My daughter in Ohio is having a hard time with the results of this election

[ismnotwasm]

She’s deep in MAGA country. She got involved this year, GOTV for Sherrod Brown, introduced her daughters to political activism

As of right now, she can’t even look at her neighbors. She is desperately looking for another church (I am not religious, she picked that up on her own) using the word “deconstructing” which is an extremely painful process for religious folk. She wants nothing to do with anyone who voted for Trump. She is so hurt that friends and neighbors did not care about her rights or her daughter’s rights. That MAGA is so gleefully looking to see “deportations”. She will not try for another child because she has a history of miscarriages. She wants to move out of Ohio, but her whole life is there, and her kids are right at the age moving would be very upsetting.

Jesus she is in pain. Betrayed by people she thought were good, decent people, only to discover how much joy they get from the suffering of others. Like, the outsides look good, but the insides are full of rot and unresolved trauma they project only others. I don’t fuck with MAGA, but I’m also in Seattle where they are easy to avoid.

She didn’t understand the scope of how shitty these people are.

I just ache for her, and all the other blue dots. You guys are my hero’s right now. Thank you for everything.

[CTyankee]

1. I'm sorry she has to go through this. I hope she can get out of MAGA country asap. It has to be hard on her.

[GoneOffShore]

2. If she's looking for another church, point her towards the Unitarians or the Society of Friends.

Might be a bit more 'secular' than she is used to, but both have a strong humanist tradition.

Sorry that she was betrayed by her neighbours.

[ismnotwasm]

15. I will tell her! Thank you

She wants something with good kids programs though

[Easterncedar]

19. The UU church here is helping me deal

Good people taking action and being loving as a policy.

[multigraincracker]

34. I lived in Ohio for a number of years in a Red town.

I joined the UU Church there and the county Democratic Party. Met lots of wonderful people and survived my stay in that state.

[Blue Jean]

38. Congregational Churches

are usually liberal. Look for any church that has a LGBTQ rainbow flag, and/or better yet, a woman minister.

[yellowdogintexas]

87. United Churches of Christ are also good

UCChttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_Christ
UCC was formed by a merger of several denominations/organizations

First UCC here in Ft Worth is probably the most progressive of our mainline churches, with First United Methodist coming close behind. (FUMC is my church). Both denominations are likely to have a good youth program especially if it is a large church.

The controversey over homosexuality within the UMC has been resolved. Churches voted to stay within the UMC denomination or leave, so she shouldn't worry about that.

I would recommend that she "shop" for a church. Visit the ones her liberal friends suggest. Many people have joined ours because after visiting around they liked our theology.

Wish her the best for me!

[wryter2000]

59. Alternatively a lot of Episcopal churches are good

Not all. So she could ask their policy on welcoming LGBTQ people. If they say good things, they’re probably liberal.

The liturgy is quite traditional but loving. It’s very like the Catholic service except she’ll see women priests. It may feel more at home than a Friends meeting, for example.

I adore my church, but I live in a very liberal area of the country. A good house of worship will make her feel better.

[intelpug]

81. LGBTQ

The poster said her daughter was involved with GOTV, not LGBTQ.

[mwooldri]

82. True.

However a church that appears to be more inclusive may be more likely to share her understanding of Christs message. It's a sign. That's all.

[intelpug]

104. More inclusive

OK I see now Sorry to have misread the post it was very late last night and my blood sugar was up around 400 giving me fit's so I wasn't reading or understanding thing's clearly

[mwooldri]

106. It's okay... Hope your blood sugars better. NT

[wryter2000]

96. Everyone should care about

LGBTQ

[mwooldri]

83. Seconded. Though I'll add ELCA.

ECUSA (Episcopal Church USA) is somewhat separated from the wider Anglican communion because they are more progressive than their African brethren and Canterbury wants to hold everyone together. ECUSA is supportive of women in ministry, accepting of homosexuality and abortions aren't always a sin. Other Anglican communion churches disagree on these stances.

ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church USA) is certainly the more progressive part of the Lutherans. Missouri Synod (LCMS) is definitely not as progressive as ELCA (no women priests, Bible is infallible, homosexuality and abortions are sins, etc. in LCMS). ELCA's "evangelizing" tends to be through "good works" not proselytizing so because they have "Evangelical " in their name - it's not to be seen as a bad thing. Services range from "Catholic Lite" to "Happy Clappy" - all depends on the community and Church size.

Luke 10:27 is my "litmus test". If a church community hews more in this direction it IMO is more aligned with what Jesus taught and more "liberal" in its theology and philosophy.

[Amaryllis]

69. unitarians have good kid programs

[Jilly_in_VA]

3. I get that.

Thank all the gods I live in Mennonite, albeit kind of Red, country. They aren't vicious.

