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Dr Christine DiBlasio's avatar

Thank you for this.

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Dr Deborah Vinall's avatar

Thank you for standing in the rain with and for us all! And thank you for this honest reflection and encouragement.

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Lindsay Southwick's avatar

I applaud both your honesty about this and that you didn't actually throw a punch. Bravo, Jeff. You witnessed absolutely appalling behavior. The kind of hatred we are seeing continues to shock me. I just don't understand it- nor do I want to. Your reaction was a human one. Thanks for sharing. I'm proud that so far this movement has been a peaceful one.

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Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW's avatar

Thanks for the feedback and support, Lindsay. Things are getting so ugly in this country its really disheartening. We just need to continue to light the way to a better way of being and try to appeal to people’s better selves. Some people may be unreachable, but I hope there are many more who are reachable.

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Lindsay Southwick's avatar

I know. It seems like every day is worse than the day before. Disheartening, to say the least. Keep fighting the fight, figuratively speaking 😉

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Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW's avatar

🙏💛

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Michelle Ried's avatar

Wonderful sentiment and writing! So sorry that this happened to you and those who were protesting peacefully with you. Don’t know why people feel the need to be so cruel sometimes. As we evolve, it seems our minds know better, but our physical beings carry the memories of history and know instinctually to brace for battle even when our higher selves have learned peace. Glad your higher self guided you to that place of peace. Cohesion is essential for nonviolence to work.

Funny enough it seems somehow, we are on the same page once again. I’m taking a class called understanding strategy am working on a blog right now, based on the reading from Freedman’s “History: A Strategy” that entirely centers around on nonviolence. I gave a 30 minute talk about non-violence on Saturday to the class, and then participated in two group presentations and another solo presentation over the weekend (all world history/case studies relating to non-violence). Very interesting material - SO much to learn! Hope to get it posted tonight.

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Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW's avatar

Thanks so much for the feedback, Michelle. The whole situation was so odd in a way because I had no intention of reacting but my body started to react anyway. It was a bit disorienting when I realized I was already poised to move before my mind had processed what was happening. Biology and nature have certainly primed us for that fight/flight reaction.

That's so interesting about the class you're taking and how it relates to my recent essay. I'm interested to read your piece when it comes out. I'm wondering if there's an opportunity for some collaboration and/or cross-posting of our work. Let me know what you think! Have a great week!

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Eric's avatar

Hey Jeff, good talking to you again today. It was enjoyable to revisit this with a bit more time to appreciate your storytelling. It reminded me of the purpose anger serves as an evolutionary tool. It's there to make sure we are not taken advantage of or treated unfairly. I cant imaging a better example of injustice than being yelled at by an insecure Nazi at a peaceful protest. I think you handled it admirably. Its frustrating, but the kind of person who has made being conservative their whole personality is almost certainly an insecure bully. Standing up to them is the best way to respond in my experience.

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Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW's avatar

Thanks Eric. It's like they say, don't let the bastards grind you down. Just because people are wallowing in shit that doesn't mean we have to join them

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Speaking for Spot's avatar

I so enjoyed this. Thank you Jeff.

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Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW's avatar

Thank you for the gracious feedback! I appreciate it!

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Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW's avatar

That's so much, Caren. That means a lot coming from you. It was so great to see you and your family last night. We'll have to do something again soon. 💛

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Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW's avatar

Meanwhile, I'm still hear tweaking words and phrases even though it's already been published. It's a sickness.

I think it's finally where I want it now. 😆

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Caren Chesler's avatar

Jeff, this was great. I love the message AND the writing. Beautifully articulated.

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