We choose the path forward 💛

I’ve had several conversations over the last few weeks with friends across the political spectrum who are deeply concerned about the direction our country is heading. Their reasons vary, but recent polls confirm this is a broad sentiment felt by Americans of all political stripes.

The conversation often ends with some form of “but I have no idea what to do about it.” I don’t have all the answers (nor do any of us). I know, though, that it begins by showing up in community with one another. Let me give you a few places to find inspiration.

I love the idea of finding an activity to make a habit and that offers tangible progress toward a meaningful goal. Maybe it’s community gardens. Perhaps it’s attendance at our Chadds Ford Walking Club. Might you start or host an anti-fascist book club (or a fiction book club; there’s interest in our community)? Volunteer regularly at KACS or another local food pantry (the need is growing). You might be surprised how much these types of activities fill your cup and help foster hope of a better future.
Are you passionate about how our local community develops in the future? There’s a bipartisan grassroots group working to ensure resident voices are heard regarding the development of a new strip mall on Ridge Rd and 202. Check it out if that’s an area where you feel called to speak up and connect with like-minded neighbors.
Go for a walk with a friend who you know votes differently from you. Get curious. Don’t expect them to change their mind. Listen. Ask follow-up questions. It’s ok if it’s uncomfortable; that’s normal. Sit with it, and say, “Let me reflect on that later.” Exchange articles, books, and social media posts that help articulate each other’s positions without being shameful. It might foster hope (even if they don’t change their mind, and they probably won’t, especially right away). The goal should be for both to step away, saying, “You’ve given me something to think about.”

Resist together

Small acts of peaceful resistance add up, and attendance at events helps you find community with people who also seek ways to take action against an increasingly authoritarian government.

I try not to make this newsletter too explicitly political or partisan (though, of course, I write from the bias of my own perspective). The primary purpose of the newsletter is to enhance transparency and accuracy in our discourse, while also fostering common ground with our neighbors.

We have so much to share, even when we don’t agree on political policy, religion, school curriculum, or the best place for mushroom soup in the Brandywine Valley (btw, it’s none of them because mushrooms are gross 🤣, so I’ll let the rest of the mushroom lovers weigh in on that one).

I hope we can all take a step back and consider the risks associated with consolidating federal power and its impact on state sovereignty, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of movement, and other fundamental rights.

What’s currently happening is not good for any of us. Even if it’s leaning in your favor today, eventually it won’t. The violent rhetoric tone is coming from the top (and elsewhere, but the tone from the top should be held to the highest standard of leadership). It’s harming all of us. The resistance to quell it will only come from the bottom: me, you, us.

Here is a compelling example of what that might look like. Here are two collective acts of resistance in our local area that might inspire you to take action (West Chester and Delaware County).

I’d love to hear your suggestions for countering hate, violent rhetoric, ruthless corruption by political leaders, and division. Fair or not, it has to start with us.