17 Comments
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Karen Lynne Klink's avatar

I'm beginning to feel like we live under the Brown Shirts (ICE) in Hitler's Germany. What has happened to our democracy? We must continue to march and vote against all Republicans at the next election. I stand with you and hang in there.

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Unbothered Oldest Daughter's avatar

This was a very powerful and vulnerable post and I appreciate you sharing this. Sending you so much love and good energy your way. This is all horrible and we will continue to speak up and not be silent about the injustice that continue to happen.

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Anton's avatar

Thank you for holding space for me 🙏

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Unbothered Oldest Daughter's avatar

Yes, of course. Always here if you need to chat. You’re not alone in this!

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Anton's avatar

Thank you, kind stranger.

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Anton's avatar

The process has put God back in my heart ♥️

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Jon Seliman's avatar

If it got to this type of feelings, is it worth to call this a life? Heck, I don't know where you come from originally, might be Eastern Europe perhaps but at this point would make a lotta sense to simply be out of the Gilead. Not an immigration expert but reading what you're describing it ain't life.

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Thomas G Madsen's avatar

Jon S - A couple questions: 1) Is the U.S. of today really a "Gilead"? 2) Is your meaning "love it or leave it"? Your last sentence implies that Anton's fears are or will be limited to just the immigrant community. Uh-uh. This administration wants to come after U.S. citizens, too. And so far no one has shown the balls or spine to stop them. Finally, if everyone followed your advice and left, then the bad guys win. The U.S. sorely needs principled people to stand up right now.

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Jon Seliman's avatar

Hey Thomas,

1. No not entirely one but in some ways is it wrong to feel it is heading that way? I don't know, I have someone in my family who is originally from Russia. The belief there is that as long as you completely give up your right to free speech and live a life completely parallel to the world reality, Russia is a great country to live in. That to me feels scary. It kinda addresses your final point where majority stayed behind and did not leave but that's not the picture I imagine when I think about USA. As much as the current administration loves that model.

2. I think there are many voices loud enough to tax the current administration. I think things won't last as they are but even when everything gets fixed back, I feel like the damage has been done and it will not be easy to forget and forgive.

3. Lots of people in the states are well enough financially and will do good for themselves during this madness as long as they silently kiss the ring by staying silent.

What is there to be done? The bad guys will win temporarily as long as actual common sense and principles prevail. Fact of the matter is that this is all a crisis created out of nothing and immigrant or citizen, right now, everyone will feel the heat and the fear equally.

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Anton's avatar

Hey Jon, Thomas — thank you both for engaging with such thought.

I want to be honest here:

I’ve never wanted to run. Not once. I’ve already spent most of my life in a place I didn’t want to be — and staying in the U.S. isn’t just about geography. It’s spiritual. I’d rather die on this soil than live quietly somewhere I don’t believe in.

What I find so strange is how quickly some people suggest walking away from rights that — to me — feel sacred… while they themselves seem to take them for granted.

I didn’t grow up with these freedoms. I worked for them. I ache for them.

And I won’t give them up without a fight — not even a quiet one.

This whole thread is helping me find the words. It’s raw. But necessary. So thank you.

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Jon Seliman's avatar

Be strong, my friend!

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Thomas G Madsen's avatar

We certainly agree on madness!! And I think you’re right: damage done. There’s no returning to the ‘90s. China’s the winner; Russia #2, and no shots fired!! Our future looks like Britain after 1900.

And it’s not just tRump. He has plenty of enablers, both foreign and domestic.

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Thomas G Madsen's avatar

And Thanks for your thoughtful words.

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SEArcularity's avatar

Sending good vibes to you ✨ sincerely hope everything will be alright.

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David Nam's avatar

That really sucks having to deal with that feeling of dread! As a former green carder myself(fortunately, I'm a citizen now), I really feel for you Anton. I with you man!🐱

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Thomas G Madsen's avatar

David - Kind thoughts, but don't get too secure with your citizenship.

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