"We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we cannot have both."
-Louis D. Brandeis
This has been the hardest week of my life. I have always supported a two party plus system in America. I have worked behind the scenes of politics and am very aware of how the game is played, i.e. not just voting, but lobbyist, power plays, donations etc. And overall, the game has had its balance with challenges through out our system. I also have treasured checks and balances in that no one party control all branches of the government for any extended period of time. Finally, as a clinically trained social worker I have often aligned with the Democrats, but from time to time have aligned with others.
On Tuesday night, I saw the ideals of what America has fought to develop and/or maintain however imperfectly within its boundaries for 248 years come to it's highest risk since perhaps it's inception or the Civil War. A convicted narsissitic felon who has disdain for so many principals that this countries constitution has held, was placed back into the highest office of this country. I have been dismayed by other elections, but never have I felt trauma like this and believe me as a woman who has had sexual, emotional and physical trauma, I know the feeling. I started seeing clients on Wednesday and I have heard trauma responses since then. An election should not create this, but when vulnerable people fear that their rights as citizens could be reduced or invalidated there are reasons for that. Slavery followed by Jim Crow laws. Women denied the right to vote, to control their sexuality/bodies how they choose or denied the ability to have individual credit on their own merit until 1974. And many others with their stories and battles to be seen as equal. Democrats are not blameless. In World War II we placed citizens of this country who we deemed a risk into internment camps. I had occasion to work with a Japanese patient who was in one as a young teenager. We had many heart felt discussions. I also remember what he said, "I believe in the constitution of this country as it was written, but I will never fully trust how it is interpreted."
Many people who were opposed to the individual who was elected and his party synchopats are now discussing should they stay or go; Vulnerable individuals are dealing with fears of being swept up in a lawless drag net. Older adults and disabled individuals are fearing for their savings, Social Security and Medicare. Women loss of their rights and body decisions. People feeling distrust of others. I keep telling people not to panic or depair in the long game, as that is what tyranny wants people to do as it is easier to control them. Finally, I think to the aforementioned gentleman. I asked him why didn't he leave America. He told me because I am a citizen, it is my home and I do believe in the constitution and wanted to see that it would never again be interpreted as it was in WW II. So here we are. The next months will not be easy. It will probably be full of struggles and splitting that we haven't seen in decades.
I choose hope, to fight and to bring back balance, and to keep moving forward with individual rights. It won't be an easy task, but anything worthwhile can never be taken for granted or gained without work. Already state and local governments are gearing up. Social justice groups are gearing up. Most of all, individuals are gearing up. We are a nation based on immigration whether some of us have been here one year or a few hundred years. We grow through diversity, letting others work towards and finally achieving the American dream. None of us here now own that dream, we are its stewards holding it for generations to come.
I'll see you on the protest lines.
Bob Marley, Get Up Stand Up:
