The Problem with Infighting and Conflict

I could never post anything original, but I didn’t really think much of it or look into it. Then, one day, I went to Substack on my computer and realized that’s how you had to do it. Having ADHD is like partaking in uncharted adventures and gaining novel fascinations every single day. :joy:

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Oh! That’s how I experience life, too. Although some of my adventures lack fascination as they are horrifying instead. I get so stressed out! Still, I think many artists are like this. In any case I can’t imagine living any other way. Well, ok, I can imagine it, but I certainly don’t want a pedantic life!

Cheers!

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What is this?! I just subscribed too!

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Hi everyone,

I’d like to share an idea for how we might work tactically with groups on shared policy goals (like those outlined on The PopulistPlank.com) while protecting our core progressive values. I’ve drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets out a framework for collaboration. This MOU highlights our shared goals—such as addressing corporate overreach and promoting peaceful governance—and includes mutual standards to ensure respectful dialogue and a rejection of hate speech, discrimination, or any authoritarian practices.

Key points include:

  • Shared Goals: Tackling corporate influence, supporting labor rights, and advocating for peaceful, accountable governance.
  • Mutual Standards: A commitment to respectful communication, inclusive policy development, and upholding democratic values.
  • Clear Procedures: A defined process for addressing any deviations from these standards.

The goal is to create a space where we can work together on specific issues without compromising our principles. I’ve attached the MOU draft for you to review.

Please share your thoughts:

  • Does the framework align with our goals?
  • Are there any aspects that need further clarification or adjustment?
  • Do you have ideas for making the collaboration even more inclusive?

Looking forward to your feedback and insights.

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Awesome. I subscribed back! I am not yet accustomed to Substack and still get lost every time I log on. LOL

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That’s a very good MOU.

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Looks good to me… consider the following tho…

1.	Definitions Section – Define key terms like “corporate overreach,” “peaceful governance,” and “economic justice” to ensure alignment on their meanings.
2.	Governance and Decision-Making – Specify how decisions will be made (e.g., consensus, majority vote) and who will facilitate discussions. This will help avoid ambiguity in how joint actions are undertaken.
3.	Duration and Termination – Clarify how long this MOU will be in effect and the process for parties to withdraw voluntarily if they choose.
4.	Confidentiality and Public Statements – Establish guidelines on how information is shared internally and externally, especially regarding media statements or public positions taken under this collaboration.
5.	Review and Amendment Process – Allow for periodic review and potential updates to the MOU to adapt to evolving circumstances or priorities.
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This is brilliant!

I want to create a sense of urgency within my community. I agree with Cenk, btw, regarding MAGA. I do not think they are all a lost cause. A good percentage ARE, don’t get me wrong. Just not all. MAGA isn’t even the damn problem!! The problem is current DNC leadership! Anyone with half a brain cell, some integrity and access to media should have beat this guy! ESPECIALLY IF YOU SPENT 2 BILLION DOLLARS!!! They lost 2 out of 3 times, because they do not care. They are paid to take a dive. That much is clear, so let’s throw them out. I intend to focus my small contributions on the one message of money and aim it all toward the Democratic Primaries. Maybe I am wrong, and I am definitely open to suggestions!! I was thinking about slogans and the different ways to reach our diverse population. There are 350 million people and we are ALL Americans. Yes, even our regressive brothers and sisters who are, quite plainly, victims of a trillion dollar propaganda machine, working 24/7/365 (literally) to gaslight the living fuck out of our most vulnerable citizens. The Powell memos and Southern Strategy, manipulating SCROTUS, etc, all a stroke of genius and the result of years of insidious execution. Truly fucking scary. MAGA is not a monolith and, in my daily experience, many do not reflect the caricature we and mainstream media have created. Again, there are plenty of loons in MAGA, but its more complicated than that.

We need tangible results and fast. I intend to start with my immediate circle of influence and work my way to the state capitol. Here in Montana we do have a small Progressive caucus. It looks like there is some infrastructure, but, certainly, opportunity to grow. Bozeman is turning wildly Progressive, but the real test is taking that message to MAGA and the MAGA adjacent. The Montana RED MAGA contingent is strong, but I think/hope there is an opportunity to reach them with the singular message of truly draining the swamp. I am an old white guy, so there is some percent chance they will let me talk at a rally, event or town hall. They don’t see me coming!! I am often mistaken for an old, racist MAGA cultist. It has its advantages in Montana, but I digress. Being kind, extending empathy and respect is easy with friends and family who all share the same values. The real challenge is engaging, with respect and kindness, those who disagree or are downright deplorable (classic) You dont negotiate with allies!!! Well, you do sometimes but point stands. So, ultimately I feel like its almost a waste of time and resource to do anything other than build a coalition around the fundamental idea of NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION - GET DARK MONEY OUT OF GOVERNMENT NOW!. There are a handful of people that rule us. They stole our freedom and 30 percent of the country cannot see it, YET. The entire fucking government does what a handful of sociopaths pay them to do. WTF ARE WE DOING???

Sorry for this way too long and rambling reply.

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Money = Power. Remember that.

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We’re gonna gave to figure hout a way to use the system to our advantqge.

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You mean like Cenk starting Wolf-PAC and using a SuperPAC to get rid of SuperPacs?

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No we need to focus on getting the money out of politics by using social media to expose the corruption.

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Not only that but while we highlight the corruption we also need to raise money to place people in power that will work towards the people’s interests and not against them.

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So when there is a large army and a large ground we need to attack the enemy where they are weak and keep attacking. We don’t win by playing defense. State by state they are weak on the issues that actually matter. We should attack on the state level.

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Agreed. As I stated before in another post with implanting agenda 28’ since the right wing is so big on state rights let’s propose things like Universal healthcare to governors on a state level to show the rest of the country what could happen on a federal level.

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Thank you. I think you have enumerated some very positive and viable steps we can take.

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That MOU is spot on! My only suggestion is in regard to the part about promoting “Accountability in institutions.” I suggest making it “Transparency an accountability.” This adds an additional layer to our expectations of these institutions.

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This is wonderful , Maggie. Eagle1’s addition to the MOU , can that be added?

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