Tell her to look for an Episcopal Church or perhaps a Friends Meeting. Some of these folks are Republicans but they won't judge you. (Quakers less likely to be Repugs.) Mennonites, if not the super-conservative (beards and bonnets kind) also pretty reasonable due to their history of conflict resolution, at least that's true here. And to, As Mr. Rogers said, "look for the helpers". They are always there, although sometimes not at first sight.

[erronis]

23. Agree with your assessment of the Mennonites.

Generally just very good people and down to earth. One of them helped me stay out of the Vietnam War (CO application, ...)

[KT2000]

46. Second the Episcopal Church

When I went there it was about action for social justice.

[ShazzieB]

84. Thirding that.

United Church of Christ is another good one. (Be sure it's United Church of Christ, not just Church of Christ.)

[Happy Hoosier]

4. Many are....

Everyone in my family is struggling. And my wife, who is a univeristy professor, says the performance of her students dropped off a cliff after election day.

[Tadpole Raisin]

5. Sorry she has to deal with this and it is so heartbreaking to

See her living in a world where she has fewer rights than we did growing up and the enjoyment some people have in stripping others of their rights. But she has you and that’s a comfort.

I’m not really religious either but I concur with the recommendation to consider the Unitarian Church. I understand they are open to people of many faiths and are very welcoming if it fits with her beliefs.

[Trueblue1968]

25. I am feeling like your daughter. I cried for days after the election. I still am so depressed

I just can't get on with my life.

I am not seeking drugs or alcohol. I just don't t understand wht evil DonOLD won.

What is going on God ?????

[Johnny2X2X]

6. It's hard right now

My sister is really struggling, she was was making blue bracelets for Dems to wear so we'd know who the safe people are.

My response is that the country is no different today than it was on 11/4. Trump didn't see a massive increase in votes, his count was slightly higher than 2020. The difference is millions of 2020 Biden voters decided to stay home.

[brer cat]

7. She is in a terribe spot. It's unfortunate that she can't move away.

Give her a hug from us!

[keep_left]

8. I'm in solidarity with your daughter in her "deconstruction". That's a term...

...I first heard only a few months ago, but I've been undergoing my own deconstruction for several years now. It's a painful but necessary process in order to achieve a healthier and more centered system of belief (whether it is ultimately theistic or not). Unfortunately, one's environment can make deconstruction more difficult, and Ohio in recent years has become a red state. I hope your daughter finds a place of worship that is a better fit; however, she may find that it takes significant time to do so.

[OMGWTF]

9. Where are the recounts in swing states? NFW did Shitler win all of them.

[ariadne0614]

10. I feel for you and your daughter. Half the nation is in despair.

The best way I can think of to cope, is to build my own inner reserves. I don’t subscribe to any religion, although ancient wisdom in modern form works for me. I recently discovered The Daily Stoic, and like it very much. Here’s a link that might help you decide if it’s good for your daughter. Mine is in Canada with her Canadian spouse and my only grandchild.
https://dailystoic.com/stoicism-christianity-history/

[LoisB]

11. I feel for her; especially finding out people she thought were "good" people were rotten to the core. Tell her to

keep her head high knowing that the problem is with them not her.

[Maeve]

12. There are blue pockets in Ohio

The big cities, particularly. And some very blue churches, especially Unitarian/Universalist. And the people she worked with---they can help.
Yeah, it sucks here right now.

[Botany]

13. "Jesus she is in pain." As we are all too. I still can't watch the news or read a paper

Tell her about the Clintonville area of Columbus, Ohio, Athens OH, and Conkles Hollow in
Hocking Hills. A nice hike and a dinner in Athens might help.

https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/conkles-hollow-state-nature-preserve



********
No way that was a clean election. However Ohio has been ground zero for hate talk radio,
right wing TV, social media attacks (Russian in many cases), Evangelical shits, and large
parts of the State is northern KY with generational stupidity.

Planting native plants helps too.

If she is in real pain tell her to watch Hallmark Xmas shows. So bad they are good, the
fake snow is awesome, and the acting is over the top bad that it enjoyable.

[oberle]

42. Athens OH is wonderful

It is a blue area in a sea of red. The people are great. There is one good free newspaper and one sucky newsrag. I worked at Ohio University for 25 years and it was a wonderful place to live. Almost no crime except for drunk students. The only hassle is the rednecks parading their dead deer around during hunting season.

[4dog]

14. Here's a good person in Ohio, politically experienced, getting ready to resist

Name is David Pepper. Look him up, there are probably other places you can find his encouraging writing.

https://open.substack.com/pub/davidpepper/p/a-new-despotism?r=1l2cd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

[ismnotwasm]

16. Cool--I will send this to her

[yellowdogintexas]

91. If she is in the Dayton area, Yellow Springs has been a bastion of liberalism for a long time

I have several friends from there and have heard first hand how different it is there

[summer_in_TX]

78. I highly recommend David Pepper.

Brilliant. Former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party. Working hard to overcome the gerrymandering, cronyism, and political corruption in Ohio and across the country.

