I have found it very reassuring to attend local protests--for gun safety, abortion access, politicians' behavior/malfeasance--because it makes real the fact that I am not alone in feeling strongly about these issues. It's too easy to sink into a feeling of "nothing will change," "I'm just one person", "nobody really cares about XXX"....but when you get to the corner, or the overpass, or the town square and see others who think like you (at least on this particular issue), it feels good. I'll be out there tomorrow!
Thanks for your thoughtful comments Leanne. I have had similar struggles. I will be joining you marching in the protest tomorrow. It will be my third march. I think we all have to find our own ways to feel like we are following our moral compass and make a stand on the issues that mean a lot to us. I just can't not do anything when I see what is happening around me. It is so frightening and disturbing. It is the biggest political nightmare of my lifetime. Watching innocent people living in terror and being attacked and deported is gut wrenching. I find the protests help me feel less alone and it energizes me seeing other people who are committed to make a stand on issues that are significant for me. I have a friend who told me she doesn't like to protest but she does phone calls and canvassing and that helps her. We all have to find what works for us as we struggle with the chaos and cruelty that is happening in the U.S. We need to fight the hatred and divisiveness any way we can.
thank you, leanne. take good care of yourself while you take care of others.
Thoughtful and eloquent…I appreciate your insights and look forward to reading more
I needed this today. Thank you!
Yes yes and yes!
I want to believe it, too. We’ll be protesting in Canada, where we had planned our summer vacation before this regime was elected.
I have found it very reassuring to attend local protests--for gun safety, abortion access, politicians' behavior/malfeasance--because it makes real the fact that I am not alone in feeling strongly about these issues. It's too easy to sink into a feeling of "nothing will change," "I'm just one person", "nobody really cares about XXX"....but when you get to the corner, or the overpass, or the town square and see others who think like you (at least on this particular issue), it feels good. I'll be out there tomorrow!
That's the part I never knew as a journalist: How good it is not to feel alone. xoxo
Thanks for your thoughtful comments Leanne. I have had similar struggles. I will be joining you marching in the protest tomorrow. It will be my third march. I think we all have to find our own ways to feel like we are following our moral compass and make a stand on the issues that mean a lot to us. I just can't not do anything when I see what is happening around me. It is so frightening and disturbing. It is the biggest political nightmare of my lifetime. Watching innocent people living in terror and being attacked and deported is gut wrenching. I find the protests help me feel less alone and it energizes me seeing other people who are committed to make a stand on issues that are significant for me. I have a friend who told me she doesn't like to protest but she does phone calls and canvassing and that helps her. We all have to find what works for us as we struggle with the chaos and cruelty that is happening in the U.S. We need to fight the hatred and divisiveness any way we can.
Absolutely -- we all have to find the ways to stand up and speak out that work for us. I'll be eager to hear how tomorrow goes in Chicago. xoxo.
Beautiful and powerful Leanne. I want to believe that too and hope to see you Saturday.
We'll be there!