I am in my seventies now. Like our current political situation, I don't know how I got here. I don't know how WE got here. Yes, at first, like most of us, I was shocked and intensely dismayed at what had occurred in our politics with the seeming success of an unthinkable win for an alien administration. And, yes, the tears came. I was surprised at this. How is it that I cry over something that I could only touch through my computer or TV screen, something that appeared to not really impact me in any significant way.
My tears then turned to anger. But what to do with that? Anger never truly solved anything in anybody's life, much less so when one is staring at a screen filled with reports of the abominations of an administration that should have never been allowed to be.
Shock, dismay, tears, and anger. What now?
"Don’t just vent your frustration into the digital void – channel it into tangible change." Your words, Keith. And words with the sound and feel of rightness. It is folly to simply become enraged at what you are seeing and hearing, and then turn off your computer pretending there is nothing you can do. You talked about reclaiming control of one's political life. I thought..."I don't have a political life!" What does that even mean?
But then, upon deeper reflection, I realized that by the simple virtue of my living in this country as an American, that means being impacted daily by the American "experiment", and that means being involved, whether I know it or not, in the working out of our country's "march forward of greater freedom, prosperity, and happiness" Your words again.
In other words, we are all living political lives by virtue of the very citizenship this country gives to us, and the freedoms that come with that. Well, in that light, there appears to be more darkness than light on the horizon, Especially if we let it be.
So, I will be seeking some way to help fight that darkness in whatever small way, or ways, that I can. Being in my seventies does not mean being passively silent and hopeless in the face of this moment. It is too dangerous. And it is too unthinkable to think you cannot have an impact. Indeed, by sitting on the sidelines and watching this sick parade pass by, you are creating an impact that merely strengthens what you abhor.
Thanks, Keith, for a well-thought-out piece. It made my night. And it gave me inspiration to re-look more intensely, and hopefully, at what I may be able to do for the health of this country, rather than
Join Indivisible and MoveOn, so you'll be on hand for / informed about local political efforts and for anything remote, such as postcard-writing campaigns. Joining also puts you in touch with like-minded people.
Perhaps also ask your local library how to find local activists groups that align with your values. Good luck; best wishes.
I wish I could convey to you how very grateful I am to you and to reading your words this morning. It is an enormous help as I begin supporting the immigrant families I teach English to. I'm mailing them Red Cards and a Know Your Rights info sheet. It's a little step, and an easy one, but it is a start. Thank you so much, Keith!
Yes, there still needs to be record keepers of the lies and broken promises, the excuses, the blame-shifting. Keeping a spotlight on something in the darkness so that it remains visible, known, is an essential action.
It is not the sum of our resistance.
Specific actions of resistance include legislation, and support of elected representatives to continue working for the people, not lackeys of an authoritarian bully or his allies.
Thank you. You really helped me. I've been in tears since 2015. There are no words for the Felon in Chief. There are no words for those that voted him in again! I'm so sorry you lost your sister. It must have been wonderful to be so close to her. Blessed Be
Trump has fundamentally damaged the country (election denial, loss of faith in the justice system, reinforcement of fear and ignorance, normalization of criminal behavior by a president, corrupting SCOTUS, etc). His cult members represent more the half the country and are all some combination of ignorant/corrupt/racist. They are the real problem.
Biden chose to feed his ego and assist Trump by not honoring his pledge to not run in 2024. A sizable percentage of Democrats chose not to vote in 2024 and cede control to Trump. Obama chose to normalize and encourage his new funeral buddy and show that his “Democracy is at risk” rhetoric was all part of a cynical game.
I am in my seventies now. Like our current political situation, I don't know how I got here. I don't know how WE got here. Yes, at first, like most of us, I was shocked and intensely dismayed at what had occurred in our politics with the seeming success of an unthinkable win for an alien administration. And, yes, the tears came. I was surprised at this. How is it that I cry over something that I could only touch through my computer or TV screen, something that appeared to not really impact me in any significant way.
