This is an excellent article, Christina. As an expat American living in Ireland, I am so disheartened about what is happening in my country and fearful about the eventual outcome. I just hope the Democrats get themselves together soon and learn how to fight against the onslaught. In the meantime, the era of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan seems rather quaint.
Thank you so much, Clarice. I'm really not sure how the Democrats (or anyone) can fight against the onslaught, but we have to hope they try. And yes, you're right, the Thatcher Reagan years now seem very quaint indeed.
Thank you so much, Rosie. Unfortunately, on Musk's X you can't block people properly unless you pay for it (which, of course, I won't.) They can still see your posts and set their dogs on you. Which they do. It would be easier to rise above it if some of the aggression wasn't from people I know! What the hell has happened to the world etc.
You are so clear-eyed in your assessment of what has happened and is happening, Christina. It is both admirable and terrifying. My heart sinks to realize how often we - meaning humanity at large - seem to fall into the same trap over and over again. And I think you hit on something with the line Heidi also highlighted - “Someone has to do the work.” Over here in America, it feels like everyone is waiting for someone else to step up. We are like the traditional damsel in distress waiting in the tower for a knight who will never come. We need to realize that while we may feel like the damsel, we are also the dragon. I read a book last year called, When Women Were Dragons. I liked it, but didn’t love it. I did, however, love the concept of women escaping the chains of small, controlled lives to literally become dragons. I’m rambling now, but I would love to see a wave of such transformation across the country, and indeed the world. I would love to feel a fiery roar in my throat and the surge of freedom under my great, wide wings. Who knows.
Thank you, dear Jamie, for your incredibly kind words about my work. I may be relatively clear-eyed about what’s happening, but I’m not at all clear-eyed about the answers. I completely understand the “damsel in distress” feeling. I love the idea of women as dragons, but there are not enough women dragons around. I don’t know what we do, but it does depress me that we are watching all these men decide our future - who will live, who will die, who will starve - while we women write largely about art, domesticity and kindness. I absolutely believe that these are important, vital in fact, but too many of us (including me) have chosen not to enter into the necessary compromises of power. America, for whatever reason, refused to vote for a rare woman who did - and here we are. Fucked, essentially. I honestly don’t know how we recover. But I am very grateful to be in this life boat with magnificent women like you.
I always enjoy reading your newsletters, Christina, it’s as if your view of politics matches mine, except on this occasion.
I liked Margaret Thatcher because she took over when this country was in a state of chaos. She had to confront and beat Scargill, which she did, though sadly many miners were caught in the crossfire, so to speak.
Nobody talks about the state of the Labour Party in those grey days, for they were so far left that they were unelectable.
But I do enjoy your free style of writing, and look forward to reading many future editions.
Thank you for your kind words, John. I think I’d hate 1970s Labour now, but at the time I had little idea about politics and hated Thatcher more. Am still not a fan, as I think I made clear, but she certainly had steel…
If I may say, not wishing labour the point, that many women viewed Margaret Thatcher as a traitor to womanhood as they expected her to be less demonstrable than men, not more. I know that women within my family felt this betrayal and saw her as evil. I have a masculine view that differs enormously from that viewpoint,because she was forthright, even more so, than a man. And that did give her steel.
Hi Christina, so saddened to learn of the abuse you suffered. Particularly that launched by the journalist. You can only continue to rise effortlessly above it all, as you seem to do. Oh Boy: If you, that is we all, thought last week's Gaza real estate opportunity left no further to fall ... how wrong were we! Now Appeasement 2.0 - one could not make this up. Aghast! Take care, somehow maintain sanity x John
Thank you, John. I don't rise above it effortlessly at all! Yup, Gaza, Ukraine. It's all going swimmingly. Let's see what's left when he goes (if he goes). Cx
Christina, everyday a new joy to behold. I expect you enjoyed just as much as I did, hearing just now the next President of the United States telling us all what is wrong with our democracies. Taking his lead of course from his boss yesterday who told us Mr Putin could not allow NATO membership for Ukraine. Err... what's wrong with this picture! I hope today European leaders take on board that we all need to shun the USA, leave them to their own devices and let's see how that works out. Take Care x John
... interesting, if depressing, (and at at times rather excitable) assessment by The News Agents podcast yesterday (Thursday). I don't know if you use that at all. (Not for this evening though... enjoy your Valentine's ;) ~ John x
"Someone has to do the work"—you’re absolutely right, Christina! I’m deeply grateful for journalists like you, who dare to be visible and speak out in contentious times, even if mistakes happen. I refuse to accept a world where those who dare to engage get pounced on and pummeled for a slip-up. Thank you for "not looking away" when so many do—turning away and tuning out what is unpalatable and disconcerting is exactly how we end up in the circumstances we now face. Keep going, keep writing, and sharing your insights in all the ways you do. We need them.
