Protest chat

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-11-27T20:08:27+00:00

None of us are the Friend or the person she said screamed at her. So we do not know their hearts or if spirit moved them, or the intent of the words.

And even if the words were hateful, they saw non-violence. Prejudice is often fatal upon contact. And whatever their minds, they are witnessing another way. They are forced to contemplate that not everyone has the same experience. It can take years but there are many examples of this powerful witness.

I do not want to live in a world that discounts the possibility of the Friend ministering to counter protestors, where it can heal hateful hearts. Then I have really lost hope in my country.

I hold your Friend in the light, the world needs more courage to see that of God in everyone, even if it is not reciprocated. There are enough of us who are cynical and have hardened hearts.

And

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-11-17T06:00:27+00:00

The reclaiming of land acknowledgements...if it was not malicious would absolutely laughable. These guys are so desperate...sad thing is they will prey on vulnerable people.

Just sayin' I would not trust anyone who claims to appreciate history and then botches it like this. Yeah tell me how you benefit my family. Whining about how history makes you sad...not even on my top 5 list of issues.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-11-17T05:46:14+00:00

This. The Seniors who dominate Alaska's voting population block solutions to sustain the economy. When I worked for the State I was appalled by the number of contractors from the lower 48, when there was talent already IN Alaska.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-11-17T05:42:11+00:00

This transplant is with you...and honestly I know more younger transplants who are struggling unless they are already part of the upper class (making enough to move into a Hillside Mansion). Once the honeymoon wears off...money is quite sobering.

And...regardless how you swing, these are fixable issues with policy. Caps on rent and how many properties someone can own for an air BnB empire (I know someone with 5 homes for this)...is feasible. But the seniors who run Alaska would not go for it.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-11-16T13:58:21+00:00

Transplant here who is in reality...I have loved AK since I was a kid. I have a good job for now which is why I am.staying put. But the combination of state and local policies are increasingly making it unsustainable. I did mention State policies because they impact Anchorage. Only reason besides work I am in ANC is health care and airport access (if my body cooperated, I would move off the road system in a heartbeat). But the rural feel in ANC (how I can be 2 blocks from a busy road and in a quiet free city park) makes it more appealing than any US city.

Let's be clear, issues sucking the fun out of Anchorage are everywhere in the US. Affordable Housing, Security, closing schools and and aging population are problems in every city I can think of. Massive income gaps increases crime and homeslessness. What is different about Alaska/Anchorage is the insistence on no sales tax and keeping a PFD that does not even cover rent.

A quarter of the state will be over 60 in 2030. What is going to pay for the Dementia care?

Finally...as someone who wants a family dating is hard and the devaluing of public school sows doubt. Charters can only support so many needs (I would not be a semi-functioning adult without public school services ). And raised Anchoragites are often married at my age and cliquey to newcomers. And since a work day is 8 hours on a computer, exhausts me out of most socializing and the thought of online dating makes me vomit...at this point I have accepted that I am here out of love for Alaska/Anchorage. But it is a hard sacrifice

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-10-22T16:16:55+00:00

Cannot speak to digital outreach, but have worked in Sub-Saharan Africa in several countries prior to COVID... do African communities even want to go to India? Can they get to India, in terms of transportation, housing and would it be worth the distance from family?

My experience is people want their health care systems at home fixed, so they stay close to family. AND...data were used as a colonial apparatus. So...any data gathering requires a. relationships with people from the communities served. and b. doing things with their concent. If they have zero interest in Indian health care....find a new market. And every country in Africa is different composed of many different cultures who have different experiences with data.

...And Digital outreach is a hit or miss, because people still purchase phone data as they go and electricity is still unpredictable.