[yardwork]

17. I'm sorry your daughter's going through that.

As a parent, I know how painful it is to see a child in pain and be powerless to help.

From one mom to another, I'll say that I think you are probably a wonderful parent, and that your being a sane and empathetic listener for your daughter is probably helping her more than you may realize.

[Timeflyer]

18. It's demoralizing to live in a red state/area and realize your community is more than ok with MAGA sh*t and

doesn't value democracy or education, and would accept Christofascism government. Been fighting in Florida since tRump slithered down that escalator. If your daughter can meet with others who share her views, in person or online, it will help. If she joins others who want to (safely) raise hell and make noise to oppose the probable authoritarian takeover, she will know that she worked for the Resistance, and didn't give up. But--she will need to grieve, and heal. Been there.

[yellowdogintexas]

88. I feel for her. I have had my own internal strife over this.

now granted I was actually sick for a week after election day with a nasty cold but today is the first day I have actually felt like getting up and doing something. I have slept a lot more than normal, ignored stuff I need to do, stopped doing things I normally enjoy (like baking) and letting my house get even messier than normal.
The very idea of getting dressed in normal clothes and going out to do something was enough to make me go back to sleep. It really fits the description of classic depression.

I am going to have to take it slow I think. There are 44 million of us who feel the same way.

Someone up thread suggested she join the Democratic party in her county. She will meet like minded folks.
Another option is to go to this website https://www.nfdw.com/ which is the National Federation of Democratic Women. They have the contact information for the State President in each state. Then go to the state's webpage to find the local clum closest to her. I belong to Tarrant County Democratic Woman's Club here in Ft Worth; our state organization is Texas Democratic Women. She should be able to meet more likeminded people and expand her network.

[OnionPatch]

20. I feel it. I was born and raised there.

My roots run deep there, like towns and roads named after my ancestors and so on, but I left in early adulthood and will never return to Ohio to live. My parents and grandparents are gone. All I have left there are MAGA cousins and a few determined liberal cousins in Columbus. Ohio was once a bastion of progressive politics and a forward-thinking state. Not anymore. It makes me so sad to see the Idiocracy party has fully taken over the state.

[Egypt]

21. Ohio

I don't know where your daughter lives in Ohio, but I can tell you the Columbus Ohio has many opportunities and is a welcoming city, forget the fact that Columbus voted red (JD Vance). Most of your burbs in Columbus are liberals. We have an open gay community all around us with many forward thinking people on all sides. As a Black male I should know. I appreciate being and living in Columbus.

[Alliepoo]

64. My 'burb of Cbus sure isn't

Liberal, unfortunately. I sure wish it was.

[Elessar Zappa]

22. Re: churches

She should look into a local Episcopal or Evangelical Lutheran denomination. Most of those churches are pretty liberal.

[chouchou]

24. I feel her pain. NO..Just not saying that to appease anybody. I fully understand...

...what your daughter is going through, simply because: My dear friends are feeling that same way...and myself (on a little less),
Every time I hear Trump, my blood pressure rises. ARRGG!

[spooky3]

26. Would it be feasible to move to a big OH city or college town?

They are blue, as in other states.

[cilla4progress]

27. Please wrap our loving virtual arms around her!

She is NOT alone!!!

[endless summer]

28. I feel for her.

I’m fortunate to live in a blue state but the county I’m in is toxically red. If she feels up to it reaching out to the county Democratic Party is an option. All of my friends here I met through the party. Most county parties have social gatherings and it’s a great way to meet likeminded people, get some support, and not feel so isolated. Although I’m not religious many of my Democratic friends are, I’m sure the same is true in Ohio. She might be able to find a community and a church she likes via a Democratic gathering.

[calimary]

30. Begging your pardon, but

THIS writer is getting MASSIVELY sick and tired of “she didn’t understand the scope of how shitty these people are”.

I’m tired of the excuses.

I’m tired of the ignorance.

I’m TIRED of the she/he/they “didn’t understand…” shit.

WHERE’VE they all been? Buried in glass houses under the ground??? For ALL THIS TIME??? Especially considering how we went through this in 2016 and we SHOULD have seen enough to know NOT TO GO BACK THERE AGAIN!!!

[markodochartaigh]

43. I understand your frustration.

Having grown up gay in Amarillo Texas a half century ago.

Generally people judge society based on their own personal experience. If they are in a privileged group, generally the majority, they don't think past their own personal lived experience to see the lived experiences of people in disfavored groups. I think that this is due a lack of empathy. We tend to say that someone is a "good person" based on how they treat their family, friends, and boss. I think that we should say that someone is a "good person" based on how they treat the homeless, the immigrant, the mentally ill, even those in prison.