What a very kind response, Heidi, thank you. I doubt I can change anyone's mind and don't have much of a platform, but I will have to continue saying what I see, even if only for my own sanity. It was lovely to see you in the group the other day.
Yes, Thatcher was something else. I, too, hated her with a vengeance at the time, and would never credit her with anything positive or good, but looking back now from here, I wouldn’t mind someone with, well, if not her policies, then her principles and character, making an appearance on the political stage.
The paucity of leadership talents today is so depressing. But as you say, Christina, it’s a dirty job made filthier by social media, so why would anyone with an ounce of smarts willingly step into that cesspit?
Good article Christina. Interesting to read what you thought of politicians back in the day. I have similar view of Thatcher who shaped my political views to a unbelievable degree. I would not have got involved in politics which I am not active in now if it were not to my complete opposition to Thatchers philosophy. Sorry to hear you got social media abuse. Leave twitter and just be here if you can it's so much nicer. I'll never go back to twitter delighted I left it. Regards lol
Thank you, Iain. Substack is a million times nicer than Twitter/X now. I am hardly ever on X but feel I have to make the odd foray for professional reasons. I wish I didn't. I'm glad you're enjoying Substack. I love it!
Some good points made, particularly with regard to the current bunch of politicians, very few of which I have much, if any, time for regardless of the party they belong to.
I didn't care for Thatcher's attitude towards the working class, but at least she was a major figure on the world stage, and formed significant ties with Reagan & even Gorbachev before Putin's evil presence finally surfaced.
These days we are just insignificant pygmies with little or no clout.
Sorry to hear about the abuse you're getting following your recent stint on Sky, which I didn't see, but all you can do is try and ignore it.
Thank you very much, John. Yes, Thatcher now seems like a titan on the world stage. Hard to imagine any British leader commanding that respect now. Though our current one is (as I wrote) not a disaster by any stretch.
Thank you for not turning your eyes away, Christina. I loved this piece!
There was a quick mention that Thatcher crushed the miners, and that got me thinking about my ex-husband and his family. The family was from Yorkshire and two of them worked in the mines. They loved Thatcher and the strength she embodied - which seems to be a parallel to people here who voted against their own wellbeing to support someone they believed was strong. I will never understand what drives people to do that.
Sorry about the hate mail - that is something that really needs to stop!
Thank you so much for your kind words, as always, Cathy. Fascinating what you say about your ex-husband's family. It's the same people who voted (in large part) for Brexit. Against their economic interests, of course, but they loved "Boris" and what they thought he represented. Lovely to see you in the group on Saturday!
Our calls are a lifeline to me and it was so good to hear your thoughts - all the thoughts of those in our group. For our next call, I want to hear more about your Merseyside experience. It sounds fascinating! —XX!!
I made some short films with ex mining communities in Yorkshire to mark the anniversary of the ‘85 Miners’ Strike. Went back to screen them after Brexit vote and was told ‘we’re not bloody racist but we’re never going to vote the way Cameron wants us to’.
That must have been fascinating. Yup, so much of our politics (including Trump's victory) is essentially a giant "fuck you". And sometimes people would rather be poor than admit that they were wrong.
They were six short films that we facilitated the ex-miners or members of their families to write and shoot…will see if I can find the link for them and forward to you.
It's a very stressful time as you point out. And I'm really worried the Democratic leadership is in delusion (apparently complaining that their constituents are calling them). A few get it, we need to fight, but they need to work as a block. On the news today we hear about more firings controlled from DOGE but no mention that what they are doing is illegal. Which is it. Someone the other day told me that everything we think is true is based on belief. We believe that a companies financial statement is true, we believe that people will follow the rule of law, but he asked, what do we do if others don't believe that? We lose trust, and that's a whole new ball game.
Which is why I'm frantically trying to get my taxes in now, while the IRS still have staff, and thanking my lucky stars I got my passport done at Christmas.
It must be very tough to be there now. But what exactly can the Democrats do? The law is just a vehicle for Trump to ignore and distort now, not least since he has rigged the Supreme Court. I think what your friend says is right. The rule of law is irrelevant to the MAGA lot. International law, too. That's what is so terrifying and so chilling.
I hope you're managing to keep relatively sane. I know that so much research funding is being cut, not least for cancer. What lovely people etc.
