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Claudia Barker's avatar

Great post, Elisa. Part of the strategy of these neofascists is to overwhelm us - the endless executive orders, the cruel photo ops (think Noem in front of those prisoners in El Salvador), the senseless slashing of research grants and National Park Service staff. Our job is to say yes, we see this...and yet, you can't take away my joyful moments, my deep friendships, in this place that I love. Or my commitment to resist. Onward.

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Kathy Speranza's avatar

A timely observation. I think we are on the verge of another fascist takeover.

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Doug Baughman's avatar

Timely comments, Elisa. Just wish more American's understood the horrors of fascism. A close friend was just in the Czech Republic (southwest of Prague) to celebrate with some locals and remember his uncle who's plane crashed on one of the final bombing campaigns of the war. My friend and his family were treated like dignitaries. The Czech's hold this memorial every year to honor the crews of the planes that crashed that day. If only more Americans held the same high regard for people that stood up to dictators and saved countless people from a life under fascism.

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Thanks, Doug. Being spared the carnage on our own shores is no excuse for this country's selective amnesia.

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Gina Leigh Wammock's avatar

To finding joy!

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

#whisperbox

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anthony zuena's avatar

Elisa

I so enjoy your writing style. Never knew until the last few years just how multitalented you truly are. Can't wait for your next book to be completed. All the best.

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Aww, thanks Tony. That means a lot.

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Bruce Morrison's avatar

We're in France this month. May 8 is significant for all who suffered under fascism and fought to defeat it. But especially felt in France. Ceremonies, church bells tolling, shops closed.

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Not that long ago, when you think about it. Safe travels.

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Jackson Katz's avatar

Well said, Elisa. I always honor this day in my own way. Thanks for this.

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Thanks, Jackson.

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Kim Nunez's avatar

Thank you for this! (Also, sometimes this world can be small. I know Iko’s other grandparents, Paul & Sue, from social justice work. And just bought a beautiful tie-dye shawl at Day Zero from Iko’s parents.) 😊❤️

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Paul & Sue are the best! I was lucky enough to meet Jon when Bryce was 11, and now to have Ruby in my family as well and be the “lagniappe Nonna” to Iko! Enjoy your shawl. Most of our wardrobe is tie-dye these days.

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Kim Nunez's avatar

❤️😊❤️

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Bevin Beaudet's avatar

The price of Freedom is not free.

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Yes, indeed. You know that better than most, my friend.

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