Thank you so much for this. I have been trying to make this point for awhile as I see so many people who have the privilege of a voice using it to spew fear and vent their frustration. Not only unhelpful but inures to the benefit of the rogue regime. Give us ACTIONABLE INFORMATION, such as this!
Audrey...thank you for saying this! Because...you’re exactly right...and you’re naming something many people FEEL...but can’t quite articulate yet.
Fear without direction isn’t just unhelpful.
It’s counterproductive.
When people with large platforms use their voice primarily to vent...panic...or catastrophize...they may feel momentarily relieved...but the downstream effect is exhaustion...paralysis...and...learned helplessness in everyone listening.
And that dynamic...absolutely benefits a rogue...authoritarian-leaning regime...whether intentionally or not.
Actionable information does something VERY different.
It restores agency.
It helps people stay oriented...regulated...and capable of making GOOD DECISIONS over time.
That’s the line I’m trying to hold here:
Clear-eyed about the danger...without feeding the emotional spiral that hands power away for free.
I’m really glad this landed for you...and I appreciate you being part of the group that wants more than fear.
True resilience is being able to face ANY ugly truth...because you know you have the tools and ability to process it in a way that doesn't fry your neurons-circuitry. Instead, you process it in a way that leaves your thinking brain intact...and the more people we have in the realm...the better our chances of prevailing.
In reading all your posts about controlling the temperature of your thoughts and reactions supported by helpful tips and examples, I’m getting a better grip on my actions and reactions to the chaos that is Trump and his cohorts. Thank you, Jack.
Thank you for this! It really means a lot to hear.
What you’re describing is EXACTLY the point of all this: not numbing out...not pretending the chaos isn’t real...but staying steady enough to CHOOSE your responses instead of having them chosen FOR you.
Trump and his cohort thrive on temperature spikes...outrage...fear...exhaustion. When you can control the temperature of your own thinking...you DENY THEM that fuel and keep yourself capable...present...and effective.
I’m really glad these posts are helping you find that footing....I am.
Holding fast doesn’t mean standing rigid...it means staying grounded!
This information you shared is so universally valuable for individuals and for crowds, and although we must remember it at all times, training ourselves to be prepared, sometimes reminders are definitely needed. Thank you, Jack!
JP, thank you...this really captures the heart of it. It does.
Clarity and regulation...aren’t things you “achieve” once and keep forever. They’re skills you practice...especially when conditions are designed to pull people into fear or reaction.
Reminders aren’t a failure...they’re part of STAYING prepared.
I’m glad this resonated, JP...and I appreciate you holding that line with me.
Interesting perspective — arguing that panic plays into authoritarian tactics and that clarity, calm, and strategic thought are more effective responses than fear. The piece suggests that mass anxiety can distract and exhaust people, while measured focus and orientation actually build resilience and leverage in political conflict. 
But let’s be clear: calm shouldn’t become complacency. Recognizing threats doesn’t mean ignoring them — it means organizing in a way that makes real change possible, not just soothing nerves. The real fight for democracy demands both courage and clear strategy — not just being calm because headlines get loud. #Holdfast
There was a line uttered by Sean Connery in the movie, “Hunt for the Red October” the snuggles up to your essay.
“Consider the uses of adversity.”
In other words, how can I use a given situation, an action or event to my or a group’s advantaged.
I’m re-reading your past essays to brush up on skills and strengthen my resolve for these troubling times. I may print them up…they would make a fine, no nonsense, grounded / earthy book. Please consider seeking a publisher.
Fear is powerful. The thing that nearly everyone is afraid of is the unknown. It’s not fear of a spider but fear of what it might do. It’s not fear of heights but fear of falling and what injury may result. There are many ways to deal with fear and anxiety and they work. Calm reflects strength. We need that now.
On an unrelated note-do you think that Trump is projecting by putting his stolen oil assets in a Qatari bank? When the jaws of justice close in that may be his escape location. A look into where he is keeping his liquid assets and connections with Qatar might reveal something. Follow the money!
Right on time! My heart knows this, its a long way to send the message to my brain sometimes. I have a friend I talk to, every day, we make each other laugh, we repeat - we're making it through this, no matter what! We've been through a lot over the past 34 years... Thank you Jack, the Hope you give helps so much! And as said above, the actionable items are priceless! Hugs💜🌻💜
Thank you so much for this. I have been trying to make this point for awhile as I see so many people who have the privilege of a voice using it to spew fear and vent their frustration. Not only unhelpful but inures to the benefit of the rogue regime. Give us ACTIONABLE INFORMATION, such as this!
Audrey...thank you for saying this! Because...you’re exactly right...and you’re naming something many people FEEL...but can’t quite articulate yet.
Fear without direction isn’t just unhelpful.
