A major leader I look to is Pete Buttigeg. I feel he's important. I'm not a "focus on the person" type person. (Like if many major Democrats were on the Epstein list I would go 'Kay, that's sad but I'll vote for others" for example.) But he calls to me, and has since he first appeared.
@jeanne-mayell another great leader to follow for the list. I have absolutely zero doubts and worries that she will be representing Michigan in the United States Senate for many many years to come. Mallory McMorrow. One of the most genuine light ringers I have ever had the pleasure to meet, shake hands with, send some text messages back-and-forth with, and get a selfie with. They do not come more genuine and honest than her
Agree 100%!
A major leader I look to is Pete Buttigeg. I feel he's important. I'm not a "focus on the person" type person. (Like if many major Democrats were on the Epstein list I would go 'Kay, that's sad but I'll vote for others" for example.) But he calls to me, and has since he first appeared.
I look forward to what is in store for Pete! I do hope greater things, he has such a good, genuine vibe around him.
Adding to the list of people I feel lead with Light:
I also follow Pete Buttigieg What a LIGHT he has!; Some names not listed so far:
James Talarico of Texas, who is running to replace gop John Cornyn's seat in '26; Elissa Slotkin, Dem Senator from Michigan;Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthol, Senators from Connecticut; Rep Jamie Raskin of Maryland.
Iowa's Nathan Sage is one to watch, I believe.
This may not actually be resistance but it is what I can muster up: participating in handwriting our US Constitution.
I have an interactive installation at an art center in my region that was juried into the exhibition along with the work of lots of other artists. It documents my own handwriting out (hand copying word for word) the Constitution, which I undertook a few months ago while recovering from a broken leg. The activity has been described as “activism for introverts”, just right for me.
I worked on the hand copying every evening for a month, in a quiet contemplative space, yielding reflections and insights I had never engaged - not having looked at the Constitution since tenth grade in 1969.
Next week I’ll be at the art center set up with resources for others to start their own practice if they wish. It will be an evening with free admission.
Check out the process at handwritingtheconstitution.org
I forgot Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas
Pete Buttigieg, Barack and Michelle Obama, Pope Leo, artist Amy Sherald, Gavin Newsom, Heather Cox Richardson
All truth tellers and leaders in their own way.
Great list!
I'll add Maxine Dexter. Not as much charisma as some others, but she's really committed to meeting with us locally and keeping us informed as much as possible.
And though they aren't up and comers and aren't perfect, I'm proud of my Oregon senators Widen and Merkley. Merkley held the senate floor for 22 hours recently speaking up for free speech and calling out authoritariasm.
I will also add two that aren't political leaders, but I turn to them to help me educate myself: One is Heather Cox Richardson (mentioned by @lowtide), and also the youtube channel PDXPermaculture. She's good at sharing practical things you can do to resist, safety training, etc. too.
Here's a stunning photo from Heather Cox Richardson's feed. Taking photographs are a great tool for resistance.
I am so happy to be reminded of the courage and charisma or Mallory, Pete Buttegieg, Michelle and Barack Obama, Pope Leo, Heather Cox Richardson, Oregon Senators Widen and Merkley, And speaking of holding the Senate floor, lest I forget the marathon 25 hour speech by Cory Booker.
Lest I EVER let the actions of the republicans and their demogogue become normalized, I just reread Booker's speech wikipedia page that outlines the terrible things, even before the atrocities they committed against immigrants that GOP & its leader had done in just 70 days. March 31-April 1, 2025. His speech has been lionized in American history.
I want to immerse myself in these heros, along with those I hadn't known: artist Amy Sherald, Maxine Dexter,Jasmine Crockett, Iowa's Nathan Sage, and James Talarico of Texas, who is running to replace gop John Cornyn's seat in '26; Elissa Slotkin, Dem Senator from Michigan;Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthol, Senators from Connecticut; Rep Jamie Raskin of Maryland.
@Dannyboy, I've listened to Mallory McMorrow, and her voice and positivity inspires me. There is heart energy in a person's voice that stays with me. The people in named here who I had heard speak or whose words I've read have so inspired me.
If you have particular actions or words these heros have done or said, feel free to link it, so we can immerse ourselves with their light.
@kateinpdx @lowtide @Marigold, @Tesseract, @Billy-Mike @pat-czap @Averylegacy @herokane @deetoo
@marigold, wow. Would love to see a photo of what you did. Might be something to do, to incorporate those words even more into our beings.
Here is Boston Mayer Michelle Wu addressing Pam Bondi in a public speech https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNjWMuEOp00/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link (I posted this earlier, but it got about 2 likes, so being obnoxious, and am posting it again.)
The youngest Boston Mayor in a hundred years, and the first woman and person of color to hold the office. She crushed her billionaire opponent—Josh Kraft, son of Trump ally Robert Kraft—who, despite raising $6.8 million to her $1.3 milliong, dropped out while trailing by an incredible 48 points. During these times of threatened democracy, she has risen to the heroism and power of the 1775 colonists who outmatched the Britain's monarchy and most powerful navy in the world.
She is also a celebrated musician! Soloing with the Boston Pops on Rhapsody in Blue:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omxAby8anJ0
Our incredible virtuoso, and very humble, Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu.
Reverend Warnock and Jon Ossoff also. They started the turn with Georgia and now we also voted two Democrats to the Public Service commission. Good sarcastic op ed about Georgia. Shock result in this MAGA heartland shows change is coming — and fast - Raw Story
I will add this young man to my heroes list (I don't know his name). He's from my area and I'm so proud of his bravery for speaking up. (Though it breaks my heart why).
He's not a politician, but maybe he will be someday.
Hillsboro teen’s emotional testimony on immigration enforcement’s toll goes viral
Tyler Perry, not a politician either Tyler Perry donates nearly $1.4 million to organizations helping families impacted by reduced SNAP funding
The day after last year’s election, I heard this word repeatedly spoken by Spirit . “RESIST”. I also heard the phrase: “Resistance is NOT futile”. I wrote about it in the forum at the time.
Who knew the whole year of 2025 would be about resistance?
Spirit did!
There is not a day which goes by that I don’t think about resistance. I think about the large actions of course, but the small ones are just as powerful.
During November, our month of gratitude, I am filled with thanks for all the resistors. The ones who resisted and then lost their jobs, finding themselves starting over. The neighbors who bravely film all the ICE kidnappings.
How about the individual who dressed as an inflatable animal who inspired others to do the same which inspired others to create a resistance animal inflatable lending library. Brilliant!! This action led to inspiring others to donate over 100 animal costumes. One act of resistance spawning hundreds.
The ALT government workers who keep posting and inspiring us with messages of hope or simply inform us of what is really happening in the government offices. There are the photojournalists who capture AND publish photos which shine a light on a president who is sleeping during meetings or in his own world when someone collapses next to him. And my goodness, all those individuals sheltering undocumented immigrants so they aren’t “disappeared” into the abyss.
In these times, love is the ultimate form of resistance. As the actions of this White House become colder than steel in an “ice” storm, love is the warm hug.
I am overwhelmed in seeing the response to our White House caused food catastrophe. It is love. We are showing up with love. The greater the need, the greater the number of volunteers and donations. Even Instacart will deliver to food pantries right now.
If you act in love, you are a member of the resistance. If you can’t march, volunteer. Or do both. Think of all the programs and institutions he has cut and find out how to help those impacted. Walk a dog in a shelter, read books to children, pick up trash in a national park. Get creative!!
Love is the answer!! Act in love.
That is my favorite form of resistance.
Love is the answer!! Act in love.
That is my favorite form of resistance.
I love it @lovendures, beautiful post!