Translation:

98% of the time, you can ignore a gofundme campaign from a Republican that has fallen on hard times.

The actual impacts are just about to start being felt. I’d expect that number to climb.

This is a very important post. One of the defence mechanisms of progressives and a trap we constantly get stuck in is to believe that somehow society is “waking up” to the travesties being committed. Communities like LeopardsAteMyFace (LAMF) are especially dangerous because they risk giving us that false comfort… that there is widespread buyer’s remorse, and that society is “finally seeing the light”. Admit it, when you read the news that the judge is opening contempt proceedings against the trump administration, you felt a glimmer of hope didn’t you? You might not have formed the words in your head, but you felt that maybe this time, somehow, sanity will prevail and the fascists will be stopped.

It’s easy for you to spot articles and messaging that is intended to rile up the right wing base; messaging that tugs the strings of fear, racism, and xenophobia. But you also need beware there is plenty of messaging targeted to riling up the progressive base. It’s a bit more subtle, but clicks must be gotten. Articles that focus on trump regret, articles where someone “slams” someone, and self-soothing communities like LAMF can be enjoyed at the surface level for a chuckle and a quick hit of karma. But we must realize that they are no indication that things are changing. If the 2024 election were re-done today, it is probable that trump would win again. And I know you’re reading this saying “for fuck sake no he wouldn’t”. But I entreat you to recall all the things that happened over the last 8 years that, with each step, you thought were not possible.

Trump is the symptom not the disease.

The USA has gone mad. F*ck fascist USA!