To offset Trump Suck, I promised myself to keep looking for examples of the progress we’re making. By now, you’ve heard of Stacey Abrams, who won the Democratic primary for the Governor of Georgia in May. This video made me stand up and cheer:
Read TIME Magazine’s profile of Stacey Abrams here.
Step 4: Signed Public Statements
Step 4 of Gene Sharp’s blueprint for removing a dictator is listed as one of six formal actions that can be taken to oust a corrupt leader. In June, the CEOs of major companies like Google, Uber, Airbnb, Facebook, Chobani, and Cisco released a statement speaking out against the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” border policy, which separates immigrant children from parents at the border. In addition, more than 100 Microsoft employees signed a letter pleading with the company to end its contract with ICE:
“We believe that Microsoft must take an ethical stand, and put children and families above profits,” stated the letter. “We request that Microsoft cancel its contracts with ICE, and with other clients who directly enable ICE. As the people who build the technologies that Microsoft profits from, we refuse to be complicit.” [read more]
History has shown that when institutions and organizations with power and agency make formal statements against a leader’s policies (among other nonviolent actions), this resulted in the overthrow of a government. And as consumers, we have the power to put pressure on companies to use their influence to keep the pressure on.
No matter what we’re led to believe by the Tweeter in Chief, we have the power.
If this message speaks to you, share it on Instagram or Facebook.
LEIGH HOPKINS 
We have a controversial issue (a substance abuse rehabilitation facility for our county) up for a vote on the 6th. I wrote a letter to the editor in support AND I joined a committee working to make this happen. I’ve also been asked to be interviewed (I said yes) and will be available to help at the open house for the facility next week.
It feels good to put my energies into something positive rather than remaining stuck in the muck!