The ACLU have reported record donation totals, and while I was home on my lunch break yesterday, a discussion about this popped up on my Facebook feed. I didn't enter said discussion because first) I'm trying hard to not engage. "Do Not Engage!" is my new mantra. It doesn't always work, but I'm trying. And second) there was enough name calling already. I just don't need that shit. But I thought about it all afternoon while I was at work. And this is my reply:
People are scared. They are frustrated and for many, there is a feeling of helplessness. They feel the need to do something, but they don't know what. Most of us can't attend Protests and Marches, because of location or obligations. (I'm going to use the pronouns I/me for the rest of this little piece, but I think many feel the same way.) I see the rights that have been fought for over the last 60+ years being torn away, ripped up into tiny shreds and thrown into the bin--wiped away with the stroke of a pen. People are standing up, they are demanding that this not happen. I feel that apathy and a lack of empathy have gotten us to this sad point. The fact that the protests and marches are so widespread means something. It's one thing when it's a local protest--people read/watch the reports, make some nasty remarks about the participants, and forget it the next day. But when it's global like this, IT MEANS SOMETHING. So, for many, the only way they feel they can participate is to make a donation. Yes, there are many little charities/organizations that people could send their money to--and I imagine they are-- but the ACLU is well known and covers many, not just one. I am not worried about just one. I'm worried about many. Again, I think a lot of this goes back to a lack of empathy. I thought it was something everyone was capable of--I've changed my views on that.
I'm upset to the point of constant nausea. (thought I had the stomach bug that was going around at first, but it's stress.) I tell myself it will get better, that something will give... But it takes people willing to fight, and to do so, they need funds. I can't do much from my computer chair, nor stocking the shelves at the store. But I can support those that can. That is my response.
4 comments:
The upset, the nausea, will go as you resist and as you see the progress. Think of all those marching, all those talking, all those donating to the ACLU, for example, and know that we will get this maniac from office.
i believe that even the GOP, once they see how his lunacy is damaging their image, will turn on him and it will be a swift move to kick his fat ass to the curb.
Then we just need to endure Pence until 2020 and vote his ass out.
Have a young, and poor, college friend who donated. :-)
Can you please do a post on what rights are being ripped away?
To anonymous-- What I'm afraid of losing: clean air and water and safe food. the right to make decisions over my own body. the righ to have the same legal protections/equality regardless of who I love. the ability to get healthcare when I need it. just to start.
Post a Comment