed to counter it. It points out that telling someone they are narrow-minded, does not make them more open-minded (much like how telling someone to calm down has never calmed anyone down). Rather, it reveals a rather interesting experiment that did work well in combatting the widespread use of misinformation as it replaces the truth in many worldwide elections. This research is critical and must be applied to our schools and all places where we interact with young people. We constantly must ask ourselves how we can raise critically thinking young people as opposed to young people who simply accept what we say because we are the authoritarian figure in their lives?
29.04.2024
The Trumpification of the Supreme Court
While Trump remains the huckster front man selling his poison to the US, we can’t forget those that empower him behind the scenes. Not just the Putin’s, Bill Barr’s and Mike Johnson’s, but the Mitch McConnell’s as well. Without McConnell, the Supreme Court would look vastly different. We need to remember that it was McConnell who delayed replacing Ruth Bader-Ginsberg’s until Obama was out of office thereby giving that appointment to Donald Trump. Evidence shows that McConnell may may now be regretting his decision to give so much power to Trump, but he will go down in history as a traitor and enabler of the undeniably worst president this country has ever known. Project 25 states clearly what Trump will do with his unlimited power if he is granted a second term. This November will quite literally be a vote between democracy and authoritarianism in the United States.
28.04.2024
The Choice Republicans Face
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/04/the-choice-republicans-face/678221/
This link made me want to watch the musical Hamilton all over again. I did not realize what a pivotal historic player he was in saving our democracy from an autocrat named Arron Burr who could have literally been a stand-in for Donald Trump. Eventually, Hamilton paid the ultimate price for his beliefs when Burr challenged him to a duel and shot him. Trump’s political team and SCOTUS (Supreme Court of Trump, US) is already examining how they could make similar actions legal today; e.g. assassinations and imprisonments without recrimination or accountability.
27.04.2024
The mythical masculinity of Donald Trump
https://unherd.com/2024/04/the-mythical-masculinity-of-donald-trump/
Donald Trump likes to display himself through photoshopped images of Superman and Rambo, he covers his face with tanning lotion and sports a coif that seems to have a daily life of its own. The real Donald Trump is being revealed in a dingy courtroom in New York this week where Trump is forced to sit for a voter fraud crime that involves payments to prostitutes, “catch and kill” fake news tactics, and continuous whining about the predicament in which he has no one to blame but himself. We must ask ourselves what it is about this glorified con man that appeals to so many. Unless we confront that in ourselves, we will not be able to protect our democracy from such outlandish myths in the future.
26.04.2024
Men Need a New Narrative. The Future of U.S. Democracy Depends on It
https://msmagazine.com/2024/04/25/men-feminists-masculinity-trump/
This article takes a deep dive into the mental and social ills created by our current narratives of men. It examines everything from “Deaths of Despair” to political violence and offers healthier alternatives to the current myths and narratives by which men are viewed in our culture. Please take time to review it and discuss applications in your own work or relationships with young people.
25.04.2024
The Republicans Who Want American Carnage
https://apple.news/AdMjspKSuQ_KQUYkI1QlCtQ
The movie, “Civil War,” seems like fiction, until you read the words of the Far Right Republicans who are willing to violently encourage attacking the United States from within. Please learn the names of these people and make sure they are not re-elected.
24.04.2024
The Particular Brutality of Colonial Wars
https://www.theatlantic.com/books/archive/2024/04/david-van-reybrouck-revolusi-indonesia/678155/
This is a history lesson that most colonial powers would rather hide, that’s why it is so important to recount it. In this brief review, we are reminded of the cruelty created by policies of colonialism. One can also see the patterns of that cruelty, especially when perpetrators of the cruelty attempt to hide it from the public. There are important lessons to recount here, important lessons to remind ourselves to not repeat.
This Week’s Links
30.04.2024
How do you counter misinformation? Critical thinking is step one
This is who lit the match in the Middle East — and who poured the fuel
Did Kristi Noem Just Doom Her Career?
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/04/did-kristi-noem-just-doom-her-career/678237/
The Pelican State joins Texas and Florida in a race-to-the-bottom to see who can stick it to workers the worst.
https://newrepublic.com/maz/article/181052/louisiana-gop-child-labor-lunch-breaks
29.04.2024
The Trumpification of the Supreme Court
The Choice Republicans Face
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/04/the-choice-republicans-face/678221/
17 Kind Texts To Send To Someone Who Is Depressed
https://www.yourtango.com/self/kind-texts-send-someone-depressed
28.04.2024
The Choice Republicans Face
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/04/the-choice-republicans-face/678221/
Liz Cheney's Message to Supreme Court After Donald Trump Hearing
https://www.newsweek.com/liz-cheneys-message-supreme-court-after-donald-trump-hearing-1894883
Robert Reich’s The Supreme Court’s Farce And Ruse – OpEd
https://www.eurasiareview.com/28042024-robert-reichs-the-supreme-courts-farce-and-ruse-oped/
The history that explains how a tabloid publisher became a Trump trial witness
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-trial-witness-enquirer-david-pecker-rcna149624
Russia to Introduce Drone Operation into School Curriculum for Occupied Territories
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/31794
Bernie Sanders says Netanyahu is attacking campus protests to deflect war criticism
A Neuroscience Toolkit for Parents Determined to Raise Amazing Humans
How one evangelical leader uses the Bible to expose the ‘False White Gospel’
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/28/us/evangelical-christianity-false-white-gospel-wallis-cec/
The reckless policies that helped fill our streets with ridiculously large cars
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/24139147/suvs-trucks-popularity-federal-policy-pollution
27.04.2024
The mythical masculinity of Donald Trump
https://unherd.com/2024/04/the-mythical-masculinity-of-donald-trump/
Brooks and Capehart on Supreme Court arguments over immunity for Trump
Florida man asks schools to ban Bible following the state's efforts to remove books
https://text.npr.org/1094740651
Columbia University’s Impossible Position
Can Empathy Heal Democracy?
Historical Roots and Psychology of Liberals, Conservatives
Arizona Women Gear Up to Challenge Near-Total Abortion Ban in Upcoming Election
https://msmagazine.com/2024/04/26/abortion-arizona-elections-gallego/
'Bad Faith' documentary shows us the evil of Christian nationalism. So did a bomb threat at my library.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders just got dragged into Trump’s hush-money trial
26.04.2024
Men Need a New Narrative. The Future of U.S. Democracy Depends on It
https://msmagazine.com/2024/04/25/men-feminists-masculinity-trump/
A Nobel Prize Winner Dissects American Economics and Politics
The Supreme Court Goes Through the Looking Glass on Presidential Immunity
How DeSantis' immigration laws may be backfiring : Consider This from NPR
The National Enquirer was the go-to American tabloid for many years. Donald Trump helped change that
https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-enquirer-catch-kill-57f0c462af437fb07967a041b6f66022
More than 500 people have been arrested at pro-Palestinian protests at colleges
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/26/1247408281/student-protests-colleges-universities-israel-palestine
Uvalde Parent Obliterates Police Response to Texas University Protest
https://newrepublic.com/post/181014/uvalde-parent-police-response-texas-university-protest
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee plans to sign bill that would let teachers carry guns in schools
Are 75% of guns used to carry out school shootings found unsecured in family homes?
The US just came up with a plan to upgrade 100k miles of transmission lines in 5 years
https://electrek.co/2024/04/25/us-plan-upgrade-100k-miles-of-transmission-lines-5-years/
25.04.2024
The Republicans Who Want American Carnage
https://apple.news/AdMjspKSuQ_KQUYkI1QlCtQ
The GOP’s Grand Plan: Minority Rule
Trump is arguing for immunity in his criminal case. Will the Supreme Court agree? : Consider This from NPR
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/24/1198911321/trump-immunity-supreme-court-case-trial
Nonprofit exposes 'housing cartel' behind sharp rent increases across the country
https://www.upworthy.com/reason-behind-high-rent-exposed
Strict school zones are reinforcing inequality, new study finds
https://www.axios.com/2024/04/24/school-zones-inequality-brown-v-board-report
Despite Outcry Over Seclusion at Juvenile Detention Centers, Tennessee Lawmakers Fail to Pass Oversight Bill
https://www.propublica.org/article/tennessee-juvenile-detention-oversight-bill-fails
24.04.2024
The Particular Brutality of Colonial Wars
https://www.theatlantic.com/books/archive/2024/04/david-van-reybrouck-revolusi-indonesia/678155/
Supreme Court will consider when doctors can provide emergency abortions in states with bans
Another one of Ron “Don’t Say Gay” DeSantis’ cruel political stunts just blew up in his face
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people as Trump and the Far Right seek to control the myths that will control the US for decades—even generations—to come.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 17 (207 total reports)
17.04.2023-23.03.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people as Trump and the Far Right seek to control the myths that will control the US for decades—even generations—to come.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
4 philosophers on how to live a happy life
https://bigthink.com/thinking/4-philosophers-on-how-to-live-a-happy-life/
Like other emotions, happiness (or as Arthur Brooks calls it, “Happier-Ness”) must be modeled before it can be lived. Just as a child must have someone who can co-regulate with them and model responses to anger and fear, young people must have adult models to lead them to a happier life. Sometimes, it is hard to distinguish the hallmarks of happier-ness and this article leads us on a journey of discovery into what some of the greatest minds in history have identified as key components. It’s worth the review and worth the discussions in your workplace on how to better embody these keystone characteristics.
Best Links of The Week
23.04.2024
Sotomayor Asks One Damning Question in Supreme Court Homelessness Case
After reading through the overview of this case, I have to wonder what would have happened if the community of Grants Pass, Oregon, had spent the money to get their case all the way to Supreme Court on building a homeless shelter in their community. Sotomayer’s response was insightful and inspiring. Please take a moment to read it. With so much bad publicity on this court, it is refreshing when one of it’s liberal judges is given the opportunity to share her wisdom on a case that truly matters rather than just having more “air time” given to Donald Trump and his attempts to undermine the constitution and democracy.
22.04.2024
What Donald Trump Fears Most
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/04/donald-trump-manhattan-trial-fear/678144/
Atlantic always does articles that dig behind the myths and into the heart of each story. According to this article, by David Axelrod, Trump’s greatest fear is to appear as a loser. I would take it a step further in that Trump fears what every two-year-old fears—losing attention—or what every narcissist fears—accountability. Judge Merchan’s no-nonsense attitude is preventing Trump from taking control of his courtroom or the trial narrative—at least in front of his bench. We’ll see Tuesday, the 23rd, when Trump faces the consequences of continually breaking his gag order, what Trump is allowed to do to intimidate witnesses and jury members outside the courtroom.
21.04.2024
The American Myths Dividing Contemporary Politics
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/american-myths-dividing-contemporary-politics-bookbite/48974/
In Yuval Noah Harari’s book, Sapiens, he reveals how the control of myths separated homo sapiens from other animals, furthermore, whoever had the most prevalent myth, had the most power. It is an influential book that my wife and I devoured—as well as Harari’s follow-up book, Homo Deus. Please put them on your list of must-reads if you haven’t already. Just writing this blog makes me want to go back and review both books. This article, reminds us of the myths that have formed the US and points out some of the myths that are used to justify many actions and much of the violence of the Far Right, MAGA-Movement. It’s important to understand this as people like Tom Cotton and Kari Lake call for violence at polling places and Donald Trump continues his attack on the US’s democratic institutions.
20.04.2024
Is this fictitious civil war closer to reality than we think? : Consider This from NPR
There is definitely a faction of the US that wants a civil war and with traitorous politicians like Kari Lake telling people to bring the Glocks with them when they go to vote, such a reality as depicted in this movie, might be uncomfortably close to the truth. What this production reveals is a problem much deeper than just Donald Trump, though his Apprentice B-Rated reality show chops have made him a lightning rod. The problem is a radicalized minority of the US Public is unwilling to accept a democratic path to leadership when they lose.
19.04.2024
10 Of Life's Most Powerful Paradoxes
https://www.yourtango.com/self/life-most-powerful-paradoxes
A paradox is a statement that seems to go against common sense, but may still be true. Life is filled with paradoxes and here are the ten most important to teach our children.
18.04.2024
7 big issues at stake in the 2024 election
I admit that I find it hard to look beyond the obvious character flaws (and indictments) of Donald Trump and the fact that he only wants to hold office to avoid prosecution and further his own power and wealth, but if the election truly comes down to who holds the best platform and can deliver on their promises, I think it is worth examining the “7 big issues” in this article and how the candidates compare in their responses.
17.04.2024
Why Do People Choose Authoritarianism Over Democracy?
There was a sentence in this article that really struck me, it holds truth for a lot of people I have seen who are either far right or extremely conservative religious people. As the author, Joe Pierre, MD, states, “The appeal of authoritarianism is less about wanting to be controlled as wanting to control others.” I’ve seen similar behavior in professions where people are in charge of other’s lives: Teaching, Corrections, Ministry. The need to control is pervasive and it is important to understand its roots before we place people in positions of responsibility or allow them access to our own lives.
This Week’s Links
23.04.2024
Sotomayor Asks One Damning Question in Supreme Court Homelessness Case
Despite a fortified border, migrants will keep coming, analysts agree. Here's why.
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/22/1244381584/immigrants-border-mexico-asylum-illegal-immigration
How the Founding Fathers' concept of 'Minority Rule' is alive and well today
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/22/1246297603/ari-berman-minority-rule-electoral-college
Ex-National Enquirer publisher testifies against Donald Trump in hush money trial
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/23/1246435476/david-pecker-trump-trial
How to Handle Difficult People Like a Stoic
Therapist Reveals 6 Things You Should've Never Been Responsible For As A Kid — That Might Be Affecting You As An Adult
https://www.yourtango.com/self/things-never-responsible-for-kid-affecting-adult
22.04.2024
What Donald Trump Fears Most
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/04/donald-trump-manhattan-trial-fear/678144/
With This Week’s Abortion Case, Supreme Court Faces Grim Reality of Overturning Roe
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/04/emtla-hearing/
Newsom hits Republicans on abortion restriction pushes
https://www.axios.com/2024/04/22/gavin-newsom-arizona-alabama-abortion
Local election workers fear threats to their safety as November nears. One group is trying to help
On Earth Day, Biden is launching a new site to apply for Climate Corps jobs
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/22/1245979643/biden-earth-day-climate-corps-solar
2 Emotionally Intelligent Tools That Disarm a Narcissist
21.04.2024
The American Myths Dividing Contemporary Politics
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/american-myths-dividing-contemporary-politics-bookbite/48974/
Trump Deflates
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/trump-republican-vote-ukraine-aid/678148/
'We created this problem': a pediatric surgeon on how gun violence affects children
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/19/1245079832/gun-violence-children-pediatric-surgeon-washington-dc
Supreme Court takes on Donald Trump, abortion bans, homeless camps in blockbuster week
When Solitary Confinement Means Living in a Shower Stall
Israel’s Starvation Campaign Could Affect Palestinians for Generations to Come
20.04.2024
Is this fictitious civil war closer to reality than we think? : Consider This from NPR
Brooks and Capehart on if Democrats will save Johnson’s speakership
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/brooks-and-capehart-on-if-democrats-will-save-johnsons-speakership
With Republicans Like These, Who Needs Russian Propaganda?
In Judge Juan Merchan, Trump may have met his match
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/judge-merchan-trial-trump-accountability-rcna148406
Boeing and the Dark Age of American Manufacturing
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/boeing-corporate-america-manufacturing/678137/
What World War II taught us about how to help starving people today
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2024/04/19/1245553753/starvation-malnutrition-holocaust
19.04.2024
10 Of Life's Most Powerful Paradoxes
https://www.yourtango.com/self/life-most-powerful-paradoxes
The truth about inflation, wages, and the Biden economy
https://www.vox.com/24134257/biden-economy-inflation-wages-interest-rate
17 States Are Considering Laws That Would Imprison Librarians
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/17-states-are-considering-laws-that-would-imprison-librarians
Oh Dear God, Tennessee Just Passed a Bill Banning Chemtrails, Which Are Not Real
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60538279/tennessee-chemtrails-bill-conspiracy/
A sheriff, a felon and a conspiracy theorist walk into a hotel. They’re there for the same conference.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/constitutional-sheriffs-las-vegas-conference-rcna147487
Tom Cotton, Kari Lake show how much Trump, Republicans have normalized violent rhetoric
18.04.2024
7 big issues at stake in the 2024 election
Mehdi Hasan Lays Out Donald Trump's First 100 Days In Chilling Day-By-Day Detail
The Only Path Forward
https://apple.news/AIIXDzsmTTtCvg6XP9R8MsQ
How do you keep calm and carry on in a world full of crises?
https://apple.news/AyGCiGeykRXavKbmvdVzXvQ
New report shows role of Republican useful idiots in weakening U.S., advancing Putin's goals
‘We waited for hours’: Law enforcement testify that Trump outright rejected to send in troops on Jan. 6
Kari Lake’s Vile New Threat of “Glock” Violence Exposes MAGA’s Lunacy
The Arizona Abortion Fight Is a Reminder That Progress Is Not Linear
https://msmagazine.com/2024/04/17/arizona-history-abortion-women-lgbtq-rights-equality/
Biden chokes up while talking about deceased son and Trump's disparaging remarks about service members
4 philosophers on how to live a happy life
https://bigthink.com/thinking/4-philosophers-on-how-to-live-a-happy-life/
Guns are killing more U.S. children. Shooting survivors can face lifelong challenges
Why Aren't Today's Youth Happy?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happy-together/202404/why-arent-todays-youth-happy
How to Be Less Busy and More Happy
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/busyness-boredom-happiness-worklife/678085/
How to Have Non-Negotiables
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-angry-therapist/202404/how-to-have-non-negotiables
17.04.2024
Why Do People Choose Authoritarianism Over Democracy?
