Jack spot on. We have turned a small group of about 10 people into 200 plus. We meet and organize resistance rallies from last May day to No Kings ! and 2 and now 3. We have movies once a month. More people are joining to resist and we have formed a community which is more than our Indivisible members.
John Smith...exactly right! You didn’t just grow a group from 10 to 200+ ...you built real momentum.
The biggest thing...is that it’s become MORE than rallies. By creating recurring events and community...you’ve built something people want to STAY part of. That’s how resistance turns into lasting power, John. Well done.
My property is next to a highway with 15k cars a day. I lit up a tree with so many solar blue lights that it glows for a at least a half of a mile. In a sea of red, I created the tree of hope. (I posted the pic on the substack app, but I don't know how to post it here). I just keep trying to do some little thing every day. Thanks Jack, for helping me be brave enough to do this.
Oh Charli, this is great. I’m thinking about making one in my yard even if Thousands don’t pass by each day. Need to sort out our Xmas lights to see how much blue we have.
I used blue solar spot lights. I researched the brightest (most bang for the buck). I used InnoGear Solar Lights Outdoor Waterproof Halloween Christmas Solar Garden Light for Outside Yard Landscape Lighting Pathway Spot Lights Spotlight Wall Light Auto On/Off, 2 Pack (Blue Light). I had to use 22 spot lights because the tree is so big and the traffic is moving fast. For an in town yard. 1 or 2 spot lights will be plenty, especially on a white house. (I ended up buying them on Amazon which I am trying to boycott.)
I have been wondering about the No Kings protests for this weekend. Since we are going to be in the UK, we won't be at our local one. I don't get the sense that it will be as big as hoped. I think you are spot-on that there is exhaustion and a sense of "nothing matters" among a lot of people out there. Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines unless it's to take a breather for the next play, the next drive, the next round. I told one of our Congressional staffers today that every day there is another atrocity committed by this regime, and the only question is, what time of day do I read about it? #HoldingFast --- because too much is at stake, because I have spent too much of my life supporting military families (and being one) to let them down now, because my grandparents were immigrants, because I have a walked through the gas chambers at Dachau. Thank you, as ever.
"What matters now is knowing what to pay attention to, what to ignore, and where your energy can actually make a difference."
You have been indispensable in fine tuning my receiver in this way.
Next good thing I can is right here, to alert those unaware that @JoJofromjerz is reporting unspecified threats to her and is undeterred but quite scared right now. Please check out her last two posts:
Buck...that’s exactly it. You’ve dialed in your signal...and...now you’re helping others do the same. That’s real awareness in ACTION.
What you’re doing right here...paying attention...amplifying something that matters... looking out for people...that’s not small. That’s how networks stay informed and connected when it counts.
You’re using your awareness and your voice. That combination is powerful!
Regarding Jo, yeah...she's a friend of mine. She's been on my show a couple of times, and I've been on her show.
This hits hard...and you can feel why people rally around her.
She’s not just telling a story…she’s showing the throughline of who she is: someone who recognizes power games...refuses to shrink...and keeps standing anyway...even when it gets scary.
What stands out most is that tension...careful...not quiet. That’s strength under pressure, not performance.
And...the bigger thing? She’s reminding people that this isn’t isolated. It’s a pattern. And once you see it...you can’t unsee it.
"Compile, preserve, and double-blind vault every shred of the interaction immediately as you go. We're all charging this hill together, and everyone with any sense is or sould be scared shitless."
Right now the hill looks like this:
Counterintel personnel purged, an abundance of very ripe target-rich TSA-deficient overcrowded airports with unqualified ICE agents on overwatch, whose presence adds heat to an already tense situation. Iran has enough common sense to not activate its sleepers and thus guarantee Trump stays in office. But plenty of other actors are ready willing and able to do so, and probably pin it on Iran.
My sister and I will be attending No Kings 3 just like we did 1 & 2. I have had numerous conversations with friends and I think that has made a difference in their level of engagement. I have repeatedly told them about you and other independent substacks and social platforms. I continue to make small donations where and when I can. As always you inspire me to adhere to being engaged and my sister and I also make sure we try to stay true to our ancestors who fought in the war for Independence against a tyrant/king such as militarily at Bunker Hill and other battles for our democracy. Again thank you Jack for helping me stay grounded and engaged when I get overwhelmed.
Excellent read today, Jack. I love the comments. Everyone is making a difference. Those actions remind us that we aren't alone and we also can and should take action in whatever way possible.
Susan...I hear you, and that mix of tired and determined is real.
The fact that you’re still standing, Susan...still paying attention...still refusing to give up… that’s the WHOLE game right now. You don’t have to be perfect...or nonstop...you just have to stay in it.
Thank you Jack, I’m recovering from stomach flu bug (something I ate) vomiting, trips to the bathroom (even middle of the night) crackers, 7-up, chicken soup and rest is helping. Not feeling good but it will pass. Didn’t stop my activism this am but I know my limits. I do what I can when I can during these dark times what we are all faced with and of course my job at home.
