You write beautifully. I’d add a 6 to Things we can do: Don’t obey in advance. An Executive Order is not a law. It is a wish from the executive, who doesn’t want to have to do the work of legislation. It can be challenged and often overturned (remember Biden’s student-loan forgiveness?). Disobey EOs until they are law. And fight like hell.
“forcing us to confront who we are without the comfort of a map.” While there are many powerful lines in this piece, this one in particular stands out to me. We aren’t on the path so many of us hoped for. And as a nation we are now confronting how much work we still have to do to build a future of justice, safety, equity, stewardship, respect…it can feel so overwhelming. Thank you for this call to seek connection in many forms and in unexpected places. Stories are one of the most important ways to fight erasure. Keep telling yours.
I’m finding that so many people are saying things that I can’t necessarily say cuz of my position in this. So I appreciate it when others voice it so brilliantly!
You write beautifully. I’d add a 6 to Things we can do: Don’t obey in advance. An Executive Order is not a law. It is a wish from the executive, who doesn’t want to have to do the work of legislation. It can be challenged and often overturned (remember Biden’s student-loan forgiveness?). Disobey EOs until they are law. And fight like hell.
“The sweeping executive orders aren’t performative political maneuvers—they are acts of narrative control, and of elimination.” Yes!
So many great thoughts here, and I appreciate the suggestions too.
Thanks, Lené! Appreciate you reading.
“forcing us to confront who we are without the comfort of a map.” While there are many powerful lines in this piece, this one in particular stands out to me. We aren’t on the path so many of us hoped for. And as a nation we are now confronting how much work we still have to do to build a future of justice, safety, equity, stewardship, respect…it can feel so overwhelming. Thank you for this call to seek connection in many forms and in unexpected places. Stories are one of the most important ways to fight erasure. Keep telling yours.
I have to say, this is BRILLIANT. Those first four paragraphs touch on everything everyone is feeling.
Thank you, Laine! I appreciate you reading my work.
I’m finding that so many people are saying things that I can’t necessarily say cuz of my position in this. So I appreciate it when others voice it so brilliantly!