RESILIENCE UNDER DURESS

No other option works

Marathon, by Walter Crane, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.[1]

Every aspect of our lives may be affected by the policies that the incoming federal administration brings, especially with regards to personal rights and protection of the weaker members of our society.

Half the citizenry voted it in and will soon realize that the policies will exacerbate the conditions that they were trying to improve.

Does net-worth appreciation for the few equal enhanced wellbeing for the rest? When the pronouncements of an incoming administration reflect inclusion and compassion we can expect progress. When lies propagate, does good governance emerge? When speech disseminates hate, is national unity achieved?

The next few years will bring unpredictable outcomes.

The future was not always bright for the United States. Should we dismiss the struggles faced during the Revolutionary War; the occupation of Washington D. C. by British troops during the War of 1812; the many lost battles by the nation against the Confederacy; the tremendous jolt of the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Should we forget the hard-fought struggles, by Indigenous Americans, African Americans, women and minorities, trying to obtain suffrage and equal rights? Those rights and aspirations are again under attack by the religious establishment and oligarchs. Are the oppressive heavy boots of the robber barons of the 19th century on the march again?

The nation overcame the challenges of its darkest hours through resilience.

Together, the lovers of freedom and democracy will prevail if we stay as resilient, hopeful, and committed to our ideals, as those who came before us stayed during the darkest days faced by this nation.

As Martin Luther King said in facing extraordinary odds, “We Shall Overcome”. As Jesse Jackson said, “Keep Hope Alive”. Repeat those words as often as it takes to bolster your fortitude and resilience for the tasks that life will require from us.

We are many and we are not alone. There are brighter days ahead if we all move forward together, in love and compassion.

Power said to world, “You are mine”. The world kept it prisoner on her throne.

Love said to the world, “I am thine.” The world gave it the freedom of her house.

RABINDRANATH TAGORE

20241209

[1] The author died in 1915, so this work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or fewer.