I think that if the US is to get past our current predicament there must be two awakenings. Both of these awakenings involve pain. First, I think that a lot of people who pay little attention to the political process and its effect on what happens in society need to wake up. I think that only the personal economic pain of a collapsing economy will wake them up and get them out to vote. I think that the other awakening is for people on the left to realize that many of them have been seeing the world through rose colored glasses. They have been seeing US society through the privilege of their own experience.

[yardwork]

50. I'm gonna protest this a little.

I've watched relatives who were once kind and sane go down the rabbit hole. With this much disinformation sloshing around, a lot of people are surprising people they used to know.

Even JD Vance's old friends say they no longer recognize him.

It's been eight years since Trump was last elected, and that's a long time with lots of other things happening. I can imagine being surprised to learn that people are Trumpsters.

It's happened to me with my in-laws and I'm still processing it. I had a completely different impression of them and their politics until the summer of 2022. I was shocked and I'm still grieving the loss of my previous feelings for them. They went from people I thought I liked and could count on to strangers I have to tolerate for my MIL's sake, but see as rarely as possible. We used to go on vacation together. I wouldn't dream of going anywhere with them now.

[Callie1979]

52. Same here; I cant see how these highly educated people dont see thru the CRAP

I've known many of them for YEARS. Doctors. teachers, Lawyers. Etc. One is even a lesbian member of the military!!!!
But I think to do as the OP says her daughter is doing is going to possibly do more harm than good. Being in a very red area if you REALLY cut off EVERYONE who voted for this nutbag you may very well end up extremely isolated & thats NOT good for your health.

[calimary]

57. Hopefully there's a Democratic group, OR an Indivisible group in your area.

If there is, they’ll probably appreciate new members!

Ours, here, is active! We meet (usually via Zoom) every Monday, we organize group activities like holding signs at busy street corners, arranging meetings with our local reps, hosting Postcard Parties at local restaurants where you can order lunch or munchies while you write postcards to our local, state, and federal reps (we provide the postage and mail everything at the end of the day), and more.

We’re on holiday break now. After the election and all the work and door-knocking and leafleting we did, we sure can use the rest! I’m hoping the group’s ready for the new year, and all the new challenges and obstacles that need to be confronted.

The good news: our Congressional representation has flipped back to blue, THANK GOODNESS!!! But while WE are rid of the previous “Rep”, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, unfortunately the whole country AND all our workers have to deal with her now. She’s trump’s pick for Labor Secretary. God help us ALL!!!

Unfortunately she’s not just our district’s problem anymore. She’s gonna be EVERYBODY’S problem all across America.

[Callie1979]

86. Funny thing is; the MAGA HATE this pick. They say she's too "pro union"!

Which of course is "anti business"!!

[wryter2000]

60. It's not an excuse

It’s not like she supported MAGA and changed her mind

[luvallpeeps]

107. Ann Frank

After all she had been through, and all she had seen, still believed people were basically good.

[KitFox]

31. The greater your involvement in GOTV

the bigger the gut punch for sure. Good advice from posters about the Unitarian Church and Society of Friends. I have no doubt she will find like minded folks there. I live in a blue state but a red county. Her county Democratic group will have information about who are registered Dem in her or nearby precincts. Hopefully there are blue dots in her area. I was surprised to find how many in my area were Dems. We get together for postcard and texting operations and go as a group to protests happening. Glad she has you in her corner! I can’t imagine being surrounded by a family of Magas.

[marble falls]

32. Get out of small southern Ohio towns. Look up some of the really great small towns home to liberal arts colleges.

https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-liberal-arts-colleges/s/ohio/

[Bettie]

33. It's hard to accept that most of the people around you

are not good people at their core. They may seem decent sometimes, but anyone (yes, anyone) who would vote for that orange man isn't a good person.

And no, I don't feel sorry for them, I don't believe they were tricked or fooled; they hate someone or something more than they love anything.

[pamdb]

35. how I'm dealing

Last edited Mon Nov 25, 2024, 03:21 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm burying myself in pre-Elizabethan England. Books, historical fiction and non fiction. Watching Wolf Hall for the 3rd time.

Somewhat remarkably, the Tudors and the Yorks seem somehow more reasonable. And that's saying a lot. Excepting the whole
religious bit.

And cleaning. Lots of cleaning.

[MichMan]

36. I would seek professional help n/t

[Hope22]

40. I would recommend getting out of this state.

This is no state to raise young girls in. We are being held hostage by a R led State Legislature that time and again refuses to implement the voted will of the people. Voting will not help here. We are a $issing ground for billionaires who want to buy US Legislators. Our uneducated electorate is a danger to the state and the country. We have no representation on the Federal level and gerrymandering has neutered the Dems in the state legislature as well. It is depressing for sure. Young people should not b exposed to this!

[johnnyplankton]

37. I think we need to get away from the idea that everyone who voted for Trump is inherently evil.

Misinformed. Duped. Even stupid in some cases, but evil? I don't think the vast majority of them are evil.

