Like you, I had never done anything to promote a candidate other than vote, but in this election, I just couldn't sit by. I ordered 100 plain postcards and sent them out from a list. It's not much, but I'm' disabled and unable to drive or really even walk straight, so sitting at a desk and doing "something" felt like a good start. Thanks for writing this, Ilona. I "get it!" I also feel unsafe around the "other side." Ugh.
It's clear there are many of us who are afraid because Kamala supporters don't come out or engage in conversation with the other side. It's just safer and saner that way.
Thank you for the exceptional article. I stopped reading when I read about you joining a Democratic club to search for one in my area. FWIW, my hubby is voting for Kamala. 🤍
One day when I was worrying about the future of our country, my friend told me to find my local Democratic club and volunteer there. It's worth it alone to meet like-minded people. Glad you are considering it!
Yes! They don’t seem to have any meetings set up though so that’s a bummer. But I’m on their email list now. Thanks for the idea. I’ve been wanting to help but felt so disempowered.
Supporting the American Community IS definitely a whole country necessity. I'm not afraid. I just wish I could do much more to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Love all of this! I can't wait to fully watch Dr. Arlene's YouTube. I loved the post-it note in bathroom idea. I've also only ever voted and not much else for support, but not anymore! Thanks for giving a voice to help us stand tall and proud!
Your experience highlights the polarization in our society, but it also underscores the importance of finding community. It's heartening to hear how you've found solace and support in your local Democratic club. In these divisive times, connecting with like-minded individuals can provide a sense of belonging and strength. Your willingness to engage with those who hold different views is commendable, and it's a crucial step towards bridging the divide.
I have had many conversations with the less aggressive Trump supporters. The conversation basically goes nowhere because we draw from two sets of reality, and we agree to disagree. I have Trumpers in my family and it's something I have learned to live beside.
Thanks for this eloquent essay for me to wake up to as my first "read" (other than skimming headlines in the Guardian) post-debate. After watching last night, I didn't want anything in my mind except for the memoir "Heartbreak" - my current literary read. I support every single word you say here, Ilona. You are such a good writer, and every point lands. We live in a very remote rural area, tinged bright blue, in a blue state, and savor the Harris Walz signs when we drive into Port Townsend, an hour away, once a week. My husband, whose newsletter is Words Words Words (Mark Rose) has spoken out there about Harris/Walz. He's been attacked via email by his right wing brother. So we get to see clearly how the other side rolls. Lies, cruelty, racism. I salute your courage.
Thanks, Kirie. I hadn't heard about "Hearbreak." I definitely want to read that now! The thing about living on the coasts is that you forget who lives in the middle of the United States. They have a very different mindset. Kudos to your husband! I just subscribed.
I recommend Florence William's "The Nature Fix" and "Heartbreak," both wedding deep scientific research and experimentation using herself as subject and humor. They are actually books, in this period of my life of mostly using the library, I'd want on my own shelves to read and re-read. My husband's siblings, like him, grew up in Brooklyn, so I've observed first hand that people from the coasts can also be right wing and racist.
Interesting that you want to own these books. I was planning on a trip to library for Heartbreak at least. Thanks for the advice.
Regarding the coasts, yes there are plenty right wingers/racists here. I live near the beach and am surrounded by Trumpers. I noticed when my husband and I took a cross country driving west to Wyoming, we were met with many more signs supporting Trump, and this was after the 2020 election.
I only want to own them because the sciency parts are less compelling to me than her personal stories but I do like science and might just absorb more on a second reading. In "Heartbreak" I just reached a place where she is very graphic about a man she briefly dated who's into s/m. I always wonder about the many memoirs I read where women talk about the failed marriage and they have kids. With the failed-marriage husband. And how would a kid feel reading about Mom's dating/sexual life. A friend recently urged me to write a memoir longer than the short pieces I publish. I said "I have a large family and daughter and it's their stories too." My friend said "You have the right to tell your own story." Not sure I do. Or only via fiction. I know this is quite the conversation in the literary world.
