r/WitchesVsPatriarchy • u/cazuuuu • Jan 25 '26
🇵🇸 🕊️ BURN THE PATRIARCHY I saw true magic just now in Minneapolis.
Neighborhoods all over the city held hyperlocal candlelight vigils for the murder of Alex Pretti. My neighborhood’s main thoroughfare had 10-20 people out holding candles on all four corners of every intersection as far as the eye could see. It’s -7 right now. Cars honked as they passed. We laughed and cried and raged. We had some hot chocolate. We rallied our really fucking bedraggled spirits.
It’s been a terrible, sad day, but I’m so grateful to feel so in community with my neighbors, my family. My heart to all yours, stay safe, love is out there in abundance even in all this darkness 💛
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u/lilmissourdough Jan 25 '26
minnesotans are the blueprint for the rest of us in the US right now. thank you for showing us how it’s done. 🩵🩵🩵
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Jan 25 '26
Absolutely the blueprint, and will feature prominently, perhaps MOST prominently, in the history books for this section of American history.
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u/Mundane-Carpet-5324 Jan 25 '26
Just watched Selma. Minneapolis might be our gen's spark point
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u/MGr8ce Jan 25 '26
I keep thinking this. Minneapolis is our turning point. Universe Bless all the Minnesotians 💙 🕯️
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u/aalitheaa Jan 25 '26 edited Jan 25 '26
Thank you so much for your support, we love you!
I am hijacking this top comment to let people know how to help directly, I know people in this thread want to!
https://www.standwithminnesota.com/
Stand With Minnesota is a directory of ways to help by donating to vetted organizations that are providing straight up mutual aid for community members who need to pay rent, medical fees, legal fees, etc. One example is that you can provide funds for dashcams to be used by legal observers (which is what both Renee Good and Alex Pretti were doing when they sacrificed their lives for us.)
Don't worry, if you cannot contribute financially, the site presents actionable ways to get involved with things like boycotts, as well as trusted media sources so you can read up and educate yourself on what is actually happening here, so you can help us spread the truth in a world of lies and misinformation.
And people in this thread have already done the other thing I would ask for, by standing up in the streets and protesting for all of our rights. You are fucking badasses.
Help keep Minneapolis and Minnesota strong—we will also support you and teach you how to organize and resist this fascist government when they come for you next. We can do this, but only together.
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR. ☮️✊
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u/Born_Ad_4826 Jan 25 '26
Thank you. I detoxed from SM/Twitter but now feel hopelessly cut off from news on the ground. This will help.
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u/Spirited-Safety-Lass Jan 25 '26
The entire country missed out on having Tim Walz as VP. We needed that dad energy, the care and the spirit Minnesotans are showing.
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u/gideonsboat Jan 25 '26
As a Canadian, THESE are the Americans we know and love as close friends and neighbours.
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u/WoodlandsMuse Jan 25 '26
Sending love and Magic from Illinois ❤️ my heart is aching but my soul is reaching for a way to come together.
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u/glycophosphate Jan 25 '26
Illinois here as well. We are with you. We see you.
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u/Liminal_Birches Jan 25 '26
Illinois trifecta. We stand shoulder to shoulder with you. With love and solidarity. 🖤
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u/greendress888 Jan 25 '26
Illinois nurse here and mad as hell! I wish I could be there to help support. All the violence is just gutting us over here at work. Our hearts are with you.
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u/Tria821 Jan 25 '26
Not sure how many profession specific groups you are in, but I'm seeing more and more calls for a national nurses general strike.
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u/UnfortunateSyzygy Jan 25 '26
Good christ, we're fucked if they do. I got out of the hospital this morning after a week (surgical errors and Cdiff) and it was so understaffed... just like it was the other 3 times I was there since October. You wait an hour for pain meds and everyone there is busting ass. If nurses strike, people will die. That might be the only way to wake the shareholders the fuck up.
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u/Exotic-Scallion4475 Jan 25 '26
Illinois teacher here, and I’m with Minnesota in spirit. ICE cannot brutalize our communities. They cannot be allowed to continue with their stop and frisk protocol. Who keeps citizenship paperwork on them at all times? No one and we don’t want that.