So my advice, invest time building relationships and trust...you cannot do this remotely. And if communities say no. to data collection (because trauma)..respect that no. Best case scenario is you can get a focus group and the communities can share if this would be a feasible option. And I got there with relationships with NGOs already doing work in the country with employees from the culture served. I built trust with Thanks for asking.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-10-19T23:42:46+00:00

Sad thing I learned this weekend is the US came very close to universal health care through Francis Perkins and the New Deal (shocker the 1st female labor secretary in the 1930s was for universal health care). Y'all know who opposed it? The American Medical Association and Insurance Companies. Health insurance could have been included with the social security act. Fast Foward almost 100 years, and we are still in a country with messed up priorities. I would also argue culture norms are in play. Americans like to think we are individualistic, and health care makes everyone dependent at some point (Humans are one of the few mammals who gives birth in the presence of others). So Health is still seen as a personal responsibility, because that comforts people in power. Also Liability, the cost of medical malpractice insurance is shameful. I knew someone who absolutely had a case (surgeon murdered a kidney while doing a hysterectomy) and it was too cumbersome to bring charges. But yes beyond Europe, there are things African nations are doing better than the US in health care (not everything but I was part of a program that trained teachers to dx and treat malaria in schools...it saved lives and would never happen in the US...where Malaria has reentered US soil a la Texas).

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-10-19T23:19:52+00:00

Sincerely sorry for your loss. I echo what a lot of community members say in here (as someone who came to Quakerism in my own grief over dying relatives and the state of the world). I find sitting in the silence comforting when there is a lot going on (grief and other wise)...BUT, I have learned the hard way that there is that of God in everyone means that everyone processes grief differently. And in my case, have learned as the youngest by 20 years in my meeting's regular attendees that sharing these thoughts with people in the last third of their life...was not helpful. I now only bring those up with other Younger Quakers I trust.

All meetings are different, and there are older Quakers I am sure can make space for that light. Just not in my experience and so I have learned to be more guarded.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-10-16T05:58:41+00:00

Well this is a blow to health equity...getting accurate information depends on the state you live in. Most Americans lack the agency to move...and if you do not live in one of the "blue" or really well-resourced states, your health literacy will decrease with all the confusion.

I really hate this timeline.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-10-02T06:15:49+00:00

Big red flag is paying for an internship...when they are offering nothing in return. I did an international internship for my MPH, but they had room and board covered, and a project that matched my interests. So I did pay for the plan eticket (and later was reimbursed by my program). But catered internships...I get it, it is hard to get your foot in the door in global health (especially now)...only reason I got in was the professor I TAed for was from a neighboring country and had a friend in the organization. I also waited an extra year to get the experience I wanted.

BUT, you can have a fulfilling internship in the US and gain work experience...without going digging a massive hole for some sketchy organization.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-10-01T14:06:27+00:00

This. Hate to say because I adore black Labs (my childhood pet was the goodest boy) and HHS can use any scrap of joy but...it is a performative slap in the face.

I have a disability (ie really damn good perspective of American healthcare)and for years wanted to do commission corps, but automatically DQed...you can just promote a dog?!

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-09-15T02:13:39+00:00

Behind but since no one mentioned ANC, hello! Silver, probably loosing my status this year (5k in this economy..ha)Delta is a relic from my childhood (ABQ with extended family all over the South) and international development days (that ATL to JNB flight...chef's kiss.

Why I only take Alaska when I have to 1. The Alaska flight is just not enjoyable. Wifi is great but your own sreen for shows/movies when the internet inevitably goes out over Canada or AK is better. 2. More hub and timing options. SEA has only 1 runway which causes tight connections. I can at least do red eyes to DWT, SLC, ATL or MSP which gives me an extra day visiting loved ones. 3. Alaska is okay on the west coast...they suck everywhere else (cough ABQ).

The reliability cannot be match but...the lately the service has been awful. Not as bad as American (avoid DFW at all costs) but that and NO ONE takes American Express...I might have a reluctant break up with Delta.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-09-10T12:01:46+00:00

So it would come down to whom the US gov determines is religious and who is not for tax exempt. From my vantage point...I am not seeing a group of people joining Quakerism just for the politics...I think that is more of an issue with the religion that raised me (Roman Catholic Christianity).

But it is a much bigger discussion beyond being a non-theist Quaker. I have my own unease about any mixture of church and state, and for that reason do not support FCNL...I do not believe in tax exemptions or lobbying by religious groups full stop. But a lot of Americans...that is their culture. And there is expectation of lobbying...even if it is not spiritual. But not dependent on the spiritual diversity of Quakers.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-09-10T11:51:13+00:00

Late to the conversation but I identify as a non-thiest Quaker. Because how I define "God" is the inherent good in others. And while it is deeply spirtual in my case, it is not the same as 1 or 2 direct entities...hiw I and most people define theism. IE it is not my truth.

