They're trying to wear us down....but we need to keep our voices loud and proud....one day at time.....on all our civil rights. https://www.dailyhaikuforyou.com
Hey Jessica! Chop Wood, Carry Water is one of my favorite newsletters and has been majorly helping me stay afloat the last few months. This week, I do want to push back on two of these developments - I’m afraid they sound good on the surface, but come with unintended consequences that outweigh the good. For context, I’m a digital learning educator, so these encompass a lot of what I do.
First, the passing of the bills regarding kids and social media. These bills, whether intentionally or not, mandate online surveillance. There is no way to verify users’ ages in a way that doesn’t take away from the privacy, security, and free expression of all users. Unlike in a liquor store, where the clerk just looks at a person’s ID to decide if they’re allowed in, an automated internet-based age verification system would necessarily require collecting and storing this information for all users. Whether that’s done directly by the social media platforms or third-party services, some entity would need to have a list of the real-world identities of every social media user in order to verify their ages. This would undermine everyone’s ability to share thoughts, opinions, and information without fear of retribution. The Electronic Frontier Foundation covers this in more depth: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/03/first-porn-now-skin-cream-age-verification-bills-are-out-control
Second, the teacher village. Educators are absolutely faced with the rising costs of living and the overall devaluing of our skills and expertise. We are told that teaching is as “calling” and we’re here “for the children” as justification for dealing with low wages relative to others of comparable education/experience, “volunteering” our time to continue doing our jobs outside of the work day, personally funding materials and supplies not covered by the budget, and more. While the teacher village sounds helpful on the surface, I fear this approach turns housing into leverage to coerce teachers into dealing with more toxicity in the profession than we already do.
It doesn’t address the underlying problem, which is that teachers’ compensation does not match the cost of living. In fact, it creates a convenient rebuttal against raising wages. It also ties housing directly to employment. This could have a chilling effect on collective action (“If I go on strike, will I be evicted?”) or impede people’s ability to seek other employment if working conditions deteriorate too much.
I gain hope when we have legitimate disagreements and different understanding of issues and feel free to put them forward in rational and civil ways so that all can check their current state of understanding of an issue. Jessica, thank you for creating this model safe space.
Yes, these were two that stood out to me as well! The teacher village is giving "company town". And these online surveillance bills are dressed up as being "for the good of children", but they really just make all of us less free online. I see some Democrats supporting KOSA, which is a dangerous federal bill in the same vein.
I'm all for breaking up big tech companies - the monopolies they have are the real problem here, imo. But "child safety" bills like the one in Texas and KOSA result in greater surveillance and censorship for everyone, and ultimately greater power for these tech companies. Because social media companies don't care if kids use their products or not. They are data brokers. And how wonderful for them, if now everyone needs to identify themselves on the platform. Now they can harvest even more specific data on you, linked directly to your government ID. And how beneficial to the tech oligarchs, if they can censor their platform more throughly to "protect the children".
It seems more like you’re raising good points about where to flex the program, rather than throw it out as though it was an either or… I’m no expert whatsoever, but I bet smart people can take your sharp observations and adapt the legislation/execution.
Thanks for this! I think that, while it's important to remain aware of the threats to our freedom, our environment and our ability to pay the bills, it's also important to track our successes in defending them. More, please.
Celebration of the positive news is a grand reflection on the rule of law working for the constitution and we the people all be it as a triage to the disasterous directives allowed by current administration. Closing with Bruce Springsteen post reminds us of the strength and leadership our cultural heros are for those who listen and hear their messages. BRAVO
Thank you for bringing the brighter moments to light. I find hope in reading these week after week. We are all overwhelmed by the Trump regime and miss the good things that are happening around the country!
The news of the former USAID worker who prioritized and vetted projects and is connecting foundations and donors to projects is amazing. I hope her work is publicized more widely as there are MANY donors who would help, but don’t know where to start. This is truly inspiring!
I also find it painfully ironic that USAID already had a group dedicated to making sure that they routed out fraud and abuse in their grant processes which was gutted by DOGE!