The administration and a great percentage of the Republican party, on the other hand, are totally evil.

[Hope22]

44. They are either too stupid to vote....or lying.

Sorry they were told what would happen and ignored it. Now they will be shocked when TSF ruins all of our lives. their racist nature and lack of understanding of the word Tariff has put us all in danger. Voting for TSF was an evil action. I hope they enjoy the pendulum hitting them in the head. Too bad we all are sucked into their sick plan. No one will escape. I call that evil. They thought they could watch TSF reign terror on the brown people. Oops…….that was just the skin on the pudding!

[TheKentuckian]

58. We are too far in for the lame excuses. This isn't 2016

Nobody was hornswaggled this time.

They knew what they were doing or didn't give a tinkerer's damn.

Stupid I can accept but you can fix stupid and spends the same as the evil.

What I think people need to get over is that their friends and family are decent folks because it creates a huge blind spot that can eventually lead to following them down the rabbit hole and/or wagon circling for them which over time generates sympathy and preference for the assholes.

Much of this is straight up anti-blackness/white nationalism including from the few knucklehead/gritting sellout blacks, the shit ton dumbass Latinos men, and treacherous amd politically insane Arabs.

[mountain grammy]

67. I really want to believe this.

[Behind the Aegis]

39. I am sorry to hear this.

It must be hard on you too knowing she is afraid. I have had several friends reach out, including one here at DU, offering up a place for me and my husband. We just celebrated our tenth LEGAL anniversary (we have been together for almost 23 years) and I did my best not to cry all day, all the while wondering if it would be the last one. Two of the judges who voted for marriage equality, were just replaced and locally, all of the "liberal" members of the city council, including the mayor were removed because, y'know, DRAG QUEENS! I am NOT even kidding!

I also am worried because I am a Jew, thereby making my husband a "Jew lover". The anti-Semitism has been getting worse here, still mainly little jokes and the like, but people are now saying things in public, that they normally wouldn't. Support from the GLBT community here is hit or miss given that I am a Jew. In my area, most don't care one way or the other; not comforting.

Sadly, we can't leave. My husband job is here and the only other major place for his business would be Houston. Don't think Texas would be a move up, or rather, only slightly. Thankfully, marijuana is legal here for medical reasons, and given my anxiety disorder, let's just say, it has come in handy to pop a gummie when I start getting overwhelmed. I told my husband, if a position opens in Norway, TAKE IT! If you knew me (you kinda do), the idea I would go to a place so damn cold most of the year would be a major clue as to how concerned I am.

I can't speak to the religious aspect, but it seems others have had some good suggestions, I guess. If she reaches out to others in the community, let her know, if after meeting with them, she comes out more upset/stressed/afraid, then DROP THEM! A support network is great to vent and share commonality, including fear, but it should be for support and uplifting. It is sometimes healthy to "wallow" but if that is all that is being done, a very negative feedback loop is created.

Anyway, I hope things look up for her and you.

[ismnotwasm]

61. Thank you!

[Orrex]

41. I live just over the border in PA

My county's been hard red since at least 2004 and voted for fuckface 2:1 this time around. Most of my coworkers are hardcore Trump fuckers, as are a solid majority of my customers.

I sympathize with your daughter. I spend my time choking down bile and fantasizing about a world in which Trump undergoes horrific torture 24/7 for the next few decades.

[elleng]

45. VERY sorry to hear it.

MAYBE she could feel some solace in/around Earlham, School of Religion, a graduate division of Earlham College, located in Richmond, Indiana, is the oldest graduate seminary associated with the Religious Society of Friends. Wikipedia

DU's good friend Tobin Swafford now attends.

[mnhtnbb]

47. I lived with school age children

in both Missouri (St. Joseph) and Nebraska (Lincoln). In St Joe, we belonged to a Disciples of Christ church which was home to many of the 'liberals' in the area.
When my oldest was going into 9th grade and the youngest into 5th grade, we moved to Chapel Hill, NC, and I've been here now in the Triangle area --which is very blue--for 24 years. Both my sons--who are gay--live near by. The oldest came out in high school, the youngest in college. Kids survive moving. They learn how to adapt and make new friends. If the MAGA atmosphere is stifling for your daughter, think what a toxic mess it is the children are growing up in!
I would encourage your daughter to relocate to a more progressive area, whether in Ohio or to another state. College towns are generally left leaning and will probably also have good public schools because they are populated by parents who tend to be educated. The Internet makes it very easy to research these days.
Good luck to her.

[Hope22]

48. I agree whole heartedly with one exception..

….if she is lucky enough to move she needs to get out of Ohio, for the sake of her children and herself! Our population is dropping for a reason and it’s not a good one!

[murielm99]

49. When she's ready, show her this:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219760295

We fight back. No two ways about it.

