Moving past feeling “lucky” to be able to pursue my desires in life, I can’t help but feel shame when I reflect on the multitude of reasons why Afghanistan has deteriorated to this state. Yet another tragic victim of foreign invasion and meddling, of which my country is complicit.

I really appreciate your points and this comparison, but the pictures are giving me Attack on Titan vibes lol

Such a good blog post. It covers so much important information in an entertainingly snarky tone.

I’m such a major fan of the FTC and Chair Khan right now. This is spot on.

It’s always disturbing to see the influence that money has on information flow. Kudos to Bianca Graulau for having immense journalistic integrity and not backing down on sharing this story!

This comment isn’t helpful, but I really love Demon’s Tilt. I appreciate this post and the suggestions here!

The fact that so many international companies have decided to side with a major aggressor during this terrible event in history is one of the most awful things I didn’t expect to witness. We all know that big business and money shapes world politics, but damn… This is straight up horrible. It could be any of us for any reason moving forward.

There is a procedure in place for granting permits to industry like this in every state. In New York, for example, when a potential site is selected, the business must apply for the permit to build and goes through a process of reviewing environmental and human harms in the area based on their operations. They are also required to notify residents and hold public participation events to ensure residents can ask questions about the development. “Good neighbor laws” are sorely needed in Texas, but the state would never allow that cause there’s no money to be made in protecting the people and the planet.

Same, and so many others I know share this sentiment. We’re working on it by advocating for a just, equitable, and overall better world. Keep spreading this message!

Thank you, I appreciate it as well! 🙌🏽🫶🏽

Solidarity, comrade! All of your comments are welcomed - not a ramble at all. Excellent points, and doubly so for me because several of my loved ones identify with having “invisible” disabilities.

Dang, this reply is chock full of truth and good reminders. I fully agree with the need for helping with no strings attached, and it harms others when the help comes with stipulations. You also reminded me that it’s important to outwardly recognize that everyone has a strength, so ensuring people can exercise that talent in a safe space is what enriches and sustains a community. Also most importantly, you mention a reliable communication device, plus electricity access – such good points to keep in mind as we find ways to connect folks that are overburdened from climate change and other systemic pressure with these resources. Amazing, thank you for this!

I share your frustration as I’m from a red state. Say you didn’t have such selfish and unfortunately ignorant neighbors - would you feel differently about engaging them?

Thank you for this education. My goal is always centered in respect for all and I appreciate you. In the spirit of the point of mutual aid networks, what do disabled folks need in times of crisis or extreme weather, in your opinion? I know the spectrum of needs is vast and varied, but I’m always seeking to learn more, should you or others wish to share!

It’s true that scientists were expecting that tropical cyclones would evolve like this with climate change, and I’m hoping we can expand on building those mutual aid networks needed post-storm in the most vulnerable communities. Between the threat of storm surge and the flooding due to torrential rains and monsoons, it’s gonna be a doozy of a task to deal with all this moisture. If we can’t manage storm water and waste water systems, or keep installing permeable surfaces, planting mangrove forests, and other mitigation/adaptation measures, we’re going to see a major public health crisis erupt from lack of access to resources, mold that causes airborne illness, wastewater exposure, and more. Not to be negative, but I just don’t see much support for addressing this because there’s so much political theater that jams airways. Anyone that could help from a governmental standpoint with grants and incentives to mitigate are too busy with bickering and personal gain.

It’s time we take matters into our own hands and establish mutual aid networks ourselves. This means getting to know your neighbors, where to share resources, how to gain access to water filtration and rain water collection, establishing community gardens, clean/renewable energy generation, transportation, communication, and ensuring elderly and differently-abled persons have an action plan when these events happen… and they will more often.

I hope to use this platform and social media in this way. We must start planning to take care of ourselves and our communities, and do away with “every person for themselves” because that just doesn’t work anymore.

Exactly all of this.

Do. Not. Trust. The. Police.