What are you most optimistic about in political developments in 2025?

[hntnhole]

I've mentioned any number of times that Broward County (FL) is the most reliably Democratic county in a very red State.  Just got back from another demonstration (the second at this location) at a Tesla dealership on Federal Highway (US 1), which is a 4-lane racetrack of busy commercial "big-box" stores, retail spaces.  

Local Liberals started meeting on one of the busier streets here in Ft. Lauderdale just last Saturday for a "demonstration"-type event.

Last time, there were around 100 (some folks walked along counting).  This afternoon, (the second Saturday of the event) there were over 300, and the television cameras were there.  Most had simple, hand-made signs, with varying degrees of.  A steady stream of cars slowed down, drivers honking their horns in support, the cops were there to make sure no one went in the street (and thus staring death in the face).  

It took so little - I made a couple of insulting signs denigrating those who so richly deserve it.  A buddy and I spent a couple of hours over there, much camaraderie in the crowd, everyone having a great time of it.  Everyone had some kind of sign (there were a handful with Ukrainian flags), and everyone had a great time of it.  

Point:  This is fucking FLORIDA - ruby red as can be  - with precious little Liberal percentage of the population.  And there were 300-some folks who made little signs, stood for a couple of hours, geniality all around, offering compliments to others, booing drivers of the Musk-mobiles, enjoying the hell out of it.  So, by all means continue to complain, offer thoughts, analysis, all of that here on BZ and every other venue you can think of.  But just that won't be enough. 

In short,  DO SOMETHING.  

[ellentonboy]

I can honestly say I am not optimistic in any way when it comes to politics in the US. I can say that personally, I have limited my posting since the election. Not because I am afraid of repercussions, but because I feel i have nothing to add to the conversation. I am literally speechless at the result, and I am concerned about the future of all gay people in the US.

[TT2025]

OPTIMISTIC and POLITICAL.. 

Well those words do not combine well in my mind. As I live and breathe my whole life in retrospect seems to be full of significant, global even, events:

- Born in 1985 so I survived collapse of the USSR (as a citizen of former soviet republic).
- My country went through turbulent 90' (transition to market economy and rife organized crime)
- Then 00' and war on terrorism begun
- 10' economic near collapse (really good timing when you're about to hit labor market full speed), followed by EU debt crisis (even better)
- 20' COVID-19 and now war in Ukraine...

Russia is rattling with nuclear weapons constantly and Donald in U.S. exceeded all the expectations (of what I even thought possible)..

My optimism stems from the fact that I survived all that (by sheer luck), so I'm waiting in defiance what the future will throw my way.

Edited Monday at 10:29 PM by TT2025