Yes, I was thinking of writing fiction for precisely that reason. I have in-laws now so I want to keep things on an even keel with all parties, including the Trump family members.
I throughly enjoyed your analysis. I plan to vote for Harris. I might offer the following addendum to the term “normalcy.” Historically, normalcy is referred to American isolationism. The co-opting of the term by Republican operatives is evidence of further evidence of disinformation. More to the point, being isolationist is not practical in this day and age. Isolationism refers to early America’s desire to not be entangled in the affairs of other nations. Since WWII, that has not been the case, and we have stood as a beacon of hope for the poor and disenfranchised.
Well done, Ilona! Your support in the writing and what you're doing behind the scenes is so important. I watched the debate last night and my nervous system went haywire watching. Friends of mine couldn't put themselves through it, he's so triggering. I understand. Any little thing we can do in support of Harris/Walz is valuable. Thanks for "putting it out there." We need to inspire one another to be brave in the ways we can, and this post did that.
Yes, and that's part of the reason why Trump supporters aren't viewed as educated. They don't learn about how things work in the law and in government and take Trump's brash word for it. If I only had the time to educate every person who comes my way, Lolo!
Excellent, Ilona!! Love this! What a great day to be alive and be a Democrat!
Yes, the debate showcased the quality of our candidate. I was very proud!
I couldn’t watch. That man triggers me. I know Kamala is the woman for the job!
Like you, I had never done anything to promote a candidate other than vote, but in this election, I just couldn't sit by. I ordered 100 plain postcards and sent them out from a list. It's not much, but I'm' disabled and unable to drive or really even walk straight, so sitting at a desk and doing "something" felt like a good start. Thanks for writing this, Ilona. I "get it!" I also feel unsafe around the "other side." Ugh.
It's clear there are many of us who are afraid because Kamala supporters don't come out or engage in conversation with the other side. It's just safer and saner that way.
It is much. I’m writing postcards to voters in Nevada, a swing state. Everything we all do to get voters to the polls is more than worthwhile.
You're right, of course, Barbara. Thanks for what you're doing to save democracy.
Thank you for the exceptional article. I stopped reading when I read about you joining a Democratic club to search for one in my area. FWIW, my hubby is voting for Kamala. 🤍
One day when I was worrying about the future of our country, my friend told me to find my local Democratic club and volunteer there. It's worth it alone to meet like-minded people. Glad you are considering it!
Yes! They don’t seem to have any meetings set up though so that’s a bummer. But I’m on their email list now. Thanks for the idea. I’ve been wanting to help but felt so disempowered.
Also look for your county democrat orgs. You should be able to find fellow democrats there.
Supporting the American Community IS definitely a whole country necessity. I'm not afraid. I just wish I could do much more to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Yes, I wish I could do more, too. Thanks for your unflinching support of Kamala & Tim.
Love all of this! I can't wait to fully watch Dr. Arlene's YouTube. I loved the post-it note in bathroom idea. I've also only ever voted and not much else for support, but not anymore! Thanks for giving a voice to help us stand tall and proud!
I'm so happy to hear this, Marlo! Kamala didn't get 400,000 new volunteers from nowhere. We're all feeling the same draw to help.
Your experience highlights the polarization in our society, but it also underscores the importance of finding community. It's heartening to hear how you've found solace and support in your local Democratic club. In these divisive times, connecting with like-minded individuals can provide a sense of belonging and strength. Your willingness to engage with those who hold different views is commendable, and it's a crucial step towards bridging the divide.
I have had many conversations with the less aggressive Trump supporters. The conversation basically goes nowhere because we draw from two sets of reality, and we agree to disagree. I have Trumpers in my family and it's something I have learned to live beside.