My tears then turned to anger. But what to do with that? Anger never truly solved anything in anybody's life, much less so when one is staring at a screen filled with reports of the abominations of an administration that should have never been allowed to be.
Shock, dismay, tears, and anger. What now?
"Don’t just vent your frustration into the digital void – channel it into tangible change." Your words, Keith. And words with the sound and feel of rightness. It is folly to simply become enraged at what you are seeing and hearing, and then turn off your computer pretending there is nothing you can do. You talked about reclaiming control of one's political life. I thought..."I don't have a political life!" What does that even mean?
But then, upon deeper reflection, I realized that by the simple virtue of my living in this country as an American, that means being impacted daily by the American "experiment", and that means being involved, whether I know it or not, in the working out of our country's "march forward of greater freedom, prosperity, and happiness" Your words again.
In other words, we are all living political lives by virtue of the very citizenship this country gives to us, and the freedoms that come with that. Well, in that light, there appears to be more darkness than light on the horizon, Especially if we let it be.
So, I will be seeking some way to help fight that darkness in whatever small way, or ways, that I can. Being in my seventies does not mean being passively silent and hopeless in the face of this moment. It is too dangerous. And it is too unthinkable to think you cannot have an impact. Indeed, by sitting on the sidelines and watching this sick parade pass by, you are creating an impact that merely strengthens what you abhor.
Thanks, Keith, for a well-thought-out piece. It made my night. And it gave me inspiration to re-look more intensely, and hopefully, at what I may be able to do for the health of this country, rather than
sit back and "cry" over it all.
Join Indivisible and MoveOn, so you'll be on hand for / informed about local political efforts and for anything remote, such as postcard-writing campaigns. Joining also puts you in touch with like-minded people.
Perhaps also ask your local library how to find local activists groups that align with your values. Good luck; best wishes.
Thank you Keith...for the calmness...sound advice...and intelligent thoughts. We need you now for sure!!💙
Great read
Thank you, Adam!!
Thanks for the lift...nicely done :-)
Very well written. 💙
I wish I could convey to you how very grateful I am to you and to reading your words this morning. It is an enormous help as I begin supporting the immigrant families I teach English to. I'm mailing them Red Cards and a Know Your Rights info sheet. It's a little step, and an easy one, but it is a start. Thank you so much, Keith!
This week reminds me of what it feels like to lose a spouse (to divorce or death). You just have to start your life over and have faith.
Yes, there still needs to be record keepers of the lies and broken promises, the excuses, the blame-shifting. Keeping a spotlight on something in the darkness so that it remains visible, known, is an essential action.
It is not the sum of our resistance.
Specific actions of resistance include legislation, and support of elected representatives to continue working for the people, not lackeys of an authoritarian bully or his allies.
I’m psyched! I may get out of bed today. Thank you.
Thank you. You really helped me. I've been in tears since 2015. There are no words for the Felon in Chief. There are no words for those that voted him in again! I'm so sorry you lost your sister. It must have been wonderful to be so close to her. Blessed Be
There is little hope.
Trump has fundamentally damaged the country (election denial, loss of faith in the justice system, reinforcement of fear and ignorance, normalization of criminal behavior by a president, corrupting SCOTUS, etc). His cult members represent more the half the country and are all some combination of ignorant/corrupt/racist. They are the real problem.
Biden chose to feed his ego and assist Trump by not honoring his pledge to not run in 2024. A sizable percentage of Democrats chose not to vote in 2024 and cede control to Trump. Obama chose to normalize and encourage his new funeral buddy and show that his “Democracy is at risk” rhetoric was all part of a cynical game.
All Trump does is lie and Now is kill Americans. With HPai bird Flu
Vodka.
This is good! I have some suggestions, too.
https://substack.com/@evelynwheeler/note/c-89330670?r=66jcp