I’m worried.
I’m worried about this friend and that friend — the ones who care so deeply, who are so very angry right now.
Who post every day on Facebook about Donald Trump.
About him personally. About his policies-to-be.
About the important positions he wants to fill with people who appear to be the worst possible choices.
About the latest bone-headed Tweet he has sent blasting out into the world.
I’m worried because this anger, in my estimation, isn’t sustainable. Isn’t healthy.
I’m worried about the toll the next four years will take on my dear friends.
Let me be clear: I’m not a Trump fan. I don’t see what his supporters see. I’m doing my best to give the guy a chance, to have an open mind, to trust that love really does trump hate.
But like my friends, I’m angry. And fearful. And terrified. And sad.
I plan to join in the Triad NC Women’s March in Greensboro, NC, on Saturday, January 21, in solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington.
I love that this is a peaceful demonstration and not a protest. That we’re not “against” something but “for” something.
I’m marching because it’s something to “do” at a time when I don’t know what to do.
But I am clear on what I can’t do: I can’t be angry every day. I can’t respond to everything that Trump says or does that I disagree with.
That doesn’t mean I plan to be silent, that I’m going to put my head in the sand or look the other way.
But there has to be a happy medium. I hope I find it. I hope we all find it.
I don’t want Trump to get the best of me or the best of my friends.
He can’t win that, too.
Annie, I’m glad you’ve found a way to make this manageable for yourself. Something we all have to do. I will never, never, never feel like I need to “give the guy a chance.” NEVER. He’s mentally ill and dangerous. The anger is exhausting and you’re right, it’s unsustainable. But coming from the history I come from, a jew whose family lost many, I will never rest during this administration. As an out lesbian, I’m scared of the bile oozing from the pores of the haters. I will protect myself, and the people I love from all the ugliness. Anger is not a bad thing. Sending you my best love.
I have not found a way to make this manageable. Not yet.
Annie,
I agree with Nan. I don’t come from the history that she comes from, but I can understand. As I student of history, her fears are very real.
Trump triggered a lot of anger in me as a sexual assault victim, as a child of a controlling and abusive father, and as a woman who has always been told to take a backseat and let the men take control.
I’m still angry, but now I am turning that anger into action. I will march on Saturday. I have organized an Indivisible group in my Senate and House districts. I call and email my representatives. Anger can result in action which can result in positive changes.
As the Naomi Shulman said, “Nice people made the best Nazis. Or so I have been told. My mother was born in Munich in 1934, and spent her childhood in Nazi Germany surrounded by nice people who refused to make waves. When things got ugly, the people my mother lived alongside chose not to focus on “politics,” instead busying themselves with happier things. They were lovely, kind people who turned their heads as their neighbors were dragged away. The ones who weren’t nice people? The resisters.”
Count me as a resister.
Love to you Annie!
Yeah, manageable would be progress for me too. I have this horrible urge to copy the post from FB that shows a woman’s forehead inscribed with “Not my president”, not the post but the words across my own forehead! Yes, this anger and frustration, and feeling of futility in the midst of so much awfulness is not healthy, so I will shoot for manageable as well. It’s a start. Thanks Annie for all you do to make our world a better place to be. 😊