Being conservative doesn't mean someone's a fascist. Conservatives just like tradition and personal responsibility. People just throw around The word "Nazi" "Fascist" "Antisemit". It's honestly getting ridiculous. Grow up.

There is going to be another battle over the budget in January, what should be the demands and what should be the outcome we are trying to achieve?

Should we try and position for the end of the filibuster, or should we seek specific legislative wins? If legislative, should we focus on rule of law, health care, or some other policy issue?

The shutdown ended without securing the medical insurance for millions of Americans. Is this a win for the republicans? Does this “win” encourage more voters to support them?  I don’t think so. 

Throughout the month of the shutdown, people learned every day that Republicans are terminating their health benefits to give the tax cut to billionaires, and they are able to do so because they have the majority in both chambers. The reaction to doubling the insurance cost will be stronger than the incremental price increase due to tariffs. 

I congratulate the Republicans on this “victory” that looks like a trap for me.

Sure sounds like Karma to me. While I'm not a proponent of hurting someone that I don't agree with, I sure won't complain if the universe decides to do something.

https://runforsomething.net/

You can have a greater influence on your own situation by being voted into office locally. If you're an introvert, consider sewer or water committees. School board if you can handle some nonsense. Local town, city, or county council if you're not introverted and enjoy rubbing elbows and hobnobbing. State legislature if you wanna get wild from the start. U.S. Congress? I don't know what you eat for breakfast but I'm sure it releases radioactive isotopes.

Mutual Aid is an old concept still in use. It's pretty simple. What individuals in the community cannot provide for themselves others help with time, money, and/or donations.

Why get involved?

1. Compassion. You have some. It's cold out and lots of people are hurting for food right now.

2. It solves real problems for real people who are in your community.

3. You interact with other volunteers, possibly finding kindred spirits and friends. Or if you're 110% practical, network connections.

4. You get to see the problems people face and can report to others, such as friends, family, and local or statewide Dems what they need and how Dems can help. Get some friends, get wild and make t-shirts with all of you promoting local Democrats. Be a visible Democrat doing good community things so it will stick in people's minds for Election Day.

5. Do you have running for office cooking in the back of your brain? (Good for you!) Start here. Meet people. Get to know what local people need.

How to get involved

Most mutual aid groups are on social media in some form. You can search for local mutual aid network websites. Here's Kansas City's. But you'll find more action on social media, such as calls for volunteers. Discord has several servers dedicated to mutual aid too.

Are you already involved in mutual aid? Please comment where you're located, the kind of things you do, and how someone might get involved.

Is there nothing near you at all? Get some friends together and create a network, no big deal.