Fair warning: If you came here today to find an update on life aboard Small World riddled with my attempts to be funny and entertaining, I think you’re going to be disappointed. Today’s entry is going to be political AF. If you don’t want to read it, that’s fine. But this has to happen before resuming normal operating procedures. I promise to post apolitical entries soon. In the meantime, I would love to discuss any and all of this with you. Because we may not change each other’s minds or save the country with a single discussion, but there has been a clear divide in the country and the only way to overcome it is to understand each other.

(If you want a song to listen to while reading this, here’s one of my new favorites. The fact that this song reminds people of me… hell yes.)

This is at least my third attempt to write an entry for the blog about the 2016 election. Craig intervened and told me not to post the ultra-emotional version, so you can thank him for that. I think anyone reading this knows where I stand on most, if not all, political issues so I’m sure you’re not shocked to hear that the election was surreal and depressing. I applaud journalists and writers able to capture emotions so quickly and on a deadline.

Well let’s jump right in shall we?

I’m disappointed that a hate monger was not only supported, but elected by the people surrounding me. Plenty of people were upset that they were identified as racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, and the rest of what Trump represents. But in the wake of his inauguration, I don’t see any of those folks speaking out against all of the things he has done to prove that they disagree with his actions. Everyone was able to express their discontent with Obama, so what’s stopping them now?

I’m disappointed in myself for not realizing how hateful this country still is. I was in my own naïve liberal bubble. I’ll own that. And I’m sorry for it. And I’m doing my best to change my level of involvement and knowledge. If you find yourself in similar shoes, there are a few resources (including links) for you to help get informed and involved.

• Daily Action – Get a daily text with a link to additional information and a phone number that automatically connects you to your representative.
• 5 Calls – Get reminders and information about current events and calls to make.
• Countable – an app that lets you track bills as they are proposed and move through congress. Join the discussion with others on each bill. You can narrow the field to topics you are interested in.
• Indivisible Guide – Learn how to get involved on a local level and participate in the system.
• Podcasts!
  • Pod Save America – former Obama staffers discuss the state of affairs as they unfold. They make you laugh so you don’t cry.
  • Pod Save the World – Same as above, but international focus.
  • 2 Dope Queens – because you need to keep your sanity and these women bring the laughs.
• Women’s March – They didn’t stop at the protest. They are continuing to organize and resist. Intersectional feminism doesn’t give a shit if you think it’s stupid or unnecessary. It still fights for your rights. You’re welcome. Consider learning about it and getting involved.
• Black Lives Matter – Because they do.
• International Rescue Committee – “Founded at Albert Einstein’s request, the IRC offers lifesaving aid and solutions to today’s most challenging human crises.” Refugees are already going through extreme vetting to ensure the safety of lives on American soil. Help make sure they still have a chance to come here, regardless of their religion.
• Planned Parenthood – escort some folks from their car into the clinic. Also, learn the stats and the facts. Even if you don’t agree with abortion, you can support Planned Parenthood. For the record, ZERO federal funds are used for abortion services. And abortion services only account for 3% of medical procedures performed. Or even consider looking at local clinics that don’t have the large support of Planned Parenthood.
• ACLU – They have already been hard at work keeping this administration (and every other administration) in check. This is pretty bipartisan if you ask me.

Listen, this is just a small sample of what is out there – choose your own adventure. Subscribe to some newspapers. (I’ve enjoyed my NY Times subscription, but generally anything that Trump talks shit about is a good bet so we don’t end up with state run media.) Pick a topic that you’re passionate about and google it. Not passionate about anything yet? What are you curious about? Be real, none of us knows everything and you’re never too old to learn. And you’re never too old or too young to hold elected officials accountable.

The awakening of progressives has been incredible. Suddenly, I am involved in a very active group of friends who are discussing politics more than any other topic. We are lobbying each other and our networks. We may not be able to stop everything Trump (and his puppeteers) attempt to implement, but we’ll be damned if we’re not going to try. Not that he was likely paying attention, but on his first full day in office, the largest protest in history happened. The majority of voters do not want Trump or what he represents and we will not sit back and keep our fingers crossed for the next 4 years. In fact, I flew across the country and drove 8 hours over night with Emily to make sure I was in DC to add my voice to the Million Woman March on Washington. AND IT WAS AMAZING. Millions of people, across the globe, on all seven continents organized and peacefully protested on behalf of women… but also on behalf of all humans, regardless race, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, sexual identity, gender expression, economic status, age or disability. So #ThanksTrump, for the only positive thing you’ll likely do during your (hopefully extremely short) time in office. We are fired up, ready to go.

Burn the shit out of that white flag. Surrender nothing.

We will not go away. Welcome to your first day.

a V small sampling

Many of us are finding our voices. Prepare yourself.

I’m not sure if love trumps hate, but I’m willing to take my chances.

I’ll always cheers to that. ALWAYS.

Someone wrap that woman in bubble wrap.

Emmy B. and I have no plans of backing down.

I hear Frederick Douglas is doing some great things and getting some great attention.

Could not help but laugh – and it turned out to be Emmy’s friend.

No time to knit our own.