Vigilance & Resistance

fullsizeoutput_29b1What now? Does anyone have a plan?

Trump’s electoral vote victory reeks of GOP and Russian trickery. Hillary Clinton’s popular vote lead is now approaching two and a half million. Efforts to start recounts, at least in a few states where vote tampering was most apparent, are underway. But if you’re hoping for a surprise electoral college reversal, you’re going to be disappointed. Trump will be inaugurated on Friday, January 20th.

As a retired white male, I could easily go with the flow. After all, I’ve got mine and no one is coming after me. But I’m part of the majority who voted for Hillary Clinton and when it turned out our votes didn’t count, I got angry.

In addition to getting angry, it’s time to get real. We’re Americans too, and we love our country. Leaving is not an option. We have to not just stick it out but actively work toward making Trump a one-term president (gee, where have we heard that before?). As an active citizen, a participant in an active electorate, I for one am not quitting.

Not quitting means vigilance and resistance. Turn your anger over yet another stolen election into resolve. Pay close attention to the Trump administration’s plans and actions. Refuse to passively absorb what news the media deigns to share. Search out media sources willing to go deep and report what’s actually going on, and support them in their efforts. Support and encourage those in Congress who resist Trump, McConnell, Ryan, and the billionaires. Loudly protest voter suppression and the return to Jim Crow in Red states. When the administration or legislature tries to enact mass deportations and torture, or to privatize Social Security and Medicare, write your representatives. Live and act on the values you and a majority of your fellow Americans share. Stand up to the bullies and thugs who think Trump’s victory has given them permission to abuse others.

As for co-existing with and among those who voted for Trump, of course we must, but we owe them nothing. Fuck their calls for civility and unity. They voted for a racist. They knew what they were doing. They showed their true colors.

People of good will are looking for effective ways to resist and oppose the things Trump, McConnell, and Ryan have promised to do. I’m going to be part of that resistance, and I’m looking for ideas, things I as a citizen can do. If you have ideas, please share.

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