Responsibility

As we move forward dismantling the systems of the past, for the good of all, the absolute least we can do is refrain from creating additional systems that our children and grandchildren will have to dismantle.

We should not be engineering the Supreme Court to further the systemic abuse of others.

This is how abuse, racism and other harmful practices become systemic. We vote in ways that place abusive people into the system. They then make decisions to appoint or hire others who will further legitimize or justify those ideas.

When it gets to this point (and it IS to this point), it takes a monumental, collective effort to dismantle the many systems that support inhumane behavior.

Those who disagree with that dismantling will call us destructive, but those are the very individuals who benefit from systemic cruelty. No worthy human being thinks caring for others is a threat to democracy. Just the opposite: we see caring for others as imperative for a functional democracy.

We have too many people screaming about rights and entitlement, and not nearly enough people discussing our responsibility to future generations. We will not be here forever, but the systemic damage we are doing to the earth and to others will outlive us by generations.

Even as we live in this bleak point in history, we can imagine a future that makes a difference.

Please vote, but don't stop there. Stay involved. Work on helping others, while insisting that the systems change so that it's not so damn hard to help others. Use your personal skills and abilities to advocate for continued change.

Do not allow others to drag you down as you move forward to advocate for justice and truth. Their words are like water on the back of a duck. Let them say what they will, because they will--and there's nothing you can do about it--but do NOT take those words to heart. When you are focused, cruel words cannot stop you.

Your path does not have to look like anyone else's path. You are powerful because you have your own skills and abilities that are unlike any other person's. The world needs you. We all need you.

Choose a way forward that takes responsibility for others, generations into the future. Advocate. Build houses. Comfort people. Be present with your legislators. Work with others to purchase the medical debt of those who are trapped. Register voters. Get your flu shot. Wear a mask. Speak kindly to strangers. Grow a garden. Donate food. Write letters and mail them. Drink water. Make sure others have clean water to drink. Eat healthy food. Help feed people in food deserts. Volunteer regularly. Listen to the concerns of children.

Jot down ideas that work for you. When you're feeling down, go to the list and do something.

Much love.