I actually was going to post a book review today. And, as of tomorrow, I will be back to books. But, this is far too important to let it pass. My friend, Sally, talked on her blog about how depressed she has been. I have other friends who said the same thing. And, Friday, I almost went home sick from work because the whole concept of the inauguration made me upset. But, a friend talked me down.
Have you seen the pictures from around the world – from all seven continents? They’re beautiful – peaceful demonstrations asking for basic human rights. Check them out on The New York Times.
And, I will use my blog, my platform, for one last political speech before I go back to books. First, thank you, again, to all my friends who marched – in D.C., and NYC, and LA, St. Petersburgh, San Francisco, Chicago, Austin, and Phoenix, and Paris. And, the friends who marched elsewhere, and I just didn’t realize it.
But, here’s what I put on Facebook.
This is unbelievable. Check out all the people who showed up. But, friends – we need to follow through. This isn’t a one-day event. Please call. Speak up. We need to use our voices as well as our feet. Every one of us needs to vote – in local elections, state elections, national elections. We can’t let this momemtum die. Be heard, not just today. And, those of us who can afford it need to push – donate to the ACLU, who has already filed the first lawsuit. Donate to Planned Parenthood. Donate to Emily’s List & get women in office. Donate to a Senator or Representative who is on our side, and may face a tough battle. Follow Daily Action on Facebook or email, and follow the daily fight. This is a daily fight. Find your cause. If you can afford to help fund the movement, please do. Every little bit helps.
Thank you for reading this. Thank you for caring about this country, and the world.
Thank you, Lesa! I have been depressed ever since the election too. I wanted to go to Washington, DC so bad but I getting old and with that comes problems like not being able to stand up for more than 20 minutes, glaucoma drops that have been chilled and taken five times a day and many pills to be taken several times a day.
I will do all I can. We cannot stand for going backwards in so many ways and there are still many areas like equal pay for equal work that are not won yet. I cringe at the damage that the department of education could suffer. Will call my two senators today who are supporting the person nominated and tell them, NO! I could go on and on but I mainly wanted to let you know. we are together! We will be strong!
Thank you, Carol! I don't think I could have stood that long as well, and, as someone who has to go to the bathroom about once an hour due to medication, it would not have been a comfortable day. Not that we want comfort, just that I know neither of us wanted to bother others either. Yes, age and medication can mess up plans. Thank you for calling. I'm with you. One senator who will never listen. But, that doesn't mean I won't continue to call.
And thank you, Lesa, for speaking out on your blog! I'm 61, and never before have I felt so depressed and concerned as the result of a presidential election. All of the women's marches were so inspiring! I was surprised by the number of international protests. I felt buoyed up by the sheer number of global citizens who are supporting us and protesting our new president. I will be doing my part to actively pressure politicians, support the ACLU, good journalism, and women as current and future leaders. I've heard that concerns voiced through telephone calls at all levels of government tend to clog the phone lines of elected officials, and are what get the most attention, and, hopefully, reconsideration. I've never been an activist before, but here goes!!
Thank you for this post, Lesa! After the marches I realized that we had worldwide support in a very big way. I am depressed over what is happening with our government and in shock over the numbers of people who support it and the hatred I see in those I thought were… not like that. I just bought my first on-line newspaper subscription to keep up with the in-depth news and critical awareness. I support the ACLU, and I'm starting to engage with elected officials-even (especially?) if that means clogging the phone lines, because they know what that means. I am in a fog from watching the destruction and find it so frightening and difficult to understand, not the mechanics, but the reasoning that brought this destructive turn. I'm adjusting my activities to accommodate the time I will spend reconnecting with activism.
Deb and Reine – Like both of you, I've been in shock and depressed. I have not been an activist, if you don't include the editorial I once wrote as a satire in support of squirrels. Like you, I'm finding the time to call senators, even knowing one won't care. But, clogged phone lines do indicate there are people watching. Thank you for continuing your activism on behalf of the country.
I am not "Thanking" you. I am so tired of politics invading every part of our life. I happen to be one of the deplorables that voted for this administration! I come to your site to hear about BOOKS not politics and I am so disappointed that I can't even read book reviews without having politics crammed down my throat.
I am unsubscribing from your email and I hope other deplorable do the same.
With great disappointment,
Jane
I'm sorry, Jane. We'll miss you. And, I never referred to anyone as deplorable. But, this is the time right now when we need to speak up. It does matter to me, and to my life.
Thank you Lesa!! I am so tired of having a president who talks about women disrespectfully and in such vulgar terms and feels entitled to his own "facts." That is indeed deplorable. And I'm so glad to have a place to hear about BOOKS and all the other things I care about. You go sister!
Thank you, David. Yes, it's a place to share what I care about, and I'm glad you're here. Thank you.
i am so proud of you, Lesa!