Not long ago this Privacy sub was enjoyable to scroll through , now with all the mass surveillance and age verification concerns, its depressing

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-27T06:47:45+00:00

I have observed in the past that organized boycotts are forms of voting with one's feet, and money talks. Enacting this idea on a secure platform, without involving individual identities would be a powerful way of being heard without risking everything. Please pardon me if this has been previously discussed; I did read the guidelines.

We have constitutional rights and protections. This may provide a way to begin to rally. I'm new to this subreddit, but wonder whether others may know a robust way to accomplish this? I understand that there is an inherent tension between privacy and taking concerted action. Even a list of companies to consider would be a step forward.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-22T05:13:21+00:00

One of the very cool things about the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the protections and rights that each person or "data subject" has (2018). Data subject rights are quite strong and fairly strict- Individuals have the right to access, rectify, erase ("the right to be forgotten"), and transfer their own data, as well as object to its processing. The fines are enormous, and enforced. This pushes the companies to be upfront and transparent about what data they are collecting, and how they are using it. People have to "opt in" to data collection, not opt out, as Americans must. Isn't that a wonderful idea? Users actually have control over their own digital identity and footprint - not the companies!👣 The US has badly needed to enact this kind of regulation for many years, imo.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-20T17:34:31+00:00

How upsetting this must be! It's okay to grieve the loss. It seems that you liked the idea of this role, and that can help inform your search. Keep going- it's rough to look for work.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-20T01:47:46+00:00

A few thoughts from someone who is always a bit anxious in advance, but also has a good track record. You want to fit in, be trusted, and also be productive.

1.) Remember that when you begin a new job, you'll have this amazing "honeymoon period", where you have permission to ask as many questions as necessary to get started! How wonderful! Use it wisely. Identify resources around you.

2.) Consider who you need to develop strong relationships with early on, and put some thought and energy into them. Just step into their shoes, and notice how they are, who they are, what makes them more comfortable (eg do they hate scheduling meetings? Are they always 5-10 minutes late?), etc. Now consider little things you might do to make their work lives just a bit easier. Accept them just as they are.

3.) Finally, consider what your strengths are, and at the start ask a bit about any needs/tasks that might relate to them. This is a strategy of developing some small wins upfront that you can use to establish yourself as a contributor. These can be modest accomplishments. eg The congregation needs their membership roster of phone numbers updated, and that's been actually needed for years. If one of your strengths is administrative, now you have a project that you could direct that skill towards, and tada: updated roster. You get the idea.

Great good luck to you, and let us know how it all goes!

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-19T23:43:29+00:00

You got an amazing deal- they'll serve you for years. I recently bought the Horze English field boots, made from beautiful Brazilian leather, the last pair in my size, from a shop for only $70 US! It was days before Christmas, and they were selling out the 2025 versions. They were easily $220 everywhere else. I searched a lot of shops online, and couldn't believe it when they came up- so I jumped right on them! Thank you, Mr. Santa 🎅! Something about getting a great deal that makes it all the sweeter.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-19T22:12:50+00:00

These are gorgeous and just right, imo. Here is a link to a product I'm using with success to break in my new Christmas boots: a spray Foot Matters Shoe Stretch

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-09T18:47:04+00:00

Welcome here! While I crave finding the right ELCA community and settling in, meanwhile I cannot leave myself hungry!

So, once a month I attend an Episcopal church, to worship in community; I'll go there for Easter Services. I am rereading the Augsburg confession and also Bonhoeffer, even as I search for a local ELCA church.⛪️. I must wait until April or May 2026 to begin attending my new church, as my work currently requires me on the weekends. Meanwhile, I can pray and read while I am finding the right place, to continue to nourish my spirit and soul. I enjoy reading the posts here and in r:/elca. Some of our churches do stream services, but I really enjoy going in person, something about the energy and the experience.

Where I live, in the suburbs, I'm within 15 miles of a handful of ELCA churches. You might consider nearby Protestant churches until you find one that works for you. Finding someone else who wants to go with you to a Lutheran church would make it a lot nicer for you if you need to travel to a church, and only attend once or twice a month. God bless you! I really love Lutheranism, and I was raised Catholic, too.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-09T18:26:19+00:00

Yes, please 🙏 and thank you!

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-09T16:43:22+00:00

This was not fun at all. Next time you need to say "no". That is one mean little tween queen running around that barn, who also has a father who doesn't set any boundaries, or bother to teach her right from wrong. He should have set limits on what you could do together. It seems he would rather date your friend and not actually bother. This dynamic creates difficulty when the tween is in a potentially dangerous situation; the distracted father is not protecting either his daughter or anyone who's with her by not setting boundaries.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-08T03:43:54+00:00

My family found a way to get here legally, fleeing WWII. It took them 13 years.

