Is your Amazon link the place that gives you the best kickback for your book? I know a lot of us would like to avoid them, but I'm sure folks also want you to get paid well. :)
While I agree wholeheartedly with the substance of this post, I am a little surprised that you mentioned Hamas bombing an Israeli mall as the origin of the slaughter. It wasn’t a mall and it wasn’t bombs. It was a sudden surge from within Gaza targetting nearby settlements, mostly kibbutz, but also a music festival. Several thousands people died, which is a very small number compared to Gaza but still human beings going about their life, and actually a large number of them were on the liberal side and committed to the peace process.
This was a very highly publicised incident. As I said, I agree with the substance of what you say but how did you get this wrong?
I never said the mall massacre was the genesis of Israeli apartheid and their relentless horrors against the Palestinians. I said it is wrong to kill innocent civilians, and that applies TO ALL HUMANS, including Israelis. If that stance bothers you, you have allowed yourself to dehumanize innocent people because of the group you perceive them to belong to, which is the problem worldwide.
Alisa- I only discovered your writing a few months ago, here on Substack. One thing that caught my eye at the time was your recent move to San Antonio, while I am actively working to move out of Texas (Dallas). I wondered what I might be not seeing that you were, so I’ve read a lot of what you’ve been posting here (I’ve never been on X, but I understand why people used to feel it was necessary, but no more). Your TV Deal post struck a chord with me as a real, first-person account of our modern society, such that it is. The world needs you sharing your stories, both real and fictional. I just upgraded to a paid subscription to boost you along and am looking forward to ordering a book in a few minutes. Your possible move out of the country makes sense. I’m probably not going that far, yet, but under your circumstances, it makes sense. I wish you nothing but the best and look forward to reading how it plays out. You are gonna be fine. Cheers!
I have been reading about how AI is used in HR. Your story does not surprise me and it warns me as well. However I cannot remain silent about what is happening in our world. So I take the warning seriously, but will continue to speak out.
I am a subscriber to your Somewhere Else stack.
I wish you the very best. I know others leaving. I’m looking myself on how to at least be out of the country for months at a time. It’s not easy, but it is possible.
Your writing is wonderful. I know you are surrounded in light and this dark time will lead you to something better. Follow where you are lead. Be open to the possible and also to what feels impossible, if it feels right in your bones.
I am so sorry this has happened to you, and the implications for all of us. I am also thrilled to have discovered your voice on Substack. I encourage you to move if it means you can be published and produced. You look young and you’re obviously talented as hell so your time will come, even here, but it could be a while. Go where you are appreciated. I will be buying your book, subscribing and sharing. Did I mention how much I appreciate your insights, historical chops, word craft and raw talent. Keep going🌻🌻🌻
No, I was able to find jobs as a substitute teacher in Texas. But the landscape for Texas school is rapidly changing, and any teacher who, say, uses a students’ preferred name or pronouns can and will be fired and possibly charged with a crime. Biblically based curricula are being added to school districts even in blue San Antonio. The country no longer feels safe for someone like me, on multiple fronts.
That is terrible. The (former) blue town where we have our Idaho home is having difficulties with the city council, school district and library all facing challenges from right wing Christian nationalists, most of whom have moved there. I’ve basically moved to Mexico to an old house we bought in Baja Sur about 4 years ago, partly because I saw this situation coming down in both our community and the US, not being really deceived by the Democratic Party. If you’re interested in possibly gaining residency and moving to Mexico, we can give you recent firsthand advice for at least this part of the country.
Alisa, even though I’m not in a situation to subscribe or buy a new book now, I have gone ahead and done both because this is intolerable. I don’t agree with the term genocide but that doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to use it and express whatever opinion you have. It’s a matter of principle. I’m not going to get into an argument or debate about genocide. I just want to support you and protect your right to free speech.
I hope that certain country is Canada. I read this shortly after learning there’s a new Netflix series about a young Colin Kaepernick and the racism he faced as an adopted Black kid of white parents. I guess if the robots see enough zeroes they’ll hold their noses.
This is why algorithms and AI are so dangerous. It’s not the technology, it’s the power it’s given a small amount of people over everyone’s lives.
I wish you all the very best Alisa. Thank you for telling your experiences, and for naming and shaming the companies who are working to enslave us in a different kind of feudalism.
Is your Amazon link the place that gives you the best kickback for your book? I know a lot of us would like to avoid them, but I'm sure folks also want you to get paid well. :)
No, they’re not. Ordering directly from me is the biggest profit margin for me, but I am finding it time-consuming and difficult to fulfill orders myself. You can order from Bookshop.org if you wish to avoid amazon. Thans for your support! https://bookshop.org/p/books/where-rabbits-gathered-alisa-valdes-rodriguez/22154812?ean=9780982743478&next=t
While I agree wholeheartedly with the substance of this post, I am a little surprised that you mentioned Hamas bombing an Israeli mall as the origin of the slaughter. It wasn’t a mall and it wasn’t bombs. It was a sudden surge from within Gaza targetting nearby settlements, mostly kibbutz, but also a music festival. Several thousands people died, which is a very small number compared to Gaza but still human beings going about their life, and actually a large number of them were on the liberal side and committed to the peace process.