[Thrill]

51. Can't blame her. It's hard not to be discouraged

I’m at the point where I’m sick of politics. It’s all about the rich and powerful. And the uninformed working class put them in full charge.

[MayReasonRule]

53. My Sincerest Empathies... The GOP Is Wholly Fascist. Those That Support The Same Are Wholly Fascist As Well.

This is that.

Fascists are untrustworthy by definition.

I am surrounded by fascists and fools here in Louisiana.

I trust none of them at all.

[Ndp5]

54. Not all are bad people

Some Trump voters were uninformed or deceived, and others come from Republican families where everyone has just always voted party line. I’m not making excuses for them, but it’s very hard to deal with neighbors and work contacts if you’re convinced everyone with different political views is totally rotten.

I left my own church during the pandemic when CDC guidelines were openly being flouted, so I sympathize with your daughter. But if I’m being honest, I’ll admit there were red flags all along, and my particular church’s attitude toward that event just brought all the things that had been bugging me out into the open. Perhaps there were some red flags at your daughter’s church, too.

We’re all wrestling with those questions, though. Trump made inroads in blue areas, so even here, we’re looking at his vote totals in neighboring counties and thinking, “What have you people done?”

[Bird Lady]

66. The rot permeates all of them

and I for one will rejoice every time they get what they deserve. Because of their stupidity many of us will have the same bad outcome and we don't deserve it.

[OhioBack2Blue]

55. 2,597,701 voted for Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown

Yes, there was some crossover but that is over 2 million center- left, sane people among the ones infected with the MAGAvirus / Christian Nationalists fever.

When she is out and about, maybe remind her there are many center-left (and also never Trumpers) that are watching over her. We are the ones with the warm, welcoming faces, as opposed to the stern, severe angry, pinched faces. We mostly drive fuel efficient vehicles, smile and laugh in the face of difficult times (because we are familiar with this) and like to work cooperatively with others.

MAGA usually drives FORDS or Chevy with body lifts, will cut you off in the grocery store because it is all about them, drive aggressively and tailgate on the roadway. They are usually always angry, and most always white people.

Also see INDIVISIBLE.org (National Indivisible action groups)

I hope she stays and becomes part of the resistance, but if she feels she can't afford to move out of state but still feels like she needs to move, which many cannot, maybe it is more feasible to move in closer to one of the 3 Cs (Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland) or one of the larger rural cities.

Thank you for saying we are your heroes. The MAGA gangs are very jacked up right now and are already trawling around looking for those "bad" people. We are organizing, forming reaction teams, and ready to go with lawyers, video cameras, and other preparations on Jan 20th.

[samplegirl]

56. I live in Northeast Ohio.

I feel our election was ruined by the sum 3000 people in indoctrinated by Grace Church!
Every Republican in Trumbull county is friends with the pastor of this church. He is a racist and it is a right wing pastor.

It made me sick not one Democrat, one in Trumbull county.

[lonely bird]

75. I feel for you

Portage County is just as bad with the exception of Kent thanks to Kent State.

There were so damn many Trump signs. Many more than in 2020. Some are still up.

[Evolve Dammit]

62. I am so sorry for her pain. Left OH 40 years ago and have watched it go red at a distance. Still hurts.

[mwb970]

63. I live in Columbus with other smart, successful people.

Once you leave the city limits you are in Deepest Trumpistan.

[Bird Lady]

65. I know it doesn't help...

but she is not the only one trying to find a way to go on. I feel for her and her children. We were cursed with being born in the wrong time.

[dwayneb]

68. I live in a similar ruby red county.

I'd say 1 in 10 in my area votes Democrat.

I have to say that most of my Trump voting neighbors are not belligerent about it. Politics never comes up. My immediate neighbors are in their mid 80's and we are all friends and take care of one another when it is needed. Maybe 2 houses on my street had Trump signage, and I think they've taken it all down.

This is not in any way to excuse their ignorance and irresponsibility in voting for Trump. But fact is for many people, politics isn't front and center most of the time.

[legallyblondeNYC]

70. See moments of joy and gratitude.

We all live moment-to-moment. That is all any of us can do.

So for each moment, suggest that she observe moments of joy and moments of gratitude. Nothing big. A beautiful tree. A person walking a dog. A beautiful piece of fruit. A pie. A perfect cup of coffee. A favorite Netflix show. A book. A sketch. A piece of jewelry given by a parent, grandparent or partner. A comfortable bed. A nap. A favorite song. I delicious slice of pizza. A dear friend. Old photographs. New photographs of a favorite bridge, river, ocean, or sunset. A walk in a park. A bubble bath. A favorite soap or nail polish. Bouncing a ball. The memory of a childhood friend. A memory of an awful childhood haircut. A recipe that she likes to prepare. A deep breath. A warm (politics free!) "thank you" to someone who bags your groceries, drives your Uber, or delivers your packages. Memories of.parent or grandparent's best recipe. Or worst recipe. Or an old boyfriend from years and years ago. The roof over our head. The food in the refrigerator. The ability to read.

