Any path out of autocracy will require welcoming and accommodating the Emily Andersons of the world. I know this. And yet . . . - ThreadSky

jvl.bsky.social • 3 days ago

Any path out of autocracy will require welcoming and accommodating the Emily Andersons of the world.

I know this. And yet . . .

Reposted from Catherine Rampell

“I feel so stupid, guilty, regretful—embarrassed is a huge one. I am absolutely embarrassed that I voted for Trump,” said Anderson, 30.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...

Comments

doubtingt.bsky.social•3 days ago

RFKJr a "bright spot"? she's still stupid and would do the same thing all over, stupid people make mistakes often

midwestshadow.bsky.social•3 days ago

We collectively warned them. Not only did they dismiss us, they said we were the enemy and that we had destroyed America and only they could fix it

If they want forgiveness & inclusion, they're gonna need to offer some real contrition

Apologies are rare, and usually bunk, but they're in order here

midwestshadow.bsky.social•3 days ago

So I absolutely get what you're saying, but it's a dance and both sides are gonna have to move their hips a bit

becomingtania.bsky.social•3 days ago

I'm going to need more than their "regret". I'm going to need a sincere apology. Also actions speak louder than words. They need to show up and protest this shit, if they can't do that they can fuck all the way off.

jacksquatto.bsky.social•3 days ago

Why believe such fickle people? As soon as the price of milk goes up they'll be right back with GOP. It will take decades for a meaningful number of Trump voters to defect. If that's the plan check back in 25 years for midterm eval. Do we think NSA/CIA has tapes of Trump/Putin calls? That'll help.

clownaudit.bsky.social•3 days ago

How do we find tolerance for the “oops did I end up voting for fascism” crowd?

prior-industry.bsky.social•3 days ago

Kennedy was the bright spot for her. 🤦

judyblue007.bsky.social•3 days ago

I suppose so, but I'm really really really pissed.

daleratner.bsky.social•3 days ago

There is something about "Here, take this pill from Merck" which causes psychological dissatisfaction in a lot of people. They want ancient mystic "cures" of "deep wisdom", not a pill developed by a lab of BioChem Ph.D.s. I don't understand it. I want the pill from Merck.

thomszucs.bsky.social•3 days ago

Right?
F*ck Emily

savvycat2.bsky.social•3 days ago

😒

savvycat2.bsky.social•3 days ago

Kennedy's impact is yet to be seen. I think she will have the same reaction later for Kennedy. Here in Texas, we have an outbreak of measles. It's hard to believe!!! I feel Kennedy is partly responsible for it.

shedevilpatrol.bsky.social•3 days ago

Emily said she was “embarrassed” who she voted for not ‘regretful’ I will not be accommodating to these voters until they get to the lowest base line to make sure they have managed to catch their heads! I’d rather pull the voters back that sat it out, they are already to jump back on!

cherylms.bsky.social•3 days ago

The only path out of autocracy is revolution. In every revolution the players are the same. The autocrat, the noble men who enrich themselves, the snitches who enjoy hurting the “others”, the complacent who accept their fate and the resisters willing to risk their lives for freedom of tyranny.

susiedaytona.bsky.social•3 days ago

I have an idea…a way to release our anger in a harmless, private way. Just so these people feel a little pinch, nothing dire.

harryfabian.bsky.social•3 days ago

To be fair to Emily, Trump never talked about deportations until after he was safely elected 🙄

sweetaudrey.bsky.social•3 days ago

Yeah I know it too, but I’m still like “f*ck you Emily”. Maybe 2 things can be true somehow?

deejaymcg.bsky.social•3 days ago

That’s why they call the Prodigal Son a parable.

beagleantics.bsky.social•3 days ago

The irony of all this for me is that it makes me feel anti-democratic: if people don’t have the sense and judgment not to vote for lunatics, then they shouldn’t be allowed to vote.

