A lot of replies here (obviously from people not already aware of The Discourse on this point) were genuinely confused variants on "But why, they're right, that's a valid concern." Let me leave a short thread for future readers explaining why that stuff is always unwelcome on here. (1/n)
It's totally understandable if you're dooming about any facet of the American experiment right now. So your feelings are "valid" in the sense that they represent real anxiety, and I get that. But to vent that anxiety in other people's spaces is wrong for three reasons.
First, it's factually wrong. There will be elections in 2026 and 2028 under Trump, just like there were elections last year under Trump and during his first term. This despite one of the two major parties now harboring a lot of anti-democratic elements and ideas.
I'm not particularly interested in convincing anyone on this point and won't try, the future is the future. But if the left side of the political spectrum is still the domain of scholarship and expertise, take note that you don't find scholars and experts you worrying about canceled US elections.
Second, and probably most importantly, it's tactically wrong. "No point discussing political opposition to fascism, there won't be elections anyway" cedes victory to your enemies. It's defeatism and nihilism.
Finally, it's wrong AS A MATTER OF ETIQUETTE. Entering a total stranger's discussion and leading with your private anxiety is as off-putting in social media replies as it would be in real life. If you wouldn't interrupt a stranger at a party to announce that America is doomed, don't do it here.
If you are anxious and sad about the state of the world, that's fine, and there are plenty of strategies for dealing with that. But I think you already know that drive-by online dooming isn't a strategy. It's selfish and adolescent. It's a contagion that only spreads the worst of you, not the best.
Take a second and think before posting the easy Eeyore reply. You might have something substantive to say instead. Or, even better, you can say nothing at all.
https://bsky.app/profile/kenjennings.bsky.social/post/3mbuedepurs2x
I don’t think so. If someone has nothing more to add to a conversation than "No point discussing political opposition to fascism, there won't be elections anyway”, it’s like ignoring climate change because “we’re already screwed and there’s no way to help ourselves.”
Denial and doomers never help. They just give people an excuse to be complacent with whatever we’re given, and disempower those who are trying to improve our situation. I refuse to let the fascists win by laying down and accepting them.
I agree with that but I think you're throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Why is it a bad thing to remind people of the possibility? If nothing else, hopefully the feeling of dread will stick with them for many elections to come and prevent us from having to deal with this every 80-odd years.
Oh, I see what you’re saying. It’s an important distinction, and I’m glad you brought it up.
Acknowledging a problem is sensible, and that’s not what I’m arguing against. I’m not telling people to bury their heads in the sand. I just don’t think that surrendering immediately is the answer.
Oh, then we're in full agreement. Defeatism is never the answer.
OP didn't say anything like "No point discussing political opposition to fascism"
IMO they were discussing an important part of that opposition - realizing the Regime is going to tamper with elections, and discussing the effects and potential remedies.
The post that OP is responding to says that exactly. Scroll up if you don’t believe me.
I'm looking at it right now and the response shown to Ken Jennings post was:
"If there's even an election in 2028"
Are you're saying there is further context not communicated by this post, and that the person responding to Ken said that there is "no point discussing opposition"?
Is there some kind of technical glitch? Are you not seeing the text under the pic? Anyway, here it is:
You are just repeating shit that was already posted and debunked in this very thread.
Did the person replying to OP say there is “no point discussing opposition”? If not, then all this stuff you posted in completely non sequitur.
So… you were upset when I was quoting something that you didn’t think actually existed. Now you’re upset because I AM. I don’t think you understand what “debunked” means, either.
Go pester someone else.