How Do You "Fight The Good Fight"

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 9/15/25 at 6:07pm

This is what I had intended for my "Never Mind" thread.  Sorry about that.

Taking my lead from the Great Civil Rights Icon John Lewis, I support my Anti-MAGA/Pro-Democracy beliefs in a number of ways.  If you care to share, how do you support those ideals that are important to you?

During the past few months, I have partiicipated in four protest marches.  Next month, I will join in another nation-wide protest.

Since the age of 21, I have voted a Democratic ticket in every election that came my way.

I contribute funds to those issues, individuals and organizations that support my beliefs.

I fly the U.S., California, U.S. Navy, and Pride flags from our front porch (but not usually all at once).

I express my opinions as best I can on this website.

In public, I always present myself as a strong Queer Man

And wherever life takes me, I challenge crap in every form.

 

"Fight The Good Fight"  !!

Updated On: 9/15/25 at 06:07 PM

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 9/15/25 at 6:16pm

I think for too many people, keeping their head above water is all they can do.

"Fighting the good fight" is almost a luxury. Jobs, childcare, medical costs, etc. are all subsuming. Just waking up and getting out of bed is enough fight for most people, it is all the strength they have. That's fighting the good fight - as the Brits once said, keep calm and carry on.

I'm less judgey than I used to be. Not everyone can afford to donate to charity, and if people need to fly to a vacation destination for the purposes of self-care, so be it.

Just having a sense of morals and teaching those around you how to be a good person. That's enough.

Of course, HG, everything you just listed is great too.

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 9/15/25 at 9:58pm

"I'm less judgey than I used to be. Not everyone can afford to donate to charity, and if people need to fly to a vacation destination for the purposes of self-care, so be it."

Jay, as I told you in a post last Christmas, you don't have to donate money to charity to make a difference. Volunteering time to help is more rewarding IMO than handing somebody a check. I gave you a few examples of what I have done. I currently volunteer for the local Humane Society. I have helped build homes with others through "Habit for Humanity" and have served meals to less unfortunate people on Thanksgiving. There are plenty of opportunities and you just need to make time; it is well worth it IMO.

"Just having a sense of morals and teaching those around you how to be a good person. That's enough."

The most important roles I have had in life is being a good husband and father. I believe I have been a good role model for my children, and I am proud of the adults they are now. I have tried my best to be a great partner in our marriage and like most men I married "up" -lol

[abcd12]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 1:13pm

Start by banning dangerous, lunatic, psychopaths from message boards like binau, Seb28, and BorisTomashevsky. That’s a good place start. 

[John Adams]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 1:43pm

By bringing attention to information like this:

Although there have been detainees who have died in detention, and at least 3 victims of accidental death trying to flee being captured by ICE, this is the first example I am aware of where an unarmed victim was intentionally shot at, and resulted in the death of the victim by an ICE agent.

Source: https://www.newsweek.com/ice-shot-chicago-silverio-villegas-gonzalez-2129559

"Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez was shot dead in the Chicago suburb of Franklin Park on Friday after he 'resisted arrest, attempted to flee the scene and dragged an ICE officer a significant distance with his car,' the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement. His family have since revealed that Villegas-Gonzalez died 'shortly after he dropped off his sons at school'.

The incident came just days into the Trump administration's ramping up of immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago under Operation Midway Blitz."

Source: https://chicagoreader.com/news/ice-shooting-silverio-villegas-gonzalez-franklin-park/

"Security footage near the scene in Franklin Park, as reported by CBS News, shows two plainclothes agents approaching a silver sedan that had been blocked from moving by an unmarked SUV. The sedan eventually reverses away from the two agents, and the officer on the passenger side points his firearm at the vehicle. 

As Villegas-Gonzalez drives away from the agents—not toward them, as DHS claimed—the agent on the passenger side aims his weapon at the back of Villegas-Gonzalez’s car. Two gunshots can be heard in a separate security video. The second agent is not visible during the shooting, and it remains unclear which agent fired their weapon."

Source: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/09/16/investigate-death-of-mexican-national-during-ice-stop

"[...] CCTV footage that has emerged does not show Villegas-Gonzalez’s car driving at or hitting law enforcement officers. In the footage, two officers stand on either side of Villegas-Gonzalez’ vehicle as he reverses away from the officers. One of the officers appears to hold onto the window frame on the driver's side, moving backward with the vehicle, and then forward as the vehicle drives out of frame of the CCTV camera. It is unclear why the ICE officer moves with the vehicle or whether he is being dragged."

Source: https://abc7chicago.com/post/franklin-park-ice-shooting-illinois-officials-demand-release-video-deadly-officer-silverio-villegas-gonzalez/17817702/

"The family of Villegas-Gonzalez told ABC7 he was a father from Mexico, working at a restaurant in the Portage Park area, and has been in the United States for decades."

