Saving Democracy While Living My Life

The thought of spending any mental energy on the impending Constitutional crisis, on the Supreme Court of Georgia's mere existence, on the revocation of visas and the vague chilling effect all of this is having on what I write.... well, denizens, it's just too much.

I started out on Friday, wearing a school t-shirt,  at Prince Elementary's Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony.  We were treated to a not quite ready for prime time but totally adorable rehearsal of all four kindergarten classes' Promotion to First Grade on the stage, one table away.

Look at these patient five and six year olds waiting for the grown ups to fix the sound system.

The lovely woman who coordinates the monthly Food Bank was as delighted as I was when the first little one called out my first but not last personal greeting.  There was an occasional wave and there were many smiles until the music started.  The singing and dancing was enthusiastic; they earned a standing ovation.  

I changed into my Good Trouble t-shirt and went on to the bi-weekly, LD18 Democrat organized, street protest in front of Rep. Juan Ciscomani's Tucson office.

I went upstairs, said hello to the lovely young people behind my Representative's security alarmed entrance, and left a note wishing he'd make a public statement about the Administration's plan to deport US citizens. 

I waved my sign

for a while, raising a thumbs up to the honking horns with the other pissed off citizens, then I turned my sign to the side I drive around with,

changed into my Every Body is Beautiful pilates shirt, and sweated for an hour before returning to school and gardening with the kiddos.

I spent Saturday morning doing the same things, without the school pieces.  I'm in great shape which is a good thing since holding a sign up,  no matter how light,  requires a certain amount of stamina. 

This was a lot easier 50 years ago. I cannot believe we have to do this again.  Saving democracy is hard work.  I hope there are some young people willing to pick up the mantle.  This is going to be a long fight.