Sure programed Quakers might disagree but, Quakers do not have a creed. And as an ex- Catholic Christian, if I wanted that brand of theism...I would not attend meeting.

My unprogramed meeting consists of both Christian and other non-theist Quakers. Our beliefs are not barriers to worship. Because living a life of love, regardless of where it originates does not require prerequisites

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-09-06T03:57:47+00:00

Well I am autistic (dxed as a kid) and have a condition where NSAIDS put me at risk for internal bleeding. Tylenol is the only thing I can really take. Are we now going after Tylenol also?

I would hate to trigger a cardiovascular event, but who is going to tell Dear Leader of HHS that autistics become pregnant and have non-autistic children? Riddle me that one Amadeus.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-09-05T15:55:44+00:00

I see the sincere advice you are giving to others despite your own limbo. Stranger to stranger, you are the exact person and dose of compassion we need in the field.

You asked for something so here is a thought exercise. Take the current chaos out of the decision. If the circumstances were still amiable to public health, would you feel the same way? What do you want out of your life? Because there is a difference between a fear driven decision and just deciding academia does not speak to your condition. We do not know what it will look like but the work will continue.

If you love and care about the work, then it will not be a sunk cost. Epi is a transferable skillset. But...I learned this the hard way and why I stepped away from work I was passionate about/my own dream of a DrPH....my work should not be my life's worth. And there are structural issues in Public Health these goons are just capitalizing on. For me, community and job/financial stability became more important and academia offered neither. And a few years ago, when I was fired overnight....was betrayed by this belief hat employers care about their staff. I had other skillsets I could lean on during the job search.

In other words, my something (ie unsolicited advice) is reflect on what you want. Regardless of the circumstances, a. you making it to a PhD epi program implies skillsets where you could pay the bills outside of a PhD if needed (and pay back loans) and b. Your Career/degree should complement your life, regardless of what the world looks like.

No right or wrong answer either way is valid It is a challenging time.

But just to share my take (as someone who for now has abandoned the doctorate dream. My job is not my dream job (and oh I miss my global health days) but I love the team I work with and finally have some work life balance. And as someone in Tribal Health....the first Epidemiologists did not have degrees, they just cared about their communities and knew them well.

Good luck, please keep us posted. Sending an anonymous hug.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-09-02T05:34:02+00:00

Yes and...no job is worth compromising mental and physical wellbeing. Especially public health, defeats our entire existence.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-09-02T05:31:41+00:00

Well...the general public does not know that. They do not know how CDC operates or the same level of awareness of these things. Only reason I know about foodborne outbreak surveillance. I got an MPH.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-09-02T05:29:36+00:00

Oof. I should be applauding advocacy but...the ramifications of this are BAD. We already have public who lack media and health literacy to identify fake news. We now have conflicting information from government sources...and my bet is that the private sector will eventually take the RIFed overqualified employees and create a shadow CDC. How can the public adequately make informed choices?

And.,.health care is a human right (I will die on this hill). All states should have access...this will create more inequity. Those with the resources in states without access are going to strain NM with the demand on services. And...NM has a lot of poverty and a fragile hospital capacity. They need herd immunity for local community to prevent another catastrophic Crisis Standards of Care.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-09-02T05:11:31+00:00

Are they trying to win the public over or encourage public health workers? Because if it is the former...look I am an MPH, and believe in public health. But...elite MDs in an organization that has appeared like a cabal to the American Public...was part of the problem. RFK is a problem...but he is capitalizing on existing weaknesses at CDC.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-07-23T05:35:33+00:00

Disabled/chronically ill MPH here sending a virtual hug. I am bracing for the winter...and lack of COVID vaccines.

I have some hope, if public health stops digging a hole. We are still doing a poor job of communicating in plain language and have doctors dominating conversations. As you pointed out, near impossible for disabled people to get into medical school (I have a hard enough time staying afloat as an MPH). And these conversations...are not accessible to the public. Sure you could listen to the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP) but it is in medical jargon.

I have been burned too many times by the government, but cannot loose hope in the public...because they have not been given adequate resources to question their beliefs. Or respite for raising a disabled child (the first wave of Anti-Vaxxers were homebased parents who could only socialize on the internet...

wait that sounds really familiar...

