Least Favorite Genre Of Post On Here Has Gotta Be "having Mental Illness Doesn't Excuse Bad Behavior"

What's ur opinion on the Venezuela situation. And while we are on that why do no leftists here talk about it

I think people are quiet because it is better not to speak about things you haven’t read much about. This will be short for the same reason.

The situation is this: Venezuela has been subject to assault on its attempts to build socialism from the early days of Chavez, from attempted coups (you can watch “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” which is free on YouTube, for an understanding of the 2002 US-backed coup to depose democratically elected Chavez) to collusion between the US and its allies to lower the price of oil specifically to weaken the Venezuelan economy. The current economic crisis is the result of a multitude of factors, but the intentional lowering of oil prices by the US and its allies is one of the most important, as well as the failure of the Venezuelan government to diversify its exports such thst its entire economy wasn’t tied so strongly to the price of oil. The resulting economic crisis (resulting, again, not from -socialism- in the generic, but from specific attempts to undermine the Venezuelan government) has, of course, resulted in widening anti-government sentiment, especially among classes whose ability to consume has been limited.

That last part is important- many of the most impoverished in Venezuela still support the government because their ability to eat, to go to school, etc, has been directly provides by Chavista policy. In some papers this will be talked about as buying votes, or bribing those without privilege. In reality this is the relationship between a government not of bourgeois character and those among its people who most need help and empowering- that these people’s livelihoods have been so tied to the government is evidence of the good work being done by its government, not indicative of bribery.

This crisis has been worsened by hoarding and price fixing by Venezuelan companies which are privately owned. The Venezuelan government, contrary to what many people assume, does not control all production and distribution within its borders, and many private companies seem to be able to produce some products and not others, intentionally stirring up discontent. In a recent Telesur video (which is propaganda and should be seen as such, but this merely means that it is supposed to teach you something specific and not that everything or even anything it claims is false on its face) explained that there seemed to be a shortage of toilet paper, but no shortage of other paper products like paper towels, paper plates, etc, suggesting that the problem was in production and distribution rather than lack of demand for products (who does not want toilet paper?) or lack of access to raw materials. There have also been numerous claims of things from toys to food being hoarded by the wealthy.

In response to this crisis (again, one intentionally wrought upon the country), the government of Venezuela has made several moves which I do not support in and of themselves in an attempt to combat the opposition and maintain its power, including the potential dissolution of the one governing body in which the opposition has a meaningful voice, and crackdown on protesters using means of violence I consider overkill for the tactics being used in those particular moments. But leftists need to understand that we don’t pick sides based on good guys and bad guys- and, even if we did, the opposition has committed its own unseemly and unnecessary acts of horrific violence as well, including literally burning people- but based on the class character of the actors involved. That, and that alone, is the basis of solidarity. The “opposition” is first and foremost a euphemism and a misnomer because it includes a number of elements from social democrats to the most extreme elements of the far right, but its hodgepodge of demands includes austerity, increased privatization, etc- the class character of the opposition is decidedly bourgeois, and the class character of the Venezuelan government is decidedly not bourgeois, even if you don’t want to go so far as to call it proletarian in character. That alone ought to tell us who we maybe not support but eye with more suspicion, see as the greater threat, etc. The class character of the actors involved is very clear, and it is on this basis that, whether you “support” the Venezuelan government or not, you should certainly not “support” the bourgeois opposition. Solidarity is not about good feelings and liking who we work with and so on, but about defense against right wing antisocialist and anti proletarian policy, and advancement of the goals of socialism. I do not think that Venezuela ever achieved socialism. I do not think that Venezuela is a perfect or even very good model for future socialist projects.

To be very clear here, what is being attempted by the opposition is the 2002 coup by other means and by counterrevolution as opposed to outright military coup- the goal is to unseat a democratically elected leader and to impose the will of the bourgeois and right wing elements of Venezuelan society on the people of the country. Regardless of how I feel about the decisions made by the government in the fact of this crisis, of course I do not support a mishmash of right wing elements attempting to undo the work of building something like socialism. I am no Chavista, but “Viva Venezuela” ya es el té, and I do not take kindly to seeing support for right wing elements passed around like it means nothing.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐝: A story where you play as the vessel of an old eldritch horror after a ritual to summon a god went horribly wrong…

[ Demo TBA ]

You were supposed to be a sacrifice in order to bring an eldritch god to your realm, a sacrifice that was never supposed to live. Instead of dying and summoning the god intended, you find yourself face to face with an ancient being that was chained and locked away for the horrors they once committed. 

