For the first time
since the November election, I feel a surge of hope. The groundswell of
opposition to Trump’s policies grows louder every day, with more voices joining
in. I think the sitting president underestimated the American people. America
will be sorely tried and tested in coming days and months, but as President Obama
predicted, we’ll be all right. We’ll come through with heads held high.
What encourages
me? The judge who issued the stay order on the deportations, the lawyers who
rushed to airports to represent those being detained, the crowds who went to
airports just to see how they can help, the general air of optimism in posts on
Facebook tonight . It sounds dramatic, but history is unfolding before us, and
we each must find the part we can play, the role where we can best serve.
As I sit here in
the oh-so-still rehab facility on a Sunday night I wonder what I can do from a
wheelchair. Joining the chorus on Facebook is one way to contribute. I’m
through writing Texas senators—they pay no attention to anything except the
party line. But I will try to reach Democratic leaders.
I still wonder why
we hear so little from progressive leaders. We need every senator who has not
been ground down by Trump, Ryan and the Republican party to speak up—veto those
atrocious appointments, be the obstructionists that the Republicans have been
for eight years. speak out as a unified body in opposition to what is being
done in and to our country.
And the
Republicans? How long are they going to let this idiocy they have thrust upon
the American people continue? Is there not a man or woman among them with
common sense, a conscience, a concern for their own children and grandchildren—and
the courage to speak out? Or are they so busy protecting their careers? Which
comes first—country or career?
I am assured that organized
movements will emerge from the women’s march (which was about human issues, not
just women’s) and the more recent protests. But I still get the feeling that
the loyal opposition is fragmented. I am besieged daily with numerous pleas to
sign this or that petition—and then send money. I am sending no more money
until I see an organized, unified plan.
It’s scary but exciting
times—and its early days yet. I may well be wishing for premature action when
cooler and wiser heads are carefully planning. While we wait for those cooler
heads to prevail, let’s abandon such comments as “We are doomed” and make
optimism our slogan. Come on, let’s hear it: “O say can you see….
