“I don’t know what lies before us in 2026. But I know the fight against fascism and injustice will continue, and I know that we will get through it if we stand united and fearless. Indeed, the only way through is together.” My belief is that community will get us through this time. As you often say, “the system isn’t broken; it’s working exactly as intended.” Which is why this work seems so daunting. The US was founded on white supremacy; my hope is that more people will come to work to find a new, better way.
I’m sorry about your difficult year, especially losing your dad. He sounds like he was an exceptional man, and he passed that exceptionalism to his son. Losing those we love is deeply difficult. It doesn’t matter that none of us get out of here alive; it’s still a shock. A close friend of ours from when we lived in Mexico passed away suddenly on December 3. Ross was a poet, gourmet gluten-free chef, painter, and a thoroughly decent man. It is still difficult to imagine a world without him in it. But, he left his mark on the small community we lived in there. His wife Margarita will be keeping the bakery/cafe going. My heart is so broken for her.
I practice kindness every day, in every way I can, no matter how small. And send compassion to everyone suffering. I’ve found it’s a better way for me, as empathy devastates me; it’s not helpful to anyone when I spend my life devastated. They cannot steal our joy unless we let them.
Thanks for all you do, Qasim. Of course we worry about you. You carry so much on your shoulders. I hope those of us in your community ease that some. Peace to you and your family in the new year. Loved Calvin and Hobbes.
These are my some of my final thoughts from 2025. I’m impressed with how you swung that interview with NYC mayor-elect Mamdani and Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, for your final 2025 radio broadcast, given how busy they currently are.
And from what you said on the broadcast, your dad seemed like someone who “had a heart” and “befriended those really in need.”
Also, I agree with what you have been saying recently about the contemporary Democratic Party and I am through with the “Vote blue no matter who” mentality. But, I don’t see the issue as one of “progressive” vs. “centrist” because I believe those terms to be meaningless labels.
I have seen more than a few self-identified “progressives” who have no misgivings about facilitating Israel’s genocide of Palestinians and, just as disturbing and infuriating, have seen a few who have acted as apologists for Russia’s attempted genocide of Ukraine.
All of the hypocrisy among Democrats and “progressives” is partly why the U.S. has a fascist psychopath as its president right now. And I am not convinced that the national leadership of the Democratic Party understands this, especially around Gaza.
And I also don’t think they realize that the American people are in a populist, eat the rich mood due to the extreme wealth inequalities, and cost of living crisis, in the United States right now.
Amazingly enough, some Republicans, and former Republicans, like 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney, former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger, and the writers at The Bulwark do realize this.
If Democrats think they can win the 2026 midterm elections without having moral clarity, a bold vision, and a sound policy agenda “(They may have) another thing coming.”
Finally, thank you for taking the time to respond to my comments when I post them. Very few of the writers whose Substacks I post comments on do. And I subscribe to a ton of them.
I haven’t commented for a long time, as this has been a really tough year for me, in many ways. I am inspired by your courage, resilience the spiritual depth which informs your life and work, Qasim. Thank you 🙏🏽
What stands out isn’t just which posts landed, but why they did. Facts paired with moral clarity, grief carried without losing principle, and action offered instead of despair. That’s not virality. That’s trust being built in real time.
Qasim, you have opened many eyes to the real truth of what goes on in this country. We need a voice who tells us what is happening, why & what we can do about it.
As for the loss of your father - this is a deep loss - one that does not go away overnight. But what i would say is that your father is alive in YOU. He instilled in you the values that you carry, compassion, truth, helpfulness, kindness. So you carry your father within you - he will always be there. A blessed, happy, & happier 2026!
“I don’t know what lies before us in 2026. But I know the fight against fascism and injustice will continue, and I know that we will get through it if we stand united and fearless. Indeed, the only way through is together.” My belief is that community will get us through this time. As you often say, “the system isn’t broken; it’s working exactly as intended.” Which is why this work seems so daunting. The US was founded on white supremacy; my hope is that more people will come to work to find a new, better way.
