Some election thoughts

I filmed this as a video but can’t get it to upload. So, we’re doing text instead.

I don’t publicly talk a lot about politics or current events. Partly because I don’t like to use social media any more than is absolutely necessary for an artist in the 21st century, and partly because if I commented every time some heart wrenching thing happened, every time I was disgusted by a politician or regime or ruling, it would be all I talk about. But I’ve never tried to hide my politics and I figured that someday something would happen that would compel me to make a statement like this, detailing my thoughts or concerns. So here we are.

Like a lot of people, I’m disappointed and angry by the results of the election. I have more words to share on that, but first I want to talk to the supporters of trump and the Republican Party.

I’ve heard a lot of you dismiss the biggest fears of the left. I’ve been assured that women won’t be imprisoned for miscarriages or regularly die waiting for care that’ll never come. That we’ll somehow be able to deport thousands of human beings humanely. That the world won’t become more dangerous, that things won’t get worse for the most vulnerable people. That we’re not heading down a very dark path. I hope you’re right. But please pay attention if you’re not. If you see your friends, your neighbors, your family in peril, pay attention. Whether or not you blame the administration or “bad apples” or whatever for any injustices that unfold or, let’s be honest, continue to unfold over the next four years, pay attention. And when you hear people on the left continuing to express fear and anger, do not dismiss them out of hand. Whether they’re loud or quiet about it, someone you love shares those feelings genuinely. They at least deserve your empathy and your support if it turns out they are right. Your neighbors are not the “enemy from within”. and I have to believe that anyone who is taking the time to read this agrees with that.

Now, I want to turn towards the left. Progressives, Harris supporters, liberals, etc.

It’s not great. And as much as I want to, I can’t tell anyone that you shouldn’t feel helpless right now or even paralyzed by fear. But for anybody with the time, money, and/or privileges of their identity or upbringing, the most vulnerable will need us. Progress happens in good times and in bad, and while we can’t change whoever’s crowned god king, there are genuine ways to affect change in your community. I personally am using this election as a real push to do more in my neighbor and in my city. I don’t think I’m alone. It’s not over. We are not approaching the end of history.

So please please please don’t fall into despair. Don’t give into hate and declare that America deserves whatever it gets. Because my kids don’t deserve the worst outcome. Immigrants and refugees who are just as much a part of America as anyone don’t deserve it. The voters who tried their best don’t deserve it.

A country is just an abstract collection of people; the president does not reveal our “soul”. We’re not facing judgement day. We’re just facing another day in which we’ve gotta do our best.

And as disappointed as I am by the outcome of this election, it doesn’t shake my views of humanity or America. I’m not going to pretend like both sides are basically the same and equally right sometimes. There’s a lot of disinformation and hate. Some people do see marginalized groups as expendable. But…

I still believe that most people are genuine in their efforts to make things better.

And I believe that one way or another, things will get better. Progress is not linear; progress is always possible. In the meantime, I’ll still be trying to make all of you laugh.

Alright. Fuck fascists. Choose peace whenever you can. Bye.