The temptation is great, if not overwhelming, this morning, to run toward fear, if not the Canadian border, what with reports of global financial doom and the too real potential of unimaginable harm to domestic policy.
But, after the initial thought that I needed a national day of mourning, I found instead genuine relief in the postings of friends on social media. Rising amid the darkness and despair, messages of love and hope appeared. They shared compassionate talking points for calming the anxieties of distraught children and urged love, rather than the bile spewed throughout the election season.
I knew in my heart all along this past year that what we were seeing was a troubling reminder that we really had not come as far as we had thought; that despite advances in equality and rights for all, much work remained. We were smug. We thought we were better than this.
I remain haunted in particular by the painful, public humiliation of Donald Trump at the 2011 National Correspondents Dinner, which, although much deserved, got down in the mud and slopped around. In that respect, there is not much distance, then, between the nevertrump and trump factions. Hate is hate, and it is never justified.
So, for me, this moment is a time for soul searching and reflection, for determination and call to action. Who am I? What do I believe in? How will I stand up and fight for the less fortunate and disenfranchised?
I also find deep solace in the fact that in my home and the homes of everyone I know, regardless of political affiliation and votes cast, strong children have been and are being raised with the ideals and intentions that are the best of us. This fact alone tells me that where we have gone astray and fallen short, the next generations will be a force for good and change.
This is what I texted my children last night and will continue to reinforce in the days to come. President Barack Obama said don't boo, vote. Now, I will add to that — don't complain, act. And, above all else, keep choosing love.
The truth is — and no vote, no party can touch this — we are one and we are stronger together.
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