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Michelle Mausi Cohen's avatar

So lethal!

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Michelle Mausi Cohen's avatar

And this project takes lots of deep thoughts, and I trust you for a project like this.

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Cindy Hansen's avatar

Thank you, Michelle. It's important to say these things while we still can. My camera is my strongest tool for that.

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Susan Gordon's avatar

It's mind-blowing that showing our faces is now bravery in action. Brava Cindy! I volunteer to be a model if you can use me (not a very photogenic one though). I was mulling over your recent query for suggestions about what we might be losing and felt very unimaginative and failed to respond. But I was just talking to one of my sisters today and she told me that my amazing niece, who is a palliative care social worker, has just lost her longtime contract with Kaiser because Kaiser is eliminating palliative care from their offerings to their clients. I don't know if this is local to them in Colorado or on a wider basis but it is the start of a deep long decline we are headed for (you did mention healthcare as one of the losses we're facing). I'm rambling but to circle back to my initial point, you are now a photo warrior and I want to support you and join you in your mission!

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Kevin Hansen's avatar

She had a point that we are all in a certain (small?) amount of danger for speaking out, but it's not much of a resistance if we don't speak out.

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Cindy Hansen's avatar

That's true! This country was founded on dissent. We've been free to voice opinions since the beginning. Our whole lives! They want to change that which is horrifying and frightening. What do we do? Hiding and waiting for it to pass feels safest but what if it doesn't leave without a fight? This project is how I can speak out. I like the newest options that can protect the people who pose...their backs to the camera or only showing their hands. I want this to be a positive act, one where everyone involved feels powerful and heard, and safe.

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Carol's avatar

Two thoughts: one, I am very happy you are continuing with this project, and two, I, for one, never, ever foresaw a world where a real threat exists to expression that is not mainstream and that means exist to track and monitor that expression. Sobering does not do it justice.

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Cindy Hansen's avatar

1. Thank you!

2. We grew up being told that in this country you are safe to express yourself in any way that does not abuse other human beings. I thought that law was carved in everyone's heart, like in stone. That's why I love living here. Like you, I never thought we'd get to where we are today! It's horrifying.

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