For you

 

Image credit: www.passiton.com

In a recent YouTube video by Black Eyed Peas and Jennifer Hudson remaking "The Love", they include powerful messages of what's on the ballot in 3 days: 

Indigenous rights are on the ballot. 

Compassion is on the ballot. 

Ending poverty is on the ballot. 

Science is on the ballot. 

Democracy is on the ballot. 

Justice is on the ballot.

You can watch this powerful video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk7LPpY8pXM

I've watched this video multiple times as people in my Facebook feed have shared and re-shared it numerous times in the past 2 weeks. Each time I watch it, my eyes fill up with tears, my throat gets a little tight, and my heart aches. Because I see myself in those messages, I see people I love in those messages, and I see my values in those messages. 

I've had a lot of anxiety going into this election. Way more than ever before and I think that's true for many people. When I think about what's at stake, I think about my reproductive rights, my voice as a woman, the safety of our black friends, legal rights for my friends in same-sex marriages, the rights of my trans and non-binary friends, the environment, the pandemic, immigrant rights, our education system, and more. 

It's not just the rights  and safety of individual people and marginalized groups. It's not just science and education and a sustainable future. It's not just figuring out how to survive and rebound from a global pandemic. It's the dignity of our nation, the unity we used to feel in collective freedom and pride, a shared vision for a better future for our children and their children. 

The last 4 years have destroyed our country. We were never perfect. But we have become even more divided and fueled by hate. We fell for the lies and the false promise of success and equality through capitalism. We have let white supremacy, prejudice, and elitism speak louder than science, social justice, and compassion. 

What's on the ballot for me is a future based on love, equity, and a regard for others even if they are different than us. Separation of church and state is on the ballot for me. Trusting science is on the ballot for me. Moving forward is on the ballot for me. Fighting back is on the ballot for me. Not being silenced is on the ballot for me. 

What's on the ballot for you?