Well, America. You did get out your vote and you have spoken. What has been voted for and what it all means remain to be understood.
What we do know is that we are deeply divided. Horribly divided. Destructively divided. And a house divided cannot stand. It is now our duty to our country and to ourselves to figure out how we can move forward. There is a lot of work to be done. A lot of wounds to heal. A lot of reflection to do.
I do have some hope. Hope that those who don’t feel their voice is represented will work to be heard. Perhaps we’ve become a bit complacent. Perhaps we made assumptions that issues we thought were handled by our parents’ generation were history. It’s become apparent that they are not. The hurtful, awful messages made during the campaign did not deter a large number of people from saying they want change at whatever the cost. For those of us who don’t want to pay that cost, we now have to make our voices heard in constructive and not harmful ways.
One of the most interesting things for me, especially as a former Utahn, is that a conservative state developed and supported (with 21% of the vote!) a conservative independent. Who knew Utah would be so bold?! I hope this is a sign that Americans are willing to say “Neither of these candidates is for me. Instead of not voting, I want to support someone who shares my values.” Because, seriously people, voting is your only choice. Not voting is voting against your country’s future.
So, take today and get some rest after the long night. Take it easy and be cool (please be cool, we need everybody to be cool). And then tomorrow, no matter how you voted (even if you didn’t vote!), work toward Uniting these States. Secretary Clinton stated in her concession speech, “Our constitutional democracy demands our participation.” Please, pretty please, participate in our country’s future!
Lastly, troubled times make for good music. Remember: art reflects and creates change! So there is even more to hope for. 🙂
In sum:
1. Be Cool.
2. Work toward healing and uniting our country.
3. Keep being cool (it isn’t going to be easy).
4. Make your voice heard and participate in our democracy (still be cool!).
5. Listen to good music. Make good music.
6. Be Cool
I will leave you with, of course, John Lennon’s “Imagine”:
PS. 4B won! Our arts and cultural organizations remain funded for another decade. Thank you!