All of these items. Moment to moment. Reasons for joy.

Not to deny the pain. Not at all. To say to the pain, "I see you," but with an understanding that life changes. Yet even now, we have a lot of things to be joyful about. And that gratitude is strength. It is not polyanish. It gives us the power to chose how to respond or not respond and to continue to thrive and find joy and strength.

My best to her. May she find ease.

[markodochartaigh]

71. A pic from the future

[JanMichael]

72. The kids will likely get over it. Move.

It would be better for all involved.

[Bluethroughu]

73. Move now, tell her to go to illinois.

Get out for the kids.

Get out for opportunities.

Get out for a future.

These people, trumpers, are miserable and will take everyone to HELL with them.

You can not vote for someone that runs on bloody mass deportations unless you rot of a demonic energy inside.

[ms.pamela]

74. Daughter disappointed in Ohio

Please advise your daughter to move if possible nothing is ever going to change in Ohio, it has gone red and I don't think it will ever go back. I have relatives in Pennsylvania and I am sure they are stupid right-wing idiots, the only thing saving that state is Pittsburg, Philadephia, and a few other blue areas like State College. Maryland, Delaware, and Northern Virginia would be better areas to live in with children or she could move to Washington. Eastern Washington is much more affordable but it leans Republican. Another good Christian Church is the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which Governor Walz is a member of. Most of my congregation is on the liberal side with only a few Republicans. These Lutherans have female ministers and accept gay folks without issue.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

76. She and me both!!

[OutNow]

77. Many Jews in 1930s Germany also had their whole life and family there

If Trump and his fascist horde do even 50% of what they scream about red Ohio may not be safe for liberals. Many Jews in 1930s Germany thought that Hitler was just a passing fancy and would never actually do what he threatened. They didn't leave, even when they still had the opportunity. Many, including some of my ancestors left - a few to Finland, a few to the USA. My father found a cousin in Finland and visited him in the 1970s. The rest of their extended family vanished in the Holocaust.

Just sayin....

[summer_in_TX]

79. United Churches of Christ are terrific on civil rights and justice.

Very liberal. If one was close to me, I'd be tempted.

But fortunately the split in the United Methodist Church caused those churches that stayed UMC, like mine, to find the most prejudiced former members have elected to go away. We liberals in our church looked around after the pandemic and found those who had stayed were those who believed in being inclusive, accepting, and dedicated to making the world a better place. United Methodists have a strong ethic of service and generally are likely to be trying to live out the Golden Rule actively.

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." ~John Wesley

[yellowdogintexas]

90. What city are you in? I am in Ft Worth and my church is NOT leaving

In fact, we did not even need to have a congregational vote on it. I know that several of the large churches are staying, I just don't know the whole list.
It is such a relief to have that whole mess behind us!!

We have had members leave, I am certain. I am also certain we have acquired some new members from the churches who left. One of our suburban cities had 4 medium/small UMC churches, and they all voted to leave the UMC. This left a bunch of folks with nowhere to go. Our recently retired Senior Minister found out about it and has helped these folks organize into a new congregation.

[Blue_Tires]

80. Believe me, I feel her pain

[ECL213]

85. I attend St. Mattress...

They have locations all over the Buckeye state, with services every night.

Screw Xichigan!!

But seriously, it sucks here in Dumbfukistan. I quit one church after Biden was elected because the pastor made a comment about it during the service. I find life much better without being surrounded by hypocrites. If only I could avoid my in-laws, but they live on Social Security and Medicare, they’ll be dead soon.

I digress.

[2naSalit]

89. I feel for her...

That she has taken up with religion only makes things worse.

This blue dot is about to let this state get redder and flame out because I'll be relocating to a blueish-blue state. Fuck these assholes, I'm over it with these shitheads.

[sarchasm]

92. heartbreaking

[sarchasm]

93. Don't Give Up

Don't Give Up
Peter Gabriel

In this proud land we grew up strong
We were wanted all along
I was taught to fight, taught to win
I never thought I could fail

No fight left or so it seems
I am a man whose dreams have all deserted
I've changed my face, I've changed my name
But no one wants you when you lose

Don't give up
'Cause you have friends
Don't give up
You're not beaten yet
Don't give up
I know you can make it good

Though I saw it all around
Never thought I could be affected
Thought that we'd be last to go
It is so strange the way things turn

Drove the night toward my home
The place that I was born, on the lakeside
As daylight broke, I saw the earth
The trees had burned down to the ground

Don't give up
You still have us
Don't give up
We don't need much of anything
Don't give up
'Cause somewhere there's a place
Where we belong

Rest your head
You worry too much
It's going to be alright
When times get rough
You can fall back on us
Don't give up
Please don't give up

