0:00
/
0:00
Transcript
0:00
SPEAKER 1
Well, folks, I do realize that the election results have a whole lot of people reeling today. There's a whole lot of heartbreak out there. There's a whole lot of uncertainty and there's a whole lot of fear. And I just wanna say that you are absolutely justified in however it is that you're feeling.
0:16
It's okay to feel the way that you feel. It's okay to be upset. It's okay to be heartbroken. It's okay to be angry. It's okay to be scared. And it's also okay to lay your phone down and get away from the politics. It's okay to take a break from some of your favorite content creators and step away
0:34
for a minute and clear your head. It's okay to do other things to take your mind off of what has happened. Do whatever you have to do to protect and save your own mental health. Because I care about each and every one of you and I want to see you prosper and I

ZERO Liberal Tears, We Are The Resistance

Tennessee Brando reminds us all to keep our heads up, learn from our mistakes, and fight back
29

Our blue dot in a red sea: MeidasTouch contributor Tennessee Brando recently posted this video on his own channel addressing the disappointment and distress many feel following the outcome of the presidential election, and encouraging us to allow time to process emotions while prioritizing our mental health.

Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Brando contrasts reactions from Democrats and Harris supporters in this election to the reactions that MAGA had to Trump losing in 2020, noting how MAGA fueled national division and incited fear for four years. Brando says “we aren’t like them,” and praises the peaceful response of the pro-democracy coalition to Vice President Harris’ loss. He praises President Biden for serving all Americans for four years without labeling them enemies, a quality he contrasts with Trump’s rhetoric.

Acknowledging the uncertain challenges ahead, Brando underscores the importance of resilience, mutual support, and constructive reflection. He stresses that setbacks should inspire introspection and improvement rather than bitterness or despair. Brando reminds us that we teach our children not to kick and scream when they lose, but to learn, come back, and do better.

Finally, Brando reminds us all of the collective responsibility to uphold American values and support one another. Brando concludes by pledging continued dedication to "fighting the good fight," even if the path forward is uncertain and difficult.

Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Discussion about this video

User's avatar
James's avatar

Ok. Just me thinking out loud here. Now, why can't we start a national group, society, coalition, or whatever is the appropriate name, of like-minded Americans who are ready to defend democracy? As the Illinois Governer, J.B. Pritzker said, "A happy warrior is still a warrior." I love that comment, by the way. It could gain strength in numbers the same way NRA, AARP, etc.. operates (Not the same mentality of NRA, of course) and have a loud voice in government. I have also read somewhere to" never underestimate a large group of stupidity." Well, what about a large group of educated, moral, and wise people?

Expand full comment
Lois Sell's avatar

Thank you so much for your uplifting message... I've been feeling down and after listening to your comments, I am now feeling like I want to stand up together to do whatever we can to protect each other and our country.

Expand full comment
olderwoman's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this content.

I am not a big YouTube viewer so I never heard of him before.

BUT he inspired me.

Yes I did withdraw, and actually I still am protecting myself at this moment.

I need time, more time, to work through my emotions.

But i do know I will be back. I'll be back.

But right now I need to disengage and heal.

My biggest regret is not that Trump is elected, my biggest regret is that he is not being held accountable in court. That he is literally getting away with all the illegal things he did. My biggest regret with this election is that the election means Trump is not going to Federal Prison. He won, he beat the United States Justice system. I cannot still wrap my head around that. I can't wrap my head around the fact that our US system of justice gave him a free pass and he is unaccountable, he is not going to prison.

Expand full comment
Rob and Diana's avatar

You put my feelings into words. Thank you!

Expand full comment
Pamela Keeler's avatar

Thank you Brando. You’ve helped me today.

Expand full comment
Marjorie K H's avatar

Thank you. We went through dark times as protestors (resistance?) for Civil Rights, anti-Viet Nam War specifically and War in General in the 50’s and 60’s and added Greenpeace in ‘71. Most of us have been trying through various means (mostly through legislation both local and Federal) ever since. I fell asleep somewhere or did not believe the circumstance of the Courts could come to fruition. I am tired. I had to turn off the phone for a few days. But you, and Texas Paul and Coach D — I listened to today. (I am grateful I can read Meidas Touch at the moment.) Thank you again. You are perfectly right.

Expand full comment
Becca's avatar

I have a general feeling that many who are ready to RESIST are Boomers from the 60's, 70's etc. who rebelled to change many wrongs to make the world better, more equal and available for all. We had nothing to lose. Now, that I am older with few depending on me, we are again unafraid to go all in. If I die during the my civil disobedience 'rebellion,' I will try to do the most good for the most people before I go. I hope to join others but will go it alone until then.

Expand full comment
Matt Miller's avatar

I will Never, Ever, recognize Trump as my President! I will never obey or abide by any Executive Order that the Convicted Felon, and Rapist Trump tries to make us Law Abiding Citizens adhere too! I will not recognize or abide by any Legislation or Laws that the Republican Congressional Cult Members put forward either!

Expand full comment
Becca's avatar

I adher to the Civil Disobedience of MLK, Gandhi. I will not pay IRS taxes to employ a felon, sexual predator, immune President, a corrupt US Supreme Court, a self-interested, lying, insurgent GOP Congress or have any of my IRS taxes go to any state denying females reproductive healthcare. All 3 Branches of Federal Government are not what our founding fathers and millions fought for 248 years to protect. I will not purchase anything but survival items, withdraw funds from financial institutions to minimize tax exposure to almost nothing for penalties to attach to, stop all unnecessary subscribed services etc. I will stand against anything that makes this trump/GOP/MAGA/Project 2025 Dynasty, oligarchs successful. It is all I can do as an individual to protest at this point. I planned actions to take if trump/GOP controlled DC and have already started my revolt. Drastic, crazy-maybe but I'm doing something, not in despair but to use my small powers, my skin all the way to fight for something I believe is my right-equality, liberty, a moral, honorable, just, law/order, checks/balances, separation of church/state Constitutional republic for self governance.

