Never Give Up

I was not very political before 2016.

I voted and had opinions, and I disliked the rhetoric of the ever more reactionary Republican Party, but I never did more than talk. Then the current President started talking. Calling women fat pigs, ridiculing disabled veterans, and discounting the heroism of a fellow Republican, a distinguished Senator, and former POW, John McCain.

During the 2016 Republican convention, I volunteered and was appointed Democratic Precinct Chair for my home precinct, and have been unable to disconnect from politics since. I was working the 2016 election as Alternate Precinct Judge, closing down the polling place, when the returns came in. To my horror, and that of a popular majority of other Americans, the current President had taken the Electoral College, and would become the most powerful person in the world.

We have since become accustomed to his criminal behavior, complete disregard for the truth, and the resulting breakdown of trust in our institutions. Previously revered institutions. A free society cannot survive long in this environment.

The news hourly points out the deep divisions and unreasoning anger between adults and children all over the nation, and fear and anger rule the day. The anxiety is corrosive.

It feels hopeless.

Last night it occurred to me: This is part of the plan. To wear us out, to instill a feeling that no matter what we do, we can't combat the erosion of truth and national solidarity.

That made me get off my chair and out of my black despair. It is not over.

REGISTER TO VOTE. Help others register.

VOTE EARLY. Remind other to vote.

VOTE BY MAIL.

VOTE IN PERSON

VOTE FOR BIDEN/HARRIS. Let's be clear, Trump is the current president. HE IS RESPONSIBLE.

To quote Jimmy Valvano in his fight for cancer research, "Don't give up. Don't ever give up."

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/jim_valvano_358453