Jack thanks for reaffirming that the small steps matter. The one off conversation that helps inform or listening to the 3x Trump voter that has had an ephinany. Everyday drowning out the noise, looking at the patterns,and engaging with people to help make a difference.
Terrific column, Jack. Many thanks. I was asking myself a while back what it was that I could do besides show up at marches with a sign. I decided that, since I'm a writer, the best thing I could do would be to write. I'm in the middle of a novel, but I have the time to write two or maybe three columns each week and to post them to substack. I ask people to send them on to whomever they believe might want to read them. It's little enough for one person to do, but it's something.
Thanks Jack! I needed this talk right now. Been feeling a bit over whelmed getting ready for No Kings 3. Attended several different town rallies for Hands Off and No Kings 1. Missed NK 2. NK3 will be biggest yet per Indivisible national.
Just the reminder that "all things in succession, one thing at a time
" will get us through is important when it feels like too little too late.
Jack spot on. We have turned a small group of about 10 people into 200 plus. We meet and organize resistance rallies from last May day to No Kings ! and 2 and now 3. We have movies once a month. More people are joining to resist and we have formed a community which is more than our Indivisible members.
John Smith...exactly right! You didn’t just grow a group from 10 to 200+ ...you built real momentum.
The biggest thing...is that it’s become MORE than rallies. By creating recurring events and community...you’ve built something people want to STAY part of. That’s how resistance turns into lasting power, John. Well done.
-Jack
Love this!
Me too, Charli!
-Jack
My property is next to a highway with 15k cars a day. I lit up a tree with so many solar blue lights that it glows for a at least a half of a mile. In a sea of red, I created the tree of hope. (I posted the pic on the substack app, but I don't know how to post it here). I just keep trying to do some little thing every day. Thanks Jack, for helping me be brave enough to do this.
Charli Gregory...that is beautiful. In a sea of red...you made a tree of hope...and...I guarantee people see it...and FEEL it!
What you’re doing, Charli... matters more than you know...because courage like that...gives other people permission to be a little braver too.
Honestly, that line about doing some little thing every day? That’s how this is built. Not all at once. Day by DAY. Light...by LIGHT.
I’m really glad you shared that. It took heart to do it!
-Jack
Oh Charli, this is great. I’m thinking about making one in my yard even if Thousands don’t pass by each day. Need to sort out our Xmas lights to see how much blue we have.
Could you post a link to the pic? I looked at your page and didn’t see any post on Substack.
I used blue solar spot lights. I researched the brightest (most bang for the buck). I used InnoGear Solar Lights Outdoor Waterproof Halloween Christmas Solar Garden Light for Outside Yard Landscape Lighting Pathway Spot Lights Spotlight Wall Light Auto On/Off, 2 Pack (Blue Light). I had to use 22 spot lights because the tree is so big and the traffic is moving fast. For an in town yard. 1 or 2 spot lights will be plenty, especially on a white house. (I ended up buying them on Amazon which I am trying to boycott.)
https://substack.com/profile/152876251-charli-gregory/note/c-233273619?utm_source=substack&utm_content=first-note-modal
Pretty sure, that beautiful beacon can be seen around the world.
I forwarded this article to all of my acquaintances. Maybe a couple will be motivated. Good job!
Steven...I love that. That is an ACTION step you just took. Well done, my friend.
-Jack
I have had nothing but positive responses to your article!
I have been wondering about the No Kings protests for this weekend. Since we are going to be in the UK, we won't be at our local one. I don't get the sense that it will be as big as hoped. I think you are spot-on that there is exhaustion and a sense of "nothing matters" among a lot of people out there. Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines unless it's to take a breather for the next play, the next drive, the next round. I told one of our Congressional staffers today that every day there is another atrocity committed by this regime, and the only question is, what time of day do I read about it? #HoldingFast --- because too much is at stake, because I have spent too much of my life supporting military families (and being one) to let them down now, because my grandparents were immigrants, because I have a walked through the gas chambers at Dachau. Thank you, as ever.
"What matters now is knowing what to pay attention to, what to ignore, and where your energy can actually make a difference."
You have been indispensable in fine tuning my receiver in this way.
Next good thing I can is right here, to alert those unaware that @JoJofromjerz is reporting unspecified threats to her and is undeterred but quite scared right now. Please check out her last two posts:
https://jojofromjerz.substack.com/p/careful-not-quiet?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3nger8
https://jojofromjerz.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-pedoligarchy?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3nger8
Buck...that’s exactly it. You’ve dialed in your signal...and...now you’re helping others do the same. That’s real awareness in ACTION.
What you’re doing right here...paying attention...amplifying something that matters... looking out for people...that’s not small. That’s how networks stay informed and connected when it counts.
You’re using your awareness and your voice. That combination is powerful!
Regarding Jo, yeah...she's a friend of mine. She's been on my show a couple of times, and I've been on her show.
This hits hard...and you can feel why people rally around her.