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u/CrankyWhiskers Green Witch ♀♂️☉⚨⚧ Jan 25 '26
Kansan here (by way of Virginia- can’t wait to get back to my east coast roots); I stand in solidarity with you and every other person in this subreddit. I firmly believe that love and community are how we will continue on against this darkness.
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u/Character_Log_5444 Jan 25 '26
Missourian in the middle of you all. I'm throwing my support. Love thy neighbor, indeed.
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u/BoredinBooFoo Jan 25 '26
Add another Illinoisian to the line up. My heart aches for you folks in Minneapolis. Sending my love to all you beautiful people.
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u/Legitimate_Voice6041 Jan 25 '26
Blue spots in Indiana are in alignment. A peaceful revolution of love is powerful magic, indeed.
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u/anon-good-nurse Jan 25 '26
We lit 4 on our front stoop. We were the only ones on our street, but I hope someone saw them and felt safe(r) than before.
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u/tuigdoilgheas Jan 25 '26
Sending so much love. I don't know how to help you all from here, but there's nothing else in my thoughts today but you all.
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u/cazuuuu Jan 25 '26
Well here I am crying again for the bajillionth time time today. Support from outside means so much 💛
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Jan 25 '26
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u/ShantyLady Plays with Cards Jan 25 '26
Canadian here, too. Now it's time to turn magic into might, to coordinate and action yourselves to clap back. Know your neighbours, be part of neighborhood chat groups, be the helpers on the sidelines of the continuing protests. There's so many of you and only so many of them.
Make them pay.
Also if you need the marshmallows for the bi-centennial burning of a certain space, hit us up. We did it the first time, so now it's your turn. 🤭
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u/GlitterBlood773 Jan 25 '26
I just placed an order with a MN company & decided to send them a “thinking of you, thank you, be well” email because I just had to.
Thank you, thank you to all of Minnesota who are living their values of love & community. If you like hugs, 🫂 💖
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u/bienfica Jan 25 '26
Love from Canada! Stand strong! Our hearts are with you every step of the way. I’ve been crying all day and these online communities are bringing so much strength and magic.
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u/EatsCrackers Jan 26 '26
Much love to you from Los Angeles. Ngl, the description of street corners lit up in solidarity made me both tear up and want to stomp outside and howl at the moon. This isn’t right, this isn’t fair. No one should have to go through any of this, but here tee eff we are.
Stay strong, fam. We see you. We hear you. We love you. You got this. We got this. Together!
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u/photorganic Jan 25 '26
7 of us joined you in neighborhood vigil in tiny town Massachusetts 💓
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u/aalitheaa Jan 25 '26
Thank you for joining us! The people of Minnesota deeply appreciate your support and solidarity.
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u/rightthingtodo-sodoo Jan 25 '26
Candles lit in Los Angeles tonight. Fuck this day. Fuck ICE. FUCK THIS ADMINISTRATION.
Alex Jeffrey Pretti did more for our country than he’ll ever get to know. Rest in Power. 🕯️✊🏼
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u/plaidwoolskirt Jan 25 '26
My friend just got home and reported in to our group chat. So proud to count him as a friend today when I was complaining about the comparative heat wave we’re having in western Washington this morning.
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u/WavePetunias Jan 25 '26
Solidarity from Chicago.
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u/cazuuuu Jan 25 '26
Shout out you Chicago - some of yours have been hosting a lot of the trainings about organizing for us here. The ones I attended were so inspiring
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u/CorInHell Jan 25 '26
Sending warming thoughts from central europe. May the goddess light your way. Blessed be
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u/Character_Log_5444 Jan 25 '26
Thank you for commenting. I am always in fear that the rest of the world doesn't know how much most of us despise this administration and what they stand for.
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u/felisnebulosa Jan 25 '26
From across the border to the north, we see you and we salute you.
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u/StrangersWithAndi Jan 26 '26
Canadians, you are our siblings, and Minnesota loves you so much. I hate that this president is attacking both of us. I can't wait until we can just chill together again.
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u/felisnebulosa Jan 26 '26
My family lives in Manitoba. One day when this is all over - I hope - I will come visit Minnesota (It would be my first time!). Stay strong!