Alzurahm is their name. A once revered god but now a pitiful creature made of bone and shadow. After finding themself free of their prison, they realise there is nothing to tether themself to, until you come into view.

They make you an offer. Become their host and allow them a taste of freedom and they will grant you power to ensure you both live.The catch is that their thoughts will become your thoughts, their weaknesses will become your weaknesses and their fears will become your fears. 

But things are never as simple as they seem. After the revelation that you are more than just human, The Court of Night decides to utilise the mistake they made by brainwashing you and shape you into something of their own that most would come to know simply as: The Vessel—someone who no one wishes to see at their doorstep.

After being sent on a mission to eliminate a traitor of The Court, a series of unfortunate events throw you off the planned course and onto another where you then find yourself hunting an evil much greater than the ones you were taught about.

Will you remain a puppet of The Court or will you cut the strings that tie you to them?

— Play as a female, male or non-binary character and customise your Vessel.

— Romance one of four ROs: A woman with unmatched skill in marksmanship, an agile swordsman, a figure who walks quietly in the shadows, and the traitor themself.

— Reluctantly join forces with The Order of Solitar and save the future from the reigning chaos or join them simply to save yourself.

— Reunite with people you never thought you’d see again…though it may not be as heartwarming as you may think.

—Be part of the Resurrection of a God that is of far greater power than you think was possible.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐍

Vira Duval [F] — Romanceable by f!MCs and nb!MCs 

Vira has the sharpest eye Providence has to offer. Events of the past has led her to build a wall of safety around her, but there is a crack in that wall created by the few people she trusts and it is a crack that can be easily exploited if you so wish. 

She is a tall woman, standing tall with a posture only nobles could have. Her skin is fair with faint scars that run along her back which were inflicted upon her when she was young. Much like her personality, her blue eyes are cold and calculating. She has hair of silk that reaches down to her lower back with a colour that is often compared to the feathers of a raven.

She is the twin sister of Aurius, older by three minutes.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐍

Aurius Duval [M] — Romanceable by all MCs

Aurius has refined mastery of all blades though his preferred weapon is a sword that was gifted to him by a friend. Unlike his sister, he is kinder and easier to speak with. Many have said that comfort is easy to find in him.

Like Vira, he is quite taller, almost by a head but he lacks the noble posture as she does. His skin is fair, clear of scars save for a tiny sliver by his lip. His eyes are a light blue that holds serenity and like the feathers of a raven, his hair is the same dark colour that is cut short and pushed back.

He is the twin brother of Vira, younger by three minutes.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒

Rhian Scott [F/M/NB] — Romanceable by all MCs

Rhian is an expert of stealth, quietly making their way through conflict without being seen or heard. When they are out of the shadows, they tend to be charismatic and a bit flirty. But if they so wished, they could become just as serious as the jaded marksman. 

They are of average height with skin kissed by the sun. There is a beauty mark just under the left side of their lips and their eyes shine a bright amber shade that could act as a torch. They have dark brown hair that seems to shift into red when hit by sunlight. F!Rhian tends to keep her hair long past her shoulders whereas m!Rhian and nb!Rhian tend to keep theirs short.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑

Ilya Roson [F/M/NB] — Romanceable by all MCs

Your former partner and a traitor of The Court. Before they burned the bridges between you and The Court, they were kind and understanding, even a bit protective. But it is unknown whether or not it was all an act.

They are of average height, leaning towards the tall side. Their porcelain skin is smooth but with markings carved into the palms of their hands. Their hair is wavy, reaching just past their shoulder with the colour of silver. There is a storm that rages behind their grey eyes, fury and hatred burning within. But when they look at you, the storm begins to settle and is replaced by guilt and regret.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐋𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐆𝐎𝐃

Alzurahm [M/NB]

The horror that lives within you. They feed you power and often…their opinions. Only you can see them as they have no physical body anymore. They enjoy pretending to be what they aren’t—human.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍 

Elias [M] 

A leader of Providence. He is someone whom you thought was long lost—your older brother.

And the sworn enemy of The Court of Night.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑

Tiberius Cabas [M]

The man who raised you as The Vessel.

Behind the evils he’s commited, there is a part of him that still cares for you even though he shouldn’t.

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒

Judas & Lorraine [M/F]

They’re dead :/

Hey, I’m Zico! 

