What a nasty week this was, dear Community. So much to make us rage, wince, and want to curl up into a ball and sleep until Trump’s no longer the American president. Or maybe that’s just me. But I can always find a glimmer of hope in the darkest of days, and this week, that glimmer was the Daily Kos Community. Having just joined the staff in December 2017, I’m pretty new here, and well, I learned a thing in recent days. Oooh, did I learn a thing. Please forgive the long intro before I get to your stellar writing...and feel free to skip on ahead.
Some time ago, I found myself feeling like I wasn't doing anything to make the world a better place. I was comfortable as hell in a good job at a top global tech company, but I was very aware that I wasn't giving back. It has always been important for me to give back, because I wouldn't have survived this life if people hadn't made a point of doing for others.
I ultimately found a path to giving back to others that I never saw on the horizon. I won’t waste space bragging about the details, but rest assured that I found a calling. A few years later, I found myself at Daily Kos.
One reason I love working here so much is because both the company and our readers give back every day, in hopes of making our nation a better place for everyone.
This week, Daily Kos teamed up with North Dakota Native Vote—an organization working with local tribes to provide free, updated identification cards, or address verification documents to tribal citizens—in order to combat blatant voter suppression efforts. My colleague Monique detailed the initiative in a Wednesday morning diary.
Our original goal was $100,000, but y’all answered that modest ask in an hour and change. Now we’re on track to raise a half million, in four days or so. The average donation was less than $25!
We’re even deploying a team of staffers to help NDNV tackle this huge effort in the coming days.
Most of you probably know about and contributed to this smashing fight, but all the same, I needed to put this out there. It’s just one example of why DK feels like such a good fit for me. It blends together all of my skills and goals and concerns into one fabulous company and community that’s devoted to making the country, and the world, a better place for ALL OF US.
What a special place this is, indeed. And thanks to all of you for welcoming me to my new home this year.
With that, I present the stories that stuck with us this week. Way to go, everybody!
My Wife Was Just Diagnosed with Cancer: What this means under Universal Healthcare
By Dfh1
An in-depth exploration of how the Canadian healthcare system impacts the future of a couple married for 27 years.
Spoiler Alert: It looks like they’ll have many more years together.
The 2018 Mid-Term Elections: Will There Be Meddling? And, If So, What Do We Do?
By Doctor Who
By most accounts, a fair election will lead to a blue takeover in November.
The key factor is whether or not we have a fair election—and this thorough dive into the threats we face.
Dear Colin Kaepernick, #TakeAKnee—then stand up and lead your supporters to the polls
By Denise Oliver Velez
“You play a game called football. We are playing for keeps—and for survival.
Don’t get in our way.”
A pointed and loving open letter about voting, from one black auntie to Kap.
An indicted Republican used racism, lies and Trump to attack his opponent. It didn’t go well.
By ddegroot
This is one hell of an underdog story, and the ending is yet to be written.
Reflections on my one year anniversary
By Clark414
Sometimes when we give to others, we feel like we’re the ones who benefit most.
This is one of those stories.
I aim to die like a dog
By kay dub
There’s been a lot of talk about cancer on this site lately, as our community continues to be battered by the disease. This list even opened with a cancer diary.
But this is not your average cancer diary.
"You're a Bit##". He said to her. Women are being challenged.
By Vetwife
Not all heroes wear capes, and not all battles can be fought in the moment. A small-town tale of bad behavior and following through.
Blue Wave Denial Syndrome
By LeftOfYou
The headlines may promise that Democrats can’t win next month, but reality tells a mighty different tale.
Today is my 15th Anniversary here at Daily Kos
By Angela Marx
A little bit of history, a little bit of nostalgia, and a whole lot of love. This journey through one Community member’s Daily Kos origins will make your heart sing, no matter when you entered the DK fray.
The Most Important Ad I Will Make this Year. Please Watch.
By Crashing Vor
There’s one fight for voter rights that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. We can do better. We must do better.
‘If You're Not Scared About Fascism in the U.S., You Should Be': NYT Video
By Dartagnan
The title says it all. A captivating, terrifying, and academic exploration of the threat in the White House.
That’s it for this week, friends. Hope you found some new gems to read that you might have missed. As always, feel free to share your faves in the comments. We love reading your work.
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