Thank you for the list, I look forward to reading it every week. In the next few weeks, can you write about actions we can take to stop the "military" parade on June 14? That show of aggressiveness and autocracy needs to be stopped. Do we need a Tiananmen Square moment to stand in front of tanks rolling down the streets of Washington DC? Thank you.
Do you follow the grassroots group Indivisible? The founders, Ezra and Leah, think that counter protests in Wahington DC would be a very bad idea - since trump is just itching to crack down on the protesters. What you are suggesting would give him the perfect opportunity to do so IMO.
They are promoting No Kings Day protests everywhere else BUT in DC. Imagine his big military parade with empty streets and no crowds. I think that would drive him nuts!
Oh thank you Bruce you are the voice for the marginalized and poor and all of us. Love you. You said it eloquently and perfectly. WE the People want the mad king to go.
Oh I’m SO here for the snarky pettiness of the Tx Dems banning Sen Cruz from the playoffs. Love that!! Thank you for another tremendous recap. I will return to it multiple times this week! Hope you enjoy a wonderful celebration and safe travels home.
Thank you Jessica- with your travel and now interviews - I don’t know how you do it! This list is a bright spot and I may not read anything else today to keep that good feeling.
I needed this outstanding list of the positive achievements of this past week, as it sometimes feels as if there is no hope of pushing back against this administration. And to finish with the clip of Bruce Springsteen giving such a powerful message during his concert in England is the perfect ending to this newsletter!
Glad I listened to Bruce, until your post, I just knew he spoke up against what’s going on! Thank you for encouraging me to listen.
Wasn’t he wonderful?
Stay strong everyone!
They're trying to wear us down....but we need to keep our voices loud and proud....one day at time.....on all our civil rights. https://www.dailyhaikuforyou.com
At 86, you have promoted me to activism. Thanks.
Incredible, Buster! Thank you!
Way to go Buster!
Have you heard of the group "Seniors Taking Action"?
https://seniorstakingaction.org/
Awesome 🤩
Hey Jessica! Chop Wood, Carry Water is one of my favorite newsletters and has been majorly helping me stay afloat the last few months. This week, I do want to push back on two of these developments - I’m afraid they sound good on the surface, but come with unintended consequences that outweigh the good. For context, I’m a digital learning educator, so these encompass a lot of what I do.
First, the passing of the bills regarding kids and social media. These bills, whether intentionally or not, mandate online surveillance. There is no way to verify users’ ages in a way that doesn’t take away from the privacy, security, and free expression of all users. Unlike in a liquor store, where the clerk just looks at a person’s ID to decide if they’re allowed in, an automated internet-based age verification system would necessarily require collecting and storing this information for all users. Whether that’s done directly by the social media platforms or third-party services, some entity would need to have a list of the real-world identities of every social media user in order to verify their ages. This would undermine everyone’s ability to share thoughts, opinions, and information without fear of retribution. The Electronic Frontier Foundation covers this in more depth: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/03/first-porn-now-skin-cream-age-verification-bills-are-out-control
Second, the teacher village. Educators are absolutely faced with the rising costs of living and the overall devaluing of our skills and expertise. We are told that teaching is as “calling” and we’re here “for the children” as justification for dealing with low wages relative to others of comparable education/experience, “volunteering” our time to continue doing our jobs outside of the work day, personally funding materials and supplies not covered by the budget, and more. While the teacher village sounds helpful on the surface, I fear this approach turns housing into leverage to coerce teachers into dealing with more toxicity in the profession than we already do.
It doesn’t address the underlying problem, which is that teachers’ compensation does not match the cost of living. In fact, it creates a convenient rebuttal against raising wages. It also ties housing directly to employment. This could have a chilling effect on collective action (“If I go on strike, will I be evicted?”) or impede people’s ability to seek other employment if working conditions deteriorate too much.
Fair points.
I gain hope when we have legitimate disagreements and different understanding of issues and feel free to put them forward in rational and civil ways so that all can check their current state of understanding of an issue. Jessica, thank you for creating this model safe space.
Yes, these were two that stood out to me as well! The teacher village is giving "company town". And these online surveillance bills are dressed up as being "for the good of children", but they really just make all of us less free online. I see some Democrats supporting KOSA, which is a dangerous federal bill in the same vein.
