Home / Forums / General Discussions / Fight Back: Human Rights Resources / Good News Daily Updates / Good News For Wednesday, Feb 19 – Turning of the tide

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    • February 19, 2025 at 8:12 am #36266

      One explanation for the election results last year is that there is/was a global backlash against the status quo due to inflation and the aftermath of COVID. Although there is a group that believe strongly against democracy, this far right group is just a small fraction of the voters who elected the current US administration. The overwhelming majority of US citizens did not vote for fascism. It’s seems that not enough voters were convinced that the threat posed to democracy, to human rights and freedoms, and to global peace was more important than their frustration with the status quo.

      As the chaos increases, reality is starting to set in of what life will truly be like with the current administration. The effect is that voters are starting to realize that their loyalty will not be rewarded and regretful voters are starting to voice their dismay.

      This is good news, not because the voters are now suffering, it’s good news because they will join the backlash against the administration. The number of people resisting is increasing daily.

      For those who are not far-right supporters, but instead have been manipulated and misguided, there is work to be done to embrace their new understanding and help them support the fight for democracy. Kindness matters even more when anger is the first instinct.

      “there are indications that large swaths of corporate America are already beginning to sour on Trump, as concerns grow about the negative economic impact of his trade and immigration policies…With hindsight we did not appreciate the nature of what the administration was going to be like. I do believe they are hurting their stated objectives of peace and prosperity.” – via Financial Times https://www.ft.com/content/a7c9376b-4cb2-4cf2-a665-66f75b72f4c2

      “Staci White said she voted for President Trump because she wanted lower prices and to stop fentanyl from coming into the U.S. Now, with widespread federal layoffs and expected cuts, she worries her family will lose their house if her partner is laid off from his government-adjacent job. At the dialysis unit where she works, staff have started doing drills for what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement comes to deport their patients, some of whom are in the country illegally. “When we said safer borders, I thought he was thinking ‘let’s stop the drugs from coming into the country,’” she said. “I didn’t know he was going to start raiding places.” She said she didn’t believe he would actually follow through on some of the more hard-line policies he touted during the campaign. “Now I’m like: ‘Dang, why didn’t I just pick Kamala?’” said the 49-year-old Omaha, Neb., resident, referring to the former vice president and last-minute Democratic nominee.” – via Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-voter-regrets-presidential-election-7b4fc43d?st=zk6sog

      Zachary Levi, “Shazam” actor and far-right supporter was interviewed Fox News last night and begged EM to save MAGA voters from DOGE cuts. “But there are good people, people that voted for Donald Trump who are losing their job. And we got to make sure that we don’t leave those folks behind.” – via Independent
      https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/doge-cuts-maga-workers-zachary-levi-b2700286.html

      Here’s the thing. Every one of these people in tears heard Trump on the stump before Nov. They knew he was cruel. But they were fine with it, thinking he’d only hurt the people they didn’t like. The problem with cruelty—It spreads. You don’t get to control it. Sooner or later, it comes for you too.

      Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline.com) 2025-02-15T13:42:52.908Z

      Regret

      EssenViews (@essenviews.bsky.social) 2025-02-18T01:07:24.020Z

      In the coming weeks, a lot of slow-on-the uptake folks are going to begin belatedly realizing Trump is both an inept moron and a dangerous autocrat. Our great civic challenge in these trying times will be calmly welcoming them aboard instead of primal-screaming in their faces.

      Julian Sanchez (@normative.bsky.social) 2025-02-06T00:53:27.699Z

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    • February 19, 2025 at 9:56 am #36274

      All great information and points Susan. Once I read Mary Trump’s( DJT’s niece) book in which she describes psychologically tRump’s personality issues I better understood just who he is. Now in my mind he is so predictable it’s scary that so many are unable to see what’s ahead for us.

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      • February 19, 2025 at 7:05 pm #36305

        I’ll add that to my reading list, thank you Libby for the recommendation. I so wish we could all sit in a room together to not only have our lovely book discussions, but also to have these ones here.

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        • February 19, 2025 at 8:22 pm #36307

          I am thinking of more of a pub or bistro setting for our discussions and maybe a B+B room nearby for the night!

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    • February 19, 2025 at 11:58 am #36276

      South Africa has officially banned all American businesses from operating within its borders and halted mineral exports to the US.

      The decision comes just days after DT announced a complete withdrawal of US funding and USAID support to South Africa.

      In response, the South African government made it clear to DT that the US relies heavily on African minerals. They firmly stated that if he views Africa as nothing more than a recipient of aid, he should seek resources elsewhere–because Africa is done tolerating disrespect and disregard from Western powers.

      With the US generating over $25 billion in profits from South Africa annually, this move is expected to have significant economic repercussions for both nations.

