Since Trump’s election last November, I have been torn between two impulses. The first impulse is to fight this would-be fascist dictator with every fiber of my being. The second impulse is to succumb to despair and apathy. Last Sunday, I turned away from an opportunity to speak out against racism and bigotry by staying home instead of attending a vigil for Charlottesville. I told myself I was tired, I was depressed, I was stressed out from a day of cleaning up after my neurotic cat. I told myself my absence would not make a difference.
However, there are moments in history that demand we back our beliefs up with action, regardless of personal inconvenience. Last Sunday, I donated money to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which was a good first baby step. Tonight, I’m taking a second step to combat the corrosive, toxic cankers of white nationalism and racism and mob rule and demagoguery. I’ve included a link to Indivisible Ventura’s “Be Like Water” page. The page includes some specific suggestions for acting against against the violence and hate that is dividing and demeaning our nation:
I’m also including a link to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which has combated hate groups since 1971.
I will close by urging those of you who feel the same despair and apathy I wrestle with to take even one, small step to preserve the civil liberties of all Americans. We can make a difference, but only if we speak up and take action!
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