After being bumped in ATL for hours, now waiting over 40 minutes to take off. Flying @Delta through Atlanta is becoming more and MORE of a clusterf*ck. Every. Single. Time.
A lot of folks have asked why I jumped into the #SaveStargate campaign.
Truth is, this was never about how many episodes I appeared in.
It was about supporting friends, standing behind a cast and crew I respect and recognizing one of the most passionate fan communities out there. The Stargate universe has meant a great deal to a lot of people for a very long time.
When people care that deeply about something and work that hard to keep it alive, I’m happy to lend my voice.
Some things are worth getting loud about.
LFG #SaveStargate @rachel_luttrell@JoeFlanigan
https://t.co/z5KiNikIJ2
I don’t think this is a one day thing.
Seeing all of your photos, stories, memories and messages today has reminded me just how special this community is. Years later and the love for Stargate is still going strong.
Thank you for showing up and making your voices heard. It has been such a joy to celebrate with all of you and I have a feeling we’re just getting started. 💙
#SaveStargate
Ten ways to take down the political temperature
1) Self-assessment. Ask yourself if you’re part of the problem. Be honest. Are you trying to raise people’s emotions for the purpose of getting more attention, more donations, more clicks, even if it generates more anger and hate? Are you fairly and honestly presenting the viewpoints of your opposition?
2) Totality of the person. Is politics the lens through which you assess a person’s worth? I’ll politely suggest that “Republican or Democrat?” or “Trump support or Trump hater?” are incomplete measurements of a person’s value and character and shouldn’t be the primary measurement.
3) Social media disclosure. It’s well known that some social media companies use algorithms that promote hate and incendiary language. We should push for the disclosure of social media algorithms, and then you should assess if you want to use a social media platform that promotes hate.
4) Focus on good. Center your political conversations on why your ideas are good, or why your legislation works, or why your political party will bring prosperity to America. Spend less time on why competing ideas, people, and parties are bad.
5) Change political incentives. Relatedly, try to reward politicians who stand on the strength of their character and ideas rather than those who focus on the alleged bad of competing politicians. Reward politicians who begin their speeches with “here’s how I will be great,” instead of “here are the people responsible for all of society’s ills.”
6) Social media diet. We know that political commentary on social media is much more extreme and polarized than political discussion in person. Limit your online time. And limit whom you follow online. On Twitter, avoid the “For You” tab and create lists of measured, responsible political accounts to follow. Make in-person events your primary political outlet. Yes, I appreciate the irony of posting this online.
7) Morality or policy difference? If you disagree with somebody over a political topic ask yourself if what you disagree about is a matter of morality or a matter of policy. If it’s a matter of policy, recognize that, and accept that policy differences are normal and OK.
8) Existential elections. Resist systems and debates that present the election or the legislative battle in apocalyptic terms, e.g., “if Sam doesn’t win this city council seat, then our city will immediately be in squalor and ruin.” Promote system reforms that lessen the importance of each individual election. We shouldn’t be in a world in which because one candidate got 2% more of the vote, the voices of 49% of the population are squashed.
9) Avoid hyperbole. Only call somebody a criminal if he’s been charged and convicted with a crime. Only call somebody a terrorist if he uses fear or violence as a means of political persuasion. Don’t ever say we should “lynch” somebody (as was prominently said about me).
10) Ask about motives. Motives matter a lot. If you disagree with somebody, ask yourself about that person’s motives. If that person’s motives are worthwhile (e.g. he wants to make America a better place), but you just disagree about how to get there, then you’ll have a lot more patience for that person.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month. Reckless handling of fire in dry forests or grasslands can ignite catastrophic wildfires. Follow local fire restrictions. Report suspicious activities that could lead to wildfires to local authorities. https://t.co/5GqEnbGSwl
The Phoenix Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and the entire Glendale Police Department on the tragic loss of Officer Jesse Rodriguez.
Rest in peace, Officer Rodriguez.