Expand full comment
Alice A's avatar

Thank you! I wonder how many of the MAGA realized that none of us accused anyone of cheating? I didn't hear anyone accuse the voting machine flipping their votes. We are so much better than those sheep.

Expand full comment
Lisa Vaughn's avatar

Thank you so much. I'm in between hopeless and wanting to fight. I just don't know what we can do. Prepare for 2028, I guess, if there is another election. I see very dark days coming. But I am grateful for this safe space where we can speak and not have MAGA commenting after us, telling us to cope, or any of the other vile things they've been saying.

Expand full comment
Karen Scofield's avatar

Head's Up and Out of our Asses. Time to be looking Forward to 2028. Good Job here today, and will reStack ASAP 💯👍

Expand full comment
Mary Beth Peterson's avatar

Thank you! Needed that❤️

Expand full comment
Lucy Maier's avatar

Thank you. Great points. I especially like the point that we need to be here for each other. We're not helpless, even though it feels like it now. I feel less alone, simply for listening to you.

Expand full comment
Dan's avatar

Thank you, Brando. This is the best advice I've seen for how to face the disappointment and uncertainty Trump's re-election brings. After years of engagement (frantic, high tension engagement in the past few months) most of us likely need a breather. I won't be unsubscribing any of the valuable Substack feeds I'm subscribed to, but I probably won't be reading each and every post. At least not for a while. Decompression is something I need right now. But, there's still a lot of fight left in me. Especially when I see our rights and the rights of women, minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people being trampled or taken away; when I see our country abandoning its security commitments around the world; when I see us abandoning climate action efforts around the world; when I see our leadership cozying up to dictators and billionaires. It's natural for us to need to stop and catch our breath. But, if we can, we need to all get back up on our feet and continue to stand up for our constitution and for everything our country has aspired to be. We can't simply sit by and watch that happen.

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

Thank you! Listening like crazy. I’ll quit pouting soon and will be back to help.

Expand full comment
Harvey J. Lewis's avatar

Excellent, very heartfelt comments. Thanks for remaining a caring person.

Expand full comment
Joanne's avatar

Thank you, I really needed to hear TNBrando’s message. I am filled with so many emotions and bad thoughts that in struggling to watch anything on YT and trying to leave a positive comment is just not happening. My Dad taught me that “if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say nothing at all” and I find that quote so relevant to me at the moment. Sending love and hope from a Aussie friend 💕

P.S. if a similar comment from me comes up, sorry I’m not exactly sure what I’m doing as I’m new to this app

Expand full comment
Ericka Ben's avatar

Thank you TNBrando! I'm still low after this election! I can't watch my normal programs, I can't watch the news, i can't watch my Meidas hot takes. I'm watching cartoons or comedy movies. This is terrible I am still in disbelief💙💙

Expand full comment
christopher flynn's avatar

Wise words, indeed. Any relation to Marlon??

;)

Expand full comment
Karren Brown's avatar

Thank you for your wisdom.

Expand full comment
Leslie Seitz's avatar

Thank you Tennessee Brando. I'm not like them. I'm not full of hate and bigotry. I love my fellow man, no matter what color or sexual identity.

Expand full comment
mary-jo amatruda's avatar

Do we know our mistakes? Harris and Walz connected with all sectors of the country. Her message of hope?

Expand full comment
Joanne Powers's avatar

I have sent this piece out far and wide and I hope it helps somebody. I know I helped me cope with my feelings on 11/05. Brando always seems to say the right thing for me.

Expand full comment
Ms. Terry's avatar

Thank you for your words of hope.

Expand full comment
Christine B Lewis's avatar

Well said!🇺🇸

Expand full comment
Becca's avatar

What would happen if we all did a run on the banks and Wall Strret like before the Great Depression? Yes, pain for many. Does our own self interest take a back seat to fighting oligarchy, autocrats, theocrats-any who wish to have power over the masses because of their power over us all and our money, safety, comfort? Are we soldiers or followers, watchers, waiting for rescue? These are the questions of civil disobedience, peaceful actions that can change the future. Look up the Iceland womens' one day walk-out of everything strike in 1975 and their strikes throughout the following decades as recent as 2023 to get recognition of female rights and their power. Iceland women inspired worldwide female strikes. Are we without imagination of our true powers to shape our future? Are we too comfortable to sit back and watch? I don't have all the answers but WE are powerful as large groups engaged in civil disobedience. Ask how Gandhi, MLK changed the world peaceably?

Expand full comment
Robin Katzenstein's avatar

Thank you for posting this! I just subscribed to his channel. His message was very comforting. Tennessee Brando needs to be a part of a pro- democracy communication network.

Expand full comment
Looks to future's avatar

I was heartbroken for a day, then I pulled up my big girl panties. I was an Independent. I joined the DNC. I live in a 1st trimester abortion state. I am organizing to offer a visit to Grama's house for those needing reproductive health care. My child and I both would have died when I hemorrhaged prior to birth. I understand and am not judgemental. It's something I can do to help.

Expand full comment
0:34
for a minute and clear your head. It's okay to do other things to take your mind off of what has happened. Do whatever you have to do to protect and save your own mental health. Because I care about each and every one of you and I want to see you prosper and I