It’s been a month since the election and I still find myself saying “I can’t believe Americans have elected a Fascist”. I am fearful of the evil and hate that is bubbling up, sadly even in isolated incidents in my progressive, blue state region. I can’t imagine what is must be like in more conservative parts of the country.
Recently I attended a gardening seminar. The master gardener was very informative about how a garden was a complex system which needed to be tended through all seasonal cycles. Each part is highly dependent on the other. Much of what he said could be a metaphor for our society but what struck me most was this statement:
“The bug on the rose is evil, but so is the person who sees only the bug.”
Last Saturday the KKK had a rally in North Carolina where supporters gave the Nazi salute as a convoy of 30+ vehicles paraded down the main street, flying confederate flags. Evil is now being openly paraded and cheered.
The same day I went to a rally for love, planned to counter the North Carolina rally. Speeches about love and caring for our neighbors were given, plans were made to help protect those who may be targeted and we marched from one park to another, holding hand made signs that said “Peace on Earth” and “Love Forever”. One child held a sign that said “Mr.Trump, please be nice to others.”
One of the organizers was a Muslim woman I know from my town who organizes birthday parties for homeless children. How beautiful is that?
America had an election and did not get what it expected but perhaps got what it deserved. I think we have neglected our garden in many ways and we are now paying the price. Every day my news feed is filled with dramatic fear mongering and yes, we are facing a very evil threat to our environment, our people, our garden. We need to get back to work and eradicate the evil bug that has invaded.
But we also must not forget to appreciate and nurture the beauty that remains around us. Nature still astounds and reminds us what we are fighting for. There are so many good people who work to protect the marginalized and so many neighbors who take care of their neighbors. For every instance of evil I read about, I see a hundred instances of love and beauty. It gives me hope.
“The bug on the rose is evil, but so is the person who sees only the bug.”
This election is really shaking things up. Let's see what shakes out. My strong hope is this is a wake up call to the vast majority of Americans who are decent people. Trying hard to see the good.
ReplyDeletei agree with you, colette. hope floats.
DeleteI too keep thinking that this is the proverbial "bottom of the barrel" and we will now work to be better.
DeleteIt's still incomprehensible. Thank you for the reminder to see the rose. We need that.
ReplyDeleteThankful for you, my dear...
xoxoxo
Everyday brings another round of "WTF???" I am trying to find the balance between working to change the ugly while still keeping an eye on the good and beautiful. He is making it quite the challenge.
DeleteA very thoughtful and necessary post. Despair leads to apathy which leads to evil winning. From a European perspective I am aghast and bewildered at the USA - perhaps people did not believe that Trump meant what he said? And as a child of the 60s I cannot believe that the KKK is even still in existence:( But I was joined to Pantsuit Nation by a fellow blogger and reading about what all those amazing people are doing in order to stand up for and stand with their fellow Americans echoes what you have written here. Sending positive waves and strength to you all in your fight!
ReplyDeletePersonally I think that Trump uncovered a very despondent and angry layer of Americans which we all need to be cognizant and sympathetic to. Unfortunately I think they will find that Trump will do nothing for them.
DeleteThanks for the positive waves, we will definitely need them.
"Come Together" here's to calmer, more reasoned, bug clearing heads and actions prevail.
ReplyDeleteI'll drink to that :clink:
Deletei can't thank you enough for writing this. i will remember that quote for a long time. it affirms what i know is true and confirms that some of our work is joy and being astonished.
ReplyDeletei kept thinking americans will not stand for donald trump and those supporters who fascist and racist and so many other -ists. i just don't see the country allowing it. maybe because he's so obvious, i think we'll fight back strongly. i hope i'm right.
with love, 8. happy holidays xo
kj
I hope so too.
DeleteHappy holidays to you and yours.
Wow, absolutely fantastic blog. I am very glad to have such useful information.
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