I stayed away from here since Tuesday

[edhopper]

From here, the News, most political websites,
I just couldn't handle it anymore.
Still depressed and pessimistic.
I hope we get back at least the House in November.
But that will only stop some of what Trump will do.
It will still be bad for this Country.
And if we take everything in 2020, we will spend years just undoing the damage, not moving forward.
And still have a fascist Courst to contend with, and obstructionist Republicans.
So much needs to be done for our people, so much needs to change.
I feel like we are bailing out a boat with a teaspoon.
Sorry to be a downer, but needed to say this.
Thanks for listening.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. It IS discouraging.

It is hard to remember when things were better.

We must hang onto this thought: The Republicans win when we stay discouraged, when we give up.

We must keep fighting!

for you.

[blueinredohio]

2. I'm feeling the same way.

[Ferrets are Cool]

3. I have severely limited my time here. It is just too depressing. nt

[Squinch]

4. Do something active to help the resistance. It really does help with those feelings.

I feel much better after the rally yesterday, and I'm scheduling some phone banking.

Act. You will feel better if you do.

[edhopper]

5. To be clear

I will work hard to see we win in November and 2020.
Because without those victories, all is lost.
Things might not get much better, but than can, and will, get a whole lot worse if we don't.

[calimary]

6. Hang in there as best you can, my friend.

I bailed out for two days - last Wednesday and Thursday. Just couldn’t bear it. Lost a favorite - and quite elderly - cat Monday morning, and Wednesday’s SCOTUS announcement took me from bad to worse. Couldn’t even deal with Rachel Maddow, who’s become a North Star to me these days.

I found that breaking news can be taken in easier here, because of all our informed and compassionate attributes.

And I guess sometimes we need a break. Gardening or walking around amidst tall trees can be helpful and therapeutic. Or along a shoreline - lake, river, or ocean. Or hole up inside and watch either Food Network or the home improvement/house flipping shows, or “Star Trek” marathons if you can find them. BBC can sometimes help you there. “Star Trek” always helps me. I also recommend “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Which has been running at length on one of the cable channels. OR music radio. Or books!

There’s also YouTube and other video. Ted Talks can be genuinely fascinating. Or go find the clips of Stephen Colbert monologues, or Colbert when Jon Stewart guests, or Bill Maher segments.

Sometimes it’s just essential to take a short break. Or, what I found, this particular weekend, that came along just when I needed an emotional, spiritual, and moral pick-me-up: the rally! It renewed my spirit. The people, the “folk art” and amazing creativity to be found in the posters, the little kids and dogs that are always a nice little extra at these things, and the friendly harmonious vibes.

Highly recommend music, either your own, your favorite station, or live music.

Also highly recommended: CRAFTING!!! Make something. For yourself or for someone deserving a gift.

And one more recommendation: go visit a dog park. You’re likely to be chuckling by the time you leave.

[llmart]

12. Great suggestions.

I have discovered podcasts. I usually listen to music and rarely watch TV news (don't have cable, don't want it). Specifically, I've been listening to Oprah's Super Soul Conversations. I can't think of one person she's interviewed on there who isn't on the same page as us. Today I listened to Stephen Colbert and was uplifted by him emphatically stating that Trump will NOT destroy the America we love - that he'll eventually be just a blip in history. He said the majority of Americans believe in the principles we were founded on - all men are created equal and should have equal access to justice.

I've lived a long life now - almost 70 - and I agree with Stephen Colbert. The only thing I see is that Trump and the current GOP will make us more resolved and more grateful for what we stand for which will in turn energize more people to be on the right side of history.

[murielm99]

7. I will work hard.

I have been working hard.

It is frightening and infuriating.

I can imagine the rest of the world closing ranks against us as things get crazier here.

I understand what you are saying. I wish I could be more encouraging. GOTV. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Find others who support you. Justice will be done. If it is not done in my lifetime, it will still happen.

[Mountain Mule]

8. They only win when we give up!

I tell myself this all the time in these troubled days. And I take times out as needed before returning to the fray.

Hang in there and goddess bless!

[mountain grammy]

9. I'm with you..

[kimbutgar]

10. I love the song happy by Pharrell and got sad hearing it last night

Things are so bad now In this country. Each day brings more appalling things. Hearing the evil one saying his base will push back on liberals was so gross. He won’t unite us but is sure as hell dividing us and destroying our country.

[edhopper]

11. I appreciate

the words of support from everyone.

[DesertRat]

13. Something that helps me is volunteering

Whether it's at a food pantry, a local hospital, animal shelter, canvassing for a political candidate, etc. service of some kind in your community helps to be part of solutions and not feel so helpless and pessimistic. Peace

[MontanaMama]

14. It is now occurring to me

that we may not move forward for many years...maybe decades. Sometimes I break down in tears but the next day I’m up with my fighting panties on to kick ass again. What keeps me going is my 13 year old son. While he will not finish growing up in the America that I did, I want him to see his mom fighting and speaking out and not laying down for this. I hope he will pick up where I left off. I’m 54 and it is increasingly clear that we may not win this within the timeline of my life. That doesn’t mean we failed. He will tell his kids that his mom fought with the resistance. The fact that you’re here means you’re fighting too.

[eleny]

15. Ed, these are tough times that got tougher this week

But if we can prevail in the House then we can put the brakes on a whole host of Trump initiatives. First off, we'll be holding the purse strings. And the committee investigations will be a thing of beauty.

There's one posting I read late last night here at DU. It pointed out that if we prevail and take the House, Maxine Waters, as the current ranking member of the House Committee on Financial Services, is positioned to chair the committee. She can then force Trump to hand over his tax returns. I tried to find the thread but can't put my finger on it right now.

Think about that for a minute and see how that makes you feel. I can only say that this fact alone is making me feel like digging deep for the energy to volunteer during this campaign season as never before.

[mnhtnbb]

16. Here's the OP about Maxine Waters being positioned to Chair the House Committee on Financial Service

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210816142

[eleny]

19. thx!

[Olafjoy]

17. We will never give up. Never never never.

Try not to isolate yourself. I just want to echo what everyone else is saying. It is really helpful to get together with other progressives. It was 1000 degrees yesterday in Phoenix but I met so many lovely people at the family separation protest rally.
Lots of families with little kids. A mom told me that her 6 year old daughter wants to go to every rally to ‘help the other kids’ and this was their second demonstration in a week. Also door knocked in super red district and all the D’s who opened the door were so glad to see us and so motivated to vote. Also, listen to some Churchill WWII speeches. Things looked very dire for the Brits, too.
Get with your people. You will feel so much better!

[edhopper]

18. I wish I could compare this to England in the 40s

It feels more like Germany in the 30s.

But I appreciate your encouraging words.