      No African country has ever taken such a bold stand against the US before.

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    • February 19, 2025 at 12:01 pm #36277

      More than 50,000 have signed a petition against Target that was started by Atlanta-based New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Jamal Bryant.

      Bryant originally advocated for his church congregation to participate in a 40-day fast of Target shopping, and the message has now gained traction online.

      The boycott is set to begin March 5 as a way to protest the recent changes Target is implementing when it comes to DEI.

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    • February 19, 2025 at 12:13 pm #36279

      Companies Continuing With DEI

      Several companies have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to DEI policies or have taken action to boost diversity and minority communities. Those include:

      Delta Air Lines: Despite industry trends, Delta remains dedicated to its DEI efforts. Chief External Affairs Officer Peter Carter said on an earnings call in January: “DEI is about talent, and that’s been our focus.

      Cosco: The retail giant continues to uphold its DEI programs. In January, the company’s Board of Directors recommended against voting for a proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research, which would have evaluated and published a report of risk associated with the company’s DEI efforts, per ABC News.

      Apple: Maintaining its focus on diversity, Apple has resisted external pressures to roll back its DEI initiatives. Last month, the company’s board of directors asked shareholders to reject a DEI rollback proposal.

      e.l.f. Beauty: The cosmetic giant, sold at retail stores like Walmart and Target, touted diversity and inclusion policies last month with a marketing campaign, per CNN Business.

      Meijer: The supermarket business “reaffirmed” its commitment to expanding Black-own brands to meet customer interest and demonstrate its support of small businesses in a press release.

      Procter & Gamble: The company that oversees brands like Charmin, Tide and Tampax provided a statement to The Cincinnati Enquirer in February that equality and inclusion is good for business. “This cannot and will not change,” CEO Jon Moeller told the outlet. “It’s critical to who we are and what we do, to our principles, values and purpose and most importantly to winning.”

      Sephora: The beauty brand premiered its first film, Beauty & Belonging, at Sundance Film Festival in January, which celebrated diversity and authenticity. Over 75 Sephora employees were interviewed for the special.

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    • February 19, 2025 at 6:18 pm #36304

      A few cracks are starting to appear in the administration.

      Republicans voice rare dissent after Trump blames Ukraine for Russia’s invasion

      “Mr. President, Ukraine did not ‘start’ this war. Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. The Road to Peace must be built on the Truth.” Mike Pence

      “We must remember that the instigator of this war was Russia. It was President Putin who launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine.” Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine

      “I think we should give [Zelenskyy] a fair amount of credit for that work…Putin’s a murderer. He’s a very bad person who needs to be stopped. He’s going to metastasize across Europe if we don’t [stop him.]” Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C

      “I would certainly never refer to President Zelenskyy as a dictator.” Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said Zelenskyy is not to blame for Russia’s invasion “in any way.”

      “To the extent that the White House said that Ukraine started the war, I disagree. I think Vladimir Putin started the war. I also believe, through bitter experience, that Vladimir Putin is a gangster” Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana.

      “When it comes to blame for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I blame Putin above all others,” South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham

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      • February 19, 2025 at 8:25 pm #36308

        Good to hear but I am looking for much stronger pushback and Congressional action to refute the administrations foreign policy efforts to date.

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        • February 19, 2025 at 9:30 pm #36314

          Agree. It’s a start, at least, and not just silence. Silence really is complicity here, isn’t it? I hope all American citizens will make their voices heard and stand up against what is happening. I know that you can win.

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    • February 19, 2025 at 8:38 pm #36310

      ‪Governor JB Pritzker‬ ‪delivered his seventh State of the State and Budget Address today.

      “Tyranny requires your fear and your silence and your compliance.

      Democracy requires your courage.

      So gather your justice and humanity … and do not let despair overcome us when our country needs us the most.”

      Tyranny requires your fear, your silence, and your compliance.Democracy requires your courage.

      Governor JB Pritzker (@govpritzker.illinois.gov) 2025-02-20T02:14:17.648Z

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      • February 19, 2025 at 9:33 pm #36315

        This and the speech below are exactly the inspirations needed to energize everyone into action, or increased action for those already fighting. Wonderful.

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    • February 19, 2025 at 8:55 pm #36312

      AOC delivered a speech during a rally in NYC today.

      “They cannot withstand the constant, consistent pressure. They will crumble under it. Every day our job is to wake up and say ‘what can I do today?’ — There is no act too small. Every action matters.”

      🗣️ @aoc.bsky.social out fighting for the people & federal workers: “Every day our job is to wake up and say ‘what can I do today?’ — There is no act too small. Every action matters.” 🇺🇸

      The Tennessee Holler (@thetnholler.bsky.social) 2025-02-20T03:36:35.021Z

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