I'm all for breaking up big tech companies - the monopolies they have are the real problem here, imo. But "child safety" bills like the one in Texas and KOSA result in greater surveillance and censorship for everyone, and ultimately greater power for these tech companies. Because social media companies don't care if kids use their products or not. They are data brokers. And how wonderful for them, if now everyone needs to identify themselves on the platform. Now they can harvest even more specific data on you, linked directly to your government ID. And how beneficial to the tech oligarchs, if they can censor their platform more throughly to "protect the children".
It seems more like you’re raising good points about where to flex the program, rather than throw it out as though it was an either or… I’m no expert whatsoever, but I bet smart people can take your sharp observations and adapt the legislation/execution.
Thanks for this! I think that, while it's important to remain aware of the threats to our freedom, our environment and our ability to pay the bills, it's also important to track our successes in defending them. More, please.
Every Sunday!
Celebration of the positive news is a grand reflection on the rule of law working for the constitution and we the people all be it as a triage to the disasterous directives allowed by current administration. Closing with Bruce Springsteen post reminds us of the strength and leadership our cultural heros are for those who listen and hear their messages. BRAVO
🙌
Thank you for bringing the brighter moments to light. I find hope in reading these week after week. We are all overwhelmed by the Trump regime and miss the good things that are happening around the country!
I’m so glad it helps!
The news of the former USAID worker who prioritized and vetted projects and is connecting foundations and donors to projects is amazing. I hope her work is publicized more widely as there are MANY donors who would help, but don’t know where to start. This is truly inspiring!
I agree 💯percent!
I also find it painfully ironic that USAID already had a group dedicated to making sure that they routed out fraud and abuse in their grant processes which was gutted by DOGE!
We need thousands of performers to speak out and bring their followers ! Shazam Bruce !! Now I do think you are the Boss
Thank you for the list, I look forward to reading it every week. In the next few weeks, can you write about actions we can take to stop the "military" parade on June 14? That show of aggressiveness and autocracy needs to be stopped. Do we need a Tiananmen Square moment to stand in front of tanks rolling down the streets of Washington DC? Thank you.
I think the main focus is on out-shining it with our massive protests, but I will have another related action for you soon.
Do you follow the grassroots group Indivisible? The founders, Ezra and Leah, think that counter protests in Wahington DC would be a very bad idea - since trump is just itching to crack down on the protesters. What you are suggesting would give him the perfect opportunity to do so IMO.
They are promoting No Kings Day protests everywhere else BUT in DC. Imagine his big military parade with empty streets and no crowds. I think that would drive him nuts!
To find a No Kings Day event near you check here:
https://www.nokings.org/#updates
https://thepeopledissent.substack.com/p/411-on-the-next-national-protest
FYI, there is a weekly Zoom call for Indivisible on Thursday afternoons at 3 pm ET that I highly recommend. You can register here:
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/773746/
The recordings of these calls are posted here: https://www.youtube.com/@indivisibleteam/videos
Oh thank you Bruce you are the voice for the marginalized and poor and all of us. Love you. You said it eloquently and perfectly. WE the People want the mad king to go.
Oh I’m SO here for the snarky pettiness of the Tx Dems banning Sen Cruz from the playoffs. Love that!! Thank you for another tremendous recap. I will return to it multiple times this week! Hope you enjoy a wonderful celebration and safe travels home.
Thanks, Patti!
Thank YOU!! Love good news
Thank you Jessica- with your travel and now interviews - I don’t know how you do it! This list is a bright spot and I may not read anything else today to keep that good feeling.
I had only heard that Bruce spoke up …but to actually hear his whole speech was so moving
Is there a way I can just share that video ?
Thank you for your wonderful and motivating daily substack
I’m sure you can find it on YouTube.
Thank u. I sent it on to all my friends
This was a snippet from a longer clip that was posted on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZHWIYHlXOs&t=65s
The clip Jessica included starts around the 2 min 15 sec mark.
Thank you. Even better !!!
I needed this outstanding list of the positive achievements of this past week, as it sometimes feels as if there is no hope of pushing back against this administration. And to finish with the clip of Bruce Springsteen giving such a powerful message during his concert in England is the perfect ending to this newsletter!