There are two things they can do with their weak hand. The democrats can agree not to vote for any GOP legislation going forward or for any appointments. Because by doing so they are saying that nothing has change and democracy is still working, when it isn't. Among politics the real question is the debt ceiling. Who will blink first over that? They have to insist that they won't pass it without the GOP agreeing to the rule of law, along with enforcement mechanisms because the GOP doesn't have the votes. Otherwise they might as well give up now.
The second thing they can do is explain to the public what exactly the implications are in these massive cuts they are planning or implementing. You can basically forget getting any medical treatment in the midwest if NIH cuts support to 15% and Medicaid gets cut by more than 20%. All the hospitals will close. Which is why some GOP Senators are panicking now they realize what the impact will be (although they are hoping that by bending the knee they can protect their districts. That's not going to work). So messaging to the public is the only other card they can pull. Make the public see what is happening, ands get the public angry enough about it to call their representatives and demand they follow the constitution. Public Opinion, when it's local, shouldn't be under estimated for the impact it can have. Which is why I expect some other groups to be more vocal over the coming days.
Anyway, we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed we can survive this. Unfortunately a lot of other people aren't going to be so lucky.
PS. The other aspect to staying sane is walking away from the news every so often. Which is probably a healthy thing to do anyway.
Very interesting, Paul. But the Trump regime isn't going to respect the law, is it? And do you think they will listen to the "little people"? They will just demonise them, as they have demonised anyone they disagree with. And anyway, that ship has sailed. Truly, a tragedy, and particularly for Ukraine (and Europe and Palestinians and the world).
No they are not going to respect the law, but if no one pushes back then people believe they can do this stuff legally, which will have long term consequences, such as on Trump thinking he can stay in power for another term. You're right they may not listen to the little people, but it will remind other politicians that even with the gerrymandering they will need us, it will remind the world that the majority of Americans are against Trump (49% voted for him), and it will comfort those in the government who are feeling isolated and betrayed. Winning now is delaying all the crap they are trying to pull off. Within the next two years people will leave Congress, and when they do, it's a chance to seize back the House. They have a majority of 1. Then we will see what happens.
This is an excellent article, Christina. As an expat American living in Ireland, I am so disheartened about what is happening in my country and fearful about the eventual outcome. I just hope the Democrats get themselves together soon and learn how to fight against the onslaught. In the meantime, the era of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan seems rather quaint.
Thank you so much, Clarice. I'm really not sure how the Democrats (or anyone) can fight against the onslaught, but we have to hope they try. And yes, you're right, the Thatcher Reagan years now seem very quaint indeed.
Great piece Christina. I made an error on the BBC paper review once. Was awful. Just rise above it and block any idiots.
Thank you so much, Rosie. Unfortunately, on Musk's X you can't block people properly unless you pay for it (which, of course, I won't.) They can still see your posts and set their dogs on you. Which they do. It would be easier to rise above it if some of the aggression wasn't from people I know! What the hell has happened to the world etc.
You are so clear-eyed in your assessment of what has happened and is happening, Christina. It is both admirable and terrifying. My heart sinks to realize how often we - meaning humanity at large - seem to fall into the same trap over and over again. And I think you hit on something with the line Heidi also highlighted - “Someone has to do the work.” Over here in America, it feels like everyone is waiting for someone else to step up. We are like the traditional damsel in distress waiting in the tower for a knight who will never come. We need to realize that while we may feel like the damsel, we are also the dragon. I read a book last year called, When Women Were Dragons. I liked it, but didn’t love it. I did, however, love the concept of women escaping the chains of small, controlled lives to literally become dragons. I’m rambling now, but I would love to see a wave of such transformation across the country, and indeed the world. I would love to feel a fiery roar in my throat and the surge of freedom under my great, wide wings. Who knows.
Thank you, dear Jamie, for your incredibly kind words about my work. I may be relatively clear-eyed about what’s happening, but I’m not at all clear-eyed about the answers. I completely understand the “damsel in distress” feeling. I love the idea of women as dragons, but there are not enough women dragons around. I don’t know what we do, but it does depress me that we are watching all these men decide our future - who will live, who will die, who will starve - while we women write largely about art, domesticity and kindness. I absolutely believe that these are important, vital in fact, but too many of us (including me) have chosen not to enter into the necessary compromises of power. America, for whatever reason, refused to vote for a rare woman who did - and here we are. Fucked, essentially. I honestly don’t know how we recover. But I am very grateful to be in this life boat with magnificent women like you.
I always enjoy reading your newsletters, Christina, it’s as if your view of politics matches mine, except on this occasion.
I liked Margaret Thatcher because she took over when this country was in a state of chaos. She had to confront and beat Scargill, which she did, though sadly many miners were caught in the crossfire, so to speak.
Nobody talks about the state of the Labour Party in those grey days, for they were so far left that they were unelectable.