It's About Damn Time Alvin Bragg Did Something About Trump Violating His Gag Order
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60513601/alvin-bragg-trump-gag-order/
The Republican Plot to Roast Outdoor Workers
https://newrepublic.com/article/180748/republican-heat-labor-outdoor-workers
‘Violence Against Women’ Is a ‘Male Violence’ Problem
https://msmagazine.com/2024/04/16/male-violence-women/
Exposed: Donald Trump Didn't Attend Any of His Children's Graduations, Michael Cohen Claims
https://okmagazine.com/p/donald-trump-didnt-attend-any-childrens-graduations-michael-cohen-claims/
6 alternatives to saying 'let me know if you need anything' to someone in crisis
Teaching Children to Manage Their Anger
Science Confirms Hugs Can Ease Pain, Anxiety, And Depression
https://www.sciencealert.com/science-confirms-hugs-can-ease-pain-anxiety-and-depression
Kyle Rittenhouse Shooting Survivor Turns Up at His College Event
https://www.newsweek.com/kyle-rittenhouse-paul-prediger-kent-state-university-video-1891178
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people as Trump and the Far Right seek to enact archaic laws dating back to the wild west—is this their idea of Making America Great Again?
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 16 (206 total reports)
10.04.2023-16.03.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people as Trump and the Far Right seek to enact archaic laws dating back to the wild west—is this their idea of Making America Great Again?
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
An elementary school in Kansas is combating bad behavior — by putting kids to work
This is an appealing story about engaging children who have a hard time functioning in many of the systems that encompass our young people. If you have any influence on discipline techniques being used with disengaged youth, please read this article and pass it on. Brainstorm about making young people part of a team and giving them meaningful tasks.
Best Links of The Week
16.04.2024
Trump ‘dangerous’ for the LGBTQ+ community and the US, says Jill Biden
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/04/15/jill-biden-donald-trump-2024-election/
If the Trump Republicans had their way (as evidenced in the 1864 bill passed in Arizona), LGBTQ+ orientation would be illegal and abortion would be treated more harshly than rape. Already policies across the US—and those passed this week in Idaho and supported by SCOTUS—prevent gender affirming care for any young person exploring their sexuality. Prevention of such care procedures has led to a marked increased suicide rate among teens. Why would anyone research this topic and still decide to pass those laws? What is to be gained by such cruelty, except political points among close-minded religious voters?
15.04.2024
The Fantasy of a Lily-White America
https://time.com/6966768/fantasy-white-america-eddie-glaude/
The richness of the US has always laid in diversity and plurality. There has never been a Lily-White America and there never can be. The Far Right is trying to sell a dystopian illusion that the US could be—or has ever been—a land of white males ruling over all who are not; including gender, sexual orientation, and/or race. Their delusion would be laughable, if not for so many people buying into it. A grim example of this is the 1864 abortion ban resurrected in Arizona last week. At the time of the law, women were not able to vote, in fact, only white male citizens of Arizona were allowed to vote. Other laws on the books at that time: Slavery, an blanket ban on LGBTQ+ people, age of consent at 10, and interracial marriage was illegal.
14.04.2024
Robert Reich: How To Understand Next Week’s Trump Criminal Felony Trial – OpEd
It is really important to peer behind the veil of both how the press is covering Donald Trump’s criminal trial and the way that the former president tries to portray the event (and himself). Robert Reich does a good job at peering through the fog. One distinction I read this week that I thought important was to remember that “this prosecution did not come in the middle of Trump’s campaign, but that Trump’s campaign came in the middle of this prosecution.” Trump’s crime was committed long before this campaign occurred (26 October, 2016), they have known the dates—and pushed to delay the trial—for almost a year (he was arraigned on April 04, 2023). As Reich points out, this is not a “hush money case” involving a sex worker. This is an Election Interference case. Trump has a pattern of lying to the American electorate and this is part of that pattern.
13.04.2024
Florida blocks heat protections for workers right before summer
Nothing says privilege or inhumanity more than passing a law like this. There can only be one reason for such a law, short-sighted catering to wealthy conservative business interests. The far right seems bent upon undermining its own long-term economic interests for short-term gains in politics. Could anything drive up your long term prices than people dying in your fields and on your construction sites or refusing to work in your state because of draconian practices? This is myopic maliciousness, nothing less.
12.04.2024
Suicide is on the rise for young Americans, with no clear answers
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68782177
Last week we explored how happiness scores in North America—and particularly the US—were being inhibited by the melancholy of young adults in those countries. The headline here should come as no surprise given those statistics. Many young people are feeling so helpless that they see suicide as their only way out. This article helps remind us to keep our eyes open and to make extra efforts to reach out to this vulnerable group.
11.04.2024
Jung’s Five Pillars of a Good Life
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/carl-jung-pillars-life-happiness/678009/
This brief article is a primer into some of Carl Jung’s ideas. It is a good summary for anyone looking for a jumping off point into deeper knowledge about Jung’s principles. I especially appreciate the author’s, Arthur C. Brook, use of the word “happierness” it’s a good prompt to remind us that happiness is not a state of permanence we attain and then remain. But a place we strive for (or even exist in) more often than not. Brooks is one of my favorite writers and I think you’ll enjoy his insights too.
10.04.2024
Minority Rule Is Threatening American Democracy Like Never Before
If you have not read “Tyranny of the Minority” by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, it is time to add that book to your must read list. This book points to the ways that the constitution was designed to protect minority opinions, but it also looks at how a small, radically conservative, religious, right wing is using those protections to take away the rights of others and, indeed, undermine democracy itself. This read is a playbook that reveals the power and strategies of the far right, but also give you ideas for confronting and changing the underlying problems. Reading this book (and starting with this article) then passing it on to friends, could be the first part of your stand against authoritarian rule in the world today.
This Week’s Links
16.04.2024
Trump ‘dangerous’ for the LGBTQ+ community and the US, says Jill Biden
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/04/15/jill-biden-donald-trump-2024-election/
The Supreme Court Just Dealt a Massive Blow to the Right to Protest
https://newrepublic.com/post/180705/supreme-court-massive-blow-right-protest
Number of homicides plummets in major U.S. cities
https://www.axios.com/2024/04/16/homicide-rate-us-voters-trump
Debate an Indicted Traitor? No!
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/joe-biden-donald-trump-presidential-debate/678079/
15.04.2024
The Fantasy of a Lily-White America
https://time.com/6966768/fantasy-white-america-eddie-glaude/
Eighty-year-old psychologist reveals the one thing he would do differently if he could re-do life
Isolation: A Common Result of Surviving Family Trauma
Donald Trump isn’t on trial for paying off Stormy Daniels. He’s on trial for being stupid.
I Was a Skeptic of the Stormy Daniels Prosecution. I Was Wrong.
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/04/stormy-daniels-prosecution-stronger-than-i-thought.html
Trump’s Presidential-Immunity Theory Is a Threat to the Chain of Command
14.04.2024
Robert Reich: How To Understand Next Week’s Trump Criminal Felony Trial – OpEd
The history of Arizona’s Civil War-era abortion ban
https://www.vox.com/politics/24128840/arizona-abortion-total-ban-law-roe-court-1864
Newsflash Donald Trump: Every day in America is Christian Visibility Day
Fla. Gov. DeSantis signs controversial laws limiting oversight of police
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/04/13/ron-desantis-signs-police-oversight-bills/7291713027759/
You might want to hold your tongue when watching your kids play sports - new study reveals the massive impact a parent’s sideline behaviour can have on children
How to give kids autonomy? 'Anxious Generation' author says a license to roam helps
13.04.2024
Florida blocks heat protections for workers right before summer
About 1 in 4 U.S. teachers say their school went into 'gun-related lockdown' during last school year
Right-Wing Media Are in Trouble
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/04/conservative-digital-media-traffic/678055/
Speaker Mike Johnson said noncitizen voting is a 'threat.' The facts say otherwise
12.04.2024
Suicide is on the rise for young Americans, with no clear answers
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68782177
An elementary school in Kansas is combating bad behavior — by putting kids to work
The Roots of Evil
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-of-the-darkness/202404/the-roots-of-evil
What happens if Ukraine loses?
https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/04/11/what-happens-if-ukraine-loses
Russia Is Buying Politicians in Europe. Is It Happening Here Too?
https://newrepublic.com/article/180630/russia-corruption-network-europe-buying-politicians-america
Senate Dems Finally Subpoena Supreme Court Puppetmaster
Attempts to ban books are at an all-time high. These librarians are fighting back
Playing With 5 Whole Decks: An Autism Metaphor
6 books that shaped Japanese philosophy
https://bigthink.com/thinking/6-books-that-shaped-japanese-philosophy/
11.04.2024
Jung’s Five Pillars of a Good Life
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/carl-jung-pillars-life-happiness/678009/
Attacks on election workers by Trump followers drive huge, historic turnover ahead of election
Republican Group Torches Trump With His Own Words In Damning New Video
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-own-words-against-him_n_661794d2e4b00830e9167134
The archaic Comstock laws were named for a man who also fueled the US obsession with book banning
Matt Gaetz’s teen sex scandal is back in the news & we’re thoroughly disgusted all over again
“Five Alarm Fire”: Why Arizona Ruling Is a Disaster for Trump and GOP
https://newrepublic.com/article/180606/five-alarm-fire-arizona-ruling-disaster-trump-gop
The right tried to rain on South Carolina's NCAA victory with transphobia. Dawn Staley won't let up
Biden’s Green Investments Aren’t Just Benefiting Cities
https://progressive.org/op-eds/bidens-green-investments-arent-just-benefiting-cities-money-20240409/
10.04.2024
Minority Rule Is Threatening American Democracy Like Never Before
Billionaire brothers bankroll education programs to feed misinformation to students: 'The goal ... is to gain control of levers of power'
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/wilks-brothers-media-manipulation-billions-percentage/
US Billionaires Have Doubled Their Wealth Since 2017 Trump Tax Overhaul
80 Percent of Global CO2 Emissions Come From Just 57 Companies, Report Shows
Former teachers reveal what made them quit and it explains why there are teacher shortages
Brené Brown on the No. 1 way to combat loneliness: 'It was one of the best things that ever happened to me’
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/09/bren-brown-on-the-no-1-way-to-combat-loneliness.html
Childhood Loneliness Linked to Later Psychosis - Neuroscience News
https://neurosciencenews.com/childhood-loneliness-psychosis-25891/
'Made me smile': Jimmy Carter’s quote about homosexuality and the Bible resurfaces
https://www.upworthy.com/jimmy-carter-homosexuality-bible-viral-quote
15 Things That Scream ‘I’m a Narcissist’ (According to Psychologists)
https://thethriftyapartment.com/things-that-scream-im-a-narcissist-according-to-psychologists/
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people as Trump and the Far Right seek to exhaust rationale people and create a false narrative undermining both the constitution and laws of conscience.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 15 (205 total reports)
03.04.2023-09.03.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people as Trump and the Far Right seek to exhaust rationale people and create a false narrative undermining both the constitution and laws of conscience.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
Why You Should Stop Worrying About Your Parenting
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/parenting-anxiety-happiness-children/677960/
This article is liberating for adults who constantly—or even just often—worry about how children will turn out as adults. It reminds us to focus on the basics and to identify what those basics are.
Best Links of The Week
09.04.2024
None of This Is Normal
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/donald-trump-2024-election-none-of-this-is-normal
Two things that are very important to keep in mind at this time are 1) the political tactics of Trump and the Far Right are NOT normal, and 2) we must continue to challenge the behavior rather than succumb to it. This article does a good job at analyzing what is NOT normal about the political and social landscape today.
08.04.2024
New effort to "inoculate" U.S. voters against AI misinformation
https://www.axios.com/2024/04/08/election-misinformation-ai-ads
With MAGA-Right science deniers like Marjorie Taylor-Greene telling us that earthquakes and eclipses are signs that God is fed up with us, it seems we sadly need more protection for those people that addictively feast upon their unsubstantiated drivel. Once again the Christian Nationalist Right rose up and told us that the eclipse would be the start of the rapture on April 8, there must be a lot of disappointed Christians this morning. Come to think of it, I bet a lot of people wish they were gone.
07.04.2024
Semicolon tattoo: Here's what it means and why it matters.
https://www.upworthy.com/have-you-seen-anyone-with-a-semicolon-tattoo-heres-what-its-about-rp3
I didn’t understand the meaningful roots of this trending tattoo until I read this article, now I’m thinking of getting one myself (it would be my first tattoo). If you’re not familiar with its significance, this is a worthwhile read.
06.04.2024
History Will Judge the Complicit
https://apple.news/Au7VVj2V0QyCgw82B7_34zg
A post I recently read and admired said, “If you wonder what you would have done when the Nazis came to power, just look at what you are doing today.”
05.04.2024
Don’t Let Trump Exhaust You
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/04/dont-let-trump-exhaust-you/677973/
Trump’s behavior is typical of a narcissist’s strategy and that of a toddler in a toy shop. Throwing constant tantrums wears down the adults in the room and gets the toddler what he/she wants. Trump is the two-year-old toddler throwing a tantrum to get all the attention in the room. I find myself wishing he could be carried out of the toy section and placed in time out until he is forced to change his strategy. Unfortunately, this will not happen as long as his cult followers and the GOP continue to support his abhorrent behavior. We must remember, the goal of a toddler is not to get approval, but to get attention.
04.04.2024
Yes, we're divided. But new AP-NORC poll shows Americans still agree on most core American values
It is easy to overlook the core values that hold Americans together (what is the norm and what truly is normal). The research in this article (and graph included) reminds us that—on a number of critical issues—Americans still share key commonalities.
03.04.2024
What Kintsugi Can Teach Us About Our Emotional Health
This article refers to a Japanese concept in healing that has major applications to those who have suffered brokenness in our world today. It has to do with mending broken vessels. Take time to read it and see how it applies to your life and the life of those you impact. Perhaps you can pursue the challenge of growing expertise in Kintsugi healing.
This Week’s Links
09.04.2024
None of This Is Normal
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/donald-trump-2024-election-none-of-this-is-normal
Conservative Christians just lost their scholarly trump card on same-sex relationships
Biden's 'border crisis' is actually an economic success story
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/biden-democrats-immigration-economy-rcna146448
Yikes: See Trump roasted and dunked on by Larry David as 'Curb' ends
This Biden/Harris ad kicks Trump where it hurts (video)
https://boingboing.net/2024/04/08/this-biden-harris-ad-kicks-trump-where-it-hurts-video.html
Star Psychologist Adam Grant Suggests Your Overall Happiness Comes Down to 1 Life-Changing Word
08.04.2024
New effort to "inoculate" U.S. voters against AI misinformation
https://www.axios.com/2024/04/08/election-misinformation-ai-ads
7 Helpful Phrases for Politely Expressing a Different Opinion, According to a Psychologist
https://parade.com/living/phrases-to-politely-express-different-opinion-according-to-psychologist
The True Cost of the Churchgoing Bust
https://apple.news/AnzdQAa6DS4OdgKrsNOascA
2 Things Not to Say to a Struggling Adult Child
Vatican blasts gender-affirming surgery, surrogacy and gender theory as threats to human dignity
https://apnews.com/article/vatican-gender-surrogacy-abortion-pope-3f84d8eb97f045b0cfb0ec1efa4e614e
07.04.2024
Semicolon tattoo: Here's what it means and why it matters.
https://www.upworthy.com/have-you-seen-anyone-with-a-semicolon-tattoo-heres-what-its-about-rp3
17 Reasons Why Traditional Education Is Being Questioned by the Next Generation
A Ukrainian Exile’s Plea to Congress
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2024/04/ukraine-aid-russia-congress/677976/
How To Break the Cycle of Rumination
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-now/202404/how-to-break-the-cycle-of-rumination
Mom & son create app to keep LGBTQ+ people safe
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/04/mom-son-create-app-to-keep-lgbtq-people-safe/
Kids Can’t Read Anymore. Why?
https://www.hercampus.com/school/odu/kids-cant-read-anymore-why/
Trump says going to jail for gag order violation would be a 'great honor,’ compares himself to Mandela
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/06/trump-being-jailed-for-gag-order-violation-would-be-great-honor.html
This innocent question we ask boys is putting more pressure on them than we realize
06.04.2024
History Will Judge the Complicit
https://apple.news/Au7VVj2V0QyCgw82B7_34zg
What Orwell Really Feared
https://apple.news/AJm0sfjFPRRaXlkCRO-z3JA
The Trump Two-Step
https://apple.news/AtEzuSlizQxWj9Wkd0GYHqA
Biden to Baltimore: 'Your nation has your back'
https://www.dw.com/en/biden-to-baltimore-your-nation-has-your-back/a-68755085
3 Common Side Effects of Narcissistic Parenting
Helping Boys Think Things Through Before Acting
Parents who raise successful, resilient kids never do these 5 things, experts say
Why We Need to Be Wild
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/defining-memories/202402/why-we-need-to-be-wild
05.04.2024
Don’t Let Trump Exhaust You
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/04/dont-let-trump-exhaust-you/677973/
Beyond efforts to contain Trump, his radicalized followers pose growing threat
New York state is demanding more information on Trump’s $175 million appeal bond in civil fraud case
Border Patrol must care for migrant children who wait in camps for processing, a judge says
What asylum-seekers face at the U.S. border after a grueling journey through Mexico
Star Psychologist Adam Grant Needed Just 7 Words to Explain How to Avoid Burnout and Still Be Super Successful
Her son came out. She called a gay bar for advice. The delightful conversation went viral.
Is your kid lining up toys and repeating actions? Here are four expert-approved ways to support autistic play
https://www.goodto.com/family/understanding-why-autistic-children-play-differently
New study shows changes in the U.S. Catholic Church over past 50 years
04.04.2024
Yes, we're divided. But new AP-NORC poll shows Americans still agree on most core American values
Why You Should Stop Worrying About Your Parenting
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/parenting-anxiety-happiness-children/677960/
Trump's Ugly Calls For Violence Laid Out In Chilling New Supercut Video
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-violence-supercut-video_n_660e0288e4b09f580bc68a5e
Analyzing Trump’s use of inflammatory rhetoric on the campaign trail
A National Security Analyst's Warning for a New Era of Great Power Conflict
What Social Neuroscience Says About Narcissism
Skills for Living with People (And Continuing to Like Them)
03.05.2024
What Kintsugi Can Teach Us About Our Emotional Health
A Study in Senate Cowardice
Goodness Is Our Default Mode
1 in 5 Americans think violence may solve U.S. divisions, poll finds
Most Americans say criminalizing abortion is wrong — and are divided on deportation
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/03/1242285012/biden-trump-2024-election-poll
Asking yourself Socratic questions can calm your irrational thoughts
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/02/health/irrational-thoughts-socratic-questions-anxiety-wellness/
Jim Wallis: What that Bible Trump is selling says about truth
https://religionnews.com/2024/04/02/jim-wallis-what-that-bible-trump-is-selling-says-about-truth/
A 9-year-old goes in on standardized tests and ends with the best mic drop of all time.