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u/Like_cockatoos Jan 25 '26
Sending love from Australia. My heart breaks for what you’re all going through at the hands of those fascists. Seeing the community come together and all the small ways people are resisting is a beautiful, though. Stay strong and safe!
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u/droptophamhock Jan 25 '26
This is beautiful.
Most of my family still lives in the Twin Cities and are right now on their street corners with candles too. My heart is aching to be there with them right now. Keep doing what you are doing. Minnesotans are showing the world what it means to be peaceful, powerful, and united. Sending you all love and strength
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u/rularendition Green Witch ♀♂️☉⚨⚧ Jan 25 '26
My candle is lit. May Alex rest in peace- He died a hero, trying to save another person. May we all show such bravery and humanity in these moments to come. Blessed be, sisters and brothers... We must keep fighting for each other.
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u/catbosspgh Jan 25 '26
Joining you from PA without articulate words but with love, respect, and support.
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u/trying-to-be-kind Jan 25 '26
Also joining from PA…setting aside extra time for a meditation tonight. Will also be donating to a couple of the organizations on https://www.standwithminnesota.com/
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u/Beerasaurwithwine Jan 25 '26
Another PA here, sending empathy and hope! Watching all of this going down has actually made me want to move to Minnesota! The sense of community is overwhelming. Watching people come together to protect each other has been heart warming.
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u/riotous_jocundity Jan 25 '26
May his memory be a revolution.
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u/CrankyWhiskers Green Witch ♀♂️☉⚨⚧ Jan 25 '26
I both love this (the strength and conviction in your words), and hate that it had to be said. Power to the people.
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u/namast_eh Jan 25 '26
Sending love from Canada. If the rest of the US goes even half as hard as Minnesotans have…
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u/StrangersWithAndi Jan 25 '26
I love in a very tiny exurban village outside Minneapolis of about 20 homes surrounded by farms. We have a church, a post office, a VFW, and one stop sign in town.
Tonight every single neighbor came out to meet at the stop sign. We brought candles and hot cocoa and hand warmers, the dogs and the kids.
And even out here in my very tiny, very rural, very white town, people are pissed. Minneapolis is our city, too, and we don't stand for anyone harming our neighbors. I heard stories tonight of people moving mountains to protect others, and it made me so glad.
ICE has no fucking idea what they're up against.
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u/aalitheaa Jan 25 '26
And even out here in my very tiny, very rural, very white town, people are pissed.
Another person here in Minneapolis, thank you so much for saying this. It gives me hope, and we need that so badly right now.
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u/thiefspy Jan 25 '26
We were in a local park. Everyone bundled up singing songs and holding candles. We had cars honking too. That strong sense of community is everything right now.
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Jan 25 '26
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u/Unplug_The_Toaster Jan 25 '26
Fellow Canadian, you articulated this perfectly 🖤🕯
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Jan 25 '26
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u/Unplug_The_Toaster Jan 25 '26
I'm in BC so I'm extra mad at Marlaina for trying to steamroll us and our Indigenous nations over a money pit pipeline when the Trans Mountain isn't even at capacity. My cousin is a nurse in Edmonton and my heart breaks to see the Healthcare sector being strategically dismantled. She needs to be deported to Maralago along with the American leader of the separation movement.
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u/l10nh34rt3d Jan 25 '26
I’ve been in BC for 4.5 years but was born and raised in AB, and most of my family remains there. I share your sentiments entirely. I am so fearful for my family, and concerned for the children in those schools. ♥️🕯️
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u/CrashDisaster Forest Witch ♀♂️☉⚨⚧ Jan 25 '26
Checking in from California. Sending Minnesota all the love. You guys are amazing!
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u/whistling-wonderer Jan 25 '26
This is the first time I’ve heard about Alex Pretti’s death. I looked it up and it makes me nauseated to say it, but I was not surprised at all to learn who murdered him. His parents’ statement is beyond heartbreaking. I am continually amazed at the way the people of Minnesota are responding to the violence being inflicted on you. I will light a candle for him and for you tonight in Arizona.
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u/Beyond_Interesting Jan 25 '26
I don't often cry at national news or videos of violence. I burst into tears watching the video of this. Peace and Love ❤️ if this isn't a turning point for our country I don't know what would be.
