Freedom

There's nothing wrong with taking a moment to rest. Science tells us that energy can be built, stored, converted and consumed. We're all biological machines that can wear down over time, ask your cardiologist about how many beats you get in a lifetime. But getting back up is crucial to our survival.

When I say "until my last breath" wow do I mean it. I will fight for justice, women's right, patient safety, vulnerable populations, science and I will stand in the way of EVERYTHING the right wing of American politics wants to accomplish because they have embraced the worst of us. They've embraced the irrational, illogical, inhumane and untrustworthy. And they did it for one reason, Power. Their fear of losing it, their dwindling masses, their lack of critical thinking skills, their inability to accept facts. They are weak and that makes them dangerous to anyone who values autonomy over acquiescence. When you give up freedom for security, you deserve neither.

Freedom
by Langston Hughes

Freedom will not come
Today, this year
            Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.
 
I have as much right
As the other fellow has
            To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.
 
I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I’m dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread.
            Freedom
            Is a strong seed
            Planted
            In a great need.
            I live here, too.
            I want my freedom
            Just as you.

Reading this poem today reminded me of my why. A long talk with a friend the other day reminded me of the TENETS of the fight. Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness IS NOT A PIE!! My freedoms should not be encumbered by yours. We're in a war for our rights, fighting an irrational but determined foe. There is no rest from the fight when freedom is at stake.

I am recently reminded of the glimmer of hope in this unbearable timeline, art thrives in tragedy. When humanity suffers, those who can will make beauty from pain. Friendship from awkward acquaintance. Strength from beatings. Flight from the ashes. Cold comfort for those less inclined to see it or who may not survive. Perhaps they were duped into thinking the American dream was real and not just a story told to make us fight for scraps from the tables of cowards and ingrates. Greed is noble and self-promotion is the highest value. The act of making, building and writing for the sake of human connection is wasted unless it can be sold. That is being weighed down with golden shackles. This and also those of us unable to spend our days in art. If everyone followed their heart, then Kevin Costner's dad wouldn't have been a doctor, right? That's the whole plot of Field of Dreams. Your elders' sacrifice for your benefit, that's noble. Of course then when can we all be free? A very good question.

It will be a long slog until sunlight comes to sanitize the underbelly infested with glutonous filth, or the 1%. But, with time and temper, as mother Maya says, still we rise.

-Til the last drop, N.