We have all known the long loneliness, and we have found that the answer is community. – Dorothy Day
Friday was a low day – I felt bleak, without hope, and fearful. I attempted to avoid the as much of the news of the day that I could manage. I did not watch the inauguration and it seems I was in good company as the numbers watching both in person and per the Nielsen ratings reflected that much of America did the same! (Despite what the Liar-in-Chief and his band of dolts want to tell us)
I really wanted to attend the March in Washington, but Steve was concerned that something would happen – so I stayed home and attended the Pittsburgh Sister March. I dragged Steve with me – although he would not wear a pink hat (there were many amazing men wearing pussy hats though! Bravo to them!!) Saturday’s march in Pittsburgh was incredible – the people just kept coming! People of all ages, men and women – it was incredible! The estimates for the march were 25,000, however, I think the number was a bit more than that. (And, if you went to a march you can register your presence by texting “count me” to 89800 – they have an active Google Doc with the tallies).
However, something magical happened on Saturday – the bleak, hopeless, fearful feelings were replaced with feelings of hope and promise. 25k (plus) people who were all kind, focused, non-violent, caring, and unified – it was so amazing. Suddenly, it clicked – I am not alone, I have this incredible community! It was so phenomenal watching the news about the other entirely peaceful marches that happened all over the world on Saturday – peaceful, no violence – kind of impossible to imagine, but the reality is that this is the perfect foil for the name calling, lie-filled opposition. It is energizing – and I am ready to get to work on the next thing!
That’s right, Saturday was not a one-off for me – last night I was on the MoveOn.org, Indivisible, and Working Families Party phone call to get my plan ready for #ResistTrumpTuesday – more community means increase feelings of hope and promise. When the first things discussed on the call revolved around only loving, peaceful protest – I knew without a doubt that this movement is not starting off in a bad way.
Now – I want to share with you a couple of easy actions for you join me in doing today:
- The 65 is rallying around Protesting Betsy DeVos’s confirmation – so call your State Representatives today!!
- Also – MoveOn.org and #ResistTrumpTuesday – these will be ongoing for the next 100 days. This week’s action can be found at moveon.org/jan24 There is a search option to find a group near you – JOIN THEM! It is the community you want to be part of! (I will make sure that I keep you all updated on what the plan is for the following week – really, we are in this together!)
Happy Monday and welcome to the community!
My representative is a Republican who has heard from me many times before, and will continue to hear from me often as he still supports Trump and all of his repulsive actions. I’m heading to Newark tomorrow to the rally at Cory Booker’s office. Thankfully he does not live in the world of alternative facts. Thanks, Kat!
I was there as well (I looked for you, but it was hard to find one person in such a sea of people!), and I left feeling similarly uplifted. I just hope that we can continue to stay energized and involved to fight for all those things that are important to us and are threatened by the Orange Man (I’m trying to avoid saying his name if at all possible from now on).
Saturday was the best day by far since the election results. I loved seeing LOVE and harmony and togetherness.
While I’m glad to be in MA and have Senator Warren as my representative, it does sometimes leave me feeling as if my voice doesn’t really make a difference because she and I are pretty much on the same page anyway. But still, good advice from you on how to stay motivated and organized.
I do not want to even admit who my representatives are, but they hear from even though my wishes fall on deaf ears. Good for you for marching! The March in Utah is today, but the weather is so frightful I won’t even entertain the idea of joining (I’m a wimp). I will follow though with support in other ways. Way to go, Kat and Steve!
I’ll be there with y’all in spirit! (and I’ll certainly follow along with my local events – one cool thing about living in the capitol city is that events like these do make the news!)
Saturday was a most amazing day! It was wonderful to march in solidarity with women the world over. Now, though . . . the hard work begins!
The more I read about THE MARCH and relive my own experiences, the more convinced I become that WE are on the cusp of something miraculous…we shall overcome.
Likewise Saturday was almost a down-day for me, all around me were people who had watched Friday’s stuff. But, at lunch with friends was one who was more verbal than I and gave me relief, another friend went to the big city’s march and we commiserated.
We are not alone, it does take a community.
Thanks for the links! Phone scripts are helpful. Sharing w/ my local peeps.