47: Week 8

It has clearly been a rough week filled with anxiety when I awake from the edge of consciousness this morning, shaken by an image of me being physically taken from my house, wearing a pink triangle, dragged to who knows where. Terrifying. This hit a little too close. This isn't the only thing hitting close lately. Somehow, news that the Department of Homeland Security had eliminated a "ban on surveillance based on sexual orientation and gender identity" towards the end of February had escaped any of my feeds and awareness. 

I also spent several days leading up to the budget showdown making calls, writing emails, making calls again, making more calls, stopping what I was doing to make yet another call, and in the end, like others, felt let down, disgusted, angry, and a bit defeated. Yes, the calls matter. One of my senators had been on the fence earlier in the week, and I imagine that with all the calls, he firmed up his no vote. I also saw a list of other senators who were possibly going to be yes votes, and probably due to calls, they voted no. Calling and speaking out does matter and can affect some change. The Colorado GOP's big centennial dinner bash on March 28, featuring Steve Bannon, was originally scheduled at a Denver Marriott in the Tech Center. Well, it seemed so many people called the Marriott, that the event moved to the Springs for now.  More calls to be made.

This week, Nan and I gleefully wrote out postcards to the felon and not my president, filled with our disgust and snarky messages which I dropped at the post office yesterday, hoping that the White House is inundated with huge numbers of postcards. Whether they're read doesn't matter to me. It helped to know that around the country, many others, like us, were also getting creative with their postcard writing.

The whiplash continues, being overwhelmed by news of power grabs, illegal moves, hate filled orders, while also reading about judges ruling against 47, against the illegality, standing up for rights. So yes, while it all isn't 100% bleak, the coup and its effects continue on. This morning, I came across a Project2025 tracker, which makes it very clear how that blueprint is being closely followed, and how much more is to come. This morning, I also wandered onto this posting from Chop Wood, Carry Water detailing the recent wins. 

Despite the week, despite the terror I woke with, I decided to take myself for a 5+ mile walk today (after Whitman's morning mile+ walk) in order to restore a bit of calm. While the air had a bit of chill, the sun and numerous people walking their dogs, people chatting with friends, and huffing joggers brought a bit of calm back to my day. I looked out towards the beautiful snow-capped Rockies and gave thanks for the beauty I savor while wandering an urban park. I eavesdropped on random conversations, delighting in such tidbits as "the day I get married will be a bad day" and "bad people have a pathology of trauma", making up amusing stories in my head as I continued walking. A much needed refresh.

I am not alone. You are not alone. We are not alone. Look around for signs. They are there.