The Problem Isn’t Just Netanyahu, It’s Israeli Society
https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/04/02/netanyahu-gaza-palestinians-war-israeli-society/
New Law Allowing Religion into Science Classrooms Is Dangerous for Everyone
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in the face of a leading presidential candidate and his supporters trying to normalize violence.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 14 (204 total reports)
21.04.2023-02.05.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of a leading presidential candidate and his supporters trying to normalize violence.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
Ivy League researchers released a huge report on teen sex. It's a must-read for parents.
Teens are looking for more guidance, not just about sex, but about love and relationships. This article has many insights that are critical for us to consider in teaching our young people about sex and sexuality, but it also expands into attitudes our young people have about their own sexuality or other’s sexuality, such as, “Is it right for me to judge you based on your gender?”
Best Links of The Week
02.05.2024
Supporting Trump Means Supporting a Culture of Violence
As Trump seeks to normalize violence and create a culture where violence is an acceptable response to disagreement or disappointment (e.g. losing an election or multiple court cases), it is imperative we ask what kind of world we want to standardize for our children. Is it all right for them to threaten, hurt, or even kill those with whom they disagree? The main point of this article is very clear, to support Donald Trump is to support violence as an acceptable means to being challenged or held accountable.
01.05.2024
Don’t Normalize Trump’s Threats of Violence
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-04-01/don-t-normalize-trump-s-threats-of-violence
It’s so tempting to look the other way as Trump and his base continue down a path of cruelty and lunacy. But it would be an error; that is exactly what he wants. The focus of Trump’s depiction of violence (as in his posting this week of President Biden hogtied in the back of a MAGA truck) is to normalize violence. He wants to make violence an acceptable alternative to disagreement. Rational people don’t do this, and a society based on justice and mature decision-making don’t accept this as reasonable. Our children are always watching and internalizing the behavior of the adults around them—they have NO filter but us. So, if we look away and accept this, they will normalize it—and that’s exactly what Trump craves.
31.04.2024
These Comics Capture Society's Ridiculously Unfair Expectations Of Women
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/comics-women-lainey-molnar-ano_l_6605cddfe4b05f4de32838fd
These comics didn’t make me laugh, but they did make me think about the double standards we have for women in our society.
30.04.2024
Trump promises a religious litmus test for citizenship
https://boingboing.net/2024/03/29/trump-promises-a-religious-litmus-test-for-citizenship.html
My primary question is, “Will Trump’s litmus test on religion be the religion he practices or the religion he uses to con people out of money to pay his legal debts?”
29.04.2024
Why Are Americans Not a Very Happy Group of People?
This article offers a good discussion starter for adults and teens about the roots of happiness. The author, Lawrence R. Samuel, Ph.D., makes some engaging points about being happy in a consumer-based society. As you reflect this week, ask those around you why they think the US has fallen out of the top-20 happiest countries in the world. It is worth examining Samuel’s insights in light of your own life and what you want to pass on to those around you. Is your “pursuit” of happiness undermining your actual happiness?
28.04.2024
More and more Americans are feeling unhappy. It doesn’t have to be this way.
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/us-world-happiness-report-2024-chris-murphy-rcna145108
The constitution doesn’t insure happiness but it does codify the pursuit of it. With the United States falling out of the Top-20 list of the world’s happiest countries—a figure that is led by disillusioned young adults—it is time we ask more of our representatives. Congress—and the Supreme Court it appoints—has largely become bodies of self-aggrandizing people more intent on remaining in power and kowtowing to the needs of those with sizable fortunes (the two are interrelated) than they are on asking, “What will lead to the well-being and happiness of the majority of my constituents?” In 2024, let’s show congress how unhappy we are with their aberrant inaction and lack of representation and ask if they seem even remotely concerned with our right to the pursuit of happiness.
27.04.2024
How AI could explode the economy
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/24108787/ai-economic-growth-explosive-automation
Some of you, like me, who were around at the time the last dinosaurs were roaming the earth (just kidding), might remember when the Internet was just being applied to businesses. You might also remember the many doomsayers that predicted it would be the end of civilization as we know it. Almost everyone uses the Internet today—for positive and negative purposes. Like all scientific advances, the discovery itself is value-neutral. The way people choose to use it is where the question of values arises. Some people want to prevent change from occurring whenever it reveals itself. Others realize that change is a constant and that the pace of change is increasing exponentially. Many in science and technology are saying that the application of AI to our society will be akin to the discovery of the printing press. AI is value-neutral, but, of course, the way in which it is used can be significantly positive or negative for society. The only way to insure that young people will be able to apply technology in a positive manner is to teach them about it in education or any of the places we are tasked to provide care for them. Trying to hide any technology only increases the likelihood our children will be susceptible to those who would use that technology in a negative manner. We owe it to our children to learn about this technology ourselves, understand the influence it can have, and look at both the dangers and possibilities it holds.
This Week’s Links
02.05.2024
Supporting Trump Means Supporting a Culture of Violence
5 Quotes by Socrates Explained
https://www.thecollector.com/socrates-quotes-explained/
World Central Kitchen pauses Gaza operations after workers killed in airstrike
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/01/1242177519/world-central-kitchen-workers-deaths-gaza
Venting Doesn't Reduce Anger, But Something Else Does, Study Finds
https://www.sciencealert.com/venting-doesnt-reduce-anger-but-something-else-does-study-finds
Trump’s Christian nationalist shtick could hurt him bigly
https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/trump-bible-christian-nationalism-warnock-rcna145882
01.05.2024
Don’t Normalize Trump’s Threats of Violence
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-04-01/don-t-normalize-trump-s-threats-of-violence
‘We’ve never had anything like this’: The effect of Trump’s violent rhetoric on his base
Why more Americans are saying religion is losing influence in public life
Banning teens from social media won't help their mental health. Here's what might
https://www.statnews.com/2024/04/01/social-media-teen-ban-mental-health-intervention/
Boomer Dad explains why America is experiencing labor issues and hits the nail on the head
This researcher asked kids what's wrong with U.S. schools. Here are their ideas.
https://www.upworthy.com/school-education-and-tes-rp4
These 50 companies have donated over $23 million to election deniers since Jan. 6
31.04.2024
These Comics Capture Society's Ridiculously Unfair Expectations Of Women
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/comics-women-lainey-molnar-ano_l_6605cddfe4b05f4de32838fd
Ivy League researchers released a huge report on teen sex. It's a must-read for parents.
After Trump posts a video with an image of Biden hogtied, his campaign says he’s the real victim
https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-biden-truck-hogtied-video-rcna145727
Why You Should Stop Saying 'Committed Suicide'
30.04.2024
Trump promises a religious litmus test for citizenship
https://boingboing.net/2024/03/29/trump-promises-a-religious-litmus-test-for-citizenship.html
Project 2025: Republicans’ Plan to Ban Abortion Pills Nationwide
Some state lawmakers want school chaplains as part of a 'rescue mission' for public education
Kids in ethnically diverse classrooms exhibit superior theory of mind abilities
Wheeler Parker, eyewitness to Emmett Till’s abduction in 1955, speaks out
https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/emmett-till-wheeler-parker-interview-rcna145305
29.04.2024
Why Are Americans Not a Very Happy Group of People?
Supreme Court abortion case brings 19th century chastity law to the forefront
https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/29/politics/comstock-act-alito-thomas-abortion/
Nina: A Nonspeaker Who Found Her Voice
Igbo landing: Remembering enslaved Africans who chose death over slavery by walking into the ocean
How to Properly Give and Receive Feedback
https://apple.news/ANWJaxWitTHK-G1bW0uLNwA
Project 2025 partner floats repealing the 22nd Amendment and allowing Trump to serve a third term
28.04.2024
More and more Americans are feeling unhappy. It doesn’t have to be this way.
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/us-world-happiness-report-2024-chris-murphy-rcna145108
Legal experts worry about presidential abuse of the Insurrection Act. Here's why
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/28/1241141939/insurrection-act
27.04.2024
How AI could explode the economy
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/24108787/ai-economic-growth-explosive-automation
Exploring the roots of stupidity: first understand the psychology of what lies behind irrational opinions
The End of Foreign-Language Education
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/03/generative-ai-translation-education/677883/
How climate-driven migration could change the face of the U.S.
A teen student delivered a masterclass on the true history of the Confederate flag
https://www.upworthy.com/high-schooler-schooled-his-classmates-on-the-confederate-flag-rp6
Neurodiversity and Exacerbation of the Emotional Reaction
Why Some People Feel Like Outsiders (Even When They're Not)
Justices Thomas and Alito want to use a 'zombie law' to restrict abortion
Jordan Klepper Unleashes Holy Hell On Trump With 1 Truly Burning Question
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jordan-klepper-trump-bible_n_66038a07e4b06c56a1b6895f
Congrats Donald: Notorious golf cheater, brags he won two tournaments at his own club
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in the face of a political and judicial system that is dangerously beholden to a narcissist. Youth Advocacy at this time demands raising awareness and making sure rational people vote in the upcoming US election.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 13 (203 total reports)
20.04.2023-26.04.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of a political and judicial system that is dangerously beholden to a narcissist. Youth Advocacy at this time demands raising awareness and making sure rational people vote in the upcoming US election.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
7 Reasons Being An Introvert Is A True Gift To Modern-Day Society
https://www.yourtango.com/self/why-being-introvert-true-gift-modern-day-society
There are so many misconceptions about Introverts and this article does a good job revealing many of them. If you have an Introvert in your life, this article is well-worth your time. If you’re a leader, parent, or work with young people, this article will help you accompany those with introvert tendencies so they can live to their fullest potential without guilt or shame for who they are.
Best Links of The Week
26.04.2024
How to Thrive When Confronting Conflict
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/thrive-confronting-conflict-bookbite/48461/
Everyone who is alive will be faced with conflict. We each see the world on a spectrum that is conflict-positive and conflict-negative. The side of that spectrum we feed will be the side that grows. This book review does a great job of reminding us about the benefits of dealing with conflict in a positive manner and further uncovers what a conflict-positive stance looks like. Take time to read it, to apply and practice some of its invaluable suggestions, and help others in your realm learn these practices too. After all, a healthy person wants to surround themselves with people who can have proactive conversations about any pressing issue. Our young people need this invaluable direction and these invaluable skills.
25.04.2024
The Supreme Court Just Stepped Into Our Country’s Most Fundamental Minefield
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60281451/supreme-court-texas-immigration/
Thanks to the conservative SCOTUS (Supreme Court of Trump, US) Texas Republican Governor, Greg Abbott, can now make his own foreign policy. Even a major Texas newspaper (see the article below) sees Abbott’s policies as dangerous. This article looks at historical conflicts regarding State and Federal jurisdiction. Given other blatantly political decisions by the compromised and politically biased court, it will be interesting to see where they land on the issue of immigration and Federal borders in states like Texas, Florida, Arizona, and others.
24.04.2024
We have the power to end Christian nationalism’s hold on the United States. Just ask France.
The division between church and state has probably never been more obfuscated or fragile in US history. Christian Nationalist Justices and politicians are not even trying to disguise their efforts to force their beliefs on others in the realms of race, economics, sexuality, and justice. According to former justice, Stephen Breyer (see article below), the actions of this court risk making the constitution irrelevant to a majority of Americans—and particularly young, female, Americans. One need look no further than the outline for Project 2025 or the 2025 GOP budget proposal to see their blatant exertions to dismantle the separation between church and state. Alternatively, France has become an example of a nation committed to freedom from religious domination of their government, going so far as to pass a federal right to abortion on International Women’s Day. Based on the evidence, one could justifiably say the covert agenda of the Far Rights’ policies and budgets is to insure that babies birthed in the future will only be ones that sit in their pews.
23.04.2024
Sojourner Truth's powerful speech standing up for women's rights is still inspiring the world
If you have not learned about Sojourner Truth, this is an opportunity for you to put your toe in the water. Voices like hers (and yesterday’s example of Coretta Scott King) are becoming increasingly relevant as the GOP and MAGA-right seek to attack minorities, women, and the gender diffuse. Sojourner Truth’s journey from slave to civil rights leader is vitalizing. The insights she shares resonate around the world today. Please take time to read this abbreviated article about her ideas—radical in her day and sadly, still in ours.
22.04.2024
A Blueprint for a Stronger America in Coretta Scott King
https://msmagazine.com/2024/03/21/a-blueprint-for-a-stronger-america-in-coretta-scott-king/
On this day, as Republicans call for dismantling many programs that assist the disenfranchised (such a funding school lunches), the words and actions of Coretta Scott King shine like a beacon fueled by historical insight, courage, compassion, and love. When I was studying to receive my Chaplaincy degree, I used to walk the four miles from Emory University to the King Center and sit in Ebenezer Baptist Church listening to recordings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches. I was even privileged one day to meet Scott-King at a speech she gave and was one in a long line to thank her for her untiring commitment and service. Ms. Magazine points out that this is a critical time to remember women like Scott-King and others (like the above article about Sojourner Truth) who have sacrificed so much to remind us of our obligation to those disenfranchised by the politics of the MAGA right and the racist views of people like Donald Trump. Please take a moment to read this article and learn more about the powerful source of enduring support that Scott-King provided her husband.
21.04.2024
Red, white, and feeling blue: Why young Americans are in a ‘mid-life crisis’
Normally, according to the Gallup poll on happiness, it is usually the people in mid-life who are least happy, but this poll is telling us that in Western Europe, United States, and Canada, it is young adults who are now experiencing the lowest happiness scores. This report presents an overview of the reasons, but divided politics, social media, and the inability to afford housing are primary explanations. Some lawmakers are insightful enough to begin addressing this issue of declining happiness among young adults—who also become disillusioned democratic participants—but we are not doing enough to ask the questions and review the research about happiness and why it matters.
20.04.2024
The Ego Has Crash-Landed
https://apple.news/ADi0vCU9eQ9y_DysEIdZtUQ
What an appropriate name for Donald Trump; “The Ego.” This in-depth view focuses on how Trump cannot help but make everything about himself as pathetic victim in order to cover up his transgressions. Somehow, his ego must have all the air in the room, he is addicted to seeing his own name in the news—no matter whether it is positive or negative and he has fostered a generation of politicians who are shamelessly similar (like Marjory Taylor Greene). Trump literally just can’t help himself and sadly, he is surrounded by racist, pandering, people who see a way to their own nefarious ends by using this man as their puppet. Trump will never know what it is like to be loved because all of his relationships—all of them—are transactional. Even Putin has gone as far as to say that he is only tolerated for what he can do for others.
This Week’s Links
26.04.2024
How to Thrive When Confronting Conflict
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/thrive-confronting-conflict-bookbite/48461/
A Supreme Court Justice Sounds a Warning
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/03/26/stephen-breyer-supreme-court-interview-00148948
The Supreme Court Is Shaming Itself
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/03/dc-trump-trial-speed/677862/
Why 2024 may be the most consequential election for reproductive rights in 50 years
The Supreme Court Just Stepped Into Our Country’s Most Fundamental Minefield
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60281451/supreme-court-texas-immigration/
Jeff Yass just bought Trump. Here’s what he stands to gain.
https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/trump-truth-social-tik-tok-jeff-yass-rcna144951
Donald Trump’s Nine Lives
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/03/donald-trump-new-york-trial/677877/
What's Wrong with Life Today? Here Are Some Famous Answers
Finding Possibility in Uncertainty
25.04.2024
The Supreme Court Just Stepped Into Our Country’s Most Fundamental Minefield
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60281451/supreme-court-texas-immigration/
First lady highlights attacks on LGBTQ rights at HRC’s Los Angeles dinner
One year in, Khan Academy’s AI has 65,000 students, and is still learning new skills
24.04.2024
We have the power to end Christian nationalism’s hold on the United States. Just ask France.
7 Reasons Being An Introvert Is A True Gift To Modern-Day Society
https://www.yourtango.com/self/why-being-introvert-true-gift-modern-day-society
America’s first biometric ‘smart gun’ is finally here. Will it work?
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/biofire-smart-gun-biometric-safety-rcna143637
Jonathan Haidt's book presents stark data on the negative effects of smartphones on youth
Venting won't help, new study shows—this is the No. 1 way to manage your anger
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/23/the-no-1-way-to-manage-your-anger-.html
How does the U.S. refugee system work?
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-does-the-u-s-refugee-system-work
Religion losing its influence in the US: Poll
https://www.newsnationnow.com/religion/religion-losing-influence-in-u-s-poll/
Spurned by the economy, young Americans are feeling so lonely and powerless they plunged the nation’s happiness score
https://fortune.com/2024/03/23/world-happiness-report-genz-american-dream-boomers-financial-future/
23.04.2024
Sojourner Truth's powerful speech standing up for women's rights is still inspiring the world
Parents of LGBTQ Kids Are Struggling to Find a Safe Haven
https://apple.news/ANCT0TCZfSLKSbwQo4cNYDg
Greg Abbott's Border Bill Rebuked by Major Texas Newspaper: 'Fiasco'
https://www.newsweek.com/greg-abbotts-border-bill-rebuked-major-texas-newspaper-fiasco-1882514
Independence may be the key to reducing anxiety in childhood, new research shows - but how do you give a child independence?