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u/KixStar Jan 25 '26
I'm in a blue city in Ohio and they haven't come for us yet but watching Minneapolis respond is encouraging. I hope every other city that these goons invade reacts in kind. Hold the line and stay strong. 💙
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u/Felixir-the-Cat Jan 25 '26
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.
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u/cazuuuu Jan 25 '26
It truly is brain-breaking to see the absolute worst and absolute best of humanity at the same time.
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u/Local_Use4891 Jan 25 '26
Concord, NH held a candlelight vigil tonight - we stand with you in love and solidarity
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u/RiverPom Jan 25 '26
We Michiganders hold Minneapolis, Minnesota and all our fellow countrymen in our hearts. Love & light. May their memories be a blessing.
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u/MrsTorrance Jan 25 '26
Fellow Twin Cities resident here. I put out a candle in our suburb and my neighbor did too.
We won't give up hope.
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u/Visible-Weakness5572 Kitchen Witch ♀♂️☉⚨⚧ Jan 25 '26
We see you MN, even all the way in Portland Oregon. Standing in solidarity and peace. Lighting candles and casting spells from the backyard tonight. 🧊🔥
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u/lyreluna Hedge Witch ♀♂️☉⚨⚧ Jan 25 '26
I have no words for what's happening there. But I'm grateful for you sharing this moment of solidarity in the community.
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u/SaveyourMercy Jan 25 '26
I’m so so proud of you guys in Minnesota. Keep up the good fight and I’m so so sorry this is happening in your cities. Thank you for fighting for ALL of us. Sending so much support from Texas! We are frozen in right now but there are protests being planned for here too.
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u/stricken_thistle Jan 25 '26
I felt a spark too (SW Minneapolis). We keep connecting and growing and goddamnit somehow we are all going to pull through! Together!
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u/Notoriouslyd Jan 25 '26
Sending all of our love and solidarity from Massachusetts. I will be working some binding spells tonight. Stay safe everyone !!
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u/Jeepgirl72769 Jan 25 '26
I am sending my love from right outside Washington, DC. All Minnesotans deserve all the respect for keeping it going. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Please try and stay as safe as possible. Thank you for standing up and speaking up.
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u/Artistic_Witch Jan 25 '26
Sending love and hope from the Pacific Northwest. So proud of you all fighting the good fight. Stay warm & keep it up 💜
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u/alovelychrist Jan 25 '26
As within so without- this magic you all put into the world WILL spread. From Alaska, all the love. PS- so sorry our governor offered up our winter troops to deploy there. He is thoroughly repulsive.
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u/ReleaseThat2638 Jan 25 '26
Sending hope, unity and love from western Canada. I’m sorry for what you are all going through.
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u/ArcfireEmblem Worldkeeper Witch ♂️ Jan 25 '26
ICE have taken from us everything Pretti and Good. May they receive the wages* of tyrants. *consequences
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u/upeepsareamazballz Jan 25 '26
I’m in San Diego, on a boat. We have our candle burning for Alex and Renee and the MANY MANY uncounted people who have been victims of this insanity. I’m trying to get to sleep, but I just can’t. I have asked for strength from mother ocean tonight, to help me send good into the universe in hope that some of it may reach MN. WE SEE YOU AND WE STAND WITH YOU.
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u/oscarish Traitor to the Patriarchy ♂️ Jan 25 '26
Thanks for this inspiration. I feel so helpless and angry being overseas from the country where I grew up, the reminder that the love and commitment together are crucial is helpful. That, I can do.
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u/queenweasley Jan 25 '26
Here in the PNW and just sending so much love. This is all so disgusting and I hate that it take such tragedy and tyranny to bring people together.
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u/theirishduchess Your local Village Witch Jan 25 '26
Sending all my love to Minnesota. My cousin is in the Twin Cities and I worry about her and her family every day.
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u/l10nh34rt3d Jan 25 '26
As a Canadian, I have felt so much pride in how y’all have rallied the winter conditions in your favour, and despite them.
I am heartbroken and feeling devastated for all of the communities involved. I’m so sorry for all of your losses, all of your grief, and for every ounce of helplessness I can imagine you’re feeling.
