We are the ones who make a brighter day
So lets start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
Its true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
---Michael Jackson
Discontent is not a new thing, and through the years we have realized that when we stand together we can conquer unfathomable odds. Americans worked together to abolish slavery, we marched together for Civil Rights reform, and five million people linked hands one Memorial Day weekend, from New York City to Los Angeles to show support for the hungry and the homeless. When we put our minds to it, Americans are pretty darn strong in our convictions.
There is no doubt that we are living in stressful times right now as we watch human rights take a back seat to political ambition, but I have decided to look for the silver lining. The majority of us are sensitive and caring people who have been awakened and are supporting each other in any way we can. Republicans and democrats alike refuse to watch the rights of others trampled upon. We are peacefully letting our voices be heard by phone calls to our representatives and emails to those in control.
My first "silver lining" lies in the strength of our people. When Americans decided to don their pink hats and demonstrate the need for respect and equality for all races, religions, genders and lifestyles, we became a peaceful group to be reckoned with, and politicians took note. What was particularly heart warming were the groups throughout the world who joined our march, many wearing little pink hats. My son, Michael believes that pop culture is our largest export, and the number of people joining our cause proves that we are still exporting, and they recognize we are still here fighting for the rights and needs of all people throughout the world.
My second "silver lining" is found in the realization that even while terrorists try to tear us apart, we will be there for each other. In Victoria, Texas the Victoria Islamic Center was devastated when its Mosque burned to the ground. The community quickly joined together to help their neighbors, and the leaders of the local Jewish congregation gave them the keys to their synagogue so they could continue to worship. A GoFundMe page was set up to help with the reconstruction of the mosque, and over one million dollars has been collected. It doesn't matter what religion these people followed, when someone is in trouble, we all must lend a hand.
My last "silver lining" was a politician who followed her beliefs instead of orders. Last week's Acting Attorney General Sally Yates was put in a difficult situation when President Trump instituted a ban on immigration from seven Arab nations, and several judges granted a stay for those travelers with valid visas. Ms. Yates believed that the stays were warranted and that sending these people back would put them in danger. She decided not to fight the case for the government and was immediately fired. Thank you Ms. Yates for following what you believed was morally right instead of "following orders."
As I looked at all of these stories in the news over these last few weeks, I was reminded of Michael Jackson's words in his song "We Are The World."
When you're down and out, there seems no hope at all
But if you just believe there's no way we can fall
Let us realize that a change can only come
When we stand together as one
I will continue believing that the basic morality of the vast majority of people in the world will ultimately rule and we will truly "make a better day."
Andrew J. Morgan did a great job giving me a better day of reading in his Science Fiction book, New York Deep. In it, Manhattan tunnel engineer Josh Reed, happens upon a large empty room while excavating the East Side Access of New York's railway service. Combining well researched New York history with well written science fiction, Morgan lays out a tale that will keep his readers turning pages through the night.
On the lighter side, Harper Lin's cozy mystery, Sweets and a Stabbing (The Pink Cupcake Mysteries Book 1) is a perfect read for a lazy Saturday afternoon. Bring it to the park with a thermos of lemonade and a pink iced cupcake, and you can forget the world's problems for the rest of the day.
As usual, complete reviews of both books follow this blog.
Happy reading,
- Beverly