When I was younger, I would watch television and the stories about elections in other countries and quickly change the channel to a topic that interested me – leaving behind the news stories that felt so distant. News stories that didn’t have anything to do with me – or so I thought.
Today is a big election day in the U.S. and finally I understand. The decisions made today for every official position that is open – will be felt around the world.
I have never been more involved or paid better attention to an election in my life. So much is at stake here in the U.S. and around the world because of our activity in other countries. I am voting for Jill Stein because she is the only one who has the urgency to work on the issues that are facing us, and the world, right now. The things I am most concerned about?
Climate change and how my footprint in this world changes the environment.
Our daughter has a mortgage worth of student loans.
Funding of public education is being leeched out and our children are suffering for it.
People need to be paid a living wage and not be expected to work three jobs to just survive.
The natural world is being destroyed because of greed.
The fact that 1 in 3 children in MY city are hungry every day and don’t have the basic resources a human being should have.
It hurts my heart to know that all people are not treated equal – so many are treated as less than human.
Corporations have more rights than citizens.
What is happening to people of color and native people around the world – but especially here in the U.S. is appalling.
None of these things can be corrected overnight. I don’t have the answers to how they can be fixed, but I do know that I cannot sit idly by and wait for someone else to fix them. Today is a jumping off point. This is just the beginning and we DO have power. We have the power to change ourselves, get educated, and get involved where we can. I will find where I can stand up and help – or kneel down and pray for the seemingly hopeless situations. There is great beauty in the world. Nature will fix the mistakes we have made if she has a little help. People will amaze you once you get to know them. Step out your door and meet your neighbors and treasure every day – because no matter who we vote for today, the reality is that our world is always changing and we have to wake up and acknowledge how much we desperately need each other.
I refuse to go on living as a spectator in my own life!
Much love,
Michele