Wednesday was the first time that Plaster & Disaster missed a post; the blog didn’t update according to our planned schedule. Sage had prepared an engaging and incisive discussion of her washing machine repair journey (and flooding basement), but we texted late in the evening on Tuesday and decided to hold it. It didn’t seem appropriate.
You can probably guess our views based on a few of our past posts (here and here) or maybe the fact that we live in Massachusetts and work in social justice nonprofits.
As DIY bloggers, our natural hubris leads us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the world is awaiting our commentary on the election. And so here it is — and we’re even going to get through it without the phrases “disbelief,” “deeply divided country,” “the path forward,” “time to heal,” or “whichever side of this you were on.” You also probably don’t need to watch us process through the why and how. We’re sure you have ideas of your own (which we’d love to hear about in the comments).
Instead, we wanted to share with you a few things that we think will be particularly important in the coming years:
- Paying attention. This isn’t the time to throw up your hands or put your head down and focus on work or redecorating your bedroom. Do those things, for sure, but this is a time to stay on top of the news and the decisions that are being made so that we can be informed and influence what we can.
- Standing up for each other. Depending on who you are, the ramifications of this election may impact you personally more or less. But have no doubt that there are many people for whom the coming political regime will have lasting, hurtful consequences. It is our responsibility to be there for one another and speak up when we see injustices even if we aren’t personally effected.
- Perspective. The broad sweep of history remains what it is – one where there has been a rising quality of life, expanding rights, extensions of justice, and constraints on unilateral power. We sure are not there yet. Blips have and will continue to happen. But that is the trend.
- Philanthropy. The U.S. is unique in that it relies very heavily on a nonprofit sector to provide part of the social safety net – and Americans give more to charity than citizens of other nations. No constellation of nonprofits can replace the immense value that government services can and should provide, but it does mean that we have a vast infrastructure of institutions who can help. If you are feeling worried about where those who need it will be able to turn, consider making or increasing your charitable donations.
- Getting involved. Speaking of nonprofits, if you’ve always thought to yourself that you would like to be more involved with making the world a better place, this may be a good catalyst to get involved. Volunteer, advocate, etc.!
- Tiny bloggers. That tiny (doll)home isn’t going to renovate itself!
Those are just a few thoughts we have. What do you think? We would love to hear how you’re feeling and what you plan to do next to ensure that the moral arc of the universe continues to bend towards justice.
My hope is that our republic and it’s institutions are strong enough to withstand any attempts to infringe on the Bill of Rights, but I think we can now see that it may be more fragile than previously thought. I agree with you that the best we can do now is be vigilant and be involved. I am looking now for the best way to do that myself.
Yes, this will be a real test. I am worried because these are the same institutions that we had when we had internment camps. Perhaps we’ve got more safeguards, more champions now. It certainly feels fragile – great word for it.
I like how elegantly you made your points. I am retired from a position of working with people with disabilities, so that wil give you a sense of my viewpoint. I would hope that we all remember that we are people with different abilities, challenges, thoughts etc. but we still need each other to live life. I hope that kindness, thoughtfulness, humor, peace and love prevail. Volunteering is a marvelous way for people to interact and learn new things. Thanks for the forum.
BTW I really enjoy your blog as it gives me a window into my own kids DIYs! Thanks for that too! 😉
Thank you for this really lovely comment Joan! Thanks for your work and your words of compassion for all.
Joan — Not to sound trite, but I think you just nailed the message on my holiday card this year: “I hope that kindness, thoughtfulness, humor, peace and love prevail.” If this election has taught me anything, it is to continue to stand up and speak up when I see injustice. I think my voice is even stronger now.
Love this!
I went to bed Tuesday night knowing the outcome as I knew Florida would be the clincher and once it was decided which way that was going I had no need to stay up. I realized after
the next day that I was most disappointed in the fact that I may never see a woman president. I will be 64 next week. But I think people just need to remember that government moves very slowly and 4 years will be over before you know it. Our new president had a lot to say before he got elected but he can’t do half of what he has promised without full support from Congress.
