#theyre scary for sure. but fear should not override knowledge of how the government actually functions

[eurekq]

The best way to stay sane rn is to just remember that executive orders, even when they are written very carefully with strong legal counsel, are not very difficult to overturn, and are, and i cannot emphasize this strongly enough, NOT LAW. Their main purpose is for regulation of internal governmental affairs within the confines of existing law. They can also be, like, instantly dismissed by the next president.

Your better bet right now is keeping an eye on your states policies. Many state policymakers are being emboldened by trumps exec orders and are taking advantage of a distracted, confused, and politically disengaged constituency to try to pass vile shit at the state level. Many red state governments are also insanely understaffed and easy to overwhelm with calls and emails (I would know, I work for one).

Keep an eye on proposed bills in your states, and, if you feel safe doing so, talk to the moderate republicans and libertarians in your family or other circles; emphasize the devaluation of the consitution, the abuse of our political systems, and the encroachment into personal privacy and freedoms. Speak their language, as it were. These people are far more likely to actually call their reps and be taken seriously as a part of the core voter base. Make calls posing as a Republican voter yourself with these same tactics if you think you can pull it off; they're more likely to value the opinion of those they share a platform with. Look into their backgrounds, see what their origins are, play to that.

Just dont obey in advance, okay? Especially if you don't even know what you're obeying.