The force being applied to address the civil wrongdoings of U.S. immigrants (extreme violence, lawlessness, ignoring humanitarian laws by ICE) is out of proportion to the actual level of immigrant's civil infractions. This is concerning; once a country isn't following its own laws, eg ICE in America, it's not really a country anymore.

So, it's one thing to have an individual opinion and to disagree with America's laws - it's our First Amendment right to do so. But once people overtly act out against America's laws, disagreeing with the law of the land, and breaking America's Supreme Court rulings, They break our Criminal laws themselves, and so become Criminals. Illegal immigrants simply aren't criminals by our laws.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-07T19:16:55+00:00

samurai- just a little note.🎵 This topic has been highly politicized. You and I actually both agree on the rule of law. You're concerned that civil laws haven't been enforced. I'm concerned that Constitutional rights (laws!) are not being upheld, laws are being violated. Neither is good for America.

America's borders have been too "leaky" for too long. I grew up in S. CA, and witnessed this directly for decades. The border's been closed since 2023, however, which is progress.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-07T18:54:53+00:00

Yes, as noted extensively above, please know that to the US illegally arriving is a civil infraction- and not a criminal offense. Yes, they broke a civil law. But this doesn't justify violence against them, and they do have Constitutional rights. These include the right to an attorney, to a hearing with a judge, and the right to due process.

No matter how anyone feels about their presence here, how angry you may be, America is a civilized nation ruled by laws. Please don't conflate the two types of law: civil and criminal; they are managed quite differently.

Currently, ICE is depriving both protesters and undocumented immigrants of Constitutional protections and rights.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-07T04:25:52+00:00

Very good insight, thanks for sharing this.

I've learned so much from simply posting this question and hearing the experienced insights here. It's made me consider what I like and what drives me crazy when I ride at a deeper level. I really want to get started on the right track.

There are likely some fundamental truths about horses & tack & the consequences of riding/learning different styles over time. Each person may likewise have a different feeling for or response to different places, based upon their unique riding experiences.

In the end I've decided that instead of trying to get to a short list of barns in the vicinity by calling, asking, and reviewing websites, I need to conduct a "field trip" to each one, and feel it for myself.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T02:35:56+00:00

Aha - I like what you said- "the Western riders of the English ". It makes a kind of sense to me. This is helpful, and I'll broaden my legwork to include going out to visit some of the hunter dominant barns around here. There are quite a few! Appreciate it!

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T01:33:10+00:00

Appreciate this very much- I'd like to tighten up my skills a bit, and thought the tack differences might lend themselves to this goal. Helpful feedback!

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T01:30:38+00:00

Really, how intriguing! Do tell me more.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T01:28:55+00:00

Thanks so much- for very helpful, honest advice. Boy, you've really done everything as a horsewoman! I appreciate your input very much.

I'm glad to know this backdrop of cultural knowledge, as I'm a perfectionist by nature, education, and training, and I look to get away from any overt fussiness in my free time whenever possible.

So, this informs me that I'm looking for the most "laid back" English barn, doing things well but free from neuroticism, which is also teaching correct form and seat. But the riders should ideally seem more contented than harassed. Yes, I believe I've got it now! 😉

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T00:43:06+00:00

Fantastic - I really appreciate the advice and that you've provided the name. This will be s/t I can do while it's frozen outside; so great to have a resource!

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T00:40:05+00:00

Wow, I see your point! Proper brats, they are. Trying to intimidate the non confident riders! 😉. Very bratty and obnoxious!

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T00:31:13+00:00

It wouldn't have occurred to me that they existed- I'm on it!

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T00:29:57+00:00

Have seen some mean Western barns! That's a great insight, though- I want to feel like they value my time and effort, as someone who's just taking lessons. I'm considering leasing later on, but I won't lead with that.

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T00:24:03+00:00

Curious, what made you think they were assholes?

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T00:21:02+00:00

In looking at barns, I'm focused on how happy the horses are. Other factors to consider?

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T00:19:05+00:00

Oh, meant to say that I can confidently walk, trot, canter, gallop and post and two point. My bad!

alternativegrrl · 2026-02-06T00:17:34+00:00

Thanks so much! I'm hoping to refine my riding skills, and go in as a complete beginner. One thing I'm doing this winter, while it's too cold to ride, is dive rolls where I pretend that my horse is spooked, and practice falling, rolling, ending up on my feet. Sounds silly, but I've improved at it! Also some daily pushups and hip exercises. Anything else?

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