Like Robert Reich, who has lived through McCarthy and Nixon, I too want to acknowledge that tomorrow might be a terrible day, and I too believe that our resilience and decency will get us through.
Connie Schultz on perhaps her last visit to Sherrod Brown's D.C. office today noted, "So much change coming for our country. But I heard our grandchildren’s laughter nearby and felt the hope in that. Life is never one thing." Life is never one thing. Yes, that's true as well.
Tomorrow, I have a ton of work to get through and MLK Day events to attend. I'm meeting a friend for tea. I have a massage scheduled. At is coming to family dinner; I'm making a family favorite--egg paratha rolls. Look how inconsequential 47 is to all of these good things. Instead of responding to the circus (that way lies madness and despair), my focus is going to be on building up community and solidarity outside the system. Soon enough it will be midterms with a chance to make governmental change.
Pic: L's picture from Saturday's Lansing Women's March in protest against the incoming administration. I had an admissions event at work and couldn't go, so L sent me pictures to show me what I missed. There are so many people who are working so hard on our side.
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I’m also not going to focus on the fact that today is inauguration day. I won’t watch any of the coverage. It’s only MLK Jr Day for us in this house. I’m worried about what is to come this week when Trump starts to put some of his policies into practice. But at the same time I’m grateful and lucky that I live in a blue state. Although things have gotten quite dysfunctional here in Minnesota in the legislature. Sigh.
Building up community and solidarity - yes, you can!
Take care
It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Let's celebrate that. And- Life is never one thing. I love it.
We'll get through this.
I haven't been going to marches and rallies like last time. For one thing, there aren't as many to attend, but I skipped the one in DC on Saturday. It's hard to convince myself it will make a difference.
But I do still write checks to like-minded organizations (and will write a few today). And I do turnout postcards year round because there's always an election somewhere.
Today we're going to the movies, as a distraction.
I am going to an independent movie theater today to watch a biopic Bonhoeffer, a person who inspires me to rise up against evil. A friend is also having a very, very belated birthday dinner (we are closer to my next birthday 😂) in my honor.
There is beauty and the possibility for good, even in the midst of *this^.
-Steph
Also, I sent the photo of space that is on yesterday’s post to a dear friend who loves space & needed some cheering up. Thank you for sharing that goodness!!
-Steph
I'm with you, ignoring it, but my daughter is sitting next to me watching on her phone, so not entirely successful here. Building up community is the answer for the time being. Thank you for being a light against the darkness, in so many ways.
I was heartened to see many flags around here--in deep red Ohio--still flying at half staff. My family is observing MLK day and ignoring other events.
We will continue to do what we always do: make Kindness our default and work hard for things and people we care about. You help to inspire me. Julie inspired me with her post today. We all can continue to make a difference wherever and whenever we can.
It's only MLK Jr Day in our home as well. I had intentions of doing service in some way today but we all got sick so we're working on recovering, mutual aid, and minor chores. This is going to be a marathon, we need to pace ourselves.
Life is never one thing - so very true. Trying to focus on small positive things, because giving in to the dread won't accomplish anything.
I'm in denial. We did not put out our flag this morning, although both of us noted that we probably should over breakfast. I honestly am pretending none of this is happening.
Oh, Lisa! I already miss being able to say I live in a blue state... I know every day's going to be some new nonsense, I hope I can keep doing the work that needs doing...
Nicole :). I wanted to add "yes, we can" to the post. Thank you for doing that for me!!
Thank you!
Love the positivity, Jenny! Yes, we will!!
I hope you had a grand time at the movies, Steph!
I haven't been to a march in a while... Is it me, or are marchers less safe than they were even four years ago.
Happy belated birthday, Steph :)! Thank you for reminding me about Bonhoeffer. I want to read more Bonhoeffer, Buber, Arendt... (Part distraction, part preparation.)
And happy to do my part in passing on that bit of beauty from NASA.
I was so uplifted by your post this morning, so right back at you, my friend. Grateful to have found you...
Nance, as I've said before, your credo about kindness is a guiding light.
I know you are fond of Sherrod Brown as well--I hope he will have the opportunity to do great things again.
You're so right about it being a marathon, Revanche--it doesn't all have to happen today. I hope you all recover soon and feel better right away.
"Life is never one thing" Is that a saying? I feel like it ought to be!
If a president is sworn in and no one watches does it make a sound?
(I think it does, and I think it's very blustery--haha)
I'm sorry, Engie--this all sucks.
"Look how inconsequential 47 is to all of these good things." Yes. Thank you.
I wish we could ignore him forever, but he's going to hurt so many people, so we'll have to take notice soon...
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