salsantamaura.bsky.social•3 days ago

I disagree with what you "know," JVL. When the Emily Andersons of the world suffer sufficiently, *they'll* lead the way out of autocracy without any need for coddling by decent real Americans who've recognized FFOTUS the DIC's (and RFK Jr.'s) evil from the start.

yiayiastl.bsky.social•3 days ago

Yes I think think the Trump voters need to be hurt by Trump before they actually change

enots406.bsky.social•3 days ago

People were still calling Covid a hoax as they were in the hospital dying from it. The guy who recently had his conservation farming grant frozen said “he got in bed with *the government*” and now *the government* won’t pay out. He couldn’t bring himself to name Trump or musk.

enots406.bsky.social•3 days ago

I don’t think personal consequences will be especially revelatory for a lot of people.

trambopoline96.bsky.social•3 days ago

I can forgive folks who voted for him the first time, but voting for him *again* after mismanaging COVID, everything leading up to January 6th, 91 charges across four indictments, 34 felony convictions…it’s just mind boggling.

I know I’m preaching to the choir, but I’m genuinely at a loss here

funraindrop9328.bsky.social•3 days ago

I'd like to think we should "Make America Think Critically Again", but have we every, as a collective nation, thought critically? More correct to say we need to Teach America to Think Critically

clevernickname23.bsky.social•3 days ago

My issue is that when people change their minds because they're uncomfortable, they will often go back to their old ways as soon as they feel comfortable again. I'm going to hold off throwing any parties for these people until after they show more than just tears and regrets.

rjripley.bsky.social•3 days ago

Keep your eye on the ball. Welcome her back.

varholy.bsky.social•3 days ago

We aren't to truth and reconciliation part yet. We're still in the FA part. The pain of FO is still coming.

neurocandies.bsky.social•3 days ago

I’ll welcome them if they pull themselves up and start fighting the GOP and Trump’s regime alongside us.

lupusblackfur.bsky.social•3 days ago

What you say may be true...

But, if there exists a future scenario where I can possibly work up any sympathy, empathy, much less forgiveness for such idiots...

Sorry. It ain't now.

For now, fuck them all.

🫏🤡🫏🤡🖕🖕🖕

jonjonjj.bsky.social•3 days ago

I'll accept her if she can bring another Trump voter with her

mike-mcghee.bsky.social•2 days ago

“Bad JVL wants to put those people on a Falcon Heavy”, LOL.

resist77.bsky.social•3 days ago

We will need to band together to oppose the regime. It will take all of us.

cliftonh.bsky.social•3 days ago

I don’t think the path out of autocracy requires accommodating a mildly anxious woman with buyers remorse. The way out is for real significant personal consequences to blow their fake bullshit concerns out of their consciousness forever.

ne1970.bsky.social•3 days ago

No.

hoptimusprime.bsky.social•3 days ago

I think it's possible to simultaneously recognize that we need their votes while acknowledging that they are either deeply stupid or evil people (or both) and that they're strictly passengers on whatever ride pro-democracy forces take America on next.

marjkozlowski.bsky.social•3 days ago

I think you also have to allow the angry an opportunity to vent for 5 minutes. I think most people will welcome Emily back at minute 6, but we need empathy for those whose lives have literally been threatened to share their anger, and then help them welcome the buyer's remorse crowd back.

some-marc-guy.bsky.social•3 days ago

this pretty much sums it up. For those who insist on all of us "being the bigger people" AGAIN, I'm glad you're well adjusted enough to move along, but some of us aren't.

imchuckmiller.bsky.social•3 days ago

That’s a tough one pal….lets split the difference and just refrain from openly mocking them

savvycat2.bsky.social•3 days ago

Although I understand how everyone has a hard time feeling empathy for those who were brainwashed (I feel the same), a soft-sell is the only way we are going to beat the moron in the white house who has no empathy, sympathy, savvy, morals,----I could go on. However, he is a christian😀😱😝.

