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wayneshaw.bsky.social
writer, baseball man, Christian social justice warrior
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Well, this will conclude my commentary on Lesson Number One from Prof. Timothy Snyder's 20 lessons for resisting tyranny. I am confident that this will be the most lengthy. So if you read all this from beginning to end, rest assured that the remaining 19 will not take up nearly as many posts.

What I really find insulting, though, is when somebody goes a step further yet and says something like, "if you *think* [the acting president] is going to allow elections..." and you can stop right there. People who write or talk like this don't know what I think. And they certainly can't tell me.

there's a *difference*! Myself, I have no interest in debating whether or not we're already in a dictatorship, or living under fascism. It isn't rocket science that their intentions are identical, and *some* of it has already been carried out - again, no thanks in large part to the cowardly.

get me wrong. Discussing these things with some knowledge, preferably first-hand knowledge, can be very helpful. Risk assessment, vigilance, and readiness are not optional equipment. But there is *preparing* for such things, and there is *surrendering* to it as if it's already happened -

networks, newspapers, law firms, and universities have capitulated so willingly. But when I hear talk of "what-ifs": what if martial law is declared; what if the courts are defied; what if the next elections are canceled; what if the army fires on demonstrators...it REALLY riles me up. Now...don't

already miserably failed this test. Most of us probably know the most abject and widely publicized examples. But I believe there is more to it even than this, which merely reinforces the point that this is rightly placed at the head of the 20 rules of resistance. It is bad enough that major TV

teaching power what it can do." (Rule One completed: Prof. Snyder's words in quotes, always.) As I said, there is a reason, and a very good reason, why this is first on the list. Failure to heed this warning will make it impossible to follow, or even understand, the other nineteen. Too many have

(continued) So here goes. Rule One: "Do not obey in advance. Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is

2. I'll be going through Prof. Snyder's points one-by-one, starting with his best known and most widely quoted one, known to some as "anticipatory obedience", and resisting the urge to do so. There's a reason why it is Number One on the list. But I think sometimes the wider point is missed.

1. I'll be writing an ongoing commentary on Timothy Snyder's classic and by now well-known 20 lessons on fighting tyranny. No guarantee on the timeline, but will be systematic about it. Also no guarantee about formatting this the way I would really prefer, just writing and seeing where it leads

"On Tyranny" is a #1 NYT bestseller again. I wish the moment were different. But I’m glad the book is useful. And grateful for all the kind words about putting the 20 lessons to work. snyder.substack.com/p/twenty-les...

2. Maybe it's because I'm still navigating both sites, and my perception, but the pace seems slower over here, and more crowded and certainly much faster over there. There are pros and cons to both, but I hope to figure out how to combine the best of both worlds. Got off of Facebook altogether.

1. Gradually finding out how these new sites work: I'm on Substack as well as Bluesky. I have figured out how to show one handle on the other site, one way. I've also been able to write some articles on Substack, where there are no space limitations. But it seems more focused and one-on-one here.

Also, hope Lucas Erceg is okay. Riley Greene is one of my (and my wife's) favorite Tigers, but his line shot went right off his ankle. Had to leave the game. Hate to see that happen to anyone, but glad Tiger fans gave him an "O".

I feel bad for Kenta Maeda. Such promise in his first year with the Dodgers, 3.48 ERA, 16-11. Now look at him. ERA approaching or breaking 10 tonight, and the fans are getting on him. Once you prove you're not making it in Detroit, they don't forget. Fortunately the Tigers won tonight, 7-3.

2025 picks for MLB regular season available here. Interested in swapping picks with anyone. One on one preferred; not too keen on lurkers saying "you picked who to finish where?" without offering an actual critique or pick of their own. Sound like something you'd like to do together?

Baseball is back! Tokyo series officially opens the season, though 'opening day' isn't until the 27th. Tiger fan here, but also just a fan of good baseball. I turn from a 'quiet man' to a chatterbox when it comes to the game.

First post on Bluesky. Beginning the migration from a more popular site. Writer here on faith, baseball, light hearted humor, and interested in the same. Loyal to family. Interested in public-private balance. There will be more from this writer, and others with me, I'm certain of that.