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As a spiritual person who tries to move through the world centered in love and compassion for others, I am horrified by what Trump and his people are doing to this country. I cannot in good conscience look away, or try to just duck and cover and hope that I won't be harmed too much. That won't work. I have to stay informed and engaged---connected to others. We all do.

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As a sociologist, I have been studying and teaching about public life and politics for decades. I know how to find good, reliable sources of information. Knowing what is really going on is essential before taking action. Unfortunately, most of our media are failing us. They are overwhelmed and are not framing the information they are presenting appropriately. I have put together a list of trusted, intelligent sources to help us all stay informed in these challenging times (with Instagram handles, where relevant):

 

@iampoliticsgirl (Leslie Gowan)—concise, intelligent updates on what’s happening in the moment in her Insta videos—her free Politics Girl podcast (also available on YouTube) provides more in-depth information and interviews.

 

@anandwrites (Anand Giridharadas)—his e-newsletter, The Ink, is extremely valuable—important information, interviews with a wide-range of relevant experts, intelligent strategies for moving forward in this new environment. The newsletter is only $50/year (there is a free version available) or $40 each if you join with a family/group.

 

@democracydocket (Marc Elias)—extremely important lawyer who has sued Trump and Republicans and won repeatedly for years. He is especially focused on voting rights, and has a free newsletter as well as paid subscription. His free podcast is called Defending Democracy.

 

@maddowshow (Rachel Maddow)—MSNBC (and podcast) host and all-around genius on all things political. Free podcasts: The Rachel Maddow Show, Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra, Bag Man (about Spiro Agnew)

 

@chrishayes and @allinwithchris—also brilliant MSNBC host; also host of Why Is this Happening? (free podcast)

 

The Cycle with Rachel Bitecofer (podcast): brilliant political analyst and strategist.

 

NPR and PBS are also good sources of information: @npr or @nprpolitics; @pbs and @newshour

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Supporting NPR and PBS with donations is especially critical at this time because Republicans in Congress are attacking their funding sources. Any amount helps. You can sign up to have $5 charged to your credit card each month--you'll never miss it.

Find your local stations at www.npr.org and www.pbs.org.