“They have misjudged us. Just because our political heroes were murdered does not mean that the dream does not still live, buried deep in our broken hearts.” Joe Biden September 1993 New Jersey State Democratic Convention, Atlantic City
I wonder why we seem surprised at the turn things keep taking. Remember who we are dealing with. We know how well they’ve used fear to demoralize us, to shut us up and keep us feeling like there is nothing we can do against their power. I expect there is more to come that will further test our capacity to stand strong. We have to be tougher.
If I ever think of giving up, sinking into hopelessness or outrage, I think of all the young teachers who start off believing their efforts will make a difference for our world. I think of experienced teachers taking another deep breath, remembering their beliefs and trying again. We share a yearning to rise up, accept responsibility, and fight for a sustainable future. I do not want our discipline, faith and hard work to be in vain.
Please do not despair. We have to be tougher now. We can do it.
In the words of Bloody Mary in “Happy Talk,” from the post-WWII musical, South Pacific: “You got to have a dream…If you don’t have a dream…How you gonna have a dream come true?” (with apologies for cultural stereotyping from that era).
P.S. If you need a good cry to get over the fear and anxiety, try “American Tune” by Paul Simon (by way of my sister).
“I’m asking you not just to believe in my ability to bring about real change in Washington…I’m asking you to believe in your’s.” Barack Obama