halcragin.bsky.social•3 days ago

I’m not gonna welcome these people. They made their bed.
Or rather, I should say the world’s bed

merconceagain.bsky.social•3 days ago

I think it's okay to be frustrated and angry. But as hard as it is, we have to welcome people with open arms. If we want to live in a democracy, sometimes we have tolerate ignorance. I tell my 7th graders that's the trade. You'll be free, but you have to hope your fellow citizens can govern

merconceagain.bsky.social•3 days ago

Themselves accordingly. That's the tradeoff. As angry as I am, I still choose our democracy over other forms of government any day. That freedom has let a kid from a working class Irish family be the first in his family to go to college.

daveatman.bsky.social•3 days ago

Unfortunately American (USA) is only classified as a 'partial democracy'. It is one of the weaker democracies. You need to look at New Zealand, Canada, Australia, several Scandinavian countries and so forth to find real democracies. But good luck getting Trumpling to allow any future elections

merconceagain.bsky.social•3 days ago

It's allowed his son to go go good schools. As flawed as it is, people like me would never get these opportunities in a monarchy or dictatorship.

intowalls.bsky.social•3 days ago

Canadain democracy works much better than American democracy. So many countries work on a parliamentary democracy and are far less f*ed up than the US

merconceagain.bsky.social•2 days ago

I just mean democracy in general not whether it should be parliamentary, direct, republic etc

daleratner.bsky.social•3 days ago

I think this is why a lot of Harris voters are still in FAFO out mode.

bookofmimi.bsky.social•3 days ago

Accommodating the Emily Andersons? Nope. Those who regret their trump vote need to work on themselves, stop being lazy citizens and actively work to remain informed so that their ridiculous votes don’t cancel out the votes of those who are engaged.

breeorwhatever.bsky.social•3 days ago

I know deep in my bones that we can't and won't get through this without them, and that people much wiser than me have done the work and proven that forgiveness is our only chance at getting out of this. Like, I get all that.

but I'm still boiling with rage. I'll get there. Maybe. I'll try...tbd.

laurenhodges.bsky.social•3 days ago

For me, there's no "and yet." It's a foolhearted effort to get Americans to agree on every issue down to plaids or stripes. However, if you believe Americans have common ideals, then anyone who shares those is enough.

Autocracy is bad. Full stop. We can argue about place settings later.

cassandraoftroy.bsky.social•3 days ago

The FO phase is always the most painful.

buddhaofnazareth.bsky.social•3 days ago

Just for those who are unsure:
Dictatorships don’t end by a democratic vote.
By 2028 the table will be set for a full on autocracy. 2026 is so important to prevent or slow down that sprint to complete autocracy.

jokercowgarage.bsky.social•3 days ago

But how? Anyone who still believes RFK is a bright spot and is "surprised" at Trump doing things that he said he would do and other warned about incessantly is either poorly informed or stupid or both (probably). Someone like that obviously has unreliable news sources. They will continue to mislead.

tfred.bsky.social•3 days ago

The only way a R voter would care is if they lost their job from all of this. Otherwise? pffft

heartmama.bsky.social•3 days ago

At least she feels guilty. Those I can welcome. Its these ppl who cannot admit how effing wrong they were and still are that will be more challenging.

ryanb123.bsky.social•3 days ago

On the other hand, these people aren't reliable narrators. I just assume they're lying.

lucivf.bsky.social•3 days ago

Yah...screw her. Tell her her penance is voting straight Dem in the next two elections and converting 12 other Magats.

meredith-keith.bsky.social•3 days ago

It has to get worse before it can get better.

paugowen.bsky.social•3 days ago

I so want to NOT scream "WE TOLD YOU SO!!!" at Emily, but vax denier and general conspiracy crank RFK JR being a "bright spot" for her prevents me from finding any compassion for her.

wankerjustice.bsky.social•2 days ago

fuck them, the lot of 'em

tlvg.bsky.social•3 days ago

These are deeply unserious people and they deserve to experience the consequences of their unserious behavior.