But I do enjoy your free style of writing, and look forward to reading many future editions.
Thank you for your kind words, John. I think I’d hate 1970s Labour now, but at the time I had little idea about politics and hated Thatcher more. Am still not a fan, as I think I made clear, but she certainly had steel…
If I may say, not wishing labour the point, that many women viewed Margaret Thatcher as a traitor to womanhood as they expected her to be less demonstrable than men, not more. I know that women within my family felt this betrayal and saw her as evil. I have a masculine view that differs enormously from that viewpoint,because she was forthright, even more so, than a man. And that did give her steel.
Hi Christina, so saddened to learn of the abuse you suffered. Particularly that launched by the journalist. You can only continue to rise effortlessly above it all, as you seem to do. Oh Boy: If you, that is we all, thought last week's Gaza real estate opportunity left no further to fall ... how wrong were we! Now Appeasement 2.0 - one could not make this up. Aghast! Take care, somehow maintain sanity x John
Thank you, John. I don't rise above it effortlessly at all! Yup, Gaza, Ukraine. It's all going swimmingly. Let's see what's left when he goes (if he goes). Cx
Christina, everyday a new joy to behold. I expect you enjoyed just as much as I did, hearing just now the next President of the United States telling us all what is wrong with our democracies. Taking his lead of course from his boss yesterday who told us Mr Putin could not allow NATO membership for Ukraine. Err... what's wrong with this picture! I hope today European leaders take on board that we all need to shun the USA, leave them to their own devices and let's see how that works out. Take Care x John
Yup. Gets better every day. 😱😱😱
... interesting, if depressing, (and at at times rather excitable) assessment by The News Agents podcast yesterday (Thursday). I don't know if you use that at all. (Not for this evening though... enjoy your Valentine's ;) ~ John x
"Someone has to do the work"—you’re absolutely right, Christina! I’m deeply grateful for journalists like you, who dare to be visible and speak out in contentious times, even if mistakes happen. I refuse to accept a world where those who dare to engage get pounced on and pummeled for a slip-up. Thank you for "not looking away" when so many do—turning away and tuning out what is unpalatable and disconcerting is exactly how we end up in the circumstances we now face. Keep going, keep writing, and sharing your insights in all the ways you do. We need them.
What a very kind response, Heidi, thank you. I doubt I can change anyone's mind and don't have much of a platform, but I will have to continue saying what I see, even if only for my own sanity. It was lovely to see you in the group the other day.
Yes, Thatcher was something else. I, too, hated her with a vengeance at the time, and would never credit her with anything positive or good, but looking back now from here, I wouldn’t mind someone with, well, if not her policies, then her principles and character, making an appearance on the political stage.
The paucity of leadership talents today is so depressing. But as you say, Christina, it’s a dirty job made filthier by social media, so why would anyone with an ounce of smarts willingly step into that cesspit?
But do we ever need them, and now more than ever!
Well, quite. And thank you for your thoughtful response.
Sorry. Its rubbish.
Thank you, Rosie. x
Good article Christina. Interesting to read what you thought of politicians back in the day. I have similar view of Thatcher who shaped my political views to a unbelievable degree. I would not have got involved in politics which I am not active in now if it were not to my complete opposition to Thatchers philosophy. Sorry to hear you got social media abuse. Leave twitter and just be here if you can it's so much nicer. I'll never go back to twitter delighted I left it. Regards lol
Thank you, Iain. Substack is a million times nicer than Twitter/X now. I am hardly ever on X but feel I have to make the odd foray for professional reasons. I wish I didn't. I'm glad you're enjoying Substack. I love it!
Some good points made, particularly with regard to the current bunch of politicians, very few of which I have much, if any, time for regardless of the party they belong to.
I didn't care for Thatcher's attitude towards the working class, but at least she was a major figure on the world stage, and formed significant ties with Reagan & even Gorbachev before Putin's evil presence finally surfaced.
These days we are just insignificant pygmies with little or no clout.
Sorry to hear about the abuse you're getting following your recent stint on Sky, which I didn't see, but all you can do is try and ignore it.
They're just sad, cowardly cretins.
Thank you very much, John. Yes, Thatcher now seems like a titan on the world stage. Hard to imagine any British leader commanding that respect now. Though our current one is (as I wrote) not a disaster by any stretch.
Thank you for not turning your eyes away, Christina. I loved this piece!
There was a quick mention that Thatcher crushed the miners, and that got me thinking about my ex-husband and his family. The family was from Yorkshire and two of them worked in the mines. They loved Thatcher and the strength she embodied - which seems to be a parallel to people here who voted against their own wellbeing to support someone they believed was strong. I will never understand what drives people to do that.
