Everyday is Election Day
Post-election pep talk
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In the United States, many of us are dealing with a post-election hangover. Some people are splendidly happy with the results, but half the country is in deep despair. And for those of us who are dreading this second Trump presidency, this is a time to grieve and try not to focus too much on the what-ifs that bring anxiety.
For many people I know, the results of the election are extremely important to them. There is a sense that their own future will be deeply affected by what happens in the next four years. And it will. I can look back at past presidential policies like Reaganomics or Clinton’s 1994 Crime Bill and their long-term repercussions that our nation continues to struggle with today. I imagine how my daughter will be struggling in the future with all the issues that Trump will create or exacerbate in our country in the next four years. His first presidency already offset the political balance of the supreme court, which led to overturning Roe v. Wade.
Some topics are emotional for people, such as abortion rights, gun regulation, peace treaties, climate change, wealth redistribution, and social justice—all of which feel threatened by a Trump administration. As an environmentalist, I am very concerned about what a Trump presidency means for our planet. Trump already has a record of rolling back environmental regulations, withdrawing from climate agreements, opposing clean energy initiatives, reducing funding for climate science and prioritizing fossil fuels. The tipping point is ever nearer, and climate action is urgently needed right now.
But I am not writing to be dire. Instead, I invite you to rethink the way you look at politics and if you are unhappy with the election results, use this as an opportunity to reconsider your everyday action.
After you’re done with all the self-care you need in this moment, it’s time to get back to work and continue living in the vision for the world that you believe in. Though the presidential election is important, so are our everyday actions. You don’t need to wait another four years to express your political values. Everyday you have an opportunity to put your money and integrity where your vote is.
I live off the grid because I want to do the best I can to be an advocate for the environment every day. For you, this might mean buying carbon offsets, organic gardening, water catchment, adding solar panels to your house, turning off the lights more often, volunteering with environmental groups, recycling, using tote bags, composting, installing low-flow showerheads, walking to work, xeriscaping, and so much more and preferably most of the above most of the time.
Your biggest power is your dollar. You can use your consumer power to vote. Stop purchasing cheap plastic disposable crappy Chinese goods. Support companies with ethical practices that don’t exploit workers or harm the environment. Educate yourself on corporate practices and only support those corporations either with your money or your attention that align with your values. Buy American. Buy local. Buy organic, sustainable, and fair trade. Better yet, don’t buy at all. Additionally, if you worry about economic inequality, you can help by supporting labor unions or volunteering with local organizations that provide job training, education, or other services to low-income individuals.
If you want to improve women’s rights in this country, you can start at home. Encourage fair division of childcare and household chores. Buy from women-owned businesses. When you hear sexist comments or see sexist behaviors, you can speak out against them. Mentor a female student, woman in your field or female entrepreneur. Promote women’s ideas and achievements. Educate young women on safe sex and birth control. Support organizations that advocate for reproductive rights like Planned Parenthood with time or money. Honor people’s chosen pronouns to promote gender inclusivity. Give women equal time and attention in conversations. And importantly, vote for more women in office. It’s 2024 and we still have never had a female presidency. My friend told me a story about his young daughter learning this fact and her utter shock at this reality. We consider it normal, but even the children know it’s not.
If you care about social justice issues, donate to or get involved with groups fighting for equality and human rights. Read, watch and listen to media by people from different backgrounds and educate yourself about different social issues. Amplify voices from underrepresented groups. Speak up against discrimination.
Whatever issue it is that you feel most passionate about, that brought you out to the polls, you can address that issue every day in small ways that add up. Stay informed and educate others on the issue, contact elected officials, vote in local and state elections, support relevant organizations and non-profit groups, and join grassroots movements.
Additionally, being of service to your community will help you to feel better about the national issues that you have less control over. Think globally and act locally. Volunteer with local non-profits. Write letters to the editor of your local paper. Participate in town halls and public forums. Organize or participate in neighborhood clean-ups, ride shares, tool swaps, yard sales, intergenerational mentoring programs or child-care co-ops. Join a local political party chapter. Run for local office.
Obviously, we can’t do everything. It’s easier to pick one issue or one activity to focus on. We have our lives to take care of and many people are already overwhelmed in the United States. I have friends who are stressed out because they don’t have health care, carry high student loan debts, can’t figure out how to make enough money to save money, and don’t have access to affordable childcare. These are all issues that the national government could help them with, but unfortunately, the Trump administration is not the one to do so. When you’re struggling day to day, it’s difficult to make choices in line with your values. I don’t want to add stress to anyone. All we can do is do our best.
I’m happy to live in my chosen home state of New Mexico, which is not only remarkably beautiful, sunny, and diverse, but consistently votes for Democrats. New Mexico became the first U.S. state to make childcare free for nearly all families in 2022. Additionally, New Mexico made state public colleges and universities tuition free for most residents through scholarship programs. Abortion is legal in New Mexico throughout all stages of pregnancy with very few restrictions. New Mexico also has relatively good environmental policies, including a Priority Climate Action Plan and a commitment to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. In fact, my local electric co-op reached its goal of 100% daytime solar energy in the summer of 2022.
The United States is a big ass country with a lot of diverse people with a lot of different opinions. It’s sad that we’ve become so schismatic. Our black and white politics and extremism on both the right and left have only served to tear us further apart. I hope we can learn to find a middle ground for peaceful resolution and kind cooperation. As Michelle Obama said in her 2016 Democratic National Convention speech, "When they go low, we go high." Remember, we are individuals and not political tribes. Giving love to everyone today who needs it. We’ll make it through; we did it once, we can do it again. Remember the words of another great American, MLK Jr., "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
Check out Jon Stewart’s attempt at positivity:
Such a great collection of ideas to take action on that really do make a difference. Thank you.
Powerful writings ♥️🙏🏿