I am a little concerned about the Supreme Court
nominations but I think people will settle down and just sit back and watch for awhile. Before you know it will be 2018 and the campaign will be on for 2020. Let’s just hope there is someone out there that has the stamina to run and Is able to pull this country back together. For now we
need to think how just maybe another non politician could step in and help turn our country around. For certain the current politicians have got to see the country as a whole wants change and they need to find a way
to make the changes that will most benefit all.
I love what you said.
Thank you Carla, and thank you for commenting.
I thought that this election showed an increasing distrust, disappointment and dissatisfaction with career politicians. It seems to me that a large segment of our population feels that our elected officials are ignoring their voices, their needs and that they are being relegated to the basement so to speak. I believe a lot of votes were cast for a non politician or a for a career politician, for an outsider or for an insider, change or more of the same…..not necessarily the candidates themselves. I hope the pendulum doesn’t swing back the other way in four years as a violent reaction to this election. I feel, as you do, that we should perhaps look to another candidate outside of all political parties, a non politician who can create positive change in our government that is inclusive of all Americans.
Hate ain’t great. Violence isn’t a viable form of communication. Mud slinging and name calling accomplish nothing. Civil discourse, empathy and striving to understand viewpoints other than our own…..these things will make a difference.
“Violence isn’t a viable form of communication.” – Just thought that ought to be repeated. Nicely said.
Agreed, Kim, that folks wanted to vote for an outsider and were willing to look past the candidate – still, plenty in that candidate that I think should be disqualifying, and wasn’t.
Thanks for your comment Debo. I had the same thought watching Tuesday night.
I do think you will see a woman president. At least I hope so. I think the country will learn a lot in the next few years.
Thanks for posting. Well said.
Thank you Lora!
I am 72 and I hope that what you wish for comes true, for the good of all Americans. I watched Mississippi Burning last night and was reminded of why so many people are so afraid. The rights that have taken centuries to obtain are truly at stake. Voting rights, civil rights, women’s rights, workers rights. Many are saying that HATE is causing these demonstrations, I say FEAR is driving them. It’s real, and not unreasonable.
I won’t give him a chance, he had his chance when he ran. He blew it with his hateful speeches and tweets. All I can do now is watch and hope for the best. God bless America, we need it now more than ever.
Really nice points, Lynne. I am reading them and nodding:
“FEAR is driving them.”
“I won’t give him a chance, he had his chance when he ran. He blew it with his hateful speeches and tweets.”
Fear is such a motivator, such a powerful force. It is not unreasonable, but it turns into hate so quickly.
Naomi, Sage and all the people that posted above. What good words you have spoken and how nice to read a civil post and have civil remarks at the end of it. I hope this kindness grows. It’s obviously in all of you.
Thank you for your comment Lori! Here’s to kindness.
I feel like many segments in our society have a real reason to fear a Trump administration. I feel so powerless; wearing my “safety” pin is a start….
I agree Carol, I think the fear is real and understandable. I have tried to remind myself that there are some things I cannot change, but I am not powerless — we do have power to fight for what’s right, even if we can’t always change the outcome. That is motivating me and giving me hope right now.
After my initial shock and disbelief and lying in a fetal position on my couch phase….I’m feeling a little tiny bit empowered about living in one of the states most likely to turn blue. I’m going to run for governor. I’m not really. But I’m going to go to some meetings and volunteer and whatnot. I tried talking about stuff on facebook, but it quickly turned into “oh, right. I would need to spend all my time arguing with white dudes about the definition of racism,” and then I thought maybe not so much. So. meetings and volunteering! Also, I was just reading to my kids for history about the Alien and Sedition Acts…and it gave me some helpful perspective that congress was ready to trample all over the Constitution in the most blatant way possible RIGHT AFTER THEY WROTE IT….but then people came to their senses and realized that was a terrible idea.
It’s hard to see a silver lining, but the fact that so many people are finding the urge and courage to get more involved (us included) is important. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do, but trying to do something every day even if some days it’s something small like just making a phone call or educating myself a little bit more. I believe it adds up and it also makes me feel less helpless…