How are you doing now?
I know, I know. It seems Trump keeps poking at liberals with every cabinet pick, the expectation of a circus coming into clearer view. Politically, these are going to be four very rough years. After the election, I’d posted that people needed time to recover. This, no doubt, continues.
If you’re American, you have Thanksgiving this week to potentially be thrust into rooms where meals—and meal conversation—are shared with MAGA-loving gloaters. Yes, they will gloat. You may have done the same had the election gone the other way, the right way. I hope the host of the big feast at least calls for no hats at the dinner table. It’s a special meal. Special rules of etiquette apply.
Personally, I don’t see the point in engaging with a MAGA disciple right now. They feel especially emboldened and confident. Do you really want to give them an excuse to flash the loser hand gesture? Do you want to lose it as that loser?
Seriously, if a conversation could make a difference, have it. But, for so many, it won’t. Anyone who voted for Trump, even those who claim they don’t like him, won’t be swayed by much these days. Hold your tongue. Then, breathe…Deliver a delusional devotional to the cranberry sauce if you must. Talk about Wicked. Put out a safe discussion topic.
What will Adele do now that her Vegas residency has ended?
What Thanksgiving leftover would go best on pizza?
Should there be a support group for survivor turkeys?
Recovery is still the thing.
While recovering, now is a good time to fortify others for whom taking action is their raison d’être. It’s near the end of 2024 and a great time to top up tax-deductible donations to the worthy causes you think are in position to advocate and push back most effectively during the Trump term.
Pinpoint the issue(s) you’re most concerned about. There will be organizations fighting hard for continuing progress or at least resisting what is seen as regression. Obvious issues include trans rights, abortion, gun control, freedom from religion in public schools, homelessness, preservation of broader LGBTQ rights, climate change, immigration, access to all kinds of books and diversity in hiring. I know, I know, there is more. Issues pop into my head like someone transplanted a Whac-A-Mole game in my brain.
Donate now. As well, add a calendar note for after Christmas to consider more donations before the New Year if you receive a work bonus or if Santa happens to be good to you. Most politically oriented nonprofits were not blindsided by the election result. They have been planning for months for either outcome. Their worst-case scenario plan is being tweaked now but the good thing is a decent draft likely exists. Money is required for staffing, for legal fights, for demonstrations, for communication campaigns and hopefully for some strategic actions in states most vulnerable and states where positive change may most likely occur.
Yes, keep on with that personal recovery. Donate extra if you can. And get through Thanksgiving. Enjoy the stuffing. Chew slower. Pretend your mouth is full at certain moments, if you must. This is the beginning of choosing battles in a pragmatic, thoughtful manner.
Happy week!
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