A few people commented to me in recent days: “wow, your posts of late have delivered some really enraging/frustrating/depressing stories.”
It’s true. They have.
And that feedback is a helpful reminder that I need to continually share as many solutions as possible to counter my sobering updates. (Which is the same reason I wrote Saving Democracy to go along with Laboratories of Autocracy)
But let me assure you of one other thing: despite all the tough news I tend to share (and feel that I need to, so we never lose sight of the ways in which democracy is being undermined), please know I remain both energized and optimistic about all that we can achieve to lift and protect democracy. This year, and beyond.
And my visit this week to Summit County (Akron), where I spoke to the Summit County Progressive Democrats, reminded me of why I remain energized and optimistic amid the endless litany of challenging news.
The answer?
It’s you. It’s us. It’s our growing army of democracy that is fighting so hard to protect and improve our communities and our states and our country.
An ever growing pro-democracy team that is willing to engage at any level in order to protect core freedoms, lift public outcomes, and shore up democracy itself.
And in that context, I’m personally blessed.
Because every day—in person, on calls, on zooms, in large groups and small, on social media—I get to interact with champions and heroes of all these righteous causes. Some are well known public servants and advocates, some are individual activists who few know, some are newcomers and new candidates, some are long-timers, some I’m just meeting for the first time, some I’ve known for years. And you’re all over the country—in every corner. (I wish you all knew each other!)
And together, more than anything, all those interactions and conversations and joint efforts keep me charged up and going.
And on Thursday, when I took my son Jack with me to Akron as part of celebrating his tenth birthday, I was also overwhelmed with the kindness you all shared not just with me, but with him.
We had the best time together, and he now wants to join me for more trips, and was telling his…
younger brother Charlie (7) how much fun he had. (He won three silent auction items along the way). Charlie can’t wait to hit the road too.
And Jack enjoyed it so much because folks were so kind to him.
It’s a grind, right now. I know.
But take stock in all that we have on our side even as we have such important work to do…
And more than anything, what we have is each other. Our passion and our stories and our energy. Our tenacity. And appreciating the humanity and everyday heroism of those all around us, who are fighting for democracy every day and at all levels, is downright inspiring.
Outside of my own family, that’s what keeps me going everyday.
It recharges my battery every time. Every visit. Almost every day—even when there’s tough news otherwise.
Allow it to do the same for you as well.
Being in this together, lifting and recharging and inspiring one other, is our superpower.
Have a great Saturday!
See you cloned yourself 😁
Thanks David. My life as an activist began with my Mom. She took me with her to march against the Vietnam War and for the ERA and choice for women. I was 8 the first time and so proud to be with her and the adults. I still have a tiny hanger on a chain which I recently found. So chilling today…. I continue in her spirit today writing thousands of postcards to protect democracy. Your kids are so lucky!! Thanks again!