msc429.bsky.social•3 days ago

I would have a difficult time forgiving these people.

drewned.bsky.social•3 days ago

The only way these people should be welcomed back is if they take a leadership role in deprogramming other selfish idiots.

mtb-gal.bsky.social•3 days ago

Do we though? I mean, if they’re unhappy bc they are finally feeling personally affected, they’re not going back to the trough bc people who were smart enough not to vote for this douchebag don’t accept them into the fold. We WILL start to wonder how he won when suddenly “no one” voted for him.

utahalumnus.bsky.social•3 days ago

Then they came for her and there was nobody to speak up. 🙄

lonestargooner.bsky.social•3 days ago

Nah, fuck that noise.

eyeballhatred.bsky.social•3 days ago

With a hug. Only Americans will save America.

scottfenstermaker.bsky.social•3 days ago

I doubt the Emily Anderson’s of the world are in any way representative. @radiofreetom.bsky.social is right: for people who voted for Trump, all this activity is incredibly entertaining and reclaims status for them.

radiofreetom.bsky.social•3 days ago

But JVL is right (as he always is) that for people who get it, "I told you so" isn't useful.

cigciglar.bsky.social•3 days ago

They’re going to have to see and feel the consequences until it hurts. Then it will be too late.

cben.bsky.social•3 days ago

If enough of them ‘get it’ they won’t need their hands held by Dems. For the rest, FU and FU.

salsantamaura.bsky.social•3 days ago

I disagree with JVL. When the Emily Andersons of the world suffer sufficiently, *they'll* lead the way out of autocracy without any need for coddling by decent real Americans who've recognized FFOTUS the DIC's (and RFK Jr.'s) evil from the start. "I told you so" is neither useful nor harmful.

kathmarval.bsky.social•3 days ago

Raging at people in the find out phrase is a luxury we can't afford if we want a functioning democracy. We need to work w/ them for two ends: first, to reverse the current political travesty, & then - just as important - to reinforce their wiser & kinder convictions so they're less easily conned.
1/

kathmarval.bsky.social•3 days ago

Besides, raging at them isn't good for us, any more than raging at "woke libtards" is good for them. The energy a person gets from rage is ephemeral, not sustaining. It doesn't help us stay in community w/ those we love & want to be close to, & it doesn't help us restore our republic.
2/2

kathyf.bsky.social•3 days ago

We're all gonna need acting classes, to help us pretend to sympathize with these remorseful voters. I just don't have the skills.

norsemanil.bsky.social•3 days ago

My feelings = "I know this. And yet . . . "

johndettling.bsky.social•3 days ago

@jvl.bsky.social How about we all get at least one "I told you so"?

jscram3254.bsky.social•3 days ago

I’m all for welcoming them back, but we need to remember that their judgment is suspect and until they’ve proven themselves, they can support, but we aren’t listening to their ideas.

rdmullin.bsky.social•3 days ago

This is very significant. Most people are noticing that Trump is not helping them with economic issues. His approval of handling the economy is way below any point in his first term. https://www.reuters.com/data/trumps-approval-rating-2025-01-21/

randomminutia.bsky.social•3 days ago

Make Atonement Great Again.

randomminutia.bsky.social•3 days ago

No, random ADHD person. The actual act of Atonement, and not the Movie with James McAvoy and Keira Knightley with the amazing score and scene at the Evacuation of Dunkirk.

austidog.bsky.social•3 days ago

Name one of us who hasn’t had a “I get it now” moment in their lives. There’s a difference between Emily and a Jan 6 MAGA rioter. Welcome Emily.

whichthat.bsky.social•3 days ago

Matthew 20 always applies. Some people won't join in the work until the day is almost over. We have to be OK with that.

scottfenstermaker.bsky.social•3 days ago

Granted.

gordonbloem.bsky.social•3 days ago

Tempting as it is to say that, or much worse, we need to welcome all with open arms.

