Inspiration
A good week as the resistance bends the arc toward justice
from NP Newsletter 2025.05.18
originally from Robert B. Hubbell
Friday brought two significant victories for those resisting Trump: Republicans were unable to move the budget bill out of a House committee they control, and the Supreme Court issued a permanent stay against the use of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to remove immigrants to foreign prisons.
Political Grief Toolkit
Political grief is a deeply personal and collective response to the political, social, or cultural shifts that impact our sense of stability, identity, or belonging.
This workbook is a tool to help you navigate that journey—offering practical strategies, insights, and reflective practices to turn political grief into a source of resilience and strength for yourself and those around you.
The Majority Turns on Trump: Support Shrinks, Protests Grow
As reported in FrameLab By Gil Duran 7 May 2025
"Trump’s approval is collapsing. The majority sees him as dangerous—and the louder we get, the weaker he becomes. ...
Three months into his second term, his poll numbers have plummeted to historic lows. A growing majority of Americans — 55% — disapprove of his presidency. In one poll, a whopping 45% gave him an “F” grade. Voters give him devastatingly low marks on issues like the economy and immigration. Another poll shows that 52% of Americans see Trump as a “dangerous dictator” who is overstepping his presidential authority."
The NE MN ECLA makes a commitment:
Reconciling in Christ (RIC) is a designation adopted by congregations, synods, and other ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) ministries, who have made a public commitment to embodying welcome and reconciliation through open and clear affirmation of those in the LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC3 communities.
The Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) become a RIC Synod by adopting the following welcome statement and committing to fulfill the aspirations of this statement in its public work and witness:
"The Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is committed to the inclusive hospitality of God which welcomes all people into the work of the church to proclaim Christ, serve the neighbor, and strive for justice and peace in the world. We embody this hospitality in our life together as synod through unapologetic welcome and affirmation of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions, races and ethnicities, ages and abilities, and socio-economic or citizenship statuses. We embrace the calling to work for welcome and reconciliation through our commitment to antiracism and inclusion."
From The Contrarian 100 Days of Resistance:
"Yes, Trump has flooded the zone with his admitted dictatorial ambitions—but has been met by rule of law resistance, with more than two cases for every day of his administration and over 100 court orders stopping his worst abuses.
Popular protest is vigorous, Trump is plummeting in the polls, and the political opposition is waking up and speaking out, in Congress and across the states.
Autocracy is far from inevitable on American soil. There are many challenges ahead. But Trump and his team have suffered far more setbacks than they likely anticipated. The rule of law and the power of the people are potent antidotes for the poison of autocracy."
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, "The decision to capitulate or resist rests with each of us."
Room for mild optimism
Three judges including two Trump appointees, ruled against Trumpian Department of Education policy that threatened to withhold federal funding for schools engaging in DEI. life.
Senior District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly blocked parts of Trump's executive order requiring additional Voter ID documents. “Our Constitution entrusts Congress and the States — not the President — with the authority to regulate federal elections. And no statutory delegation of authority to the Executive Branch permits the President to short-circuit Congress’s deliberative process by executive order.”
The University of Minnesota Senate, comprised of 200 faculty, staff, and students, approved a resolution to band together with the other 18 Big Ten schools to fight Trump administration's funding cuts and threats to academic freedom.
Go, Minnesota! The University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) announced the Vaccine Integrity Project on Thursday. CIDRAP director Michael Osterholm said it’s intended to safeguard vaccine information, research or access in case the federal government doesn’t.
Radical joy
from NP Newsletter 2025.04.20
originally from Outfront MN
"Be radical.
Let your joy be radical.
Most people associate the word radical with an extreme difference from the norm. However, the term is also described as growing from the root of a plant. In this way, our radical joy must grow from our roots. We must know who we are, love who we are, and surround ourselves with those who affirm and support our growth. That love within ourselves and through our community become our roots. Be radical and nurture yourself.
Let your passion be radical."
Other victories
from Newsletter 2025.04.20
1st Amendment Win!
In a win for the 1st Amendment, the Associated Press has been re-given access to cover presidential events.
Proud Boys Lose Trademark!
After the Proud Boys destroyed Black Lives Matter signs at two historically Black churches, a judge has given the church use of the group's name and symbols. Proceeds from sales are now going to community justice funds.
Free School Meals for Kids in Utah!
In a win for children, Utah's governor Spencer Cox has approved a bill to get rid of reduced cost lunches, and instead make them free.
Illinois returns stolen land to Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation!
The Land Back movement has grown to include 1,500 acres given to the Potawatomi Nation.