Sorry about the hate mail - that is something that really needs to stop!
Thank you so much for your kind words, as always, Cathy. Fascinating what you say about your ex-husband's family. It's the same people who voted (in large part) for Brexit. Against their economic interests, of course, but they loved "Boris" and what they thought he represented. Lovely to see you in the group on Saturday!
Yes - and they are still supporting Brexit!
Our calls are a lifeline to me and it was so good to hear your thoughts - all the thoughts of those in our group. For our next call, I want to hear more about your Merseyside experience. It sounds fascinating! —XX!!
Those calls are lovely, aren't they! The Merseyside story would take up too much of our sessions. Sending solidarity across the Atlantic. xx
I made some short films with ex mining communities in Yorkshire to mark the anniversary of the ‘85 Miners’ Strike. Went back to screen them after Brexit vote and was told ‘we’re not bloody racist but we’re never going to vote the way Cameron wants us to’.
That must have been fascinating. Yup, so much of our politics (including Trump's victory) is essentially a giant "fuck you". And sometimes people would rather be poor than admit that they were wrong.
it seem so. strange and heavy times.
If your film is available to watch online in the US, I’d love to see it!
They were six short films that we facilitated the ex-miners or members of their families to write and shoot…will see if I can find the link for them and forward to you.
Thank you! I love my former in-laws and was there in 85, but remember none of what happened.
It's a very stressful time as you point out. And I'm really worried the Democratic leadership is in delusion (apparently complaining that their constituents are calling them). A few get it, we need to fight, but they need to work as a block. On the news today we hear about more firings controlled from DOGE but no mention that what they are doing is illegal. Which is it. Someone the other day told me that everything we think is true is based on belief. We believe that a companies financial statement is true, we believe that people will follow the rule of law, but he asked, what do we do if others don't believe that? We lose trust, and that's a whole new ball game.
Which is why I'm frantically trying to get my taxes in now, while the IRS still have staff, and thanking my lucky stars I got my passport done at Christmas.
It must be very tough to be there now. But what exactly can the Democrats do? The law is just a vehicle for Trump to ignore and distort now, not least since he has rigged the Supreme Court. I think what your friend says is right. The rule of law is irrelevant to the MAGA lot. International law, too. That's what is so terrifying and so chilling.
I hope you're managing to keep relatively sane. I know that so much research funding is being cut, not least for cancer. What lovely people etc.
There are two things they can do with their weak hand. The democrats can agree not to vote for any GOP legislation going forward or for any appointments. Because by doing so they are saying that nothing has change and democracy is still working, when it isn't. Among politics the real question is the debt ceiling. Who will blink first over that? They have to insist that they won't pass it without the GOP agreeing to the rule of law, along with enforcement mechanisms because the GOP doesn't have the votes. Otherwise they might as well give up now.
The second thing they can do is explain to the public what exactly the implications are in these massive cuts they are planning or implementing. You can basically forget getting any medical treatment in the midwest if NIH cuts support to 15% and Medicaid gets cut by more than 20%. All the hospitals will close. Which is why some GOP Senators are panicking now they realize what the impact will be (although they are hoping that by bending the knee they can protect their districts. That's not going to work). So messaging to the public is the only other card they can pull. Make the public see what is happening, ands get the public angry enough about it to call their representatives and demand they follow the constitution. Public Opinion, when it's local, shouldn't be under estimated for the impact it can have. Which is why I expect some other groups to be more vocal over the coming days.
Anyway, we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed we can survive this. Unfortunately a lot of other people aren't going to be so lucky.
PS. The other aspect to staying sane is walking away from the news every so often. Which is probably a healthy thing to do anyway.
Very interesting, Paul. But the Trump regime isn't going to respect the law, is it? And do you think they will listen to the "little people"? They will just demonise them, as they have demonised anyone they disagree with. And anyway, that ship has sailed. Truly, a tragedy, and particularly for Ukraine (and Europe and Palestinians and the world).
No they are not going to respect the law, but if no one pushes back then people believe they can do this stuff legally, which will have long term consequences, such as on Trump thinking he can stay in power for another term. You're right they may not listen to the little people, but it will remind other politicians that even with the gerrymandering they will need us, it will remind the world that the majority of Americans are against Trump (49% voted for him), and it will comfort those in the government who are feeling isolated and betrayed. Winning now is delaying all the crap they are trying to pull off. Within the next two years people will leave Congress, and when they do, it's a chance to seize back the House. They have a majority of 1. Then we will see what happens.
I hope you’re right, Paul. It feels too late to me on almost every front, but someone has to fight back.