Photography and Politics

"Tell me what democracy looks like?" they called.

"This is what democracy looks like!!" we shouted back.

My eyes filled with tears. I think I had been hanging in with grim determination since the election of Donald Trump, trying to think forward and strategically.  Now, I was surprisingly moved, standing and yelling and waving signs with these strangers/neighbors.  Suddenly, I was feeling hope.

I believe that we have arrived at a crucial moment in American history.  Our country achieved amazing things in the last decade - the astonishing election of a black president, a national ruling requiring states to allow our gay and lesbian friends to marry, huge improvements in our health care system, and the public naming and protest of unjust police violence against citizens of color. In the face of that progress, enormous injustice and inequality remained.  But the progress we were making also wound the springs of a right-wing national movement powered by skillful demagoguery. And those demagogues have taken the reins of government, and in just a week have signaled how quickly and deeply they intend to tear down American progress - not just of the last decade, but progress our country has made since my parents were born.  

I started this blog to explore ways of seeing the world.  I have often focused my lens on the natural world, and in particular things of beauty.  I will continue to do that.  There are some things that are essential parts of a meaningful life that we create ourselves and do not depend on government.  It is ours to see beauty.  It is ours to share love.  It is ours to reflect and consider.  I hope to continue to share photographs that support our internal lives, which give us strength and meaning.

But some things must be done together.  So maybe, sometimes, this photo blog will become a little more political.

This sign was painted by a friend of my brother David.  As a child, she survived the Holocaust that killed millions of Jews in Europe.  She asked us, "How can anyone stand by and watch this happen again?"

This protest of the Trump administration's order against Muslim immigrants was one of many strong protests across the country.  It followed the previous weekend's Women's Marches that drew millions of Americans; and dozens of organized visits to Congressional offices and tens of thousands of calls to members of Congress during the week.  This is what we need to do - every week for as long as it takes - even if we "stand up" while sitting down.

If you don't already have resources to let you know what needs doing today, check out MoveOn.org, PeoplesAction.org, or DailyAction.org .

I'm with Peace Kitty.