We chose the Shit Sandwich

And I left for a family road trip

As I wrote just three days ago, voters had a choice between Planet A (Trumplandia—a scary place crawling with migrant vermin, woke ideology and trans athletes) and Planet Z (Kamalaland - a joyous place of positive plans for a more inclusive and equitable future). Somehow, the majority of us preferred the shit sandwich of Planet A. 

I am numb. The grief, rage and fear will come soon enough. We’ll get a flood of explanatory data, finger-pointing, recriminations. 

Here’s my own depressing thought: America is STILL not ready for a woman to be president. Especially a sane, whip-smart BLACK woman. We need to acknowledge this ugly truth to ourselves: American voters only trust rich white men in places of power.

Right now I’m grateful that six hours after the election was called, I left for a road trip with my older son and his family to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyou. We will try not to talk about this. Instead we are basking in the beauty and companionship.

Late afternoon hike along the Virgin River in Zion National Park

My older son and family, here from France!

Morning light on the painted rocks

I already wrote about not wanting to be right about what a Trump presidency could bring. I still fervently wish to be wrong. This is a link you can bookmark, for when you’re eating that shit sandwich and have to acknowledge I was right. 

Before the Trump grievance tour begins, we have two months to pull ourselves together, to strengthen our resolve to fight for a more just society, to do what we can to shore up what legal constraints remain, and above all, to care for each other. Especially we must protect those who the MAGA movement has vilified: immigrants, people of color, the LGBTQ community, journalists, scientists, prosecutors, and Trump’s political enemies (anyone who has opposed him—and that is a LOT of us). 

PUT YOURSELF IN THE PATH OF BEAUTY

Now, more than ever… 

Section of floor mosaic (pennies) at Feel Love Cafe in St, George Utah

And a cheery thought from my friend Judi’s poetry box.

Take care of yourselves, friends. Let’s turn towards the light. We can do this.