I had today’s blog all planned, it was about breathing. With apologies to Alice Hasen, who gets a shout-out, that will have to wait until tomorrow. Today is not about breathing but about a nation breathing free. It’s taken a while to sink in. Nothing substantial has changed since yesterday, the inevitable happened and decision desks called the election the way we knew they would. Nothing substantial, but we are not logic machines, we have feelings, and I’m feeling joy. Facebook has been painful to follow for much of the week, today made it all worthwhile. My newsfeed is filled with joy. I was so overwhelmed I just posted this.
I’m filled with patriotism and love of humanity. It’s hard to concentrate on writing. I want to celebrate. But first I’ll console those that aren’t celebrating. I know you feel like it’s the end of the world, as we did four years ago. The difference is that Biden has declared that he’s going to be a president for all Americans, not just those that voted for him. He is not a culture warrior but a culture peacemaker. I can’t put myself in your shoes. I don’t know what you are afraid of, but I can assure you that you won’t be attacked. That you will not lose your rights. Your children will not be thrown in cages, your churches won’t be closed, or your bibles burned. You won’t even have your guns taken away. You’ll live in a freer and more prosperous country where the typical person will be better off. COVID-19 will be more effectively dealt with. You might even learn that having people of color or low-income housing in your area is not a bad thing. Just give it a chance.
I’m over the disappointment of not winning the Senate though I’m not giving up on a 50-50 split with Harris being the tiebreaker. 2022 will have a more favorable senate map for the Democrats. We might have to wait until then for the big changes. I’m not giving up hope on a progressive agenda and neither should you. Be a realist and don’t execrate Biden for not working miracles. He’ll play the hand he was dealt. It’s a beautiful day, I’ll pull a Trump and give Biden credit for that. Be happy. Don’t look at what we’ve lost but what we gained. Enjoy the day. I will. I might even venture outside for a walk. I’ll eat Democracy Sausage for dinner. I’m going to call a friend and share the joy with them. Do the same. Give yourself a treat. The world isn’t perfect. All our problems are not going to miraculously solved but leave the problems until tomorrow. Today make merry.
Wise Madness 