Down the Trump Rabbit Hole 7 December 2016

[7 December 2016]

A close friend who lives in Iowa sent me a news report that documents the vileness Trump has drawn into the open.  I had not seen or known about this letter.  But the revelations resulting from the recent election demonstrate how serious such views/threats truly are.  We – I specifically have those who voted for Hillary and/or supported Sanders in mind – must stand with those targeted.  Do we have the courage of the non-Jewish Danes who wore the star of David?  Since November 8, I have worn my Clinton campaign cap (navy blue with a white ‘H’ plus horizontal red arrow) every day and will continue to do so both as a reminder to myself and also as a statement of alignment with all those Trump et al are attacking.  Yes, the hat draws many looks and an encouraging number of supportive responses/comments.  When a conversation appears possible, my centering explanation is some variation on – “Trump stands against all my core values, every one of my core values”.  I joined ‘Democracy for America’ and have signed most of the petitions about which I have been notified by them.  Small gestures with far less risk (for now) than the risk the Danes faced, but gestures nonetheless.  Bottom line – we must be seen and heard. 

Down the Trump Rabbit Hole 15 November 2016

[15 November 2016]

I am struggling for balance.  I have to remember (1) I am among the majority that voted for Hillary and, therefore, I am not as alone as it can feel and (2) the values – e.g., civil discourse, truthfulness, decency toward others, civil rights for all minorities/marginalized, women’s health privacy, ethnic diversity, LGBT rights, basic healthcare coverage for all, environmental stewardship, Palestinian freedom from oppression, responsible international behavior, and more – are as core/centering after the election as they were before the election and, therefore, are still defining for who I am in the concrete encounters/experiences of each day.  I certainly have a clearer reading on the range and depth of those who oppose these values.  Perhaps that is a ‘silver lining’.  Bernie Sanders and others will surely still lead at the national level. 

Down the Trump Rabbit Hole 9 November 2016

[9 November 2016]

Good morning.  These election results profoundly alter the struggle for peace and justice.  But they do not end the struggle.  Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States has renewed relevance in standing with and advocating for the marginalized.  My manner has always been to try to make eye contact with others, whether in passing or in conversation.  It is sobering to learn I am estranged in core values from so many more in this society than I realized.  I cannot think of a single president in US history who could be nominated or elected by those who voted Trump into the presidency.  So, I am leaving now for work, into a much stronger/dangerous wind than yesterday.