It’s counterproductive.
When people with large platforms use their voice primarily to vent...panic...or catastrophize...they may feel momentarily relieved...but the downstream effect is exhaustion...paralysis...and...learned helplessness in everyone listening.
And that dynamic...absolutely benefits a rogue...authoritarian-leaning regime...whether intentionally or not.
Actionable information does something VERY different.
It restores agency.
It helps people stay oriented...regulated...and capable of making GOOD DECISIONS over time.
That’s the line I’m trying to hold here:
Clear-eyed about the danger...without feeding the emotional spiral that hands power away for free.
I’m really glad this landed for you...and I appreciate you being part of the group that wants more than fear.
True resilience is being able to face ANY ugly truth...because you know you have the tools and ability to process it in a way that doesn't fry your neurons-circuitry. Instead, you process it in a way that leaves your thinking brain intact...and the more people we have in the realm...the better our chances of prevailing.
You rock!
-Jack
And #HoldFast
No panic here my friend. Just steely resolve.
I know that, Tom! I've seen your no-fear style in action...and there's not a shred of "backing down" in you.
-Jack
Can't put out a fire if you're running around in circles screaming!
Wende...boy...you nailed it with that sentence! I like that...a LOT.
-Jack
In reading all your posts about controlling the temperature of your thoughts and reactions supported by helpful tips and examples, I’m getting a better grip on my actions and reactions to the chaos that is Trump and his cohorts. Thank you, Jack.
#HOLDFAST
Thank you for this! It really means a lot to hear.
What you’re describing is EXACTLY the point of all this: not numbing out...not pretending the chaos isn’t real...but staying steady enough to CHOOSE your responses instead of having them chosen FOR you.
Trump and his cohort thrive on temperature spikes...outrage...fear...exhaustion. When you can control the temperature of your own thinking...you DENY THEM that fuel and keep yourself capable...present...and effective.
I’m really glad these posts are helping you find that footing....I am.
Holding fast doesn’t mean standing rigid...it means staying grounded!
#HOLDFAST
-Jack
Thanks Jack! I needed this message today!
You're most welcome, Sue!
-Jack
“Worry Is a Crowd Behavior…Calm Is a Competitive Advantage”
Exactly.
Glad you like that, Scott!
-Jack
Exactly.
#HoldFast, CJ!
-Jack
This information you shared is so universally valuable for individuals and for crowds, and although we must remember it at all times, training ourselves to be prepared, sometimes reminders are definitely needed. Thank you, Jack!
#Holdfast
JP, thank you...this really captures the heart of it. It does.
Clarity and regulation...aren’t things you “achieve” once and keep forever. They’re skills you practice...especially when conditions are designed to pull people into fear or reaction.
Reminders aren’t a failure...they’re part of STAYING prepared.
I’m glad this resonated, JP...and I appreciate you holding that line with me.
#Holdfast
-Jack
Jack that's spot on. Hold Fast and survive...
YES!!
Thanks, John.
-Jack
Interesting perspective — arguing that panic plays into authoritarian tactics and that clarity, calm, and strategic thought are more effective responses than fear. The piece suggests that mass anxiety can distract and exhaust people, while measured focus and orientation actually build resilience and leverage in political conflict. 
But let’s be clear: calm shouldn’t become complacency. Recognizing threats doesn’t mean ignoring them — it means organizing in a way that makes real change possible, not just soothing nerves. The real fight for democracy demands both courage and clear strategy — not just being calm because headlines get loud. #Holdfast
There was a line uttered by Sean Connery in the movie, “Hunt for the Red October” the snuggles up to your essay.
“Consider the uses of adversity.”
In other words, how can I use a given situation, an action or event to my or a group’s advantaged.
I’m re-reading your past essays to brush up on skills and strengthen my resolve for these troubling times. I may print them up…they would make a fine, no nonsense, grounded / earthy book. Please consider seeking a publisher.
Thank you for another instructive essay.
Fear is powerful. The thing that nearly everyone is afraid of is the unknown. It’s not fear of a spider but fear of what it might do. It’s not fear of heights but fear of falling and what injury may result. There are many ways to deal with fear and anxiety and they work. Calm reflects strength. We need that now.
On an unrelated note-do you think that Trump is projecting by putting his stolen oil assets in a Qatari bank? When the jaws of justice close in that may be his escape location. A look into where he is keeping his liquid assets and connections with Qatar might reveal something. Follow the money!
Right on time! My heart knows this, its a long way to send the message to my brain sometimes. I have a friend I talk to, every day, we make each other laugh, we repeat - we're making it through this, no matter what! We've been through a lot over the past 34 years... Thank you Jack, the Hope you give helps so much! And as said above, the actionable items are priceless! Hugs💜🌻💜