House Republicans just gave Biden the biggest possible gift
New Indiana law requires professors to promote 'intellectual diversity' to keep tenure
What Is Religion?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/theory-of-knowledge/202403/what-is-religion
I hated history — until I learned about Shirley Chisholm
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/22/1240171159/shirley-chisholm-womens-history-month
22.04.2024
A Blueprint for a Stronger America in Coretta Scott King
https://msmagazine.com/2024/03/21/a-blueprint-for-a-stronger-america-in-coretta-scott-king/
House Republicans Want to Ban Universal Free School Lunches
https://theintercept.com/2024/03/21/house-republicans-ban-universal-school-lunches/
Why Trans Kids Have the Right to Change Their Biological Sex
https://apple.news/A-BgpFquITL-aC_U2ow9-Ig
What Pain Acceptance Really Means
A modest proposal: No smartphones for kids
https://www.axios.com/2024/03/22/kids-childhood-smartphone-ban-social-media
21.04.2024
Red, white, and feeling blue: Why young Americans are in a ‘mid-life crisis’
What Trump Supporters Think When He Mocks People With Disabilities
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/03/trump-disabilities-supporters-responses/677812/
House Republicans Endorse National Abortion Ban
‘It’s become a joke’: House GOP’s impeachment continues to scam the American people
Trump’s Dangerous January 6–Pardon Promise
Reducing Meltdowns in Children With Autism Spectrum
People Can Overestimate Their Abilities, Something Known as the Dunning-Kruger Effect
Reflective Parenting: Navigating Teen Brains Towards Resilience - Neuroscience News
https://neurosciencenews.com/reflective-parenting-neurodevelopment-25783/
6 Tiny Ways To Emotionally Regulate Yourself, According To Neuroscience
https://www.yourtango.com/self/tiny-ways-emotionally-regulate-yourself-according-neuroscience
20.04.2024
The Ego Has Crash-Landed
https://apple.news/ADi0vCU9eQ9y_DysEIdZtUQ
Five charts compare Democrats and Republicans on job creation
U.S. drops in new global happiness ranking. One age group bucks the trend
Taming the Amygdala in PTSD
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cant-stress-this-enough/202403/taming-the-amygdala-in-ptsd
Hegel’s Master-Slave Dialectic Explained
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in the face of a new gilded age pitting the middle class and poor against each other and everyone against immigrants and the diverse.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 12 (202 total reports)
13.03.2023-19.03.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of a new gilded age pitting the middle class and poor against each other and everyone against immigrants and the diverse.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
The Terrible Costs of a Phone-Based Childhood
When is someone emotionally mature enough for a cell-phone? As we have witnessed how Facebook and other social media giants have targeted pre-teens and teens—similar to how tobacco companies targeted them in the 50’s—we must raise awareness and generate significant warnings about a “phone-based childhood.” It is apparent that young people at least need critical thinking skills and a budding sense of a healthy personal identity before unmonitored social media is available to them. Building these skills must be a priority for parents, social services, adolescent corrections, and education.
Best Links of The Week
19.04.2024
‘We are essentially in a new Gilded Age’: As workers get laid off, CEOs and shareholders gobble up hundreds of billions in profits
https://fortune.com/2024/03/18/gilded-age-layoffs-ceos-shareholders-corporate-profits-inequality/
The economy is doing great, but the benefits are not trickling down. Those benefits are being gobbled up by a deeply embedded gilded class that has been riding a fallacy of trickle-down economics since Ronald Reagan. No administration did more to institutionalize those gains than the Republicans under Reagan and successive Republican administrations have been deepening them incrementally ever since. Greed has never looked so good or been so subtle. While CEO’s and Corporations enjoy record profits, the politicians and justices they have bribed pit the diminishing middle class against each other promoting beliefs that there is “not enough” to fund Social Security or to feed the nation’s children. As Gandhi said, “There’s enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” It’s time to take off the rose-colored glasses (the false belief that someday we will be the rich ones) and quit worshiping both wealth and the wealthy. The truth is a middle-class person is far closer to being homeless than to ever being a billionaire.
18.04.2024
What Fani Willis’s Pyrrhic Win Teaches All Working Women
This article speaks about the double standard in judging working women with which men are not held accountable. According to this author’s research, working women must be both warm AND competent to be judged effective, men can be one OR the other. The gross dichotomy in standards is exemplified in the lack of judgment regarding Clarence Thomas’ behavior (and bribes) and Fani Willis’ actions and further illustrates the duplicity of the far right.
17.04.2024
An Expert on Trust Says We’re Thinking About It All Wrong
https://time.com/6957741/rachel-botsman-trust-interview/
This article really set my brain to thinking. I’ve always thought the word “trust” was customarily misused. In relationships, we often say we “trust” someone when we really have an expectation of them being perfect—then, when they’re not, we say they ruined our trust. The truth is, we can trust someone to be true to their own character and invite them to grow, but not expect them to meet our standards. In this article the author, Rachel Botsman, says that trust is like energy, the physics of which is that energy never goes away, it is just redistributed. Her examples and insights are worth the short read and, will no doubt challenge you to examine trust in your circle as well. We must ask, “if trust is gone, where did it go?”
16.04.2024
How to Teach the Thrill of Reading
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/03/reading-school-lifelong/677784/
True freedom in life comes with the ability to read. Children learn to read because someone they love read to them and reading brings back those deep emotional memories of being loved. To have a free society, children must learn to become voracious readers, they must have a passion for reading. This is not the scrolling we have become victim to in our society, but a deep-dive into the questions and cultures we often can only understand through the written word. Perhaps we could go as far as saying that the “thrill of reading” is as important to teach as the techniques of reading, but isn’t that true for any subject we learn? Does our emphasis of education include the sharing of the passion as well as the technique?
15.04.2024
The “New Happy”: A much-needed rethink of happiness
https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/the-new-happy-movement/
Post-Industrial countries have needed a complete re-set of happiness since we first started measuring it in economic terms shackled to a society of consumption. In a consumer society, happiness is about having and doing. It leads to a life of continual need; to addictively have or do more. There is never contentment, there is only emptiness and possession. The sense of finding happiness-in-being does not exist in a consumer culture. Similarly, motivation becomes swaddled in cultural aspects of domination with the primary drives of motivation being supremacy (of people, tasks, or things) or power--also the ability to subjugate people or things. It is no wonder that this leads to a life of anxiety and fear of losing control. In such societies, the greatest fear is one that is continual and even addictive; that of preventing change and protecting what one has or does. When one focuses on meaning rather than having or doing, possessing is not an integral component. Viktor Frankl tells us that meaning can sustain us when all else is taken away. When being and meaning are the key operatives in your life, fear dissipates and the need to continually control others (or your situation) is relieved. Peace can be found in the moment and not continually sought in what you have and do, or don’t have and do. Relationships become rich in meaning because people are not seen as tools to get you what you really want (more control or more possessions).
14.04.2024
You're Not Imagining It; Shrinkflation Is Real : Consider This from NPR
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/13/1198910739/consider-this-shrinkflation-is-real
President Biden is calling out the underlying cause of the reason we “feel” the economy is so bad. The new economic markers are being driven, not by a competitive marketplace, but by CEO’s and corporations who are giving us less (value or product) while charging more. Appliances don’t last as long, cars are less safe and of poorer quality (more gadgets, less reliability). Even packages containing cereal or snacks have less product, poorer quality ingredients, but a higher price. And the money doesn’t get distributed, it goes back into the hands of CEO and boards who spend significant amounts purchasing lawmakers and justices who will decrease their social contributions—taxes.
13.04.2024
Stuttering advocates have words for Donald Trump
https://apple.news/A2bK6ahooTRma8DFBhiC7mQ
Donald Trump is a sick man, he is mentally unwell and has been most of his life. I’m alarmed to observe he is getting worse as his campaign continues and both his bills and his court appearances continue to mount. Healthy people do not make fun of disabilities, they don’t make fun of other people at all. They don’t need to. The self-esteem of healthy people is not tied up in their domination of others, it is based on how they are doing based upon their own internal sense of well-being and values. Whatever happened to cripple Don J. Trump’s emotional and mental capacity prohibit him from being a healthy model for others. He is not fit to lead. Sadly, many people find him attractive because he hates what they hate and is unconstrained (or unable to constrain himself) from stating his spite in the crudest of terms. His legacy will be one of giving credence to bullies and demeaning others.
This Week’s Links
19.04.2024
‘We are essentially in a new Gilded Age’: As workers get laid off, CEOs and shareholders gobble up hundreds of billions in profits
https://fortune.com/2024/03/18/gilded-age-layoffs-ceos-shareholders-corporate-profits-inequality/
Trump's "bloodbath" threat was literal
Harvard psychologists have been studying what it takes to raise 'good' kids. Here are 6 tips.
New book: Generational rift hits evangelical church
https://www.axios.com/2024/03/19/sarah-mccammon-the-exvangelicals-book
18.04.2024
What Fani Willis’s Pyrrhic Win Teaches All Working Women
Adult MAGA rage makes schools more dangerous for kids
https://www.salon.com/2024/03/18/adult-maga-rage-is-making-schools-more-for-students/
Opinion: The Strongman Fantasy – and Dictatorship in Real Life
https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/29660
17.04.2024
An Expert on Trust Says We’re Thinking About It All Wrong
https://time.com/6957741/rachel-botsman-trust-interview/
Why Oregon’s Drug Decriminalization Failed
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/oregon-drug-decriminalization-failed/677678/
The Republican agenda to install religious chaplains in schools is appalling
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/chaplains-schools-florida-school-counselor-rcna143575
Trump says some migrants are 'not people', and warns of 'bloodbath' if he loses
The GOP is using lies to defund local LGBTQ+ centers. They’re treating our lives like a game.
‘All We Must Do Is Survive Four Years’
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/03/trump-second-term-civil-rights/677783/
Alabama IVF Ruling Is About Controlling Who Can Reproduce the Citizenry
Want to Instantly Feel Less Stressed? Science Says a 20-Second Fake Smile Reduces Feelings of Anxiety, Tension, and Even Fear
16.04.2024
How to Teach the Thrill of Reading
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/03/reading-school-lifelong/677784/
Senate Democrats introduce bill to improve mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth
Pixar’s "Inside Out" and Plutchik’s Theory of Emotions
‘Parents need to talk about this’: The best way to teach your kids about AI, according to an education expert
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/15/how-parents-can-teach-their-children-to-use-ai-responsibly.html
15.04.2024
The “New Happy”: A much-needed rethink of happiness
https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/the-new-happy-movement/
Beyond The Bridge
https://newsone.com/5077093/selma-civil-rights-movement/
A study has been following 'gifted' kids for 45 years. Here's what we've learned.
Supreme Betrayal
How Capitalism Became a Threat to Democracy
13 Captivating Traits Shared By The Most Successful People
https://www.yourtango.com/self/personality-traits-most-successful-people
14.04.2024
Donald Trump Suggests Cutting Retirement Programs In Incoherent Ramble
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-entitlements-cutting_n_65ef1763e4b0bd5228d4eadd
14.04.2024
You're Not Imagining It; Shrinkflation Is Real : Consider This from NPR
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/13/1198910739/consider-this-shrinkflation-is-real
You can start applying for the American Climate Corps next month
https://grist.org/politics/jobs-portal-american-climate-corps-opens-next-month/
13.04.2024
Stuttering advocates have words for Donald Trump
https://apple.news/A2bK6ahooTRma8DFBhiC7mQ
The Terrible Costs of a Phone-Based Childhood
Republicans Aren’t Done Threatening the Hungry With Planned Cuts to Food Aid
Must see: Trump v. Biden, in 21 charts
https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/must-see-trump-v-biden-in-21-charts-206399045696
21 viciously anti-LGBTQ+ bills die in Florida as DeSantis influence wanes
In GOP-led states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws, school hate crimes quadruple: report
https://www.advocate.com/news/gop-states-increase-hate-crimes
Youth Advocacy
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 11 (201 total reports)
06.03.2023-12.03.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of a party ensnared in patterns of the mythomania (pathological lying) of it’s unhinged leader.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
A school replaced detention with meditation. The results are stunning.
https://www.upworthy.com/this-school-replaced-detention-with-meditation-the-results-are-stunning-rp4
If we can remind ourselves that the role of discipline is to give people who are maturing the inner ability to direct (I.e. regulate) their own behavior, then it makes absolute sense to substitute mindless and punishment-focused detention with introspective meditation. With detention, the focus of the detained person is increased anger at the external coercive individual or system that is attempting to regulate behavior. With meditation, the focus of the detained person will be on calming and regulating the emotions that cause most of the unwanted behavior often displayed. The role of s rational person attempting to shape behavior is not to punish and create more anger, but to co-regulate, even share, the emotion until it is reduced and neutralized. Before attempting to correct behavior, ask, “What is my long term goal here?” We cannot regulate others if we, ourselves, are dysregulated. Calm yourself first.
Best Links of The Week
12.04.2024
5 books that shaped 21st-century philosophy
https://bigthink.com/thinking/5-brilliant-books-that-shaped-21st-century-philosophy/
It never hurts—especially when democratic ideals are under threat—to revisit the primary intellectuals that helped shaped the philosophies leading to most of the advances in the 21st century. Review this list of books, if you haven’t had some in your library and highlighted their breadth and scope, this is the time.
11.04.2024
The U.S. prison population is rapidly graying. Prisons aren't built for what's coming
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/11/1234655082/prison-elderly-aging-geriatric-population-care
As the US rapidly became the “Incarceration Nation” following the onset of the drug war, it never thought ahead about holding and improving the record-breaking number of lives it was detaining. Now, as the population ages, the US is once again caught short as that demographic ages. The physical, emotional, and relational needs of older inmates are vastly different from a young adult population and prisons are, again, ill-equipped to respond. The wake up call of detaining people as the primary solution for behavioral correction should have come a long time ago, it didn’t. Now we have a new set of issues to which we must attend. How will a nation that preaches human rights to the rest of the world respond to the human rights abuses inherent in its own system?
10.04.2024
Trump Finds Another Line to Cross
https://apple.news/A4gK3gupIRBSJK-nqADKFAA
Obviously, from his recent Georgia speeches where he once again attacked E. Jean Carroll, financial punishment is not enough to stop this man from his mythomania (habitual lying) and bullying. You would think that making fun of someone’s disability would cross a line, but Trump’s done it before and he will continue to do it. What amazes me are the kind of people that find that behavior admirable or funny or—in any manner—worthy of a presidential candidate. It is sad to see the Far Right succumbing to the same tactics even in their own State of the Union where the primary story that the speaker presents was based upon a lie. Trump has indeed changed the Republican Party. He’s made truth tertiary to getting what you want. Senator Britt lied about the timeline, she lied about individually meeting with the woman who was trafficked, she lied about having permission to share the story, and she lied about who was president when the trafficking occurred.
09.04.2024
Brooks and Capehart on Biden’s State of the Union and what’s next in the 2024 race
Brooks and Capehart on PBS remains my favorite weekly commentary (Friday evenings). Rather than constantly watching the “news” on other channels that are supported by one special interest or another and really seem to be a litany of opinions rather than actual news, I prefer to watch an unbiased one-hour report that is funded by the public, not special interests. David Brooks is a conservative and Jonathon Capeheart presents the viewpoint of liberals and together—moderated by excellent journalists—they present two sides of the week’s major news events that rarely includes sensationalism. Their response to Biden’s SOTU (State of the Union) speech follows in the vein of the best, journalistic principles. For a balanced review of what was said during Biden’s annual review of the nation, it is worth taking the time to review this transcript or to watch it on YouTube where the commentary is posted weekly by PBS.
08.03.2024
International Women's Day is a celebration and call to action. Beware the flowers and candy
International Women’s Day (IWD), grew out of the Labor Movement, beginning in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and the right to vote. Those rights are still under threat along with the right of a woman to have control over her own body. Male, White Nationalists, from the GOP party and some White Christian Nationalist women like Alabama Senator, Katie Britt are pushing an agenda that would make decisions for women, not just in the US, but their bully pulpit extends around the world. It is no accident that Britt made her SOTU response from an empty kitchen using theatrics and even lies to try and make her point about why the GOP’s nominee should be allowed a second chance to destroy democracy and install a White Christian Nationalist agenda.
07.03.2024
Five Teachings of the Dalai Lama I Try to Live By
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/dalai-lama-wisdom-good-life-happiness/677653/
Arthur Brooks is one of my favorite writers and his life-examining articles in The Atlantic are always worth reviewing. The five teachings of the Dalai Lama that he shares are not only eye-opening, but innovative in how they are identified. In whatever leadership capacity you find yourself (parent, grandparent, teacher, business leader) this article is worth ten minutes of your time.
06.03.2024
‘It felt like something sacred’ Meduza’s Russian readers who attended Navalny’s funeral describe their experiences — Meduza
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/05/it-felt-like-something-sacred
The statements of these people who risked their freedom to attend Alexandr Navalny’s funeral is heart-rendering. As Trump invited a Dictator to his golden parody of a bastille in Florida, it behooves us to remember the cost of having an unchecked authoritarian lead a country.
