Last year I wrote, “I want this to be my final angry anniversary post.” As the 21st anniversary drew closer however, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep that promise.
And then, hope. A very slim slice of hope, but hope nonetheless.
People across the country have chosen to fight for individual rights over partisan politics, which made me think, “Yeah. This could happen.”
I know, I know. America has burned me before. I – and many others – have been hurt by the specters of hope in the past.
But this feels different.
The election deniers, science deniers, religious fanatics, bigots and bullies – feeling overly emboldened by recent power gains – took it a step too far.
They went after women.
I know. I know. They’ve been going after women since forever.
But this feels different.
They tried to take a victory lap after taking away a woman’s right to choose.
And it backfired. Big!
Now we’re seeing the kind of unity across the political and cultural divides that we have not seen in ages. The kind that can rebuild and strengthen our society.
Citizens of all kinds coming together to fight and win.
I know. I know. We had this after 9/11. And we saw it deteriorate into anger and hateful rhetoric not long after.
But this feels different.
This – RIGHT NOW – feels hopeful to me. It’s as if so many of us have awakened from a long slumber to realize that WE are the PEOPLE in ‘WE THE PEOPLE’!
The power is ours. It always has been (whether we realized or not).
There are hundreds of elected officials in Washington.
There are HUNDREDS of MILLIONS of US!
I know. I know. We’ve thought that before. Wrote songs about it before. Protested and advocated before.
But this feels different.
So, as a way to keep my promise from last year, I leave you with this thought;
Remember those who had the courage to save strangers in 2001. Let that memory help you find ways to save strangers.
- Lend a hand.
- Vote.
- Donate.
- Work together.
- Give joy & love
- Imagine Peace
And finally; Think of someone you admire, and repeat to yourself:
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love
– Bruce Springsteen “Into the Fire”
Onward
Upward
Forward
