I decided that my next sign for an upcoming protest will read GETTING INTO GOOD TROUBLE SINCE THE 1970s. It will also have a peace sign on it. I marched for the ERA, No Nukes, the environment, peace, and Gay Pride back then. Since the first election of you know who, I have been in two women’s marches, as well as numerous protests in Doylestown and Warminster, PA, sadly with more to come. The concept of ‘good trouble,’ was popularized by Congressman John Lewis, as he instructed people, to “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America.” His words continue to inspire me and when people ask how I am doing, I tell them I am getting into good trouble and want to make a difference in a world being torn asunder by hatred and violence.
Each night I pray for resolution to all the conflicts around the globe. I ask to be a force for peace and to be able follow my marching orders, to make a positive difference in the lives of all whose paths I cross. Each morning, I wake up and check my news feed to see what fresh hell was released overnight. As much as I would like to believe it isn’t so, I really do think he contemplates what cruel edict he will issue and what destructive action he will take that will harm the most vulnerable. I can imagine him rubbing his hands together in glee at the prospect of causing the maximum amount of damage. How does a person live with themselves if they do that? As a social worker/psychotherapist, I have some understanding of dysfunction, psychopathic and sociopathic intention. I am not diagnosing him, merely stating observations. One place I would shudder to be is in his mind.
When the election occurred, I knew I had to remain active and do all I could to stop and then reverse the damage. Many articles and protests later, I alternate between hope and despair. I am in good company. Daily, I speak with family members, friends and clients in my therapy practice who toggle back and forth too. Last night, I sat in the backyard of a friend, who invited a group of us over to share both feelings about the state of the world and ideas for how to engage positively and peacefully. As we sat in the gloaming (I love that word, ever since I watched the tv movie by that name directed by Christopher Reeve.), which means that period between daylight and twilight, we listened with open minds and hearts as each of us expressed our concerns. Among us was a parent of a trans teen, a woman who has roots and family in Israel, a Black man, and a Quaker couple. At least half among us are Jewish. Each of us has a story to share and a reason to be concerned. All of us have in common, a desire to practice Tikkun Olam; a Hebrew term which translates to ‘repair of the world’.
All of us have people in our lives who are in marginalized and vulnerable demographics. In our community, we have each taken leadership roles. We have all been a solid presence at local, regional or national protests. We know it makes a difference, even in the midst of our doubts, since they bring people together and offer a sense of hope and a certainty that we are not alone. I found myself listening to the unique perspective that each person there shared. I pondered the idea that each person’s/group’s pain is personal to them. I ask myself if I have the compassion to hold each one with tender and solid heart, without making the mistake of thinking someone’s pain is more critical or important than anyone else’s. Heads up: this is not devolving into ‘all lives matter’. Of course, they do. When folks on the Right scoff at the concept of Black Lives Matter, I remind them that it wouldn’t be necessary to claim that, if they did. I am grateful to know these people and work beside them for social justice.
I struggle with not ‘othering’ those who align with him in his cruelty. I’m sure that if I asked random people on the street who voted for him and despite all he has done, still support him, if they see themselves as being cruel, most would indignantly say, “Of course not!” My question is, how can a person knowingly stand by someone who over and over again, proves his depravity without it rubbing off on them, or originate with them? He would not be in the position he is in now without his supporters and voters.
Imagine what life would be like in this country, if the administration in office had the best interest of all the people of this country (and by extension the world) in mind, rather than his own glorification. Imagine if those in the legislative branch focused on policies that benefitted everyone and not just those who voted them in. Imagine if they had the future in mind and all of the coming generations. Imagine if the voters were not short sighted and voted for candidates who saw the bigger picture. Imagine if back room deals, shadow dockets and money were not the currency that the SCOTUS dealt in. Imagine if the Conservative justices had not granted him immunity. Imagine if love was the primary motivation, rather than hate and cruelty, for policies, EOs and communiques. Imagine if people were not focused on what body parts other people have, and who they love. Imagine if the color of someone’s skin, country of origin, socio-economic status, religion, physical ability, age or gender was not a measure of their worth. Imagine if people’s jobs were secure and not on the chopping block because of impulsive slash and burn. (I know I’m mixing metaphors there) 
Imagine if the air we breathe and the water that we drink were considered precious. Imagine if climate crisis deniers would read The Lorax and heed its message. Imagine if every child’s future was considered. Imagine if people walked the talk in their spiritual belief and ‘welcomed the stranger.’ rather than demonizing them. Imagine if people realized that we need each other. Imagine if hatred and violence was no longer acceptable. Imagine if people realized that something shouldn’t have to happen to them for it to matter to them. Imagine…
—
iStock image