Updated On: 9/16/25 at 01:43 PM

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 6:44pm

This is the "NO KINGS" nationwide protest in October I mentioned.  Chances are, there may be a protest near you (see map).  PLEASE consider participating !!  

https://www.nokings.org/
 

Updated On: 10/7/25 at 06:44 PM

[John Adams]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 7:47pm

I've done the "Hands Off!" and "No Kings" protests, as well as attended (2) Town Halls sponsored by my State Representative. I also attended the "Good Trouble" protest/tribute for John Lewis in July.

I don't feel like they are effective, because they don't result in any kind of change.

Trump and his administration do not care what citizens think. Trump only finds joy in the kind of violence MAGAs displayed during the Jan. 6th insurrection.

I attend them because I find comfort in the sense of community that happens when we're all together for a common purpose.

Even if they don't result in noticeable change in government practices, people SHOULD attend because visibility in large numbers DOES hold value.

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 10/7/25 at 5:47pm

Lots of frightening crap taking place in Chicago.  And none of it.....NONE of it.....is caused by Chicagoans.  The responsibility lies right in the laps of anyone who voted for the Orange Face Wannabe Dictator.  Are you happy? 

Stand  Strong  Chicago  

Updated On: 10/7/25 at 05:47 PM

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 4:47pm

I had hoped to participate in our local NO KINGS gathering on October 18, but have had a bit of a health setback.  Husband and his friend will be there, however.  Estimates nationwide are for a huge turnout.

Anyone here participating?

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 5:32pm

I am! I'm traveling to WNY to attend one with many family members and friends. I already made my sign that says "Don't Vote for Rapists" and considering the amount of compliments I get on my button that says the same thing, I think it will be quite a success. It's also supposed to be pleasant weather so I'm really looking forward to it. Having a completely MAGAt free environment with people that are good, rational, sane, and intelligent will be absolute heaven.

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 5:57pm

Sutton Ross said: "I am! 

Excellent!     

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 6:17pm

 "Sutton Ross said: "I am! 

Excellent! "

See below of your post in another thread in "Yet Another Scary Fan Foolery". My how things change with you HG -lol

"I won't  recount her many filthy attacks and accusations against me.  They are part of the BWW record."

"But, I did learn that if I responded to her craziness with just one word, it seemed to send her into a frenzy and she would move on to her next target.  At least temporarily.  The word:  NAH."

  "So wherever and whatever and whoever you are, Sutton Ross:   NAH."

Updated On: 10/15/25 at 06:17 PM

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 6:35pm

Sutton Ross said: "Having a completely MAGAt free environment with people that are good, rational, sane, and intelligentwill be absolute heaven."

The gentleman who was the founder (or one of the founders) of INDIVISIBLE was on the Rachel Maddow Show discussing Saturday's nationwide protests.  I can't quote him exaclty, but basically he said "While you are protesting, remember to also have fun".  

So, have a "fun" protest.  And don't pay attention to the filthy BWW trolls who continue to try to disrupt these conversations.  

 

 

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 7:34pm

"So, have a "fun" protest.  And don't pay attention to the filthy BWW trolls who continue to try to disrupt these conversations."

Dude, you literally called the poster you are praising in this thread a dreadful human for her "filthy" attacks and accusations against you. Those are your words from only a few weeks ago not mine. You followed that up with saying she displayed "craziness" if you responded to her accusations. So please tell us, is poster a wonderful person because she agrees with you about going to protest Trump or is she the person who made "filthy" attacks on you which I assume at the time you considered false. Hard to find your words credible when you flip flop -lol.

Did my reply to Jay Lerner-Z in this thread disrupt the conversation or did you even read it? IMO Volunteering to help organizations is a way to help the needy and "Fight the Good Fight".

Hope you all have a "fun" protest.

Updated On: 10/15/25 at 07:34 PM

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 8:25pm

For Sutton Ross:

The gentleman I mentioned is a co-founder of INDIVISIBLE (the group, or one of the groups, organizing this NO KINGS protest).  Right before 3:45, he says, in part, "it's gonna be fun".  As serious as these events can be, it's also thrilling to gather with like-minded neighbors for the purpose of doing our best to not let these MAGA thugs destroy our democracy.

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 8:34pm

Absolutely! We have fun things planned before and after the actual protest. I hope you feel better soon, and I hope your husband and friend enjoy protesting, it will be such a beautiful day for America 

Regarding your second paragraph, I haven't seen any negative hate on this thread at all, although I blocked the 5 MAGAts because they don't matter so I don't think I'm missing much Ignore, block, don't acknowledge, etc. They will disappear from here like the roaches they truly have shown themselves to be.

