Not Business as Usual

I don’t know what to say about what’s happening in the US, but I know I can’t stay silent, either. I don’t have anything inspiring to say here. I just cannot keep silent and pretend it’s all business as usual. I’m saddened, I’m horrified, I’m sick about what the government of the US is doing to citizens and non-citizens alike.

Last week I sent a proposal to a client in a suburb of Minneapolis. I was compelled to add a comment in my email offering them support. It felt wrong to stay silent. I got back thanks and a story about how their employees were driving neighbors around “because ICE is running license plates.” It’s normal people, doing normal things who are leading here.

Mr. Rogers famously said: Look for the helpers. I’ve been trying to focus on the helpers in Minneapolis, and Chicago and LA and all the areas invaded by armed and masked government agents. The members of the community who are mobilizing a ground up resistance are the helpers here. These brave people are risking, and in multiple cases sacrificing, their lives to protect their neighbors and their community. They are the helpers, and they deserve our thanks, our respect and our support.

The people of Minneapolis are teaching us how to effectively organize from the ground up. The work they’re doing is inspiring.

There are multiple places that are offering suggestions to help the folks working on the ground. One is Stand with Minnesota. I also found Naomi Kritzer’s How to help if you are outside Minnesota post to be helpful.

Thank you to all the people fighting for America in Minneapolis and throughout the rest of the US.