7/6/2020 - The Republicans wish to go back to the 1850s
Friends,
I apologize for missing last week's update. Carin and I spent two days in the Washington, D.C. area helping my 90-year old mom move apartments for safety reasons, from the 17th floor to the 2nd floor of her building. It was pretty difficult work given her marked cognitive decline and her having to leave her home of 18 years. Thankfully I had Carin and my sister Ellen as partners, as well as my mom's sweet weekday caregiver to help with packing, unpacking and keeping my mom distracted and entertained while chaos swarmed around her. Notwithstanding how hard it was for us emotionally, I was reminded how lucky we are that we have the resources and family support systems to allow my mom to remain in place. There is no way she can live independently at this point if not for the logistical support of her family, and I feel blessed that we can give her what she wants. Given many families' strained finances and our tattered healthcare system, it served as a reminder how much work there is to be done to create a humane, accessible health care system for all of us, not just the wealthiest among us.
It is only Monday yet it has become clear what the next four months hold in store: a culture war in stark relief that pits a President and his enablers who yearn for a return to the prebellum 1850s versus an increasingly diverse group of allies and activists who see today's chaos as the opportunity for substantive change that upholds the principles of equality and justice for all. The President thinks the Confederate Flag is an appropriate symbol of our "proud" past. The President thinks that Bubba Wallace should apologize for something he didn't do, because allies came to his side when it appeared that he was the victim of racism and hate. And the President thinks that sports teams with racist names that are hurtful to not only those who settled this land but those with a conscience should avoid the pressure to change because doing so would be buckling to "political correctness." And yes, I haven't even mentioned the spike in cases of COVID-19, the ego-fueled rallies and the actions of the governors in league with the President who re-opened their commuities quickly, irresponsibily and, most likely, with fatal consequences. Every day is another howler, every day brings hurtful words, dangerous policies and conniving, lies and backroom dealing that would make Al Capone blush. As hard as it is to stay on point and to stay positive about our future, the future of our families and the future of our planet, we have to do it. We are also overcoming the hurdle that what we have to say and do isn't fun; it's a drag to say "wear masks", "don't go to crowded bars", "think about how those words you've used might make others feel". Caring about others takes effort, and with frustration and fatigue comes resentment and often bad behavior. But this can't deter us and our need to bring out the vote, to stay positive and, flat out, TO WIN.
Please donate to Joe's campaign. Whatever you can. Every donation matters.
Please also consider giving to Future Now. We need to win the state legislatures to fight the gerrymander and where so much governing actually gets done.
Here are some pretty awesome events. If you have the time, perhaps take one in.
In solidarity.
Roger