Today is a hard day.
No.
Today is the start of an arduous four years.
A lot of people are feeling sad. Many feel fearful. Those are both completely acceptable emotions in these trying times. Democracy took a big blow yesterday. Only an ignorant person could argue to the contrary.
It’s easy in moments like this to steel yourself by burying your head or turning a blind eye to the actions around you. If you look too close, it might all be too overwhelming. I get that. I’ve felt that. But I must implore you, don’t give in to apathy.
I too am filled with fear and sadness. But I’m also filled with anger and rage. I’m not ready nor willing to give up and rollover.
Only as invested citizens will we maintain our country and our democracy. Only by fighting and scrapping and using every ounce of ourselves will we prevail over the fascists who want our freedoms.
To those who feel scared that, in their own country, they don’t have anyone in their corner, I’m here. I won’t be leaving that corner. My LGBTQIA+ compatriots, my female comrades, my underrepresented individuals from all walks of life; I’m here and I will never stop fighting for your basic human rights.
I’ve gotten my fists blood for far less and I’m prepared to get them bloody for you.
Democracy only fails when neighbors stop fighting to defend their fellow neighbors. It fails when citizens lean into the apathy that comes with grief. Democracy dies with the phrase, “Well, at least it’s not me.”
If you don’t stand for those who can’t stand alone for themselves, there may be no one left to stand with you when evil comes.
Grieve today. Understand why you’re feeling what you’re feeling. But, tomorrow, we fight again.
One loss isn’t a failure; it’s a setback. Together, united, we can destroy the fascists trying to steal our loved one’s, sister’s, brother’s, parent’s, children’s, partner’s, friend’s, coworker’s and neighbor’s basic human rights and freedoms.
Stay engaged and stay active. Let’s Fucking Go.
