It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over

November 9, 2016, Protest outside Trump Tower New York. Author: Anthony Albright. In the public domain.

Admittedly, the recent election left millions of Americans fearful and in mourning, and millions of others celebrating the apparent ascendancy of White Power, Man Power, American supremacy, the right to carry weapons any damn place you want, and success in telling the power establishment to go to hell in a hand basket.

But democracy is not dead yet, and there’s work to be done.  I’ve been heartened by messages from many hard-working, citizen-based organizations gearing up to continue the good fight.  We need optimism.  Optimism is associated with good mental health.  You know when you feel best—not when you are overwhelmed with hate and the urge to hurt and punish but when you have optimism, hope, joy in sharing a worthy task with others.

Here are just a few of the messages that can carry you forward:

“We are an organization that has its roots in fighting J. Edgar Hoover and McCarthyism (DDF), and one that was born to fight the Patriot Act (BORDC). We are used to facing strong adversaries and fighting back with courage and integrity. We won’t quit. I know you won’t either. Stay Loud, Stay Strong.” (Bill of Rights Defense Committee)

“The hardest thing to do right now is to hold on to hope, but it’s what we must do. We should feel our anger, mourn, pray, and then do everything we can to fight hate…. When times get tough, it’s crucial to remember: we are in this together, and when we mobilize, we are capable of the unimaginable. No one man — no matter how cruel or powerful — can take that away.” (The 350.org global climate movement team)

“Whatever your faith or belief, there is a healing power within each of us that must be devotedly applied to this divided nation. We will not resolve our differences by demonization.” (Interfaith Alliance)