There is a way out of this mess
Voting is “the way” and now is “the when”.
Photo by Gari Gold Richardson for Sedona Fine Art of Flowers
It’s being said, and, it’s true. If we get out and vote and successfully elect from the column labeled “democrat”, we will have the leverage in all branches of government to do what it seems we want to, specifically, codify Roe and protect the environment as well as fix other things we relied on that have been yanked in what can only be described as a monster truck mash of all we like and need.
Voting is also one of the rights we have enjoyed that’s on the chopping block. So now, the 2022 election is regarded as still safe but not untouched by gerrymandering and laws that seek to limit turnout. The saddest part is that the whole world is experiencing a thrust to regressive governing and there’s little understanding of how far their intent to turn back time will be. To be clear the ideas being taken away or severely limited are uniquely democratic and American in nature and the reversal is foreign. Quite literally, these ideas are foreign to our country. We need to see it for what it is.
The simultaneous attacks of SCOTUS are designed to distract and confuse as the seeds of despotism float in all directions shading our vision. We know these messengers and we dislike them, make fun of them they can seem silly as we do make jokes, but, their jobs as they see them are real as is their mission and they are succeeding.
This Fourth of July, be positive and think about the ideals and attributes of this nation, the people and our achievements in science and the arts. How else to we shine? Technology, sports, entertainment. The unique world of entertainment in the Untied States is celebrated around the world. Celebrate the future we have all expected and desire. Vote.
Help others register to vote and help them to vote too, if necessary. One third of people don’t. Why? Good question to ask someone who says they don’t. Listen and be clear that if voting were ever important it is most important this November. Again, one third of eligible voters nationwide do not vote. Some vote only sporadically. This year is the year to change it all. It has to be this year.
The Jan 6 committee is doing a great job of putting the former president in perspective and there is no greater perspective than looking to actual facts turned up through thorough investigation. I’m hoping there will be a full understanding of why this severe authoritarian thrust is turning up around the world. It’s not just Trump.
The Fourth of July is a celebration of not just the founding of our county but of the uniqueness of the country itself. Hotdogs, sparklers and the flag we tote this holiday are fun symbols for the life we enjoy and the freedoms our country acknowledges and we enjoy because we can. Simply because we can.
We are in a mess and it’s probably worse than we think but we still have time and it’s a lift we can make if we do it together. Vote. Bring a friend or two.