For someone dedicated to exercising her First Amendment rights on behalf of the values of America to be senselessly slaughtered by a deeply misguided and disturbed 20-year-old Nazi sympathizer / terrorist tells us that the problems with our nation are beyond any reasonable line that one might draw.
If you are concerned that the nation is on a dangerous path, heading quickly away from the core values that formed the basis of this country, I have news for you: Your concerns are warranted.
New Paltz Vigil in Solidarity with Charlottesville
Yesterday, a group known as the Resisterhood organized a candlelight vigil at the park in New Paltz – bringing people together to honor Heather and others who lost their lives senselessly in the Charlottesville incident. Thank goodness for the Resisterhood and for similar grassroots groups that are making noise all around our land.
While everyone who spoke had a unique set of concerns, the common theme was this: We are mad as hell and we aren’t going to take this any longer.
- We will not stand for Nazis organizing in the streets.
- We will not stand for discrimination based on ethnicity, race, religion, or gender identity.
- We will not stand for a divided United States of America.
At this time in history, it is up to each and every one of us to stand and take active steps to make sure that this country gets back on track. To my mind, there are absolutely no other options.
What We Can Do?
During such a difficult time, people are regularly asking what they can do to help with the greater cause. In the past year, I’ve become deeply involved in activism and have given this question a lot of thought. First off, don’t for one second feel that things are hopeless. They are not. There are millions of Americans who share your concerns and perspective on the world. So don’t give up.
With this in mind, here are specific actions that you can take to do your part in this war that we now find ourselves in:
- Join a local grassroots group – and get involved. In the Hudson Valley, we’ve got lots of groups filled with great people working for the cause. I am a member of Move Forward New York – and, of course, I recommend that you consider joining our movement. But there are others: The Resisterhood, Citizen Action, MarchOn, Individual, Ulster People – and more – way more! And that is just in our little corner of this great nation. Want to make a difference? Get involved.
- Pay attention to local elections. As is true at the national level, Ulster County has a predominance of democratic voters yet we have a republican-controlled legislature. This is a problem – and a problem that echoes across all levels of government across our land. The first post-Trump elections are set for all kinds of important local races on November 7 upcoming. Good grassroots politics starts with getting a claim on local, county-level, and state-level government – these are the levels that are closer to your day-to-day world than is the national level. If ever there were a time in history when voting is essential, that time is now.
- Exercise your first amendment rights. Assemble peaceably. Write letters to the editor. Write letters to your state assembly representatives or your representatives in Congress. Speak your mind. This is still the United States of America and we will always have the First Amendment. And, to my mind, the First Amendment will ultimately be the key to our reclaiming this nation
I don’t know about you, but I don’t plan to let Heather Heyer’s death be in vain. The last thing that Heather ever posted on her Facebook page was this: If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.
We hear you, Heather - loud and clear.
