One powerful narrative strain from close analysis of commentary about, & most critically from, upstanders in MN is true dawning no one is coming to save them. Justified belief some force will intervene shattered & alongside incredible moral purpose & community cohesion, catalyzed current heroism.
Jan 31, 2026 18:13"We're on our own" "no one is coming" is a common strain in this online discourse. But rather than absolutely rightful fury or cowering fear, this has awakened true, hyper-localized government of/by/for the people: feeding each other, protecting each other, demanding end to occupation by regime.
Comparing US response to authoritarian threat with that of other places I've worked, witnessed or studied, one striking difference has been how much default toward thinking "someone" - institution, leader, legacy org - will step in has kept us pursuing approaches unfit for the task.
that's a harsh truth, but also a weirdly liberating one. if no one's coming to save us, maybe we're more capable than we think