The Night Abridged is intended for 17+ audiences due to the content warnings: Body horror, strong language, violence, blood & gore and possibly more. It may be changed to 18+ in the future!

This is a project of mine that I’ve been daydreaming about lately so I thought I’d try my hand at turning it into an IF. I’m a sucker for romances so there won’t be platonic routes. Apologies to anyone who’s disappointed with that!

Reblogs are much appreciated! Thanks for checking out this post! I’m still getting used to tumblr but if you have any questions, feel free to hit me up and send an ask.

I cannot stress this enough; you need to support public education. You need to assure high standards are being kept and that funding is sustained, increased, and appropriately divested.

The far-right (and even conservative right) have spent decades eroding the belief and support of public education. We are now reaching the end stages of the goal. On the surface it looks like they simply want to defund public schools in order to prop up their charter and religious private schools, but it’s so much worse and you need to be concerned.

Without proper education people are left naive to what is going on around them - in this case it would be the dismantling of democracy. Without learning how to properly understand information and critically think about actions and events you’re likely to just believe what you’re told.

Public education is a pillar of democracy. This is not a question or opinion it is a straight fact.

There is so much more to this and I could continue on for pages but I’m simply asking you to be aware and try to do whatever you can to prop up and support public education before it is truly too late.

the day that tumblr learns that it isn’t progressive whatsoever to shame people for being attracted to men is the day the world heals. there’s nothing progressive about shaming gay and bisexual men using homophobic tactics and spreading biphobia toward bisexual women.

There's something so tragic about someone who has nothing sacrificing themself for the one who gave them everything.

we got so familiar

As a leftist, it sucks that you can scream from the rooftops in the most patient and persistent way, even for years, and still be treated like an alarmist. ....But, that’s just how it kind of works. Leftists, radicals, revolutionaries.. they are the ones that push society’s ideals to the left. It’s happened all throughout history. Their causes end up being co-opted by liberals, and are compromised and watered down. Leftists want to end this cycle of exploitation, oppression, and settled amount of suffering. For good. And we really do have a chance at doing that at this point. We don't want to reform this system, because we've seen time and time again throughout history how reform is undone. That that's what compromising with capitalism always leads to, no matter how regulated and ethical you try to make it. That's why: Revolution>reform. That’s the biggest thing people need to understand.

Like with this past summer. It was the biggest civil rights movement in history. But ultimately, we're seeing it has only made a dent in terms of changing the system we live under as a whole. Democrats aren't doing dick because they don't want to fundamentally change things for the working class or any marginalized group. And progressives, like AOC and Bernie, who think they are noble in being in the game to fight it, are also finding themselves compromising like hell trying to push the most basic reforms. And although, certain systemic reforms are important, and necessary, long term reforms are not sustainable, and they're not enough.

Sometimes things really to have to get this bad for this long to truly wake people up. Trump. This pandemic. It made people who were distracted, stuck in complacent survival mode, affected to the point of understanding that it takes collective action to fundamentally change things. But this is the moment when many should be wondering ..why in god's name would we want to reform a system like this, and not create a new one?

a gunman in georgia just went on a shooting spree targeting asian owned business in a hate crime involving 8 deaths of people with varying nationalities (6 asian, with 1 white woman and 1 white man) last night. (click on photos to enlarge, credits to @frogvk on twitter for the graphics)

I have secured 3 plan-c pills which will be in my possession within the next week—if you should EVER need access to this medication but you’re restricted due to legislation AND/OR money, I will ship it to you (or somewhere safe) for free. For yourself, a friend, a family member, it does not matter. PM me and you and I will proceed to a discreet, encrypted chat.

URGENT - help my mom beat stage 4 colon cancer

GoFundMe Link

hey everyone,

i don’t usually post things like this, but i really need your help. my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colon cancer 2 years ago. she is on chemotherapy and has been fighting extremely hard to get a liver transplant, which would increase her lifespan and could potentially be a cure. without this transplant, the cancer will likely kill her within the next 3 years. she has secured a donor but insurance has repeatedly denied her requests for surgery under the excuse that it’s “experimental”. with both of my parents unemployed, there’s absolutely no way my family could afford this surgery.

it’s a long shot, but if you have the means to donate, PLEASE consider contributing to her gofundme. even a few dollars would help. if not, getting the word out by liking/reblogging would mean the world.

please please please share if you are willing and able. thank you so much for your time. <3