This Week’s Links
12.04.2024
5 books that shaped 21st-century philosophy
https://bigthink.com/thinking/5-brilliant-books-that-shaped-21st-century-philosophy/
Journalist who fact-checked Britt on what stood out to him from senator’s GOP response to SOTU
Child therapist urges parents to ‘get curious’ about their kid’s meltdowns and reveals the five things likely causing their big emotions
11.04.2024
The U.S. prison population is rapidly graying. Prisons aren't built for what's coming
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/11/1234655082/prison-elderly-aging-geriatric-population-care
The Supreme Court Rekindled the January 6 Crisis
https://newrepublic.com/article/179700/supreme-court-trump-ballot-democracy
Greg Abbott Gets Scathing Rebuke From Largest Texas Newspaper: 'Disturbing'
https://www.newsweek.com/houston-chronicle-rebukes-greg-abbott-1877654
Conservatives seize counselor shortage to press school chaplains
https://www.axios.com/2024/03/11/chaplains-in-schools-movement-florida-texas
GOP’s Katie Britt in damage-control mode following post-SOTU mess
How Relational Trauma Survivors Acclimate
Chasten Buttigieg calls out Oklahoma superintendent, Libs of TikTok for dangerous school environment
https://www.advocate.com/news/chasten-buttigieg-nex-benedict
10.04.2024
Trump Finds Another Line to Cross
https://apple.news/A4gK3gupIRBSJK-nqADKFAA
09.04.2024
Brooks and Capehart on Biden’s State of the Union and what’s next in the 2024 race
Measles outbreak threatens US status of ‘eliminating’ virus
https://www.newsnationnow.com/the-hill/measles-outbreak-threatens-us-status-of-eliminating-virus/
The Most Unusual State of the Union in Living Memory
https://apple.news/AQaBHBapxSzqyoD6sK9k4oQ
Swing state voter: Rather have Biden with 81 years than Trump with 91 counts
The media’s coverage of Biden’s age needs a rethink
https://www.vox.com/politics/2024/3/8/24091628/biden-state-of-the-union-age
Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born Americans, studies find
Doctors Say Trump Is Displaying Clear Signs of Cognitive Issues
https://futurism.com/neoscope/doctors-trump-cognitive-issues
08.03.2024
International Women's Day is a celebration and call to action. Beware the flowers and candy
Key moments from Biden's 2024 State of the Union address you may have missed
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/08/1236788387/state-of-the-union-highlights-biden-congress
Republicans underestimated Joe Biden
The Next Big Idea Club’s May 2024 Must-Read Books
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/next-big-idea-clubs-may-2024-must-read-books/48288/
From Africa to Alabama: Stories of survivors of the last slave ship
DeSantis, Book Bans, and Shameful Legacy
https://progressive.org/magazine/desantis-book-bans-and-shameful-legacy/
07.03.2024
Five Teachings of the Dalai Lama I Try to Live By
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/dalai-lama-wisdom-good-life-happiness/677653/
PREQUEL: An American Fight Against Fascism by Rachel Maddow
The Republicans Who Sold Their Souls to Vladimir Putin
https://newrepublic.com/article/179393/republican-vladimir-putin-2024-shift
Opinion: The threat to American hegemony is real
https://kyivindependent.com/opinion-the-threat-to-american-hegemony-is-real/
PragerU is a conservative video giant. Here's why it's trying to get into schools
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/07/1234491074/prageru-schools-videos-growth
The Gray Rock Method Can Liberate You From a Narcissist
7 Genius Phrases To Use Instead Of Automatically Giving Advice
https://www.yourtango.com/self/genius-phrases-use-instead-automatically-giving-advice
06.03.2024
‘It felt like something sacred’ Meduza’s Russian readers who attended Navalny’s funeral describe their experiences — Meduza
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/05/it-felt-like-something-sacred
20 Futuristic Technologies About To Change the World
https://wealthofgeeks.com/futuristic-technologies/
BBC Verify: How to spot AI fakes in the US election
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-68472248
Watch this Texas Democrat epically shut down anti-LGBTQ+ Christian nationalists with the bible
https://www.pride.com/politics/james-talarico-calls-out-christian-nationalists
A Moment of Deep Sorrow on the U.S.-Mexican Border | Nieman Reports
https://niemanreports.org/articles/a-moment-of-deep-sorrow-on-the-u-s-mexican-border/
Why Is Gratitude So Good for You?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/flourish-and-thrive/202403/why-is-gratitude-so-good-for-you
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in the face of far right Christian nationalists willing to do anything to force their religion on others. Suddenly, we are all “accidental” politicians.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 10 (200 total reports)
28.02.2023-05.03.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of far right Christian nationalists willing to do anything to force their religion on others. Suddenly, we are all “accidental” politicians.
Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
01.03.2024
American Psychological Association takes a stand against bans on gender-affirming care for minors
Gender affirming care is not castration—as far right religious conservatives are trying to get their base to believe. It delays the onset of sexual maturity while the individual (and usually a doctor and parents) determine what gender is most “affirming” for the individual. This is a landmark endorsement by the most reputable psychological organization in the world. Let us listen to reason here, not to the far right religious opinions of a small group of hateful evangelicals and their political minions. The lives of young people is literally at stake and that has been proven. Banning gender affirming care is psychologically damaging to tens of thousands of young people (estimated 42,000). This is not a decision for either politicians or right wing religious fanatics to force down the throats (or onto the bodies) of others. “Why,” some might ask, “are we seeing an increasing number of young people question their gender?” Perhaps it is because—in most States—it is not seen as a threat. In those rational States, gender development is seen as a healthy aspect of human development. When I was young, it was thought to be morally wrong to be left-handed. Being left-handed, I remember having my arm tied to my chair by backward nuns in Catholic institutions. Thank God, we are past that. Perhaps we will get past this hurdle too, if we can stop these right-wing zealots from spreading their spiteful hate and fear.
Best Links of The Week
05.03.2024
The Alabama Embryo Opinion Is Part of a Larger Plan
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/alabama-embryo-parker-new-apos/677642/
A very small minority of far right evangelicals is trying to force their religious views on the rest of America. This group doesn’t care what other people believe, they are willing to force people to do what they want and they will support any politician who will do their bidding—even if that politician is a fraudulent rapist. As always, The Atlantic probes deeply into this issue of IVF and looks at the underlying right wing religious agenda which it promotes.
04.03.2024
The 'accidental' politicians: Meet three women risking everything to fight for democracy
This article made me realize how many of us—but especially women and diverse groups—are being forced to become “accidental” politicians. Most of us do not face the possibility of incarceration or death that some of the women in this article experience, yet, it is the height of privilege to only care about the issues that affect ourselves directly. With the prevalence of a small, hard core, religious minority attempting to take over world politics, every one of us is now an “accidental” politician. Over 52 countries face the loss of democracy this year. Standing by idly, is immoral and will be a historic blunder. I’ve heard it said (and I agree), “If you wonder what you would have done when Hitler came to power, look at what you are doing now.”
03.03.2024
A History of Human Resilience Can Brace Us for Impending Global Changes
This is such a refreshing article and so hopeful. We need it—not so we can relax our endeavors—but so we can solidify our resilience in the face of horrific miscalculation.
02.03.2024
‘Thank you for 26 years of utter happiness’ Yulia Navalnaya’s farewell message to her husband — Meduza
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/01/thank-you-for-26-years-of-utter-happiness
If this eulogy does not tear at your heart, nothing will. The death of Alexandr Navalny is a grotesque example of what happens when a world dictator (Putin) has no checks and balances. The Prime Minister of Australia (Anthony Albanese) tells us that Putin made Trump “weak in the knees” like an adoring school boy. This is the same immunity that Trump would like to afforded. What the Far Right doesn’t realize is that if Trump wins his Presidential immunity case, that immunity would start with Joe Biden, not Donald Trump.
01.03.2024
Trump and his allies have made over 250 anti-democratic threats — and counting
Make no mistake, the upcoming election isn’t just about choice between Presidential candidates, it’s a choice between democracy and tyranny. Trump himself (and Project 2025) have boldly stated their nefarious purposes and we should take them at their word.
29.02.2024
52 countries saw "severe" declines in freedom last year, report finds
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/29/freedom-house-rankings-democracy-decline
Here is an extreme warning sign that all of us need to heed. This is why all of us are becoming “accidental” politicians.
28.02.2024
Poll: Most Americans cool to Christian nationalism as its influence grows
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/28/poll-christian-nationalism-americans-reject
What Christians don’t seem to understand is that nothing is driving people away from Christianity more than Christians themselves. They are becoming the next Taliban, whether they see it or not. A small group of fanatical, conservative Christians want to turn the US into a “Christian Nation.” And don’t mind using force and sabotage—even violence—to get their way. One need look no further than Donald Trump on his campaign trail this week to see how far his backers are willing to go to support someone who will further their agenda. Not only is Trump facing 91 felony charges (and nearly half a billion in debt) but he is losing his mental capacity. Increasingly, his “handlers” are trying to keep him from taking the stage and posting on Truth Social because the man is simply increasingly incoherent.
This Week’s Links
05.03.2024
The Alabama Embryo Opinion Is Part of a Larger Plan
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/alabama-embryo-parker-new-apos/677642/
The Supreme Court Is Not Up to the Challenge
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/trump-v-anderson-unanimous-decision/677635/
Mitch McConnell did more to destroy democracy than Donald Trump
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/03/mitch-mcconnell-did-more-to-destroy-democracy-than-donald-trump/
Judge blocks Texas’s “cruel attempt” to force LGBTQ+ group to out trans families
Maddening New Poll: Voters Are Unaware of Trump “Dictator” Threats
https://newrepublic.com/article/179548/poll-voters-trump-dictator-threats
Trump supporters target black voters with faked AI images
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68440150
“I Don’t Like Prayer/Blessed Language Directed At Me”: Woman Shuts Down Religious Email At Work
https://www.boredpanda.com/atheist-coworker-prayers/
A Moment of Deep Sorrow on the U.S.-Mexican Border | Nieman Reports
https://niemanreports.org/articles/a-moment-of-deep-sorrow-on-the-u-s-mexican-border/
Right-wing group won't condemn Uganda's 'kill the gays' law, enraging queer Democrats
https://www.advocate.com/politics/right-group-wont-condemn-uganda
A Self-Absorbed America Means Disorder for the World
https://www.cfr.org/article/self-absorbed-america-means-disorder-world
Places across the U.S. are testing no-strings cash as part of the social safety net
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/05/1233440910/cash-aid-guaranteed-basic-income-social-safety-net-poverty
11 Subtle Signs of Narcissism That Are Easy to Miss, According to Psychologists
https://parade.com/living/subtle-signs-of-narcissism-according-to-psychologists
04.03.2024
The 'accidental' politicians: Meet three women risking everything to fight for democracy
Latest Trump Speeches Highlight Same Cognitive Fears That Republicans Express About Biden
https://newsone.com/5052384/trump-speeches-cognitive-fears/
Why do millions of Americans believe the 2020 presidential election was ‘stolen’ from Donald Trump?
Faith and conspiracy: Study shows religiosity is related to belief in COVID-19 conspiracies
Residents of these 10 states are the most stressed out in America—New York and California didn't make the list
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/03/top-10-states-with-the-most-stressed-out-people-in-america.html
03.03.2024
A History of Human Resilience Can Brace Us for Impending Global Changes
Column: We can’t count on the courts to hold Trump accountable before November. It’s up to us
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-03-03/supreme-court-donald-trump-jack-smith
How to Tackle Truth Decay
https://apple.news/AjWPT_iDpRJimA3Hlbw0HQg
Florida is swamped by disease outbreaks as quackery replaces science
https://apple.news/Acp40st4eSnC06J2ilmqu7Q
Texas Newspaper Issues Warning About Secession
https://www.newsweek.com/texas-newspaper-warns-about-secession-pledge-1875324
A warped version of the Bible killed Nex Benedict
https://www.salon.com/2024/03/03/a-warped-version-of-the-bible-nex-benedict/
Where Did Evangelicals Go Wrong?
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/evangelical-support-republican-trump/677610/
Parents underestimate the importance of guided play in education
https://www.psypost.org/parents-underestimate-the-importance-of-guided-play-in-education/
A Psychologist’s Guide To Silencing Your ‘Inner Saboteur’
The science of how to stop saying yes to everything
https://apple.news/AQxo-QDvrT1iUrAXulI0WFQ
02.03.2024
‘Thank you for 26 years of utter happiness’ Yulia Navalnaya’s farewell message to her husband — Meduza
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/01/thank-you-for-26-years-of-utter-happiness
‘It feels like it’s Russia’s funeral’ Reflections, goodbyes, and eyewitness accounts as Alexey Navalny is laid to rest — Meduza
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/01/it-feels-like-it-s-russia-s-funeral
Navalny’s legacy and the future of Russian opposition
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/navalnys-legacy-and-the-future-of-russian-opposition
As Tucker bends to Putin, the truth about 'borders,' liberation and history: Ari Melber x Marley
Democracy’s Dark Winter
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/03/democracys-dark-winter/677624/
Anand Giridharadas: America is a country built of the world, from the world, from every part of the world
60 Years After the Civil Rights Act, Equal Opportunity Is Under Attack
https://capitalbnews.org/report-state-of-black-america/
Red-Blooded Republicans
https://progressive.org/latest/red-blooded-republicans-fiore-20240301/
Nobody Wants to Look Stupid: Resources for Teaching About Executive Functions (Opinion)
Child Adversity’s Impact on Cognition and Mental Health
https://neurosciencenews.com/child-adversity-cognition-mental-health-25689/
A helpful chart to explain the difference between support and 'toxic positivity'
How Neurodivergence Can Be a Superpower
https://www.inc.com/tracy-dennis-tiwary/how-neurodivergence-can-be-a-superpower.html
01.03.2024
Trump and his allies have made over 250 anti-democratic threats — and counting
American Psychological Association takes a stand against bans on gender-affirming care for minors
Report: Florida last in public education
During Alexei Navalny’s funeral, I’ll be remembering Medgar Evers
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/-alexei-navalny-funeral-medgar-evers-rcna141262
Highlights from the transcript of Hunter Biden’s closed-door interview with House Republicans
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/29/politics/takeaways-hunter-biden-transcript/
Opinion: Russia's Republicans
https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/28861
GOP's post-Roe peril spreads like wildfire
https://www.axios.com/2024/03/01/republicans-reproductive-rights-2024-election
Arizona Republicans Advance Bill Allowing Property Owners to Kill Migrants
Texas Poised to Lose Billions in Investment if Donald Trump Elected
https://www.newsweek.com/texas-will-lose-billions-investment-donald-trump-elected-2024-1874806
Trans children could be taken from their parents if this shocking new law passes
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/29/trans-children-kentucky/
Managing Expectations With Neurodivergent Children
29.02.2024
52 countries saw "severe" declines in freedom last year, report finds
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/29/freedom-house-rankings-democracy-decline
‘Putin must answer for what he’s done’ Alexey Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, addresses the E.U. Parliament — Meduza
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/02/28/putin-must-answer-for-what-he-s-done
The ‘Caudillo Syndrome’ is spreading around the world as economic disillusionment pushes voters to bet on populist strongmen
Supreme Court hands Trump a huge win before it even hears his case
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/29/trump-wins-delay-immunity-case-supreme-court
'Republicans in robes': Supreme Court critics see politics behind action on Trump immunity case
Pax Economica: The forgotten history of the free-trade movement
https://bigthink.com/the-past/free-trade-economics/
A Thousand Little Moments: The Insidious Loss of Women’s Freedom to Christian Nationalism
https://msmagazine.com/2024/02/28/women-choice-freedom-republicans-religion-ivf-fertility/
The Republican assault on sexual freedom is underway
Enabling Trump, distorting the Supreme Court define McConnell legacy as he exits leadership
Coalition of 20 Groups Press Lawmakers to Reject Florida Teacher Training Bill
States offer services for disabled kids, then make their families wait 10 years for them
How To Disarm A Narcissist With The ‘Gray Rock’ Method
28.02.2024
Poll: Most Americans cool to Christian nationalism as its influence grows
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/28/poll-christian-nationalism-americans-reject
Gavin Newsom slams GOP for giving rapists more rights than families who want IVF
Florida's response to a measles outbreak endangers children, experts say
Over 40 of Nex Benedict's Classmates Walked Out to Protest the School's Bullying Policies
Black Writers Share Their Favorite Books to Honor Black History Month
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/black-writers-share-favorite-books-to-honor-black-history-month
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in the face of narcissists and theocrats threatening global democracy.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 09 (199 total reports)
21.02.2023-27.02.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of narcissists and theocrats threatening global democracy.
NEW: Special Adolescent Care Link of the Week
The Art of Calm Conversations With Reactive Adult Children
Many of us have heard the flight attendant say, “If you’re sitting by a child—or someone acting like one—put your own mask on first.” This is a similar proposition, but for adult communications. If you are with an adult (or older teen) that simply refuses to communicate like an adult, this article will help you share thoughts without being overcome by emotions.
Best Links of The Week
27.02.2024
Putin, Trump, Netanyahu: When Pure Narcissism Triggers Global Catastrophe
https://worldcrunch.com/world-affairs/putin-trump-netanyahu-narcissist
Putin, Trump, Netanyahu, are but three of the narcissists asserting their damaging, self-aggrandizing, manifestations of leadership today. But they did not come to power in a vacuum. We must face the demons within ourselves that either seek easy answers to the chaos these people promote or the self-centeredness within us that is attracted to their coercive power. The question of why these people wield so much sway over the world is an internal question with which we all must grapple.
26.02.2024
Teachers are tired of the culture wars — and many support LGBTQ+ curricula, Pew survey finds
https://www.advocate.com/news/teachers-lgbtq-race-education-legislation
Most practical people would agree that teaching is a difficult job with the potential for high intrinsic rewards. But remarkable people with years of training for these positions are being driven from the field by culture wars—ideologies only tied to education in ways that restrict the promotion of knowledge; knowledge about history, knowledge about race, and knowledge about sexuality. As the far right seeks to undermine education across the US (see article in 25.02.2024), there is a growing discontent among educators. The far right would like to set the agenda taught in the classroom, but just like in other areas where they want to sow chaos and Christian, White Nationalism, they have no plan—or desire—to lead beyond policy-making. You’ll find them making grand statements in front of their peers, then disappearing when it comes time to implement (or fund) their lunacy.
25.02.2024
Alabama Halts IVF as State Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Fear and Confusion
One of the worst States, when it comes to the treatment of children, wants to expand its definition of children. In this decision, made upon religious grounds by a self-proclaimed Christian, zealot, judge, those seeking assistance procuring in vitro fertilization will now have to flee to other States—and women everywhere must face the continuing dilemma that in a White Christian Theocracy, women’s rights are being undermined.
24.02.2024
Societies that treat women badly are poorer and less stable
This is a landmark study that only makes common sense. As the Far Right seeks to outdo Sharia Law in their fear-mongering policies, we all lose stability, all of us are having our rights undermined. Our one recourse is to vote these White Christian Radicals out of office on all levels of government. Please remember this in ROE-vember!
23.02.2024
‘20 Days in Mariupol’ can win an Oscar. Will it make the world care about Russian war crimes in Ukraine?
https://kyivindependent.com/20-days-in-mariupol-oscar-nomination/
The Far Right, under the tutelage of their idol, Donald Trump (love-stricken and under the tutelage of Vladimir Putin) has completely lost its rudder and drifts in whatever direction the global despot commands. They have completely given up their own minds and wills. Perhaps documentaries such as this one about the horrors of Mariupol, can remind us of just what an unchecked tyrant is capable of doing—as if Alexei Navalny wasn’t enough! Please share this documentary link with others and help the world reawaken to the Hitler-esque world that Putin seeks to advance.
22.02.2024
We endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States in the Democratic Primary (Opinion)
From deep in the heart of the Lone Star State comes this critical endorsement of Joe Biden. The opinion had to be well-researched and deeply crafted to be able to pass muster in Greg Abbott’s backyard. Please read and share with others who might not understand that the 2024 election is a choice between Biden and autocracy. Biden is NOT the perfect candidate, but he is the only candidate that can win at this time against a Trump-Dictatorship.
