INDEPENDENCE DAY, JULY 4, 2025.....REFLECTIONS ON HOW WE PROCEED
The 2024 ELECTION threw me for a loop; I have reflected and read and listened and analyzed over and over and have been slow to accept that the House, Senate , and Presidency were won by the MAGA Republicans. My home state of Michigan elected a Democrat, Elissa Slotkin, to an open Senate seat, but the presidential vote went to Donald Trump. These results mystified and immobilized me for months. Only recently have I begun to crawl out of my deep dark depression and begin to engage in thinking and doing any type of active civic engagement. I figured that opportunities would present themselves along the way.
Last month, Cathe and I drove to Washington D.C. , camped in the Beltway National Campground near College Park, Maryland and participated in "Moral Monday"sponsored by "Repairers of the Breach", led by Rev. William Barber. A diverse group of people from all over America advocated against the so called "Big Beautiful Bill" which will devastate health care, education, food programs, civil rights , international aid, medical research and a host of federal programs put in place during the 1960's as part of L.B.J.'s "Great Society."
We sang, marched, listened and prayed. Several of our group were arrested for praying in the Capitol Rotunda
The Bill passed and was signed today by the President.
How to proceed?
People on the margins inspire me ....children, prisoners, people without homes.
- CHILDREN: My granddaughter decided in May that kids at her neighborhood park needed equipment and toys , so she gathered stuff and placed a storage bin at the park inviting people to donate and share.
- PRISONERS: I started teaching prisoners in Jackson and found these groups of convicted felons to be the most serious, focused students I've EVER encountered, from Sunday School to Graduate Students to High Schoolers to judges and court personnel. The incarcerated men read the material BEFORE class, listen to me and to each other in class discussions, and without the distraction of cell phones and other screens are able to grasp and synthesize textbooks, case studies and articles about public administration.
- HOMELESS PEOPLE: Volunteering last winter with the Washtenaw Rotating Shelter for some overnights in our Church basement reminded me of the wisdom and humanity of men who are without a regular domicile. A wide variety of personalities gathered every evening with their few possessions to , read, share a meal, conversate, and sleep on a cot.
People on the margins have taught me a lot over the years.... farmworkers in Southwest Michigan
inner city kids in St. Louis, neighbors in Flint, folks I've met traveling in Europe and the U.S.A. I've tried my best to be curious, to listen and learn from those who have a different perspective and background. Mostly, I've been able to understand, if not agree with how one comes to experience the world differently than I do.
How do we proceed at this critical time in United States History, July 4, 2025?
READ POETRY .....LISTEN TO MUSIC...
AND LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE ON THE MARGINS
Here's a poem and a song to read and listen to today to remind you....
Dear America, by Rosemary Trommer
today I will parade
not on your main streets
but mostly alone amongst
your aspen groves,
will praise your purple
mountain’s majesty,
your scarlet gilia,
your vast blue spruce.
I will praise the public land
beneath my feet
where someday soon
hawk’s wings will rise
from untouched duff,
and I will glory in
your spacious skies,
how quiet they can be.
America, just today
one of your sons
arrived with a giant
bouquet of rhubarb
he cut from his own wild yard—
a small proof of what
your finest citizens do—
find ways to support
other citizens,
no matter their color,
no matter their stripes.
America, in my one-woman
parade, with every step,
I am cheering for you.
"American Anthem". by Nora Jones
All we've been givenBy those who came beforeThe dream of a nationWhere freedom would endureThe work and prayers of centuriesHave brought us to this day
What shall be our legacy?What will our children say?Let them say of meI was one who believedIn sharing the blessingsI received
Let me know in my heartWhen my days are throughAmerica, AmericaI gave my best to you
Each generation from the plainsTo distant shore with the giftsWhat they were givenWere determined to leave more
Battles fought togetherActs of conscience fought aloneThese are the seedsFrom which America has grown
Let them say of meI was one who believedIn sharing the blessingsThat I received
Let me know in my heartWhen my days are throughAmerica, AmericaI gave my best to you
For those who thinkThey have nothing to shareWho fear in their heartsThere is no hero there
Know each quiet act of dignityIs that which fortifiesThe soul of a nationThat never dies
Let them say of meI was one who believedIn sharing the blessingsI received
Let me know in my heartWhen my days are throughAmerica, AmericaI gave my best to youAmericaI gave my best to you
Jimmy, again you have hit the mark. As I read this before I turn out the light I will rest more peacefully through this night. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteTurg,
DeleteThanks. The Nora Jones song is worth listening to often.
Jimmy
Jim thank you for this reflection of hope and the reminder to continue to do daily actions that help one another.
ReplyDeleteYour support and words will make a difference!
DeleteJim
It’s always good to listen to your words, Jim. Continue to resonate.
ReplyDeletebullseye!
ReplyDelete