I am concerned – no, honestly, I am terrified. Disappointed. In disbelief. Traumatized sometimes to the point of incapacitation. How did we get here?
I allow myself to indulge in this state for a minute – maybe two. I have to put limits on it so that it doesn’t become the space where I live.
Because under the despair is fury. Righteous anger that empowers me, activates me.
This is not my country, not my America. The casual cruelty, the willful ignorance, the selfish lack of concern for those who are vulnerable.
And the caution – “temperance”- by people who are responsible for stopping this – calling this out – standing up to the ugliness and hatred.
No, my America is a place where every human being, whomever they are, wherever they are from, is valued and respected, is provided with due process and protected by the laws of our lands.
No, I will not sit by quietly.
No, I will not appease the bullying, the disrespect, the threats.
No, I will not go back.
I know what we can be, what we can do. It hovers like a promise just out of reach.
So I make choices. My privilege allows me to:
Pay for subscriptions because the billionaire class has become state-sponsored media out of cowardice and greed. They sacrifice us for their perceived gains. I want accurate, fact-based, and timely information so that I can use my critical thinking skills.
Protest in local gatherings to use my voice. Courage is contagious and people need to see that there is real opposition and resistance. I hope some feel inspired to question their beliefs and maybe even join us.
Post on Substack and BlueSky where I find community in these dark times. (And some mushroom and space photos that heal my battered soul.)
I challenge you as I challenge myself – what can you do – today, tomorrow, every day until we fight our way out of this?
Every action matters and everybody counts.
When we look back in 2026, or 2028, or whenever, what do we want to have contributed?
We are advocates and fighters. It is what we do; it is who we are. This is the most important moment that could possibly be.
Stand. Speak. Act. These are not just words but a clarion call to us all to engage however we can with whoever is willing to hold the line.
I’ll be there – I’ll save you a spot.