I Know I’ve Got to Find Some Kind of Peace of Mind

Plus the grand finale of the Kamala Harris sign saga.

Photo from Canva AI

Hey friends, thank you for being here today. Please tap the heart if you enjoy reading this newsletter. Remember, we’re all in this together.

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I tried to open today's newsletter with something fun and light.

I racked my brain for a story that would amuse and captivate.

I wanted to comfort you with encouragement and positivity.

I got nothing.

My heartache is bottomless, and I wonder how you're all doing. I'm furious because we couldn't stop Donald Trump from getting re-elected. I am consumed with worry about my children's and grandchildren's futures.

How many people will he harm or kill with his draconian policies? What will happen to our international alliances? What about summer weather in November?

I am gutted.

Not everyone is down in the dumps like me. I have heard many “Hallelujahs” and “Praise the Lord” as well as sighs of relief. I don't expect you, dear community member, to agree with my viewpoint, nor would I ever expect that in such a diverse country. We are products of our environment, and if I were watching conservative, right-leaning media sources, I would form my opinions differently. I caught a couple of commercials on Fox and was horrified at their presentation of our president and vice president. Those images gave me insight into our division.

I haven't watched mainstream media for years. My aversion started when news anchors were getting off on sensationalizing the weather. I decided to lower my anxiety about impending storms by tuning out, and I have never regretted that decision.

After this year's election and how the media manipulated viewers for ratings, people are getting the message. They played us, with Fox News leading the pack in ratings. In October, MSNBC had 1.1 million viewers per day; this month, the number has fallen to 780,000 viewers. CNN numbers are lower still, and they’re tanking, too.

Today, I woke up thinking about politics at 3:30 a.m. Figuring out what went wrong with the election isn’t my job, yet I still obsess. The majority of the American electorate voted for a dictator on day one (his words), adjudicated rapist, and convicted felon who will enjoy a majority in the House and Senate. He lied about not knowing about Project 2025 before the election, but as I write this, his staff is busy preparing its implementation at the start of Trump’s term.

So, my tank is empty today.

But come with me to my corner of the world for a moment.

First, I want to update you on the journey of our Kamala Harris signs. A few weeks ago, I wrote about A Battle with Kamala Sign Thieves and a Lesson on Never Backing Down.

Since then, we determined two different groups stole our signs six times.

First time 10/4

Second time 10/14

Third time 10/24

Fourth time 10/30 —Eggs also thrown, with one puncturing our window screen

Fifth time 10/31

Sixth time 11/5

We were repeatedly targeted because we supported a Democratic presidential candidate. When we posted about the missing signs on our town's Facebook page, one commenter said, "Your signs belong in the trash." More obnoxious comments followed.

My neighbor's Ring camera got clear photos of the Kamala sign thieves, and we positively identified two of them as our neighbor's kids a few doors down.

Do I need to mention that these children were upper-class, white teenage boys? One girl participated in at least one heist. None of the kids have received any consequences. One of the parents is on the school board and a Mom of Liberty.

Could you imagine if a Mexican neighbor's child stole a Trump sign in my neighborhood?

When I went canvassing with our local council candidate, more than one homeowner admitted they were afraid to put out a sign supporting a Democrat. I don’t blame them, but is this how we want to live?

What is happening right now, America?

My second update is that all three Democratic council candidates lost our local election. Two of the three candidates were women. In her article “What Running for Office Taught Me About People, "

Maggie Doucette

draws us into her candidate experience here in our Jersey Shore town. I recommend you check it out.

It took courage for two female first-time Democratic candidates to put themselves out there. I borrowed snippets of their courage to canvass with them. Knocking on strangers' doors turned out to be no big deal.

Canvassing on a local campaign has been a training ground for what lies ahead. No, I’m not running for office, but new challenges are coming. We all have to be brave and resist the incoming fascist government as it attempts to chip away at our civil rights.

YouTuber and TikToker Father David discusses a term I had never heard before— anticipatory disobedience. He is one of the lone Christian voices against Trump, and I respect him immensely. He states that we have to use our voices to perform acts of anticipatory disobedience, like:

• Write a letter to the editor periodically in support of the LGBTQIA community.

• Attend school board meetings and ask about critical thinking skills in the curriculum.

• Be extra kind to neighbors and others who need our support.

• If you're a Christian, practice the Gospel.

• If you’re a human, be love.

As Father David says, there's a tsunami of bigotry, misogyny, and hatred coming our way. It’s tempting to return these forces with negativity, but lovingkindness is always the answer, even when it’s hard, and it could be a lifeline for someone looking to escape the cult.

They need a safe place to land, or they will dig deeper.

President Biden’s consoling words after the election were, “When we get knocked down, we get back up.” I agree with Father David’s words, too, but I'm not there yet. For now, I will feel my feelings and follow the flow of grief.

How are you managing? Advice is welcomed in the comments.