I’m sorry about your difficult year, especially losing your dad. He sounds like he was an exceptional man, and he passed that exceptionalism to his son. Losing those we love is deeply difficult. It doesn’t matter that none of us get out of here alive; it’s still a shock. A close friend of ours from when we lived in Mexico passed away suddenly on December 3. Ross was a poet, gourmet gluten-free chef, painter, and a thoroughly decent man. It is still difficult to imagine a world without him in it. But, he left his mark on the small community we lived in there. His wife Margarita will be keeping the bakery/cafe going. My heart is so broken for her.
I practice kindness every day, in every way I can, no matter how small. And send compassion to everyone suffering. I’ve found it’s a better way for me, as empathy devastates me; it’s not helpful to anyone when I spend my life devastated. They cannot steal our joy unless we let them.
Thanks for all you do, Qasim. Of course we worry about you. You carry so much on your shoulders. I hope those of us in your community ease that some. Peace to you and your family in the new year. Loved Calvin and Hobbes.
Qasim,
These are my some of my final thoughts from 2025. I’m impressed with how you swung that interview with NYC mayor-elect Mamdani and Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, for your final 2025 radio broadcast, given how busy they currently are.
And from what you said on the broadcast, your dad seemed like someone who “had a heart” and “befriended those really in need.”
Also, I agree with what you have been saying recently about the contemporary Democratic Party and I am through with the “Vote blue no matter who” mentality. But, I don’t see the issue as one of “progressive” vs. “centrist” because I believe those terms to be meaningless labels.
I have seen more than a few self-identified “progressives” who have no misgivings about facilitating Israel’s genocide of Palestinians and, just as disturbing and infuriating, have seen a few who have acted as apologists for Russia’s attempted genocide of Ukraine.
All of the hypocrisy among Democrats and “progressives” is partly why the U.S. has a fascist psychopath as its president right now. And I am not convinced that the national leadership of the Democratic Party understands this, especially around Gaza.
And I also don’t think they realize that the American people are in a populist, eat the rich mood due to the extreme wealth inequalities, and cost of living crisis, in the United States right now.
Amazingly enough, some Republicans, and former Republicans, like 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney, former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger, and the writers at The Bulwark do realize this.
If Democrats think they can win the 2026 midterm elections without having moral clarity, a bold vision, and a sound policy agenda “(They may have) another thing coming.”
Finally, thank you for taking the time to respond to my comments when I post them. Very few of the writers whose Substacks I post comments on do. And I subscribe to a ton of them.
Auld Lang Syne,
David Hurwitz
Chicago, IL
I haven’t commented for a long time, as this has been a really tough year for me, in many ways. I am inspired by your courage, resilience the spiritual depth which informs your life and work, Qasim. Thank you 🙏🏽
What stands out isn’t just which posts landed, but why they did. Facts paired with moral clarity, grief carried without losing principle, and action offered instead of despair. That’s not virality. That’s trust being built in real time.
They’re all good. United we stand!
Happy New Year 🎆 May we find peace, love, and joy with liberty and justice for all. 🗽
☮️💟☮️⚖️
Qasim, you have opened many eyes to the real truth of what goes on in this country. We need a voice who tells us what is happening, why & what we can do about it.
As for the loss of your father - this is a deep loss - one that does not go away overnight. But what i would say is that your father is alive in YOU. He instilled in you the values that you carry, compassion, truth, helpfulness, kindness. So you carry your father within you - he will always be there. A blessed, happy, & happier 2026!
May God/Allah bless you richly!🙏🏾🫶💙
You are such a good man. The world is lucky to have you. In 2026, can you please start cloning yourself? 😂
As always, your compassion and humanity shine through. Thank you for your tireless work and for this lovely cartoon.
Stay strong & thank you
Resolute! We must think in terms of possibilities. 2026 is Our year … For The People! Happy New Year! Thanks for your honest reporting!