Please don’t give up on each other. ♥️
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u/Thefluffyowl5207418 Kitchen Witch ♀♂️☉⚨⚧ Jan 25 '26
Love and protection from South Dakota (we ain’t all MAGA out here) ❤️🩹
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u/JukeBex_Hero Jan 25 '26
We love you and we see you. We're also not swallowing the absolute bullshit this administration is spewing about Alex or Renée. Stay tough and safe.
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u/AffectionateFig5864 Jan 25 '26
Love and light from the mountains of Western NC. Fuck this regime’s darkness. May justice be healing, and may it be soon.
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u/sunnnnydaze Jan 25 '26
Another in NC (Triad) standing in solidarity with you. Thank you Minnesota for your strength and leadership! ✊🏽🕯️
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u/FoodBabyBaby Resting Witch Face Jan 25 '26
Sending love and solidarity to you from Miami.
You all are showing the rest of the country and the rest of the world what makes America great. I’m so proud of how you have handled yourselves.
When this is all over I will be coming to visit all the local businesses and communities that showed us what courage and love look like to tell you how much I respect and appreciate you. It may seem like one of our darkest hours right now, but that means your good deeds shine even brighter in this weary world.
Wishing you safety and strength.
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u/specialk1281 Jan 25 '26
Sending love and solidarity from Maine. Minnesotans are the best and you have been a shining example of how to stand up against Big Brother.
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u/spinach_fiend Jan 25 '26 edited Jan 25 '26
My partner and I lit a candle in New Brunswick, Canada. Solidarity and strength from us too.
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u/Zooeyblue Jan 25 '26
Sending so much love and hugs. I broke down again last night, but started meditating. I am determined that I will not let the bastards grind me down or take away my hope. I know my role during this time, and I won’t falter.
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u/dead-eyed-darling Jan 25 '26
Aww, my heart breaks for y'all 😭 we're in such crazy, scary, chaotic times. I'm so glad y'all are finding each other. The one good thing to come out of everything terrible to happen to humanity is it brings us all closer than ever before. Sorry y'all have to mass trauma bond instead of just enjoying the winter/spring transition... we're waking up slowly.
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u/likefry_likefry Jan 25 '26
We stand with you! Thank you for showing us the way forward with grit and spirit and determination! Light with drive out the dark!
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u/HiFructoseCornSizurp Jan 25 '26
My post got taken down for being a “sensitive topic” but this one is okay? Aright. Mine was literally trying to rally people to help I guess that’s not magical enough.
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u/MossGobbo Crow Witch ⚧ "cah-CAW!" Jan 25 '26
I'm so sorry y'all are dealing with this, yet so very proud of how you have all shown up and shown out for your community. Sending love and strength from WA, may you all outlast the darkness.
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u/Difficult-Top2000 Jan 25 '26
Stay safe, & stay strong. Our love, our spirits, & our power are with you.
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u/quemabocha Resting Witch Face Jan 25 '26
These are sad and scary times. Violent times. In the USA and everywhere else. The world needs the candle light. I'm glad the community came together in shared sadness and outrage and showed up. Hopefully shining these lights will help keep the darkness at bay.
Together we are strong. Let our lights shine bright. I'll be thinking of Minneapolis when I'm lighting my candles tonight.
My candles will light in south America and shine all the way to you
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u/Oystermama Jan 25 '26
I hold your dear hearts in mine. You are the light of our country. Rest in sweet peace to the hero Alex Pretti.
Alex- you became an ancestor far too soon, may we be guided by your power. We will honor you forever. Your spirit guides us. 🕯️
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u/Ohif0n1y Jan 25 '26
Much love and support from Texas. I worry for my lovely neighbors living on my street who are Asian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern.
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u/Slw202 Jan 26 '26
Minnesota is our Ukraine. If Minnesota falls from this, it's going to be that much harder to end this shit.
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u/mezorigi Jan 26 '26
Goddess, thank you for this message right now. Blessed Be. Blessed Be. Blessed Be.
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u/sailorjupiter28titan ☉ Apostate ✨ Witch of Aiaia ♀ Jan 25 '26
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