This was a very highly publicised incident. As I said, I agree with the substance of what you say but how did you get this wrong?
I never said the mall massacre was the genesis of Israeli apartheid and their relentless horrors against the Palestinians. I said it is wrong to kill innocent civilians, and that applies TO ALL HUMANS, including Israelis. If that stance bothers you, you have allowed yourself to dehumanize innocent people because of the group you perceive them to belong to, which is the problem worldwide.
In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a
revolutionary act.
~George Orwell
Alisa- I only discovered your writing a few months ago, here on Substack. One thing that caught my eye at the time was your recent move to San Antonio, while I am actively working to move out of Texas (Dallas). I wondered what I might be not seeing that you were, so I’ve read a lot of what you’ve been posting here (I’ve never been on X, but I understand why people used to feel it was necessary, but no more). Your TV Deal post struck a chord with me as a real, first-person account of our modern society, such that it is. The world needs you sharing your stories, both real and fictional. I just upgraded to a paid subscription to boost you along and am looking forward to ordering a book in a few minutes. Your possible move out of the country makes sense. I’m probably not going that far, yet, but under your circumstances, it makes sense. I wish you nothing but the best and look forward to reading how it plays out. You are gonna be fine. Cheers!
I have been reading about how AI is used in HR. Your story does not surprise me and it warns me as well. However I cannot remain silent about what is happening in our world. So I take the warning seriously, but will continue to speak out.
I am a subscriber to your Somewhere Else stack.
I wish you the very best. I know others leaving. I’m looking myself on how to at least be out of the country for months at a time. It’s not easy, but it is possible.
Your writing is wonderful. I know you are surrounded in light and this dark time will lead you to something better. Follow where you are lead. Be open to the possible and also to what feels impossible, if it feels right in your bones.
This is why I have no objection to people streaming from grey sites instead of paying for the services.
This is why everyone that is sane needs to get off X.
I agree. And I did.
This is so f#$%ed up. I'm both sad and mad. I feel your need to leave and it breaks my heart. Be well, dear!
I just ordered your book from an independent book store in WA, one of the first that showed after googling the title. It's name: "Liberty Bay".
I am so sorry this has happened to you, and the implications for all of us. I am also thrilled to have discovered your voice on Substack. I encourage you to move if it means you can be published and produced. You look young and you’re obviously talented as hell so your time will come, even here, but it could be a while. Go where you are appreciated. I will be buying your book, subscribing and sharing. Did I mention how much I appreciate your insights, historical chops, word craft and raw talent. Keep going🌻🌻🌻
Are you saying that when you applied for like a sub job in the local school district that you were not able to get it? Is it that bad now?
No, I was able to find jobs as a substitute teacher in Texas. But the landscape for Texas school is rapidly changing, and any teacher who, say, uses a students’ preferred name or pronouns can and will be fired and possibly charged with a crime. Biblically based curricula are being added to school districts even in blue San Antonio. The country no longer feels safe for someone like me, on multiple fronts.
That is terrible. The (former) blue town where we have our Idaho home is having difficulties with the city council, school district and library all facing challenges from right wing Christian nationalists, most of whom have moved there. I’ve basically moved to Mexico to an old house we bought in Baja Sur about 4 years ago, partly because I saw this situation coming down in both our community and the US, not being really deceived by the Democratic Party. If you’re interested in possibly gaining residency and moving to Mexico, we can give you recent firsthand advice for at least this part of the country.
Just purchased your book. I am so sorry this is happening to you!
Alisa, even though I’m not in a situation to subscribe or buy a new book now, I have gone ahead and done both because this is intolerable. I don’t agree with the term genocide but that doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to use it and express whatever opinion you have. It’s a matter of principle. I’m not going to get into an argument or debate about genocide. I just want to support you and protect your right to free speech.
I hope that certain country is Canada. I read this shortly after learning there’s a new Netflix series about a young Colin Kaepernick and the racism he faced as an adopted Black kid of white parents. I guess if the robots see enough zeroes they’ll hold their noses.
Do you now? And yet there's a DM function on this very site, ya frickin robot.
This is so insidious. A counter movement, a movement of truth is being built. With people like you. Thank you for speaking the truth.
Folks, order the book at Bookshop.org. a portion of each book sale supports independent bookstores.
I just ordered from Bookshop.org.
This is why algorithms and AI are so dangerous. It’s not the technology, it’s the power it’s given a small amount of people over everyone’s lives.
I wish you all the very best Alisa. Thank you for telling your experiences, and for naming and shaming the companies who are working to enslave us in a different kind of feudalism.