I, too, am grieving. And I'm also so grateful at this moment for the communities I've found and the individual connections forged within them. That solidarity and shared sense of purpose will get us through.
We can give ourselves a moment to grieve when it does not go well and then it’s time to use our resources to effect change. Thinking of you all in this period of transition.
I feel I have to point out that while you say, that this is not who America is, I think we should rather be admitting that yes, now this is who America is. How do we change it for the better? He won the popular vote. It's more than just the middle of the country--even in some of the Democratic states,Trump and Project 2025 got between 30 and 40% of the popular vote. So, yes, this is the new America--or one that has been growing and developing for probably several decades. The Constitution is a beautiful, poetic and inspiring document but it is like a story for a film that never gets developed into a complete script and later when it comes to actually filming, the leads toss out the concept and just go with what they want. The government will be stacked with the super rich pursuing their own interests openly and aggressively. It is bad news for the climate, for gender equity, for marginalized groups, for culture--for everyone and everything that isn't part of the elite.
What we need now to be doing is not protesting that this situation is not how we want it to be but instead we should be starting to work to change people's minds--individual by individual if necessary--to be live up to some of those values that as you say, have made America great in the past.
So what are we going to do?
Restructure the education system, for one, to teach people how to think with discrimination and to think critically. Banning book banning might also be a good first step. And a million other things that have to do with food security, a clean environment and decent housing and healthcare--but actually none of these things are what America voted for.
The time is past to wring our hands. We're living the opening pages of a dystopian novel. Does anyone have a real plan to twist the plot back to common decency?
Brilliantly and powerfully said, Rachele, and I could not agree more. In the days since Nov 6 I have been pondering deeply and realized just what you say: this IS America. Time to accept what is and take clear-eyed action from that starting point. Time to pivot away from the existing establishment that has failed us big time, and building new foundations and systems. I will have more to say about this very soon! Thanks for your penetrating and galvanizing statement! ❤️
Taking time to grieve here, too. Sad,so sad, and suddenly have my feet anchored in a new landscape, at-one with both my democratic ideals and the harsh moment here and now.
I, too, am grieving. And I'm also so grateful at this moment for the communities I've found and the individual connections forged within them. That solidarity and shared sense of purpose will get us through.
Yes, if there was ever a time to strength our communities, that time is now. Grateful for all you do to keep the BYTS community strong!
We can give ourselves a moment to grieve when it does not go well and then it’s time to use our resources to effect change. Thinking of you all in this period of transition.
Thank you dear Debbie. This is a hard blow, but we WILL go on!
Shocked and appalled.
I feel I have to point out that while you say, that this is not who America is, I think we should rather be admitting that yes, now this is who America is. How do we change it for the better? He won the popular vote. It's more than just the middle of the country--even in some of the Democratic states,Trump and Project 2025 got between 30 and 40% of the popular vote. So, yes, this is the new America--or one that has been growing and developing for probably several decades. The Constitution is a beautiful, poetic and inspiring document but it is like a story for a film that never gets developed into a complete script and later when it comes to actually filming, the leads toss out the concept and just go with what they want. The government will be stacked with the super rich pursuing their own interests openly and aggressively. It is bad news for the climate, for gender equity, for marginalized groups, for culture--for everyone and everything that isn't part of the elite.
What we need now to be doing is not protesting that this situation is not how we want it to be but instead we should be starting to work to change people's minds--individual by individual if necessary--to be live up to some of those values that as you say, have made America great in the past.
So what are we going to do?
Restructure the education system, for one, to teach people how to think with discrimination and to think critically. Banning book banning might also be a good first step. And a million other things that have to do with food security, a clean environment and decent housing and healthcare--but actually none of these things are what America voted for.
The time is past to wring our hands. We're living the opening pages of a dystopian novel. Does anyone have a real plan to twist the plot back to common decency?
Brilliantly and powerfully said, Rachele, and I could not agree more. In the days since Nov 6 I have been pondering deeply and realized just what you say: this IS America. Time to accept what is and take clear-eyed action from that starting point. Time to pivot away from the existing establishment that has failed us big time, and building new foundations and systems. I will have more to say about this very soon! Thanks for your penetrating and galvanizing statement! ❤️
Taking time to grieve here, too. Sad,so sad, and suddenly have my feet anchored in a new landscape, at-one with both my democratic ideals and the harsh moment here and now.
Blessing all the moments to follow.
Yes, it's going to take a little time for the ground to stop heaving. We WILL persevere! Sending love--