Opinion: Beyond Election Day

Love, Justice and Climate Change

I’m writing to you just before Election Day. By the time you get this and read it, we may, or may not, know more about the election results. In any case, I’ve been thinking about what perspectives may be helpful to us as we go through these tumultuous times.

The Struggle Will Continue
The struggle against fascism will need to continue, regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris becomes the next president. One of our two major parties, supported by nearly half of all voters, has virtually no attachment to the truth and little attachment to democracy. The Republican party has been captured by those who favor authoritarianism, white Christian nationalism, and a government that primarily benefits the wealthy and will make the climate crisis much worse.

How this could have happened is an important question and many analysts are writing about it. Right now, I’m more concerned with the fact that it has happened, and how we find our way forward in this new situation.

The Resistance
If Trump becomes president again, it will be a ongoing catastrophic disaster for people in the U.S. and around the globe. It will not, however, be the end of the world. Other countries have been taken over by dictators and have eventually been reclaimed by democratic forces. We must commit to doing no less. A resistance always arises and in the U.S. we have an excellent foundation for a powerful, determined, intelligent resistance. I urge you to decide now that you will be part of that resistance in whatever way is possible for you in the coming period.

If Kamala becomes president, she and we will still need to deal with the fact that a large percentage of the population is angrily and fearfully opposed to her and to the Democratic party and will not believe that the election was legitimate. The task of building a greater sense of community and shared vision among the people of our country over time will be both incredibly challenging and vitally necessary.

How Can We Best Engage with These Times?
First, remembering that fascism depends on dividing people against each other and on fostering fear and hatred, I think we will do best to adopt a position of open-heartedness and seek connection with people of all identities. We will not need to accept ideas that we disagree with, but we will need to accept people who hold those ideas. We cannot heal our nation if we see people as our enemies.

My experience is limited, but I’ve been reassured by the moments of human connection that I’ve had with people with whom I have intense political differences. A great many Trump supporters love their children, help their neighbors in need, and want peace as much as I do. Connection is possible.

Open-heartedness and reaching for connection will not only help undermine fascism, it will also make our own lives healthier and happier.

Second, I think it will be important to get more and more people into groups where they are listened to — groups where people take turns regularly telling each other how they are and what they think should happen. People who are part of a group where they feel included, respected, and listened to are much less vulnerable to the appeal of an authoritarian leader. Some of these groups can be building blocks for the resistance, while others can be ones where we are reaching for those with different views.

Third, I think it will be important for us to be clear about what we stand for. One way to say what I stand for is that I am committed to building a society in which no one is excluded, villainized, or exploited–where the common good takes priority. I find holding this position helps guide me through many complex issues. It also part of my being a climate activist and reminds me that everyone, everywhere matters. What are your most cherished values?

Silence and Complicity
Finally, I think fascism ultimately depends on people who disagree with what’s happening being silent and complicit. I think it will be important for us to commit to speaking up and showing up, even when it is uncomfortable.

Years ago when I was in my twenties, I was moved by a well-known quote by Martin Niemöller, a German pastor who eventually spoke out against Hitler and was then imprisoned by him.

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me*.”—Martin Niemöller

On at least some occasions Niemöller included people with mental and physical disabilities in his list of those that Hitler came for. I’m sure that if he were alive today he would also include LGBQT+ people, Black people, and the Roma people, as well as others that Hitler targeted.

Let us love, connect, and speak up in the times ahead. We are in this together for the long-haul. We have allies everywhere.

Russ Vernon-Jones was principal of Fort River School 1990-2008 and is currently a member of the Steering Committee of Climate Action Now-Western Massachusetts. He blogs regularly on climate justice at www.russvernonjones.org.

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