21.02.2024
Sam Alito Launches Broadside Against Marriage Equality in Homophobic Juror Case
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/02/sam-alito-marriage-equality-homophobic-juror-scotus.html
SCOTUS is dominated by Trump-Appointed sycophants and white Christian Nationalists who do not have the Constitution, Democracy, or Women’s Rights at heart. The dismantling of Roe vs. Wade was but a “shot across the bow” of where this radical body wants to take the country. Alito, who who laid out the methodical strategy undermining Roe v. Wade is not done—and won’t be—until the US has become his version of “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
This Week’s Links
27.02.2024
Putin, Trump, Netanyahu: When Pure Narcissism Triggers Global Catastrophe
https://worldcrunch.com/world-affairs/putin-trump-netanyahu-narcissist
The Right’s Long Game to End Public Education
Jared Polis has a simple message for making America inclusive for everyone: Go vote
The Alabama IVF Ruling Weaponizes Faith to Harm Families
https://msmagazine.com/2024/02/26/alabama-ivf-fertility-religion-supreme-court-republicans-faith/
Nazis at CPAC is a frog-in-boiling-water moment for the right
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/nazis-cpac-2024-response-rcna140521
Nex Benedict honored by friends at vigil: 'He made everything easier'
https://www.advocate.com/news/nex-benedict-transgender-vigil-friends
What's life like for Russia's political prisoners? Isolation, poor food and arbitrary punishment
Texas Gov. gives curt 6-word reply to proposed U.N. investigation of state’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws
30 Documentaries To Watch During Black History Month
https://wealthofgeeks.com/black-history-month-documentaries/
Knowing how to talk to your kid about feelings isn’t always easy - try these 7 child-therapist-approved ways to get them talking
https://www.goodto.com/family/how-to-talk-to-your-kid-about-feelings
Why You Should Stop Complaining Today, Backed by Neuroscience
https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/why-you-should-stop-complaining-today-backed-by-neuroscience.html
26.02.2024
Teachers are tired of the culture wars — and many support LGBTQ+ curricula, Pew survey finds
https://www.advocate.com/news/teachers-lgbtq-race-education-legislation
Opinion | What Is Christian Nationalism, Exactly?
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/25/opinion/christian-nationalism.html
Pollution Crisis in Mexico Shows Limits of Plastic Bag Bans in Global Capitalism
The Art of Calm Conversations With Reactive Adult Children
7 Ways To Teach Kids To Be Grateful, According To Experts
https://www.yourtango.com/family/how-teach-kids-to-be-grateful-experts
25.02.2024
Alabama Halts IVF as State Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Fear and Confusion
Okla. lawmaker describes LGBTQ people as ‘filth’
https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/02/24/okla-lawmaker-describes-lgbtq-people-as-filth/
Thousands Sign Christian Petition Rebuking Mike Johnson
https://www.newsweek.com/thousands-sign-christian-petition-rebuking-mike-johnson-1873076
Chief enforcer of US gun laws fears Americans may become numb to violence with each mass shooting
Shaping Empathy: Adult Brains Can Learn Compassion
https://neurosciencenews.com/empathy-learning-psychology-25657/
From the very beginning, Black women have fought for American democracy
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/fannie-lou-hamer-civil-rights-black-women-rcna139777
24.02.2024
Societies that treat women badly are poorer and less stable
Brooks and Capehart on U.S. aid for Ukraine wavering on partisan battle lines
Alexei Navalny’s Last Laugh
https://apple.news/AoULcSzWGRZiz1p_RXh9gAg
Oklahoma banned trans students from bathrooms. Now a bullied student is dead after a fight
https://apple.news/A1i18FQO5SVKgoiI2O4jeew
Alabama’s Assault on IVF Is Even Worse Than It Sounds
https://apple.news/AyfWz7xRmTJeTkq1cYqwkvQ
The Number-One Reason Conflicts Do Not Resolve
Why People Get Emotionally Triggered
The Return of the John Birch Society
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/02/john-birch-society-cpac-conservatism/677542/
23.02.2024
‘20 Days in Mariupol’ can win an Oscar. Will it make the world care about Russian war crimes in Ukraine?
https://kyivindependent.com/20-days-in-mariupol-oscar-nomination/
World leaders tell Biden they fear for their own democracies if Trump wins
Trump Has Finally Remade Republicans Into Putin’s Playthings
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/donald-trump-republicans-vladimir-putin-puppets.html
Alabama justice who ruled embryos are people says American law should be rooted in the Bible
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alabama-justice-embryos-biblical-seven-mountains-rcna139969
Justice Who Ruled That Embryos Are ‘Children’ Appeared On QAnon Conspiracist's Show
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tom-parker-alabama-ivf-embryo_n_65d7ea34e4b0cc1f2f7b3e26
The Evolution of Oppression: America's Penal System in the Shadow of Historical Slavery
How Curious Are You?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-personal-renaissance/202402/how-curious-are-you
Psychologists have discovered a surprisingly simple technique to reduce political polarization
Harriet Tubman and the Most Important, Understudied Battle of the Civil War
https://newrepublic.com/article/178157/harriet-tubman-important-understudied-battle-civil-war
22.02.2024
We endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States in the Democratic Primary (Opinion)
‘20 Days in Mariupol’ can win an Oscar. Will it make the world care about Russian war crimes in Ukraine?
https://kyivindependent.com/20-days-in-mariupol-oscar-nomination/
IVF in red states under threat as Alabama Supreme Court says embryos are children
Mike Johnson and His Delusions of Religious Grandeur are Making People Very Nervous
Opinion: I watched a Trump rally so you don’t have to. But you need to know what he’s saying
Trump reality check: 'Compare yourself to Putin, not Navalny' former Watergate prosecutor says
https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/trump-doubles-down-on-alexei-navalny-comparison-204680261990
We’re Running a Risky Cognitive Experiment on Our Own Kids
“Heed Their Rising Voices”: Annotated
https://daily.jstor.org/heed-their-rising-voices-annotated/
Four Ways to Quit Complaining
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/complaining-grievance-stoicism-happiness/677521/
The Vagus Nerve: Everything Everywhere All at Once
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a46699843/vagus-nerve-what-to-know/
Accepting Discomfort Could Help You Thrive
https://apple.news/AlvnF-hsFRb2P1z5rpMlMgA
The Complexity of Behavioral Change
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/keeping-it-real/202402/the-complexity-of-behavioral-change
West Virginia GOP wants to jail librarians who provide “obscene” books to minors
Illinois governor's proposed $53B budget includes funds for migrants, quantum computing and schools
https://apnews.com/article/budget-illinois-pritzker-migrants-9a407d280f1861fd666f9ecc2ca39eca
Preschoolers inside a dementia care home have changed the lives of elderly residents for the better
The Psychology of Replacing Religion with Spirituality
21.02.2024
Sam Alito Launches Broadside Against Marriage Equality in Homophobic Juror Case
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/02/sam-alito-marriage-equality-homophobic-juror-scotus.html
Nonbinary Teen Nex Benedict Dies After Being Attacked By Peers in a School Bathroom
https://www.them.us/story/nex-benedict-nonbinary-teen-oklahoma-died-attacked-at-school
There’s no need for conspiracy theories to explain Trump’s shameful Navalny statement
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/navalny-trump-russia-putin-pelosi-rcna139613
Texas has spent over $148 million busing migrants to other parts of the country
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in the face of authoritarian voices undermining democracy and silencing voices of freedom around the world.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 08 (198 total reports)
14.02.2023-20.02.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of authoritarian voices undermining democracy and silencing voices of freedom around the world.
Best Links of The Week
20.02.2024
Solzhenitsyn’s Warning
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was one of the first dissident voices from Russia that warned the US about the repression of citizens in the Soviet Union. Like Alexei Navalny, Solzhenitsyn was tormented by Russia’s KGB leaders (only that one of those people now happens to be the President of Russia). Solzhenitsyn’s warning to the west about capitulating to Russia (and then, the Soviet Union) are as pertinent today as they were when he was alive. Take time to reflect on them for a historical perspective on the corruption of those that rule that region today and their long term goals—not just for regional domination—but undermining the freedom of the world.
19.02.2024
The GOP Has Crossed an Ominous Threshold on Foreign Policy
Even Nikki Haley has said that “Trump gets ‘weak in the knees’ over Putin.” The Russian assassin’s grasp over ‘Authoritarianophiles’ like Trump and Tucker Carlson and their subsequent sway over doting lackeys like Mike Johnson and the rest of the GOP is undermining democracy and freedom all over the world. Ever since Trump came to office, the GOP has become a tool of his deviant form of totalitarianism. The consequences include the undermining of Ukraine and NATO, the murder of Navalny, and the encouragement of dictatorships all over the world. Their words cause not only the destruction of freedom, but death.
18.02.2024
Alexei Navalny Is With Us Forever Now
https://time.com/6696240/alexei-navalny-death-russia-essay/
Navalny is perhaps the bravest man we have seen since the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi. Of course, Putin had to silence him.
17.02.2024
Putin must be held accountable - Yulia Navalnaya
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68320466
Yulia Navalnaya shows as much bravery as her husband, will it be long before Putin has to reckon with her too? Putin could not have blatantly acted the way he did without the compliance and adoration of Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson. Carlson said that “Every leader kills people, some kill more than others.” Within a week, Navalny was dead. Just as disgraceful is Citizen Trump who is currently comparing himself to Alexei Navalny. Nothing could be further from the truth. Trump has been rated the worst president in the history of the United States. He is a rapist, a traitor, and hoarder of his own country’s secrets. He has betrayed the constitution to which he took an oath to defend and has duped his followers into paying his exorbitant legal fees for everything from rape to fraud. The only thing more far-fetched than Trump being Navalny-like is Mike Johnson declaring himself to be personally selected by God to be the new Moses. These people are seriously deranged—and hold positions of high leadership in the United States government. Indeed, it is a precarious time and our chance to resoundingly defeat them will come at the polls in November. Please register to vote if you haven’t, and make your vote count this year, no matter what you face at the ballot station.
16.02.2024
The Relationship Between Critical Thinking and Critical Theory
In an age of deep-fake AI and terrorist attacks on voter information from entities like Russian, China, Iran, and the GOP, teaching critical thinking is one of the most—if not THE most—critical skill in education today. Please read this article for how you can apply it in your own work with young people or your own life. We are easily duped—especially when we want to justify our beliefs and today’s deepfakes are hard to spot—even for the discerning mind.
15.02.2024
The growing peril of national conservatism
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/02/15/the-growing-peril-of-national-conservatism
National Conservatism is not just a US movement. Far right groups around the world are using similar tools of fear and xenophobia to push authoritarian goals in nation’s around the world and states throughout the US. In light of the chaos they are trying to spread by lying about diverse populations and immigrants, they are attempting to control a narrative that proves they are essential. It is a tell-tale sign that they run almost exclusively based upon platforms of chaos and fear.
14.02.2024
First look: Film dives into threats of Christian nationalism
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/14/god-country-film-christian-nationalism-racism
Please put this documentary at the top of your “watch and share” list. Christian Nationalism (which is also White Christian Nationalism) is a very dangerous movement attempting to take away freedoms people have fought decades to gain. Freedoms for the LGBTQI+ community, for non-Anglo people, for women, for non-Christians. In the US, you have the right to be Christian, but you do not have the right to force other people to adapt your religious beliefs.
This Week’s Links
20.02.2024
Solzhenitsyn’s Warning
'So grotesque': Joe slams Trump for comparing himself to Navalny
Opinion: US Republicans Lose Avdiivka
https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/28323
'You're Such A Dick': Jon Stewart Tells Tucker Carlson How He 'Really, Truly' Feels
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jon-stewart-tucker-carlson-russia_n_65d4295ae4b0f7fbe7b3cf9e
Trump ranked dead last as worst president ever in U.S. history
https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/trump-ranked-worst-president-in-u-s-history-204519493623
The first Black 'Peanuts' character finally gets his origin story in animated special
Statistics That Tell the Story of Family Estrangement
Massachusetts school officials ask for governor to send the National Guard to help with unruly high school
19.02.2024
The GOP Has Crossed an Ominous Threshold on Foreign Policy
Trump compares himself to Navalny, Liz Cheney slams the former president
Disinformation threatens global elections: How to fight back
https://phys.org/news/2024-02-disinformation-threatens-global-elections.html
Schools Are Taking Too Long to Craft AI Policy. Why That's a Problem
Need an AI Policy for Your Schools? This District Used ChatGPT to Craft One
Report highlights anti-immigrant bigotry among Border Patrol agents
Murders of The Civil Rights Era You Must Never Forget
https://www.theroot.com/black-history-month-the-most-grisley-murders-of-the-ci-1851266130
Hermann Hesse on Discovering the Soul Beneath the Self and the Key to Finding Peace
https://www.themarginalian.org/2024/02/18/hesse-soul/
Top 5 Fastest Growing Leadership Skills To Learn In 2024, Per Research
18.02.2024
Alexei Navalny Is With Us Forever Now
https://time.com/6696240/alexei-navalny-death-russia-essay/
Over 400 detained in Russia as country mourns the death of Alexei Navalny, Putin's fiercest foe
https://apnews.com/article/russia-alexei-navalny-death-prison-putin-d0121f49840ee1cd6fbf94f6d7249e1b
To Democratize Finance, We Must Take the Banks Away From the Bankers
https://truthout.org/articles/to-democratize-finance-we-must-take-the-banks-away-from-the-bankers/
Russia investigates Duolingo for spreading “traumatizing” LGBTQ+ content
In wake of mass shootings, some parents hesitate bringing their kids to big events
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/17/1231866948/kansas-city-mass-shooting-parents-children-events
Why some travelers are skipping the US: 'You guys are not afraid of this?'
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2024/02/18/travel-to-us-down-gun-violence-fears/72608745007/
'The ABCs of Book Banning' underscores school children being affected by book banning efforts
Who Do You Want to Be?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/self-made/202402/who-do-you-want-to-be
17.02.2024
Putin must be held accountable - Yulia Navalnaya
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68320466
Navalny's legacy: His ceaseless crusade against Putin and corruption
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/16/1231980139/alexei-navalny-who-was-he
Tucker Carlson Days Ago on Navalny and Assassinations: 'Leadership Requires Killing People'
The Power of Hate and Its Consequences
'Performing hope' – how a campaign to spur climate action offers an antidote to apathy
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/02/performing-hope-nature-and-climate-crisis/
This map shows you where same-sex marriage is legal around the world – and there’s a long way to go
11 Inspiring Places Around the U.S. to Learn More About Black History
https://www.veranda.com/travel/g46822423/black-history-month-trip-ideas/
Trans Adults Are the Next Target in the GOP’s War on Gender-Affirming Health Care
https://www.them.us/story/trans-adults-next-target-gop-war-on-gender-affirming-health-care
The Real Difference Between Trump and Biden
https://apple.news/AN8aEocgtSa-gZ_vDjFp5Fw
Donald Trump’s ‘Fraudulent Ways’ Cost Him $355 Million
https://apple.news/AUYgdWMjSSpusfcx_TLR0Zw
The Billionaire Bully Who Wants to Turn Texas Into a Christian Theocracy
Texas ban on university diversity efforts provides a glimpse of the future across GOP-led states
https://apnews.com/article/texas-university-diversity-ban-dei-46e4b6193abe27b6abbdffcd1945cf38
Democrats question House speaker's invitation of 'radical Christian nationalist' preacher
https://apple.news/A1euHf0DCSkWKcCltg8G4Tg
Universal Basic Income Has Been Tried Over and Over Again. It Works Every Time.
https://gizmodo.com/universal-basic-income-has-been-tried-over-and-over-aga-1851255547
16.02.2024
The Relationship Between Critical Thinking and Critical Theory
Gun violence has claimed the lives of almost 5,000 people so far in 2024
https://abcnews.go.com/US/gun-violence-claimed-lives-5000-people-2024/story?id=107262776
How US gun culture stacks up with the world
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/26/world/us-gun-culture-world-comparison-intl-cmd/
Trump tells NRA members 'no one will lay a finger on your firearms' if he returns to the White House
Scoop: N.Y. governor wants to criminalize deceptive AI
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/15/hochul-ai-criminalize-deceptive-ny
‘Massive benefit’: Immigration surge set to boost U.S. economy by $7 trillion
Alexei Navalny, vocal critic of Vladimir Putin and Russian government, dies in prison
15.02.2024
The growing peril of national conservatism
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/02/15/the-growing-peril-of-national-conservatism
She Was Denied an Abortion After Roe Fell. This Is a Year in Her Family’s Life.
https://projects.propublica.org/the-year-after-a-denied-abortion/
Republicans have delivered a shameful week of wins for Putin
Livid Kansas City congressman rips thoughts-and-prayers Congress for doing 'nothing at all' on guns
Stagnant state funding leaves Texas public schools reeling
Limerence, Love, and Neurodivergent Women
Report: Threats to Federal Judges Have More Than Doubled Since 2020
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/02/federal-judges-prosecutors-trump-threats-double-2020/
Cultivating the Ability to Relate After Relational Trauma
What a Teacher's Letters Reveal About Robert Smalls, Who Stole a Confederate Ship to Secure His Freedom From Slavery
14.02.2024
First look: Film dives into threats of Christian nationalism
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/14/god-country-film-christian-nationalism-racism
Michael Steele: Dictators don't make life better for you; pick up a history book and read it
Biden’s Hidden Economic Success
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/02/biden-keeping-big-economic-promise/677444/
20 Donald Trump Business Ventures That Failed Miserably | Wealth of Geeks
https://wealthofgeeks.com/trump-ventures/
In January, Fox News’ highest rated evening programs spread white nationalist rhetoric in nearly half of their immigration segments
AI Is Disrupting Professions That Require College Degrees. How Should Higher Ed Respond? - EdSurge News
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in the face of the GOP’s dystopian plans to undermine the rights of women.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 07 (197 total reports)
07.02.2023-13.02.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of the GOP’s dystopian plans to undermine the rights of women.
Best Links of The Week
13.02.2024
Billion-dollar ad campaign fueled by anti-LGBTQ+ forces returns to Super Bowl to promote Jesus
Don’t be fooled by these ads about Jesus’ love for all, a quick look behind the scenes reveal they are bankrolled to the tune of a billion dollars over three years by some of the most conservative LGBTQI+ attack goons, like Hobby Lobby’s billionaire owner, David Green. “Jesus gets us…” but would he really partner with hateful billionaires to promote his causes during the Super Bowl?
