A Letter to My Friends

Dearest Friends:

The quarantine and furlough have been rough. I'm tired and while I've held up pretty well for two and a half months, I'm starting to crumble a bit. And it's not for lack of things to do - I have plenty to keep me busy until Fall. I miss seeing you. I miss hearing your voices. I miss your diverse personalities - even the irritating ones. I miss your unique perspectives on various issues. I learn a lot from you.

Now, once again, we have a situation of police brutality against an African American man in Minneapolis. I don't understand how this is still happening in our country. Have we learned nothing from the past? My heart breaks over this. I'm not saying this to be politically correct. Hopefully, you know me better than that. I think, what if this man were your husband, brother, father, son, boyfriend? You know I would be there for you, arms wrapped around you as tight as you will let me (social distancing be damned). I would cry with you and pray with you and beg God to ease your pain. It would be personal for me, because you are my friends.

I would hope you would do the same for me. However, we all know that may never happen because I'm white. I'm sorry about my privilege. If I could share it with you, I would in a heartbeat. In truth, there shouldn't be a thing called white privilege. We Americans are all covered by the same Constitution; yet, the administration of our guaranteed rights is subject to the color of our skin. This is wrong.

The current administration is doing nothing to comfort our nation that is grieving in so many ways. The healing and repairs needed will have to come from the people. All of us. This means we must all stand together against unjust practices, root out corruption, and, most importantly, vote in every election. Every election -  from the local school board to the Presidency. Keeping up with all this can be tedious. I agree. I'm busy, too. However, I fear that our "busyness" is how we got to where we are today.

My dear friends, I want you to know that I care about you, love and miss you dearly, and hope to see all of you soon, if life ever returns to "normal." Like you, I just want to live my life in peace, earn a descent living, and be surrounded by a loving family and friends. I value each and every one of you.

Prayers and Blessings,

Elizabeth

The Rape of Our Democratic Republic

During the Senate hearings of sexual assault allegations against then Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, a political cartoon was published that has seared it's way into my mind. The cartoon shows Lady Justice being pinned down by a pair of male arms with the Republican Party elephant image as cuff links. Bruce MacKinnon is the artist behind this drawing which appeared in The Chronicle Herald, a Canadian based newspaper.



https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2018/09/30/halifax-cartoonists-response-to-kavanaugh-hearing-goes-viral.html

My political leanings are thinly veiled, if at all. For the record, I'm just a nudge left of center. I'm willing to coexist with people whose ideals are different than mine, as long as they will coexist with me. I believe we should have universal health care for all. I believe not just in free education for all, but free quality education. I believe abortions will decrease if birth control is made readily available. I believe climate change is real and I believe the wealthy should pay a higher proportion of taxes.

I'm fed up with corporate and special interest ownership of our government. I'm tired of the one set of rules for me and another for everyone else. I lose patience with people who shout conspiracy theory on everything remotely close to our government. Flat Earthers need to open a book (assuming any know how to read). I'm just sick of stupid.

Doesn't it frighten you when the President of the United States suggests that the presidency should be a lifetime term?

Doesn't it bother you when that same man suggests that protests should be illegal? By the way, review the US Constitution on that idea. Go ahead. I'll wait.

The dangerous trajectory of our country can be stopped. We can turn things around and make our country a better and stronger union.

Get out and VOTE. However, go to the polls educated on the candidates and the issues. Don't vote for someone because he's good looking. Honestly, I think that's part of how former Missouri governor, Eric Greitens got into office.

While this is easy for me to say as I am parked in my recliner, if you can get involved in your community, do so. Get to know your neighbors, get in front of your local leaders and speak up on issues that matter to you. Volunteer at a shelter or a food pantry. Host a clothing drive, open a little library in a neighborhood park, read to children in a daycare.

If volunteering your time isn't an option, then start a business. Follow what interests you. Open a barber shop or start a community newspaper. Look around your community and see what's missing and fill that gap.

I want to see our country turn away from the brink of disaster. Extremism either left or right isn't good for anyone. We have the capability of fixing this. Let's get busy and be truly Americans.