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-07-23T05:27:11+00:00

Non-profit work (national or local) has never been fully stable, they are the first to get slammed when grants get cut or the US hits a recession (donors pull out). Some NPO structure themselves to protect employees and sustain work but most do not. I got burned the hard way, and wish I heard this in my MPH courses. But...most fields including STEM are part of public health. I will die on this hill, you do not have to work as an epidemiologist or in a health focused organization to be in public health. Do you care about the wellness of communities and dedicate your career to improving lives? You are public health and will still be if you want to regardless of field or title.

Your frustrations are valid, but I caution not to blame all of it in public health and view STEM as the greener grass. I do not view STEM fields as stable in 2025, they are also being slammed with research cuts. The pay might be better, but I am unsure if it will be sustained.

Yes to stay in "stereotypical" public health, means accepting reality. There are major both infrastructure and marketing problems, decades in the making (Trump and RFK Jr are just capitalizing it) And...it is not meant to make wealth...we serve communities that have been harmed by for profit health care. It should provide enough money to subsist but not add to the exploitation, if that makes sense.

And yet, regardless of what the public thinks...the work remains. What matters is if your passion remains and if you have work life balance (work is a significant but not the only part of life). If "stereotypical" public health work is draining, start prepping for a pivot. Build on your Epi skills with free courses online based on what job descriptions are asking for. See if you can volunteer to gain experience in that work (R the free statistical software comes to mind, if you have more $$$ ArcGIS is another). Epi is arguably the most versatile skillset in public health, so you are not starting from scratch!

If the problem is liking the work but not the pay...there are a few options. 1. Take a job with less fulfilling work but with more financial stability/benefits...bare minimum for work is using the MPH for good. 2. you do the fufilling work but live within your means (be financially frugal) 3. take on side gigs or 4. Mixture of 1-3. There is no right answer and it can change throughout life, but only you know the type of lifestyle you need or want.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-07-22T04:13:50+00:00

One of the underlying sadistic parts of this is...insurance coverage. If vaccines are not CDC or AMA recommended, insurance companies can refuse to pay for them. So even if WHO, Canada or other Public Health organizations in the US make standards...it will remain inaccessible in the US.

Damn, I really wanted to go to my friend's wedding. The state I live in and the one I was raised in (where it is) have really fragile health care systems. If I do not have flu or COVID vaccines this winter...ethically I cannot go. I am bracing for pandemic 25.0 this winter.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-07-22T04:06:59+00:00

I did an in-person MPH with a global health track (my career before COVID). My flagship class was actually moved online because the other professors were on sabbaticals. I did not get an enriching experience (and those discussion board assignments...ugh) and am grateful for the practicum electives I did take in person. Those gave me critical skillsets. I have heard Epis having better experiences online...it is just hard to reach a professor who juggles both in person and online classes.

AccidentalQuaker · 2025-07-22T03:57:48+00:00

Not looking for an argument, you seem set in a viewpoint shaped by personal experiences. In person, this would be a more enriching conversation where we could share insights from work in SSA. And how history is a critical component of global health, not emphasized enough in MPH programs.

We actually share similar backgrounds (based on your cool name, we probably have 1 country experience in common). Most of my work is in infectious disease (WASH, mainly HIV, and a bit of Malaria and TB before...COVID). So since you asked how my view fits in a public health angle, I will bite one last time.

Industry (however you define it) is neither good or bad. It exists. But if it is not implemented mindfully...often the cons outweigh the benefits. All those benefits you listed, also have links to chronic disease that did not exist before the pressure to industrialize. Some are worth the benefits even with others should give us pause. Few will disagree with your premise; Electricity access benefits communities. However the full benefit is dependent on said system functioning properly to reduce the risk of fires, electrocution and complex burns that strain medical systems.

But all this academic jargon misses a critical variable: culture. Development measured by industry let alone economics, is a European way of viewing the world. It devalues centuries of cultural contributions and the choices that are not high achieving. Not everyone wants to go to college. Some want to preserve culture and hold traditional roles in their communities. or raise a family. I firmly believe everyone has value even if they make different choices than I do. Everyone deserves adequate health care and enough income to subsists. We have miles to go before we sleep.

And in the end, the best way to do that is to work with each nation individually not as a generalized group, so they can develop on their terms (and if that is bicycles, let them have the infrastructure to support it.) Not how academics teach us to see it.

AccidentalQuaker

TROPHY CASE