12.02.2024
Why Incompetent People Think They’re Competent: The Dunning-Kruger Effect, Explained
There is a false floor to our education system that makes us believe that the goal of education is to accumulate knowledge. For the brightest people in the world, the goal of education was to accumulate curiosity. In truth, we only become wise when we realize how little we know and how much there is to learn. The greatest professors do not teach from the front of the class, they teach from the middle of the class, empowering teams for students to inquire and learn themselves. Their hallmark is that instead of answering questions, they encourage more of them.
11.02.2024
The happiest kids in the world have social safety nets
https://www.mother.ly/parenting/social-safety-net/
Children who are hungry or afraid cannot learn, perhaps they can retain data for tests, but that is not learning, that’s reciting. To learn, a child needs a full stomach, a safe space, and an encouraging adult who understands and co-regulates the intense emotions that come with intellectual and physical growth in every mammal.
10.02.2024
LeVar Burton gives cheeky 'Reading Rainbow' segment for banned books
https://www.upworthy.com/levar-burton-gives-cheeky-reading-rainbow-segment-for-banned-books
This is a good read or watch the live version on the link enclosed with the article. I loved watching “Reading Rainbow” with my children and LeVar Burton’s relevance has only become sharpened by attacks on his race and sexuality. Banning a book like Charlotte’s Web because it has a talking pig, discounts that fact that the Bible had talking donkeys, snakes, and other oddities like a whale that ate a human without digesting him.
09.02.2024
Project 2025: The Right’s Dystopian Plan to Dismantle Civil Rights and What It Means for Women
https://msmagazine.com/2024/02/08/project-2025-conservative-right-wing-trump-woke/
If you haven’t read Project 2025 and seen what the MAGA plan is for immigrants, LGBTQI+ people, and women, this should be at the top of your list. The GOP’s attack on woman—in particular intelligent women—is undeniable. If you are a woman and vote for Trump, you are voting for your daughter or granddaughter to be chattel for the far right.
08.02.2024
5 MLK speeches you should know. Spoiler: 'I Have a Dream' isn't on the list
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/07/1228320048/black-history-mlk-speeches-martin-luther-king
Here, mid-stream into Black History month, it is critical to reflect on some of the greatest minds in Black History. For sure, MLK is only a starter for that list, but his speeches reach far beyond civil rights including thoughts on war, capitalism, and other ills of our society.
07.02.2024
The Untold History of the Last Slave Ship to Land on U.S. Soil
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/untold-history-last-slave-ship-land-u-s-soil-bookbite/47830/
This is an important read to understand the history that the Far Right is trying so hard to erase. It is a compelling and inspirational read as well as a tragic one. It highlights the strength of the human spirit in the face of terrible cruelty. Certainly a theme that finds pertinence today.
This Week’s Links
13.02.2024
Billion-dollar ad campaign fueled by anti-LGBTQ+ forces returns to Super Bowl to promote Jesus
House GOP has attacked LGBTQ+ people hundreds of times in just the past year
The U.S. Trans Survey proves the inaccuracy of this right-wing talking point
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trans-survey-gender-affirming-care-rcna138452
A Climate Reckoning Is Coming for the Next President
The Rise of AI in Education: Educators' Perspectives and Strategies for Human-Centric Adoption
https://www.cryptopolitan.com/ai-in-education-educators-perspectives/
More than 2 million people dropped from Medicaid in Texas
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/13/medicaid-enrollment-texas
4 Barriers to Student Success that Educators Need to Be Talking About
12.02.2024
Why Incompetent People Think They’re Competent: The Dunning-Kruger Effect, Explained
Taming the Unruly Voice Within
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/theyre-not-coming/202402/taming-the-unruly-voice-within
Authoritarian Parenting: Its Impact, Causes, and Indications
11.02.2024
The happiest kids in the world have social safety nets
https://www.mother.ly/parenting/social-safety-net/
How (and Why) Power Corrupts People
Anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety—emotions that feel bad can be useful
“Stop Trying to Fix It” and What to Do Instead
10.02.2024
LeVar Burton gives cheeky 'Reading Rainbow' segment for banned books
https://www.upworthy.com/levar-burton-gives-cheeky-reading-rainbow-segment-for-banned-books
True African-American Stories for Black History Month: The Best Films
https://wealthofgeeks.com/true-african-american-stories/
11 Famous Black Inventors Who Changed Your Life
https://www.biography.com/inventors/g46697619/famous-black-inventors
"Nothing About Ukraine Without Ukraine" — The New Geopolitics Since Russia's Invasion
https://worldcrunch.com/focus/ukraine-geopolitics-support
Hysteria over Biden’s age is a distraction from Trump’s authoritarianism
https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/biden-age-memory-trump-authoritarianism-rcna138144
5 Principles for Raising Good Humans
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/5-principles-raising-good-humans-bookbite/47932/
How to Get Better at ‘Slow Parenting’ (and Why You Should)
https://lifehacker.com/family/how-to-get-better-at-slow-parenting
The 5 Pitfalls of Enabling Adult Children
09.02.2024
Project 2025: The Right’s Dystopian Plan to Dismantle Civil Rights and What It Means for Women
https://msmagazine.com/2024/02/08/project-2025-conservative-right-wing-trump-woke/
Black Historical Fiction to Read in Your Book Club
https://bookriot.com/black-historical-fiction-to-read-in-your-book-club/
Trump’s ‘Knock on the Door’
The border crisis is helping to mainstream a dangerous conspiracy theory
Groundbreaking Research From Yale and Berkeley Finds That the Good Life Isn't About Happiness. It's About This Essential Emotion
Here's a ‘really simple’ way to change people’s minds, says Wharton persuasion expert: It makes people 30% likelier to say yes
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/08/simple-way-to-change-someones-mind-wharton-persuasion-expert.html
National Center for Transgender Equality releases trans survey
Bullying as the Brain's Response to Anger and Fear
8 expert tips for teaching kids emotional intelligence this Children's Mental Health Week (and #4 sounds like so much fun)
https://www.goodto.com/wellbeing/how-to-teach-kids-emotional-intelligence
Could Artificial Intelligence Replace Psychologists?
08.02.2024
5 MLK speeches you should know. Spoiler: 'I Have a Dream' isn't on the list
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/07/1228320048/black-history-mlk-speeches-martin-luther-king
Warn Voters About the Radicalism Beyond Trump
https://newrepublic.com/article/178442/republicans-rewrite-constitution-radicalism-beyond-trump
Welcome Back to the Chaos of the Trump Era
Congress' epic implosion
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/07/senate-border-deal-mayorkas-impeachment
The reason Vladimir Putin sat down with Tucker Carlson is obvious — and important
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/tucker-carlson-vladimir-putin-interview-rcna137713
Baruch Spinoza and the Art of Thinking in Dangerous Times
https://apple.news/A9jkaA_LjQ7WmR_uHP3CiBg
The future is artificial intelligence. Are students ready?
https://www.k12dive.com/news/future-is-ai-are-students-ready/706731/
How to Tame the 'Wanting Mind'
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/turning-straw-into-gold/202402/how-to-tame-the-wanting-mind
A Parent's Discipline May Affect How Kids Internalize Rules
07.02.2024
The Untold History of the Last Slave Ship to Land on U.S. Soil
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/untold-history-last-slave-ship-land-u-s-soil-bookbite/47830/
AI-generated Biden calls came through shady telecom and Texan front ‘Life Corporation’
Three reasons why so many migrants want to cross from Mexico to US
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68208637
10 False Lessons Childhood Emotional Neglect Teaches You
A New Way to See Problems as Fixable, not Insurmountable
Is Montessori education all it’s cracked up to be? What science says
Tucker Carlson confirms he’s interviewing Vladimir Putin
https://www.politico.eu/article/tucker-carlson-vladimir-putin-interview-confirm/
‘Playing Into Putin’s Hands’– War in Ukraine Update for Feb. 7
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/27706
Trump’s Lawyers Need a New Box of Crayons. The System Is Gearing Up.
The ‘none of these candidates’ option wins Nevada GOP primary, a symbolic rejection of Nikki Haley
Republicans’ Plot to Impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas Flops
https://www.motherjones.com/mojo-wire/2024/02/alejandro-mayorkas-dhs-secretary-house-impeachment/
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in the face of quislings in politics and the “news” media.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 06 (196 total reports)
31.12.2023-06.02.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of quislings in politics and the “news” media.
https://www.communitiesoftrust-jerrygoebel.com/youthadvocacy
Best Links of The Week
06.02.2024
Opinion: Tucker Carlson and Modern-day Quislings
https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/27659
A quisling is someone who collaborates with an enemy force while it is occupying their own country. It is named after Vidkun Quisling, the former Minister of Defense in Norway. Quisling was a Nazi collaborator who had responsibilities for overseeing the government of his country. A quisling can also be known as a quirk, both words are used more frequently in Europe than the United States. That usage should change with the profusion of quislings like Tucker Carlson and Mike Johnson. Carlson, happily on his path to becoming a patsy and spokesperson for Vladimir Putin, just left Canada after meeting with the ultra-conservative Premiere of Alberta, Danielle Smith. Is it any wonder that a week after those meetings she would come out with hateful legislation attacking LGBTQI+ people in her own province?
05.02.2024
How the Far Right Took Over a Pennsylvania School Board—And How Parents Took It Back
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/far-right-pennsylvania-school-board
The actions of parents in this school district could become a road map for taking back the direction of school boards across the US (and soon Canada) in order to keep them from banning books and promoting a revisionist history that would make students into the least informed, most ignorant, misinformed, children in the world.
04.02.2024
'We're terrified': Hundreds rally in support of Alberta trans community, opposition to coming government gender policies
Once again, we should point to Tucker Carlson for visiting Alberta and spewing hatred that will cause the deaths of young people legitimately exploring their personal identity during their adolescence.
03.02.2024
Rep. Jim Clyburn frames election as choice between 'loud noise' and 'quiet diplomacy'
Rep. Jim Clyburn knows a great deal about racism and ‘loud noise.’ Having been a leader of the civil rights movement since the 1960’s. Clyburn, who served as majority whip from 2007 to 2018, knows the people who lead with their actions and the people who confounded with their words. Clyburn was pivotal in saving the campaign of Joe Biden when it was on the ropes during his primary run. Many people believe that it was his “quiet diplomacy” that garnered the black vote for the Biden campaign which put Biden back at the top of the democratic primary pack.
02.02.2024
What is Christian nationalism and why it raises concerns about threats to democracy
PBS is my favorite news channel because of its unbiased reporting and lack of corporate influence. Unlike Fox, it offer news, not opinions, on current world events. This article, by stellar reporters, Laura Barrón-Lopez and Sam Lane, is a wonderful example of their insightful reporting. If, you were unsure of how much Christian Nationalism is trying to take over American politics, this article will help guide your opinion. Thank you, PBS.
01.02.2024
We’re hurting, Elmo: Why so many of us just cried on a Muppet’s shoulder
Who would have thought that such a simple tweet by a Sesame Street character would have made this much of an impact? It truly shows how much American is hurting and seeking respite from the politics of division today.
31.01.2024
It’s time we draft a longer list of “unalienable rights”
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/01/its-time-we-draft-a-longer-list-of-unalienable-rights/
This article made me think and expand my viewpoint on the rights of so many being forgotten and undermined today. Take a look at the author’s longer list of unalienable rights and see what compels you to act.
This Week’s Links
06.02.2024
Opinion: Tucker Carlson and Modern-day Quislings
https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/27659
The Art of No Deal
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/republicans-congress-immigration-deal/677357/
How one state is tackling homelessness by turning hotels, motels into shelters
https://apple.news/A_AWYOMyGRZSHbtwFWnnhDA
The Great Paradox of Borderline Personality Disorder
05.02.2024
How the Far Right Took Over a Pennsylvania School Board—And How Parents Took It Back
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/far-right-pennsylvania-school-board
Russian Media Hypes Tucker Carlson Visit: 'Americans Are in Shock'
https://www.newsweek.com/russian-media-hypes-tucker-carlson-visit-americans-are-shock-1866743
Learning How To Say No: Setting Boundaries is Self-Care
https://www.hercampus.com/school/cu-boulder/learning-how-to-say-no-setting-boundaries-is-self-care/
04.02.2024
'We're terrified': Hundreds rally in support of Alberta trans community, opposition to coming government gender policies
The Year Ahead: Education
https://apple.news/A9k6pT-1rTniVXv7irdNDfQ
03.02.2024
Rep. Jim Clyburn frames election as choice between 'loud noise' and 'quiet diplomacy'
Why Trump's Persecution Narrative Resonates With Christian Supporters : Consider This from NPR
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/02/1198910302/consider-this-from-npr-draft-02-02-2024
Groundbreaking map shows which US states are the least safe for LGBTQ+ people
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/02/lgbtq-safe-states/
The Real Reasons You Feel Triggered by Your Child’s Behavior
02.02.2024
What is Christian nationalism and why it raises concerns about threats to democracy
The Black history that isn't taught: Historians share lesser known moments in US racial history
What It’s Like to Celebrate Black History in a State Where It’s Banned
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/02/florida-desantis-black-history-month/
Gay lawmaker demands to know extent of U.S. Christian group's ties to Uganda's deadly antigay law
https://www.advocate.com/politics/fellowship-foundation-uganda-antigay-law
Erase Damaging Family Trauma and Reprogram Your Brain
Teachers, Try This: Gamify Instruction to Reduce Math Anxiety and Improve Test Scores
Be mine! (Sort of): Situationships are on the rise
https://www.axios.com/2024/02/02/dating-culture-valentines-day-gen-z-situationships
01.02.2024
We’re hurting, Elmo: Why so many of us just cried on a Muppet’s shoulder
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warns that hackers could cause breakdown in world order, calls for digital Geneva Convention
https://www.techspot.com/news/101709-microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-warns-hackers-could-cause.html
Ukraine Needs American Weapons, Not More GOP Drama
8 Tech Skills Every Student Should Have, According to Educators
These are the climate grannies. They’ll do whatever it takes to protect their grandchildren.
https://19thnews.org/2024/01/climate-grandmothers-environmental-activism/
The Cure for Loneliness Is Solitude
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/passion/202401/the-cure-for-loneliness-is-solitude
Why conservatives are melting down over Taylor Swift
https://www.vox.com/culture/2024/1/31/24057448/taylor-swift-conservatives-maga
Video shows Indiana lawmaker showing holstered gun to students who were advocating for gun control
How to Have Impossible Conversations Summary of Key Ideas and Review | Peter Boghossian and James A. Lindsay - Blinkist
https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/how-to-have-impossible-conversations-en
Autistic Boys and Men Camouflage, Too
Alberta to require parental consent for name, pronoun changes at school
31.01.2024
It’s time we draft a longer list of “unalienable rights”
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/01/its-time-we-draft-a-longer-list-of-unalienable-rights/
The Neuroscience of Negotiation
A State Supreme Court Just Issued the Most Devastating Rebuke of Dobbs Yet
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/01/pennsylvania-supreme-court-dobbs-sam-alito-abortion.html
Resentful Love: The Burden of Adult Children of Neglect
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in the face of the GOP’s desire to campaign instead of lead.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 05 (195 total reports)
24.12.2023-30.01.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of the GOP’s desire to campaign instead of lead.
https://www.communitiesoftrust-jerrygoebel.com/youthadvocacy
Best Links of The Week
30.01.2024
Here’s how right-wing media are attacking America’s education system
Young adults and people with education are leery of the right-wing. The GOP and Republicans recognize that—if they are to have a future—they need to alter the education system from the early years through university. Their playbook is not new and dates back to authoritarian regimes throughout history. If you change what people learn you can change what people think. As Winston Churchill said, “History is written by the victors.” Let us hope that this far right, authoritarian, movement is not around long enough to pass on their version of history to another generation. One needs not listen any further than Republican candidate, Nikki-Haley to hear how conservative politicians are trying to rewrite history to appease their voters. Saying that slavery was NOT a cause of the Civil War and that racism was never a part of US History.
29.01.2024
Texas could face fines over dysfunctional foster care system
Texas, which leads the US in being unable to supervise its own State, reveals another glaring flaw in the treatment of its own teenagers. Preferring to lock young people up in hotels and treat them like prisoners, it is driving young people into sex trafficking and criminal behavior just to escape the system. When will the people of this State insist that it’s Governor start governing instead of grandstanding?
28.01.2024
Ayman: Hungry children are left to pay the price for GOP partisan games
All over the US, Republican Governors are rejecting school lunch funding for impoverished children, because, as Don Young from Alaska said, “There is no free lunch…” Children without proper nutrition do not learn, it’s that simple. But, perhaps that is what the right wing radicals like Young truly want. If young people learn, they won’t elect cruel people like him. Greg Abbott is the George Wallace of our day. Using racism to generate hatred and continue his grip on power. Like Wallace, he is attempting to force a showdown with the Federal government purely for political ad personal gain.
27.01.2024
The U.S. Should Apologize to Gay People
https://apple.news/Aj68BsBguRfiQNddOIVuMyg
This article chronicles the US Government’s historicattack on homosexuality and how it has become the current conservative evangelical’s pet topic to generate hate and division.
26.01.2024
The Party of Malice
https://apple.news/AMXsvy_qBTmKuHQz-c6NNFQ
Here is my favorite article in truth-telling this week. It echos the article above, revealing the truth behind the right wing’s principles; “If you don’t have any policies to unite people, use hate to foment chaos and dissent.”
25.01.2024
Diversity initiatives are the epitome of patriotism. The GOP’s disdain for them is pure racism.
The premise of this article is that the preamble of our constitution and specifically the second paragraph of the Constitution is written specifically to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), therefore, celebrating diversity is the most “American” act we can endeavor to pursue.
24.01.2024
My Students Can’t Meet Academic Standards Because the School Model No Longer Fits Them - EdSurge News
This article invites us to look deeper at the reason some young people will never succeed at school. The question we must commit to honestly ask is, “What if it’s not the student that is failing, but what if the system is failing the student?”
