The words to Don McLean’s old song keep popping into my head when I think of the current situation in America. We were number one, we had the good life for so long—bye bye to all that! But of course not everyone got their fair slice of the American pie, and so we find ourselves deep in the throes of income inequality, racism, the lack of a decent immigration policy, and so on.
My blog is about life in France, and I try not to get political with it. But today, shortly before maybe the most important election of our lifetime, it’s all that’s on my mind, and on the minds of the French and the rest of world, as well as Americans. And if you are like me, what’s on your mind is a powerless feeling that we are headed for doom. The virus is in hot pursuit, the beloved Ruth Ginsberg is dead, the West is on fire, and we’re headed for an election that could easily be followed by violence, as Trump said just yesterday that he won't sign up for a peaceful transfer of power. And if he wins…well, four more years of Trump being Trump. I don’t see good outcomes here.
And most of all, I keep asking myself, what can I do? I’d really like to get a good book and some strong drink, pull the covers over my head, and not come out until next year (or maybe four). You too? But if we want to save our Democracy, we’ve got to do better than that.
Posting on social media makes us feel better, but does that really reach the folks we’d like to reach? And I feel too old to get out there and protest (though Jane Fonda is putting me to shame!).
I've shaken myself out from under the covers to do a few things. Lately I've discovered Vote Forward, which has ideas of what to do it you want to get involved without hitting the streets. I’ve written 100 letters to fellow Americans, urging them to vote. They make it easy, providing you with form letters and addresses. And for sure I call my congress and senate representatives.
I made myself a list of other things I can do, and I will share that list with you today. See that ACT section in particular (my list has been greatly enriched by my friend and activist Laura, who is always on the hunt for ways to make a difference). This is my wish list for all Americans, whatever your politics, or your race.
—VOTE! And ask everyone you know to vote!
—READ reputable news sources on every side. For example, I read the New York Times and the Washington Post plus Fox news every day, and sometimes Breitbart. This has really opened my eyes to why we are so polarized: we are not all getting accurate information and news. And it!s interesting to see different viewpoints, I encourage everyone to do this, no matter what your party affiliation!
—FACT CHECK If there’s any doubt about info you read. Someone’s post on facebook may or may not be true—and it may be posted by Russia!
—CALL your senators and representatives. It takes 5 minutes or less, and it’s important. You can also call Mitch McConnell's office, or call in other states where the races are close (here is a list of battleground states). Do it today! Do it often!
—TALK to one another, even if you’re on opposite sides of the political spectrum, and with respect. This is a hard one, I know, but how else will we change hearts and minds?
—EXAMINE your own prejudices and biases. We all have them!
—MANAGE your anger. Raging and complaining lets off steam but gets you nowhere, unless you channel your anger productively.
—ACT. Find ways to get involved with the causes that matter to you. If you need ideas, try joining a political organization like Indivisible, they will keep you informed on the issues and make suggestions for action. PA Stands Up is another. You can text voters by working with this group, or with the Democratic Volunteer Center or the Resistance Labs. These texts can have a real impact on voters. And donate to your favorite political cause, if you can.
Now, how are YOU coping? if you have more ideas, please weigh in and share. And after that, we will get back to things that are fun and French!
In the COMMENTS: Betina, I'm sure your dad would have loved it, and I hope you get here soon. Natalia, no library on view, but they did have the old kitchen set up, just as it would have been. Anne Marie, I don't know that château but will put it on my travel list, merci. Et aussi, Francine, la Monastère Royal de Brou, je l'ai vu mais il y a longtemps. Frank stayed at Chateau La Flocilliere, another interesting one, so my list is getting long. Paula, what a story, a cautionary tale about buying a château--Jane has one too.
Favorite READS: While hanging out at home, I'm expanding my reading a bit, and I've dipped into a new volume of short stories. It's called Ground: Fiction, Stories to Keep You Up All Night, and it's by 16 new authors. Don't miss the one that's a timely COVID romance, by Bennett Gates. Our reader Christine likes the Grape Expectations series, which we've talked about before. Debbie has a good one to recommend, The Road to Villa Page, a memoir of life in the Dordogne.