Updated On: 10/15/25 at 08:34 PM

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 8:44pm

Sutton Ross said: "I blocked the 5 MAGAts "

I've seen the term MAGAt before, without really knowing what the "t" stands for.  Just did some googling, and DUH, finally get it.  TOO funny (and appropriate).  

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 8:55pm

Indeed ;)

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 10:20am

Sutton Ross said: "Ignore, block, don't acknowledge, etc."

I took your advice this morning and did my first block.  It's gonna be a great day.  Thanks!

 

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 12:33am

 If this country was being ruled by person who behaves like a "King" would the US government be shut down for weeks?

Looks like the "King" has had some success. Stock market has set all time high record despite tariffs. The border has basically been closed. There has been historic Middle East peace treaty which even Bill and Hillary Clinton said was a great accomplishment. Talks will begin once more trying to end Russia-Ukraine war. Now, I am going to say right up front I am not going to debate any of this in this post. 99.9% of BWW thinks Trump and anybody who is not 100% liberal is scum of the earth. Nobody is going to change their mind so why bother.

I am sure I am one of those people SR blocked so she will not supposedly see this and ignore it. That is fine, just find it funny that she is blind to the fact that HG called her a liar, said she tended to act crazy and tried to ignore her only a few weeks ago. Then he turns around and posts like they are best buddies -lol. Wrong SR, we will all not disappear. Some of us can actually handle dealing with people who disagree with us and don't resort to silly nicknames (MAGAT).

As for HG, maybe he blocked me also. I will just point out he never answered my question regarding his comments in another post. He only started to ignore me when he got caught being a hypocrite. HG said he did his first block today which is another lie, he has mentioned blocking others several times before today.

As for these protests, don't think they do any good outside of Trump haters making themselves feel good they are doing something. 

Updated On: 10/19/25 at 12:33 AM

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 7:43am

The stock market is not and will never be "the economy."  The market also boomed under Biden once the COVID recovery kicked in and Republicans complained nonstop about the economy.

And Trump can act in authoritarian, dictator, or King-like ways but not get everything he wants.  That's what it means to be part of a country whose government has some remaining semblance of checks and balances among the three branches of government.

Had Biden or Obama imposed unilateral tariffs, the sole power to do so resting with Congress except in extraordinary conditions, or killed people repeatedly at sea in international waters with a "trust me they're bad" explanation, Republicans again would have howled for days.

True conservatives, independents, and progressives found much to peacefully protest and unify around this weekend and will continue to do so.

Updated On: 10/19/25 at 07:43 AM

[John Adams]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 2:10pm

Zeppie2022 said: "As for these protests, don't think they do any good outside of Trump haters making themselves feel good they are doing something."

That statement is your declaration regarding the degree of disrespect you hold for both how, and why our Constitution was established. It also conveys your lack of understanding of the long and methodically established system of our Democracy. 

Both your displays mirror Trump’s, and are the reason why we protest his intents to disrespect the Constitution, destroy our Democratic system, and become a solitary dictator of this country. 

You are correct when you write that we protest for the purpose of, “making themselves feel good they are doing something.” The ‘something’ we are doing is making our voices heard, and our voices are growing in both number and volume. Unlike Trump, we choose to operate within the established boundaries of a Constitution and Democratic system we both respect and believe in. I DO feel good about it. 

You should also pay better attention to the effects of our peaceful protests because we are being heard. It is a slow, steady progression, but it is progress nonetheless, as more right-wing representatives (even staunch loyalists like Marjorie Taylor Greene) are evolving their views and loyalties.

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 10/23/25 at 2:27pm

I wasn't able to do our local "No Kings" protest, but I believe the total numbers participating were over 25,000.

A Harvard professor was on The Rachel Maddow Show a couple of days after the nationwide protests.  As best I understand, she said that movements like this are more likely to result in actual change as the number participating grows.  That would be 12M participants.  More than 7M protested peacefully this weekend.  I don't know yet when the next protest is planned.  

We just have to keep protesting and increasing our numbers until 12M people hit the streets in one event. If 7M of us can join for this important purpose, then surely 12M can come together, as well.  Our beloved democracy is worth it.

FIGHT  THE  GOOD  FIGHT  !!

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/23/25 at 2:37pm

It was an incredible day for us here. Unlike the other side who's only remaining brain cell choses violence and destruction, we peacefully protested our message with love, tolerance, unity, and incredible strength. Congratulations to all who were there in mind, body, or spirit! 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 10/23/25 at 3:00pm

Sutton Ross said: "It was an incredible day for us here. Congratulations to all who were there in mind, body, or spirit!"
 

This was the first "No Kings" event for my neighbors, a married couple in their 40s.  They texted me halfway through to let me know that they had unexpectedly been overwhelmed by emotions that they couldn't describe, but that had brought them to "happy tears".  

I can totally relate.