Thanks for this eloquent essay for me to wake up to as my first "read" (other than skimming headlines in the Guardian) post-debate. After watching last night, I didn't want anything in my mind except for the memoir "Heartbreak" - my current literary read. I support every single word you say here, Ilona. You are such a good writer, and every point lands. We live in a very remote rural area, tinged bright blue, in a blue state, and savor the Harris Walz signs when we drive into Port Townsend, an hour away, once a week. My husband, whose newsletter is Words Words Words (Mark Rose) has spoken out there about Harris/Walz. He's been attacked via email by his right wing brother. So we get to see clearly how the other side rolls. Lies, cruelty, racism. I salute your courage.
Thanks, Kirie. I hadn't heard about "Hearbreak." I definitely want to read that now! The thing about living on the coasts is that you forget who lives in the middle of the United States. They have a very different mindset. Kudos to your husband! I just subscribed.
I recommend Florence William's "The Nature Fix" and "Heartbreak," both wedding deep scientific research and experimentation using herself as subject and humor. They are actually books, in this period of my life of mostly using the library, I'd want on my own shelves to read and re-read. My husband's siblings, like him, grew up in Brooklyn, so I've observed first hand that people from the coasts can also be right wing and racist.
Interesting that you want to own these books. I was planning on a trip to library for Heartbreak at least. Thanks for the advice.
Regarding the coasts, yes there are plenty right wingers/racists here. I live near the beach and am surrounded by Trumpers. I noticed when my husband and I took a cross country driving west to Wyoming, we were met with many more signs supporting Trump, and this was after the 2020 election.
I only want to own them because the sciency parts are less compelling to me than her personal stories but I do like science and might just absorb more on a second reading. In "Heartbreak" I just reached a place where she is very graphic about a man she briefly dated who's into s/m. I always wonder about the many memoirs I read where women talk about the failed marriage and they have kids. With the failed-marriage husband. And how would a kid feel reading about Mom's dating/sexual life. A friend recently urged me to write a memoir longer than the short pieces I publish. I said "I have a large family and daughter and it's their stories too." My friend said "You have the right to tell your own story." Not sure I do. Or only via fiction. I know this is quite the conversation in the literary world.
Yes, I was thinking of writing fiction for precisely that reason. I have in-laws now so I want to keep things on an even keel with all parties, including the Trump family members.
I throughly enjoyed your analysis. I plan to vote for Harris. I might offer the following addendum to the term “normalcy.” Historically, normalcy is referred to American isolationism. The co-opting of the term by Republican operatives is evidence of further evidence of disinformation. More to the point, being isolationist is not practical in this day and age. Isolationism refers to early America’s desire to not be entangled in the affairs of other nations. Since WWII, that has not been the case, and we have stood as a beacon of hope for the poor and disenfranchised.
Yes, I agree that we are interconnected. Better to be cooperative citizens and neighbors. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you, Ilona, for this post. I feel very much the same as you, living in a population that supports Trump. You have inspired me to become braver.
Let's be brave together, Sue!
Well done, Ilona! Your support in the writing and what you're doing behind the scenes is so important. I watched the debate last night and my nervous system went haywire watching. Friends of mine couldn't put themselves through it, he's so triggering. I understand. Any little thing we can do in support of Harris/Walz is valuable. Thanks for "putting it out there." We need to inspire one another to be brave in the ways we can, and this post did that.
Yes, we were all on edge, but Kamala Harris hit it out of the park. It WILL be ok. We just need to do our part. Love always wins.
Indeed, Ilona. I loved seeing her hug the woman who got so teary, I forget where they were. And Kamal telling her just that, we’ll be OK.
Agreed, Lolo. I think all of us resisters deserve honorary degrees in Civics and PoliSci 😆🥰
Yes, and that's part of the reason why Trump supporters aren't viewed as educated. They don't learn about how things work in the law and in government and take Trump's brash word for it. If I only had the time to educate every person who comes my way, Lolo!