In free and fair elections we trust . . .

If we do our part, Kamala will do hers.

Sep 10, 2024

It would be so easy to leave this up to Kamala.

Make it her burden, her challenge, to rise to the occasion.

But that’s just not us.

Each in our own way, we know what it means to answer the call.

Unexpectedly, to step up, to be charged with the welfare of another.

To care for, protect a sibling in need. An ailing or aging parent or aunt. A spouse or partner absent, ill or dying. A friend in dire need. A troubled neighbor. A community in need of community - a tutor, a coach or mayor. To succeed a boss, the one who showed us the way.

We have each faced down the statistically seductive arguments - that one vote cannot make a difference. That other good souls will fill the gap-of-our-own-making, in joining grass-roots organizations, working at the polls, writing that letter to the editor.

But those voices in our heads did not carry the day. Our conscience directed the story.

Because we know the butterfly effect is real: Doing something, however small, always matters.

Let us count the ways:

Remind an Uber driver to check her voter registration and voting district before going to the polls.
Offer an elderly or disabled neighbor a lift to the polls.
Send postcards to registered voters, reminding them to vote early.
Even reach for ApplePay or your checkbook, to pony up five more dollars, to the candidate of your choice, the one dedicated to improving the lives of constituents and community.

Acts like these offer light, dial back the darkness of he-who-shall-not-be-named.

Why lower case “he”? Because “he” is a bitter, churlish, vindictive little man. A comic strip Joker with genuinely murderous plans for our America the Beautiful.

You know it, Dick Cheney knows it, The Atlantic knows it, Rolling Stone knows it, and every Republic-loving citizen knows it.

Whatever your preferred faction in our theater of American politics, “he” is:

the deadly snake in the garden,
the one who would cast out values republican and divine alike,
the values that order our factious political and human natures,
that forbid acts of violence and anarchy,
the very acts that would bring our Founders to tears.

Our choice?

Bring heart, body and soul to this election - support the one chosen to oppose him.

Fortify this seasoned prosecutor, praise her love of Country, channel her energetic commitment to truly public service, and vote - for her enduring commitment to keep our Republic a republic.

*****