Greg Layton (he/him)

Ten tips for more effective letters to the editor (and progressive messaging in general) Also, the WFP's Karl Stomberg addresses legislative priorites and tensions with Democrats.

I haven't posted here in a minute, but I wanted to share some tips about progressive messaging, particularly letters to the editor. Also, hear what the Delaware WFP's Karl Stomberg thinks about the current session of the Delaware General Assembly and tensions with Democrats.

The Delaware Project | Substack The Delaware Project educates Delawareans about issues that affect them and engages them in the struggle for constructive change. We embrace the values of democracy: compassion, community, freedom, ju...

Hey, y’all!
The second issue of my newsletter is out (with some typographical and spacing problems).
Contemplate the effectiveness of protest, meet an LGBTQIA+ leader, and discover how to influence the Delaware Democratic Party’s platform.
Please read and subscribe

open.substack.com/pub/thedelaw...

Stressed about politics?

My advice is to get so BUSY with constructive in-person volunteer WORK that you don't have time to stew over the bullshit -- AND LISTEN to an endless stream of music.

Your physical, emotional, mental, and temporal resources are limited. Invest them wisely.

In addition to political advocacy and organizing, invest in loved ones, health, education, a hobby, and a few other selectively chosen areas.

Diversify, but choose areas that will reward you and our nation.

It's maddening that I spend a good chunk of time researching a topic, thinking critically about what I find, and carefully phrasing a proposal—only to have it rejected by folks who took 10 seconds regurgitating presuppositions based on unverified memes, childhood myths, and emotional impulses.

It's remarkable that people who don't know which state representative or state senate district they occupy, can't even name their local elected officials, and never vote in municipal or school board elections believe they're politically active because they rant about Donald Trump online.

OK, y'all.

It's Encouragement Sunday Again.

Reach out to someone struggling with this fascist moment and ask how they're doing. Promise we'll continue to fight -- together.

Our opponents want us to feel overwhelmed to the point of giving up.

Let's link arms and carry on!

Iron Hill Brewery in Wilmington canceled a fundraiser for the First State Abortion Fund.

Many folks' ire has gone toward making the restaurant suffer for the cowardly decision, but here's a more constructive idea:

Donate directly to FSAF.

Here's the link:
www.firststateabortionfund.org/donate/

YOUR ASSIGNMENT FOR THE DAY:
Learn which state representative and state senate districts you reside in. Then, follow their current officeholders on social media.
This link will help Delaware residents with the first part.
ivote.de.gov/VoterView

Some folks are telling me that yesterday's protests were inconsequential because only a small percentage of the population was involved.

And I'm telling them that this is where the Mississippi River begins.

To paraphrase a quote attributed to Francis of Assisi, "Protest injustice at all times; march with a sign when necessary."

Other forms of activism include phone banking, canvassing, writing LTEs, making art, running for office, volunteer service, and meaningful conversation.

Fight on all fronts!

As many as 150 people showed up to Delaware's Legislative Hall yesterday to protest the Trump Administration's abuse of the American People.

This is just getting started!

Blunt Rochester intends to oppose all future cabinet nominees U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) on Feb. 4 released a statement declaring her intent to oppose all future cabinet nominees, citing concerns over their willingness to uphold the law.

Pressure works!

Good Morning, Americans!
What will you do today to ensure that government of the people, for the people, and by the people shall not perish from the earth?

Our federal delegation is hearing us, but we must continue the pressure until they ACT.

Unprecedented pressure is the appropriate response for the foreseeable future.

Sen. Chris Coons: 302-573-6345

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester:
202–224–2441

Rep. Sara McBride: 202-225-4165

Call them daily for starters.

Sen. Chris Coons: 302-573-6345

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester: 202–224–2441

Rep. Sara McBride: 202-225-4165

Call them daily!

We are in a coup.
In short, oligarchs helped get Trump elected, so he tossed them the keys and let them wreak havoc on democratic institutions.
This has already become something electing Democrats cannot quickly or easily fix.
The oligarchs are ripping the wires out of the machine.
We must fight.

A friend reached out in the last week, encouraging me to continue "poking the bear."

So, to be clear, I want to say:

Yes, I've changed my tactics lately, but no figurative bears are safe. It's just that now, rather than jabbing with whatever brittle sticks I find nearby, we're gathering an army.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT FOR TODAY: ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER

You probably know people reeling from pain and/or fear. At the very least, you know people deeply concerned about people who are.

Contact a few TODAY, directly, one on one.

Let them know you care, and that we are not done fighting for each other.

Some folks triangulate so compulsively that I can imagine their response to a cannibalism:

"I mean, no, I wouldn't eat anyone's vital organs, but I don't think we should freak out over a few arms and legs. We don't want to offend moderates, and those radical vegans are craaaazy!"

Now might be a great time to study those who resisted the NAZIs.

The story of Doctor Faustus is wildly optimistic. Its protagonist sold his soul for 24 years of knowledge and power.

But, it turns out, the actual price of a soul is the mere hope of cheaper eggs, which you don't even get.

My adversaries really aren't going to like Plan B.

"Please don't throw me into the briar patch, Brer Fox."

I actually think it's going to be pretty hilarious.

Firewall for Freedom We are not powerless in opposition to the President-elect's agenda and we need your help to start preparing now.

Now would be a great time to donate to ACLU of Delaware and participate in their efforts.
They, more than any organization I know of, have been sounding the alarm in advance and developing concrete plans to resist abuses from the presidential administration.
www.aclu-de.org/firewall

We must win elections and pass laws that benefit everyone.
But that amounts to hanging new drapes while the foundation crumbles below, unless...
We start (and never stop) reinforcing democratic values: compassion, equality, justice, and more.
And that requires thoughtful diligence from us all.

It's time to choose your weapon.
Mine shall be enthusiastic compassion.
What's yours?

I’m telling y’all:
We are everything we need.
And we’ve got this.
Let’s get to work!

I choose to be a joyous and compassionate warrior.

I’m strong enough to pull it off, and so are you.