Got to walk out of here
I can't take anymore
Gonna stand on that bridge
Keep my eyes down below
Whatever may come
And whatever may go
That river's flowing
That river's flowing

Moved on to another town
Tried hard to settle down
For every job, so many men
So many men no-one needs

Don't give up
'Cause you have friends
Don't give up
You're not the only one
Don't give up
No reason to be ashamed
Don't give up
You still have us
Don't give up now
We're proud of who you are
Don't give up
You know it's never been easy
Don't give up
'Cause I believe there's a place
There's a place where we belong

[Trueblue Texan]

94. I know exactly how your daughter feels...

...only I'm too old and experienced now to be shocked by it. But remember all too well how I fell into the deepest pit of despair when I realized so many of my "friends" were really just vile people. I walked away from so many, with no regrets. But the grief this time is worse than any I've experienced in my life and it's hard to figure out how to keep going without despair. I've decided to start back to church with the Unitarians or Friends...both are very liberal and activists. I'm not religious either and not looking for spiritual guidance. I merely need to cling to those who are managing to stay afloat. I don't know if it will help but for now they are the only ray of hope. I live in a very, VERY red district in Texas and I've walked away from many friends and those who might've been friends. I'm just trying to figure it out each day. I may also start going to hang out at the library. My thoughts are with your daughter and granddaughters. I wish there was something I could do or say to make it better, but I'm as adrift in misery and grief as she is.

[Mr. Mustard 2023]

95. The Republicons who "love teh babies"

supports giving maniacs machine guns who slaughter our kids while their in school. Now they're forcing women to risk misery or jail if they get pregnant and have a miscarriage.

Good luck to your daughter, and I hope she finds a safe place in this country. It's easier said than done of course, and I don't know what to do except tell the truth to everyone, including teens. Normally I would be cautious with teens, but we're out of time.

Tell them our constitutional system is rigged in favor of the minority, it also has legalized bribery of our elected officials. Our legal system is set up for the rich, and particularly rich white people.

Tell them solving our climate catastrophe is too late, and they must learn to live in a new world. Deadly oil & it's choking byproducts like single use plastics must be eliminated asap for them to have a chance. Tell them our Democratic party is decent, but still too beholden to lobbyists & corporations as well. In addition, they're up against the same forces we are.

Finally, tell them our consumption economy is also a problem and should be changed to reward green energy, non-polluters and health lifestyles.

They'll probably hold us in contempt, but we tried and failed because, in my opinion the system stacked the deck too much in favor of commerce and the rich, and labor doesn't have enough power.

I can't say telling the truth will work, but it's all I've got.

[Buttoneer]

97. In my experience, Unitarian Universalist Churches have been the most accepting of

all people and are not judgy.

[ismnotwasm]

98. Thank you everyone for your responses!

I’ve decided to send her this thread

[liberalhistorian]

99. I'm from Ohio

originally and lived there for nearly forty years. In the nearly twenty years I've been out of the state, it's changed so much for the worst and it's heartbreaking. I'm now in Minnesota (thank God!) and hubby and I are planning to move my mom and ASD adult son here with us soon. I want them out of that state ASAP!

I know what she means about churches. As a seminary-trained Christian chaplain, it's beyond infuriating and heartbreaking to see how so many churches are falling to their knees before the Golden Dear Leader, learning nothing from the 1930's German Lutheran Church. My denomination, the United Church of Christ, is doing it's best to work against all of this. Your daughter might want want to check that out.

[Maru Kitteh]

100. It will be hard to leave but potentially deadly if they stay. She comes from resilient stock, and

so do the kids. They will be happier, and safer among the sane.

Best to all of you.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

101. I have a Gay Uncle in Akron.

We are both originally from Cleveland.

I fear for my Uncle and his husband of 35 years in Akron. I am certain they are not happy with losing Sherrod Brown as well.

[mwmisses4289]

102. gentle hug to you and your daughter.

We all are reeling from this election.
Hope your daughter finds what she is looking for.

[Ranting Randy]

103. If your daughter is looking for a more accepting religion, try Unitarian Universalism (link inside)

https://www.uua.org/worship/words/image/seven-principles

UUs are not identified by dogma or beliefs. You can be Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Atheist, etc and still be a UU.

If the 7 principles make sense to you, look for a Unitarian Universalist church in your neighborhood. Many churches have services on-line, so you may want to help her check out a few. And if after watching on-line, then check out attending live and in-color!

[orleans]

105. you might not see this b/c the thread is pretty long

but i think she should just move by you.

blue area, good for kids to be close to grandparent, and she can reconsider having another baby b/c she'll be in a safe place.

kids can facetime & text their friends.

and they have "liberal" churches around where you live too (i'm assuming. my first thought was a unitarian church; i visited one a few times years ago with some friends but i don't do church)