She’s not just telling a story…she’s showing the throughline of who she is: someone who recognizes power games...refuses to shrink...and keeps standing anyway...even when it gets scary.
What stands out most is that tension...careful...not quiet. That’s strength under pressure, not performance.
And...the bigger thing? She’s reminding people that this isn’t isolated. It’s a pattern. And once you see it...you can’t unsee it.
-Jack
My comment to Jo was this:
"Compile, preserve, and double-blind vault every shred of the interaction immediately as you go. We're all charging this hill together, and everyone with any sense is or sould be scared shitless."
Right now the hill looks like this:
Counterintel personnel purged, an abundance of very ripe target-rich TSA-deficient overcrowded airports with unqualified ICE agents on overwatch, whose presence adds heat to an already tense situation. Iran has enough common sense to not activate its sleepers and thus guarantee Trump stays in office. But plenty of other actors are ready willing and able to do so, and probably pin it on Iran.
We’re on it, man,thanks to your encouragement. It’s solid, consistent, just as you describe to us. Being an example is HUGE!
#Holdfast
Rae, Rae...Rae...that’s it right there! Solid...consistent...visible. That’s how this actually grows.
You’re right. Being an example is EVERYTHING. People don’t just hear it…they SEE it...and it gives them permission...to step forward too.
#Holdfast is EXACTLY the right word. :)
-Jack
My sister and I will be attending No Kings 3 just like we did 1 & 2. I have had numerous conversations with friends and I think that has made a difference in their level of engagement. I have repeatedly told them about you and other independent substacks and social platforms. I continue to make small donations where and when I can. As always you inspire me to adhere to being engaged and my sister and I also make sure we try to stay true to our ancestors who fought in the war for Independence against a tyrant/king such as militarily at Bunker Hill and other battles for our democracy. Again thank you Jack for helping me stay grounded and engaged when I get overwhelmed.
Deborah...THIS... is exactly what it looks like when it’s working.
You’re showing up...having conversations...bringing others along...supporting where you can...and doing it consistently.
That ripple effect you’re creating with friends? Yeah...that’s real influence. That’s how engagement spreads quietly...but...POWERFULLY.
I love that you and your sister are doing this together! That kind of shared commitment makes it stick.
You’re not just staying grounded, you’re helping other people stay grounded too. That's a big deal...in case you didn't already know that.
-Jack
This is the moment I have become dangerous!! That feels good!
OHHHHHHHHH...THIS, BG!
Reading that lit me up like a Christmas tree. That's something very real and powerful inside you. :)
-Jack
Excellent read today, Jack. I love the comments. Everyone is making a difference. Those actions remind us that we aren't alone and we also can and should take action in whatever way possible.
Lynn...exactly right...and that’s the shift that matters most!
When people start to see each other taking action...it breaks that feeling of isolation. It turns “I’m alone in this” into “we’re EVERYWHERE!”
Once that clicks, even small actions...STOP feeling small. They become part of something BIGGER...and that’s what keeps people moving forward.
-Jack
Always a lift, thanks Jack
Annie...you...are most welcome. Thank YOU.
-Jack
Thank you, Jack. I really needed this today. I’m tired.. so concerned.. but I won’t give up.. Ever!
#Holdfast
~Susan
Susan...I hear you, and that mix of tired and determined is real.
The fact that you’re still standing, Susan...still paying attention...still refusing to give up… that’s the WHOLE game right now. You don’t have to be perfect...or nonstop...you just have to stay in it.
Rest when you need to. Then...keep going.
#Holdfast
-Jack
Thank you, Jack. Will do.
Thank you Jack, I’m recovering from stomach flu bug (something I ate) vomiting, trips to the bathroom (even middle of the night) crackers, 7-up, chicken soup and rest is helping. Not feeling good but it will pass. Didn’t stop my activism this am but I know my limits. I do what I can when I can during these dark times what we are all faced with and of course my job at home.
Jack thanks for reaffirming that the small steps matter. The one off conversation that helps inform or listening to the 3x Trump voter that has had an ephinany. Everyday drowning out the noise, looking at the patterns,and engaging with people to help make a difference.
Terrific column, Jack. Many thanks. I was asking myself a while back what it was that I could do besides show up at marches with a sign. I decided that, since I'm a writer, the best thing I could do would be to write. I'm in the middle of a novel, but I have the time to write two or maybe three columns each week and to post them to substack. I ask people to send them on to whomever they believe might want to read them. It's little enough for one person to do, but it's something.
Wonderful article!
'Iam only the running footman'
And the footman is consistent and reliable one step at a time...plodding on.
Thanks Jack! I needed this talk right now. Been feeling a bit over whelmed getting ready for No Kings 3. Attended several different town rallies for Hands Off and No Kings 1. Missed NK 2. NK3 will be biggest yet per Indivisible national.
Just the reminder that "all things in succession, one thing at a time
" will get us through is important when it feels like too little too late.
"Once more dear friends, unto the breach!"
#HoldFast