fuliginously.bsky.social•3 days ago

I’ve been wrong too, my arms are open

brianlee25.bsky.social•3 days ago

I hope when we see contrition that we can show grace and forgiveness.

alohajenee.bsky.social•3 days ago

Given that she still considers RFK jr's role as a "bright spot," I told you so" wouldn't cover it anyway. At some point she needs to acknowledge she's just not a bright person, something she's not bright enough to figure out.

tombucsfan.bsky.social•3 days ago

The reason why Obama won Florida in 2008 and 2012 is he lost the dumb Florida voters in Polk, Marion and Pasco Counties by a 60-40 margins instead of 70-30 or 75-25 margins that Hilary lost in 2016. Steve Schale described 2016 demographically as a Micropolitan massacre.

tombucsfan.bsky.social•3 days ago

Schale was Obama's campaign manager in Florida in 2008 and 2012.

tombucsfan.bsky.social•3 days ago

Plus since the margin was so small, you are not talking a large number to swing the 2024 election the other way. Even when Biden won in 2020, he could have lost the election the same way. That was a much wider margin than Trump's win in 2024.

mikaelaskyesays.bsky.social•7 hours ago

Only until it harms them personally

anderspeterson.bsky.social•3 days ago

I hear you. Trust me, I hear you. Every bone in my body wants to say "I told you so" to these ppl. But that will not help one bit. We need them in order to escape this nightmare.

stan29.bsky.social•3 days ago

Had anything changed in her news sources? Is there more of an awakening over what she considers a news or information source? Excellent chance she'll be brainwashed yet again unless she finally stops doing "her own research" on topics that simply don't have an easy fix or solution.

fpoons.bsky.social•3 days ago

lukemigneco.bsky.social•3 days ago

I think it's important to create a culture of not shaming somebody for saying "I don't know enough to know, so I will not be voting".

Great if somebody gets serious, but for those unwilling or unable important to respect them for not voting.

emblemboy.bsky.social•3 days ago

I don't hold much contempt for the normie low info trump voters. They are wrong but they're the kind of voter Dems can win back.

I hold contempt for the high info Trump voter in the journalism/political/executive world though. They know what they're doing and should be absolutely shamed for it

moosedog66.bsky.social•3 days ago

inmontana.bsky.social•3 days ago

If you don't like "toxins" in your sugared cereal, don't eat it. This whole excuse for voting GOP because RFK will approve our food never ceases to annoy me. People will continue to eat what they want. The airport chickfilet lines will not be shorter.

isabielsky.bsky.social•2 days ago

@jvl.bsky.social you are one of the few people who is able to articulate what I think about the election of Trump and what a lot of the Americans who voted for him wanted. Thank you. Keep up the good work

some-marc-guy.bsky.social•3 days ago

yep, "stupid" is a good enough place to leave it. You voted for this dumpster fire... live with it.

rkramer1989.bsky.social•2 days ago

Ugh I agree, but they need to learn how to think critically and how to think ahead for the next time. These people who flip sides prove they only care about how they feel in the moment

erictaysom.bsky.social•3 days ago

Amen.

repetitiveuser.bsky.social•1 day ago

You want to scream in her face that she's a fucking idiot that got us here because she was too damn stupid in the first place?

gordonbloem.bsky.social•3 days ago

Her “toxins out of foods” statement is so frustrating. A laudable health goal but compared to the threats posed by vaccine denial?

avendarien.bsky.social•3 days ago

Hard not to dunk on them.

brycejmcneil.bsky.social•3 days ago

We are all Brian Griffin in this scene, except in our scenario Peter dragged us down the stairs with him to suffer the same injuries (NSFW):

https://youtu.be/qYyxURtpVF0?si=g8SM7j9yYgdJxg5q.

Part of most problems is people wanting to evade scolding while simultaneously not demonstrating they wouldn't repeat their action.