The Day After

I understand. Like countless people, my worst fears were realized. I had a pretty strong view of my country, which turned out to be untrue. So, for the time being, I am only concentrating on choosing to be grateful for all those people who invested their hearts and souls into their idea of what this country could be. We have been through dark times: hundreds of years of slavery, Jim Crow, the wholesale massacre of the American Indian, closed doors when Jews were trying to escape Naziism, child labor, sweat shops, McCarthyism. The list goes on and on. We have never been the great shining country we believe ourselves to me. Rather, we have lurched along, thanks to profound natural resources and a geographic location that protects us. From the confusion and the fear, we have managed to survive and to occassionally produce a society that has inspired the world. At this moment, the majority of people have chosen this man, whether out of personal financial gain or fear of “other” to lead them. Now they have him. His election doesn’t affect my own values or my own reality. If anything, it makes them stronger.

Thanks, Kate. As is half the country. We believed we knew this country. For this moment, at least, we were wrong. But it doesn’t mean that our values or our realities were wrong. I’m so proud that I stand for the values I have. No one can take that awy from me.

I am heartbroken, as well, although I suspected this would happen. But I am choosing gratitude. The outpouring of energy and committment from the Dems was astonishing. That’s what inspired me and carried me through the campaign. I can say that my values are stronger than ever. I’m hoping that like-minded people feel the same way.

You are most definitely on my Applauded group. Your comments on this blog have shown your values and your wisdom. I suspect that all those who have come in contact with you have benefitted from that. I know that I have. Wherever you sail, you take those values with you. Thank goodness for that.