Stevie Wonder: let us celebrate the struggle!
Right after we rest and regather our energies
Nine weeks ago, when Kamala Harris became the presidential candidate, I decided to keep a day-by-day graphic record of these critical weeks. Every day, I scanned news and social media for signs of progress and grew more and more sure we had the right candidates for the years ahead. In spite of all the warnings, in spite of the polls, in spite of the Las Vegas odds, I held on to a different outcome.
Now, I want to know why and what we still need to do to save our American democracy, the oldest multi-racial, pluralistic democracy on the planet. After several days of listening and reading, I’m convinced that the why is much deeper than racism, sexism, or ignorance.
I think it’s at least partially related to uncertainty and trust, or the lack thereof, with our institutions, and the general sense of alienation with the breakdown of families, neighborhoods, and communities. I’m re-reading Gabe Fleisher’s A skeleton key that explains the 2024 result … America’s trust divide.
This has been an amazing campaign and a lot of us are exhausted. I’m very proud to have experienced my tiny part of it and fully intend to stay engaged … after a bit of R&R. Take care of yourself and everyone you care about … and try not to catastrophize these results. There are very smart people working to make the best of what this election has delivered.
A simple Sunday thought. Keep on keeping on. In public settings and among family & friends, you have only to look to the right and the left to see your fellow Americans who represent a diversity of opinions. Remember the children's song; 🎶'This little light of mine. I'm going to let it shine.' 🕯️
Yes, we struggle on! And I like the idea of celebrating the struggle. Like Kamala was fond of saying, hard work is good work, and we like good work. Maintaining our joy as we do so and not getting mired in recriminations or blame will be important too.