This Week’s Links
30.01.2024
Here’s how right-wing media are attacking America’s education system
What a Jim Crow-era asylum can teach us about mental health today
https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227498861/antonia-hylton-madness-crownsville-hospital
The fight between Texas and the Feds over immigration enforcement intensifies
State Outlines Guidance for Different Levels of AI Use in Classrooms
29.01.2024
Texas could face fines over dysfunctional foster care system
Teen birth rate in Texas increases for the first time in 15 years
https://scrippsnews.com/stories/teen-birth-rate-in-texas-increases-for-the-first-time-in-15-years/
Deepfakes: How to empower youth to fight the threat of misinformation and disinformation
Homeland Security Blasts GOP's 'Evidence Free' Impeachment Articles Against DHS Chief
Non-religious Americans seek community
https://www.npr.org/2024/01/28/1227487416/non-religious-americans-seek-community
28.01.2024
Ayman: Hungry children are left to pay the price for GOP partisan games
“This is a do-nothing Republican Congress”: Dem Leader Jeffries slams Republicans for pedaling chaos
South Dakota Lawmakers Vote Down Free School Lunches Bill
A Human Behavioural Crisis Threatens Humanity
The Supreme Court Shouldn’t Punt on This One
27.01.2024
The U.S. Should Apologize to Gay People
https://apple.news/Aj68BsBguRfiQNddOIVuMyg
David Wengrow: A new understanding of human history and the roots of inequality
What’s really bothering American teens
https://apple.news/A_zRKQjYWQCWbXv4-c42bTw
An Insider’s Perspective on Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukraine War
Unpacking Emotional Baggage: Adverse Childhood Experiences
Protest Convoy Headed to Southern Border Is Calling Itself an ‘Army of God’
5 simple strategies for changing anyone’s mind
https://www.fastcompany.com/91017005/5-simple-strategies-for-changing-anyones-mind
Iowa promised $75 million for school safety. Two shootings later, the money is largely unspent
https://apnews.com/article/perry-iowa-school-shooting-safety-6f2e8a3bcb78c86ce835ce1618d2c184
Behind the Walls of a Jim Crow Asylum
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/behind-walls-jim-crow-asylum-bookbite/47677/
26.01.2024
The Party of Malice
https://apple.news/AMXsvy_qBTmKuHQz-c6NNFQ
New data shows nearly a third of Gen Zers identify as LGBTQ
Let's Talk About Hope
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hopeful-and-happier/202401/lets-talk-about-hope
Donald Trump vs. American History
https://apple.news/AtVWmvsmvQhuG3NCUKFiHbQ
Trump Demands Total Presidential Immunity -- Even for Acts That 'Cross the Line'
https://apple.news/AeFP2E5v1RTehFIMs90-WTA
Homophobia causes 'crisis of morale' in Montana school system
https://www.advocate.com/news/montana-school-anti-lgbtq-environment
25.01.2024
Diversity initiatives are the epitome of patriotism. The GOP’s disdain for them is pure racism.
Raped, pregnant and in an abortion ban state? Researchers gauge how often it happens
Pew: Over a quarter of U.S. adults don't identify with a religion
https://www.axios.com/2024/01/24/religious-affiliation-protestant-catholic-agnostic
The Plan to Incapacitate the Federal Government
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/01/chevron-supreme-court-case/677220/
Why Evangelicals Went All In on Trump, Again
https://time.com/6588138/evangelicals-support-donald-trump-2024/
24.01.2024
My Students Can’t Meet Academic Standards Because the School Model No Longer Fits Them - EdSurge News
Memory and Trauma: We Are More than What We Remember
AI in the classroom: Why some teachers are embracing it
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people in the face of Greedflation and Authoritarianism.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 04 (194 total reports)
17.12.2023-23.01.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people in the face of Greedflation and Authoritarianism.
https://www.communitiesoftrust-jerrygoebel.com/youthadvocacy
Best Links of The Week
23.01.2024
Greedflation Accounts for 53 Cents of Every Dollar of Inflation in Past 6 Months
Who has the most to gain by making sure the GOP retains its stranglehold on the US economy and continues to give tax breaks to billionaires and corporations? The answer to that question can be found in this study of Greedflation. Greedflation, not Inflation, is the reason prices on household goods remain so high in spite of a booming economy. Please take time to read this article and examine the CEO’s and corporations that are “robbing the poor to give to the rich.”
22.01.2024
‘It’s embarrassing’: Republicans worry they have no achievements to run on in 2024
There’s only one reason that Republicans are worried they have no achievements to run on in 2024, that is because they actually HAVE NO achievements to run on… Instead of using their majority to lead, they have used their power to divide and create chaos. The GOP has spent more of its time looking for reasons to impeach, despoil, and even attack their own leadership than they have governing. The US Government is being held hostage by a belligerent vocal minority willing to do anything (or in the current example, stand in the way of anything) to get its way.
21.01.2024
A Divided Congress Is About to Let Poor Families Fall Off a Hunger Cliff
https://newrepublic.com/article/178263/wic-congress-funding-chidren-nutrition
While the Republican House spends its time deciding who it will impeach next or whether to elect another new speaker and Republican Governors decide not to feed children over the summer, congress is also willing to let poor families in the US starve. Historically, this is the most do-nothing congress ever assembled. Worried more about pelvic issues than governing, it has done nothing to improve the lives of the middle class and the impoverished in its own country. Their behavior borders on negligence and our best remedy is to vote this party out of office.
20.01.2024
“I Am Because We Are”: Introducing Ubuntu Philosophy
https://www.thecollector.com/ubuntu-philosophy-introduction/
The difference between Western and African philosophy is articulated in this moving article on the Ubuntu Philosophy. It was at the heart of such leaders of Social Justice as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu.
19.01.2024
Biden is Launching the American Climate Corps, a New Era for Eco-Action
Not since the formation of the Peace Corps has a forward-thinking president considered providing other-than-military options for young people to be involved in global service. Many Young Adults have a strong desire to serve and an equally strong desire to be meaningfully involved in climate change.
18.01.2024
‘How Migration Really Works’ brings calm rigor to a heated issue
Greg Abbott declared this week that he would shoot immigrants but he would be charged with murder. Abbott’s inability to lead his State creatively is a reflection of the racist hate and fear underpinnings of the Republican party at this time. Abbott’s policies have caused deaths, what they haven’t done is lead his State or other Americans into truly understanding the real issues behind migration worldwide. Until we understand those issues, we will not be able to offer any real solutions to this global epidemic. People will always seek better opportunities for their families and children—every American (unless you’re Native American)—has done the same thing by immigrating to this country, borders will not stop this basic human need.
17.01.2024
Lincoln Project’s ‘God Made A Dictator’ Is A MUST Watch Ad
https://politizoom.com/lincoln-projects-god-made-a-dictator-is-a-must-watch-ad/
This is the most watched advertisement the Lincoln Project has released and it is in response to Trump declaring that he is “The Chosen One.” Thank you to this group of mostly former Republicans who don’t want to see our Country become an authoritarian, evangelical, dictatorship.
This Week’s Links
23.01.2024
Greedflation Accounts for 53 Cents of Every Dollar of Inflation in Past 6 Months
The power of storytelling in education
https://www.smartbrief.com/original/the-power-of-storytelling-in-education
Music Producer Steve Albini, Director Godfrey Reggio & Actor Fred Armisen Explain Why Creating Is Crucial to Human Existence
Meme-ifying 2024: how some young organizers are working to get their peers engaged
https://www.npr.org/2024/01/22/1226038691/memes-tik-tok-2024-democrats-republicans-social-media
How Do We Get Out of This Mess? Try Mission-Driven Capitalism
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/get-mess-try-mission-driven-capitalism-bookbite/47615/
22.01.2024
‘It’s embarrassing’: Republicans worry they have no achievements to run on in 2024
School shootings in the US: Fast facts
http://www.cnn.com/us/school-shootings-fast-facts-dg/
Study Finds Less Loneliness Among Those With A Sense Of Purpose
Teaching Big Questions to Little Kids
When Your Child Blames You for Their Mental Health Issues
AI isn't the problem — it's the solution
https://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_ng_ai_isn_t_the_problem_it_s_the_solution
Sam Altman Says ChatGPT Is Good for Education: Here Are 4 Lessons From My Student
21.01.2024
A Divided Congress Is About to Let Poor Families Fall Off a Hunger Cliff
https://newrepublic.com/article/178263/wic-congress-funding-chidren-nutrition
There are 3 ways to challenge a statement. The one you pick says a lot about your character
https://www.fastcompany.com/91013059/ways-to-challenge-a-statement-your-character
“Wrong Side of History”: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Vetoes Ban on Solitary Confinement
Updating Freud's Psychology
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/theory-of-knowledge/202401/updating-freuds-psychology
20.01.2024
“I Am Because We Are”: Introducing Ubuntu Philosophy
https://www.thecollector.com/ubuntu-philosophy-introduction/
Decoding morality across cultures: Insights from a mega-study of Moral Foundations Theory
E. Jean Carroll is doing what no one else has the guts to do
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-e-jean-carroll-trial-sexual-assault-rcna134594
19.01.2024
Biden is Launching the American Climate Corps, a New Era for Eco-Action
The Overlooked Payoff to Suffering Is Compassion
Kids of color get worse health care across the board in the U.S., research finds
18.01.2024
‘How Migration Really Works’ brings calm rigor to a heated issue
The richest 1 per cent own 43 per cent of global assets, Oxfam study says
Davos 2024: 6 innovative ideas on reskilling, upskilling and building a future-ready workforce
Homophobia causes 'crisis of morale' in Montana school system
https://www.advocate.com/news/montana-school-anti-lgbtq-environment
Psychologist shares a 5-step plan to come up with great ideas: It's a 'game-changer' in any workplace
17.01.2024
Lincoln Project’s ‘God Made A Dictator’ Is A MUST Watch Ad
https://politizoom.com/lincoln-projects-god-made-a-dictator-is-a-must-watch-ad/
Tough New Immigration Rules Risk Empowering the Cartels
https://www.cfr.org/blog/tough-new-immigration-rules-risk-empowering-cartels
Are People Aware of Automatic Attitudes?
This is the one skill we all need in the age of AI
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/01/this-is-the-one-skill-everybody-needs-in-the-age-of-ai/
How to Change Someone's Mind, According to Neuroscience
The Happiest, Most Successful Kids All Have This Rarely Discussed Skill, Research Shows. Here Are 3 Ways Parents Can Teach It
Youth Advocacy
Advocating for young people as the GOP undermines the health of children and the rights of women and minorities.
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 03 (193 total reports)
10.12.2023-16.01.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people as the GOP undermines the health of children and the rights of women and minorities.
https://www.communitiesoftrust-jerrygoebel.com/youthadvocacy
Best Links of The Week
16.01.2024
Einstein’s 7 rules for a better life
https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/einstein-rules-better-life/
We tend to think of Einstein as someone who gave us insights into how the physical universe worked. Many think he was high on the Aspergers Spectrum and, although a physics and mathematical genius, perhaps a bit inept in social settings. I had the opportunity of meeting someone at Princeton University who worked closely with Einstein and learned many things about the man one might not read in books or magazines. This article, from “Big Think,” also points out he had some key insights into living a life of well-being and happiness. I would suggest reviewing his notes for insights into your own life. Perhaps you, like me, are stymied about the interconnectedness of the universe, still there’s a lot that this genius can teach us about the interconnectedness of other aspects of our lives.
15.01.2024
So far it's a grand decade for billionaires, says new report. As for the masses ...
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2024/01/14/1224507582/davos-oxfam-rich-poor-inequality
Some people shy away from taxing billionaires—just in case they become one. This is a fallacy purported by the very people who hoard gross amounts of possessions. The vast majority of billionaires were not “self-made,” but born into privilege. Donald Trump is a grand example of this, Forbes says that he inherited around $40 million dollars, lost it all, claimed he was a self-made billionaire, before it was revealed that his billions were largely debt and overinflated assets. Tax these people…
14.01.2024
Here’s What Right-Wing Power Brokers Want Trump to Do in His Second Term
https://www.thedailybeast.com/right-wing-power-brokers-plan-for-trumps-second-term
It’s not hard to miss what a second term for Trump would look like as his power brokers have written it out in black and white. The “Dictator-On-Day-One” would continue his attack on diversity and women’s rights as would revenge politics and, of course, wiping out his own crimes and prosecutions.
13.01.2024
These Republican governors chose to let some kids go hungry this summer
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/summer-ebt-wic-funding-free-school-lunches-rcna133252
These Republican Governors are perfect examples of putting politics ahead of children’s lives. The party that professes they are “Pro-Life” is really nothing more than “Pro-Birth.” After birth, children and women are on their own.
12.01.2024
'God & Country' explores rise of Christian nationalism in America
Perhaps the number one disease in US politics today is Christian Nationalism. Trump won the primary in Iowa largely due to Evangelical support. How can anyone who reads the Gospel possibly support a man who is so obviously egomaniacal and misogynistic? Last week, found Trump declaring he was sent by God to save the United States and, in the same breath, hoping the economy would collapse under Joe Biden so he would not get the blame.
11.01.2024
Four More Years of Unchecked Misogyny
https://apple.news/AEqSoi4PNRvS9MMFTF4E5yg
This article states clearly one of the gravest concerns about a second Trump term, if you’re a woman, a minority, or LGBTQ+, voting for Trump is like selling away your own rights.
10.01.2024
Florida school district removes dictionaries from libraries, citing law championed by DeSantis
https://popular.info/p/florida-school-district-removes-dictionaries
Similar to the article above about Governor’s voting against children’s food programs, this article points to how outlandish the far right has become in it’s quest to control people’s minds.
This Week’s Links
16.01.2024
Einstein’s 7 rules for a better life
https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/einstein-rules-better-life/
LGBTQ+ Iowans feel threatened by Republican candidates' stances
https://www.advocate.com/politics/iowa-caucus-lgbtq-fears-republicans
5 Ways to Connect With Your Friend Experiencing Depression
15.01.2024
So far it's a grand decade for billionaires, says new report. As for the masses ...
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2024/01/14/1224507582/davos-oxfam-rich-poor-inequality
World’s five richest men double their fortunes as poorest 60 percent lose money, Oxfam says
‘We are becoming numb’: The disturbing reality of three migrants drowning at Texas border
You Should Go to a Trump Rally
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/01/trump-rally-iowa-2024-election/677119/
Dr. Clarence Jones: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would call Donald Trump a 'moral fraud'
We Fact Checked Everything Trump Has Said About Climate Change Since 2021
https://heatmap.news/politics/trump-fact-check-climate-change-wind-solar-electric-vehicles-energy
From Kindergarten To College, Girls Are Outperforming Boys
Neurodiversity Is an Identity, Not a Disorder
Fox Hasn’t Molded Conservative Thought. It’s The Other Way Around
https://politizoom.com/fox-hasnt-molded-conservative-thought-its-the-other-way-around/
14.01.2024
Here’s What Right-Wing Power Brokers Want Trump to Do in His Second Term
https://www.thedailybeast.com/right-wing-power-brokers-plan-for-trumps-second-term
How Historical Trauma Lives in Us All
Opinion | The eerie new Trump ad pushing the boundaries of Christian theology
https://apple.news/A6Ga-lkACQleLsADnaMFpXw
Woman, 2 children die crossing Rio Grande as Border Patrol says it was prevented from intervening
How to navigate an era of disruption, disinformation, and division
13.01.2024
These Republican governors chose to let some kids go hungry this summer
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/summer-ebt-wic-funding-free-school-lunches-rcna133252
Evangelical leaders lose influence as followers find new savior in Trump
Gender dysphoria diagnoses are steadily increasing. Here's what that means
https://www.advocate.com/news/gender-dysphoria-diagnoses-increase
GOP lawmakers are trying to force all therapists to practice conversion therapy on trans people
Sarah Huckabee Sanders keeps upping the ante on her cruelty
https://www.queerty.com/sarah-huckabee-sanders-keeps-upping-the-ante-on-her-cruelty-20240112
Marjorie Taylor Greene Reveals She's 'Truly Interested' in Being Donald Trump's Secretary of Homeland Security
https://okmagazine.com/p/marjorie-taylor-greene-interested-donald-trump-secretary-homeland-security/
Technology's Original Sin is the Theft of Attention
Trump Foil Adam Schiff Would Expand Supreme Court, Abolish Electoral College to ‘Protect Democracy’: Report
Biden Crackdown Hauls In $520 Million In Back Taxes From The Ultrawealthy
Trump Must Return Millions He Got From Foreign Governments, Democrats Say
https://newrepublic.com/post/178052/raskin-demands-trump-return-millions-paid-foreign-governments
12.01.2024
'God & Country' explores rise of Christian nationalism in America
House Republican game-plan: Impeach everyone
https://www.axios.com/2024/01/11/house-republicans-impeach-biden-mayorkas-garland
GOP lawmaker told Uganda to “stand firm” on its “Kill the Gays” bill
American Universities Are Post-truth
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/01/claudine-gay-harvard-scandal/677096/
January 6 Is Exactly What the Fourteenth Amendment Was Talking About
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/01/january-6-14th-amendment/677098/
Scholars Aren’t Studying the Questions Education Leaders Care About Most (Opinion)
Harvard's 85-year study reveals the one thing that's the key to happiness and it's pretty simple
https://scoop.upworthy.com/harvards-85-year-study-reveals-the-number-one-key-to-happiness
How Autistic Individuals Adapt to a Neurotypical World
Five Ways to Help Children with Challenging Behaviours
https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/how-to-help-children-with-challenging-behaviour/
11.01.2024
Four More Years of Unchecked Misogyny
https://apple.news/AEqSoi4PNRvS9MMFTF4E5yg
Bertrand Russell & Buckminster Fuller on Why We Should Work Less, and Live and Learn More
Nikki Haley’s refusal to acknowledge America’s racism is exactly why schools need to teach about it
Trump Rally Prayers Have Gotten Dark: ‘Demonic Forces At Play’
https://themessenger.com/politics/trump-rally-prayers-have-gotten-dark-demonic-forces-at-play
Trump is 'proud' about taking away abortion rights. Republicans will keep losing because of it.
Florida Republicans Want to Destroy Restrictions on Teenage Labor
The Proud Boys are collapsing: Surprise! Legal consequences do hurt authoritarian movements
10.01.2024
Florida school district removes dictionaries from libraries, citing law championed by DeSantis
https://popular.info/p/florida-school-district-removes-dictionaries
Trump’s Lawyer Walked Into a Trap
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/01/trump-immunity-hearing-2020-election/677072/
Biden Blasts Trump After He Wishes For A Stock Market Collapse
People share the 18 things that are a 'subtle sign' someone is really smart
https://www.upworthy.com/people-share-the-things-that-are-a-subtle-sign-someone-is-really-smart-rp4
AI will unleash the next level of human potential. Here's how it happens - and when