The global rise of fascism continues its assault on the U.S. and Donald Trump is the President-Elect. The fire hose of misinformation is real. Racism is real. Sexism is real. All of the isms and phobias are real. Identification with the aggressor is real. Male White Christian Nationalism and oligarchy are well nourished in this country. They benefit no one, not even billionaires. The U.S. is a powerful country and our choices, as a country, have global implications. Up is down and down is up.

My heartbreak is real as is my disillusionment and anger. But other things are real, too.

The grassroots efforts in the last 8 years have been outstanding, especially leading up to this election. Millions and millions of people voted for democracy and a path forward. Despite the losses, there is still a path forward. I knew that it was going to be long, but it is longer.

Love is powerful and always right. No one can take that away. No one can take away our action.

Today may seem hopeless. That is a natural reaction but we don’t know the future, we never do. Do what you need to take care of yourself and honor your grief. Our work is cut out for us and I know that action, persistence, and more patience than we think we have, but really do have, is needed.

At times like this, I look to my mother, who is 90 years old and has lived through just about everything. I also look to the resilience and organization of oppressed people in our nation, for example, African Americans, who have worked so hard over centuries despite unbelievable hardship and multi-generational trauma.

We can do this. We can love each other and treat each other kindly. We can put one foot in front of the other and make good decisions every day.

Much Love,

Elizabeth