Have you noticed that these days, whenever people are afraid of someone in power, they put on a deliberate and ongoing campaign of smear tactics? It seems to work especially well on women. Women tend to be judged by standards that shift with the wind. Hillary was smeared until many, even those who should know better because they understand the tactics, were swayed. Another is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. But, in this volatile political climate, her voice is resonating stronger and stronger. She never tucks her tail and retreats. She pushes and pushes and pushes. She doesn't stop calling out the insanity. She is strong, and since her beginnings were humble, she understands the struggles so many are facing. She has empathy in a time when most politicians are showing they believe in the mantra, "Greed is Good."
I have been mired in really dark topics these last weeks. Between the war on innocent immigrants and the plethora of sexual predators and pedophiles, I found myself feeling overwhelmed with darkness. It's important to keep going, but to put my energy back in check, I decided to show my thanks. I've already done a couple thank you cards - to Gavin Newsome and Greyhound. I plan to do more of them in the future. Messages of thanks are valuable, too!
Today, a thank you card for AOC is my focus and it sure made me feel lighter. I can think of many people who seem to be doing things, big and small, that seem like they've been preparing for for years. Sometimes I feel like I have been preparing for my small contributions for years. My interest in history, especially times of resistance to dictators, has helped me see the dangers of this time. My love of arts and crafts has given me one point of focus. My interest in civil rights leaders and women's rights leaders has helped me understand that I have to keep going, even when it all feels overwhelming. When enough of us do what we are meant to do, we will reverse the course this country is on.
AOC inspires me. She makes me proud. She gives me hope for the future. She will still be there when many of the greedy old, white racists are gone.
