Yesterday, I had the chance to do something new: a Substack Live event with my friend
from . Thanks to Substack, the video recording is now available, and you can watch it right here.In this conversation, Reed and I talk about the urgent need to go on offense against the rising tide of authoritarianism in America. We dig into:
How veterans (through Task Force Butler and Veterans Fighting Fascism) and civilians (through Join the Union) can work together to build resilient, pro-democracy communities
Why hyperlocal organizing—at the level of school boards, county commissions, and neighborhood coffee shops—is critical to fighting fascism
How the idea of "third places" like book clubs, union halls, and VFWs can be revived to strengthen civic bonds
Why organizing offline, in person, is more powerful than doomscrolling
How to channel rage, grief, and frustration into productive, hopeful action without losing empathy
We also talk about some personal experiences: from my early days rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy, to Reed’s work inside government during Hurricane Katrina, to what it really feels like to lose everything—and why solidarity matters more than ever.
This is a raw, honest conversation about where we are as a country, where we could go if we act, and what it takes to rebuild community when the system itself seems rigged against us.
If you’re ready to stop feeling helpless—and start making a difference—you’ll find a lot to dig into here.
🎥 Watch the full conversation below.
📚 Resources mentioned:
Thanks for being part of this movement. On offense is the only way forward.
— Kris
P.S. Thank you
, , , , , and many others for tuning into my live video with ! Join me for my next live video in the app.
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