Relative Something

Three things came across our feeds yesterday in quick succession and resonated deeply with both Cyndie and me. If you haven’t seen them yet, I’m highlighting them here for your convenience because I think they’re worth everyone’s attention. Not all of them are new, but they are definitely current.

Not in any significant order, I present:

NPR’s All Things Considered host Juana Summers interviewed Gov. Tim Walz at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on January 30, 2026.

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The Nation magazine has nominated Minneapolis for the Nobel Peace Prize. The words of their nomination letter speak volumes and are worth the time to read.

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Lastly, a list of guidelines aimed at opposing the policies of “the wannabe king who shall not be named.” [see Rule #1]

It appears to have been circulating nine years ago when it was endorsed by MLK Jr.’s daughter, Bernice King, via her Facebook page. It has been reposted many times, on multiple platforms, in the ensuing years, probably morphing a little each time along the way. I’m satisfied with the latest version that Cyndie received yesterday, although I tweaked a couple of them to match what I found from a version referencing what Bernice posted.

1. Don’t use his name; EVER (47 will do, emojis also work [I’m partial to tRumpsterfire]).
2. Remember this is a regime, and he’s not acting alone.
3. Refrain from arguing with his supporters; it is unproductive.
4. Concentrate on his policies, not his appearance or mental state.
5. Keep your message positive; they want the country to be angry and fearful because this is the soil from which their darkest policies will grow.
6. Eliminate helpless or hopeless rhetoric.
7. Support artists and the arts.
8. Be vigilant against spreading fake news; verify information.
9. Prioritize self-care.
10. Resist!

Addendum: Don’t assign actions to him; assign them to “The Republican Administration,” or “The Republicans.” This will have multiple effects: the Republican legislators will either have to take responsibility for their association with him or stand up for what some of them don’t like, and he will not get the focus of attention he craves.

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Gosh, I hope the Nobel Foundation gives serious consideration to the nomination of the people of Minneapolis.

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