I Feel Hopeful

For the first time in an entire year, I feel hopeful. American citizens went to the polls on November 4th and voted to protect our democracy. The victories were by large margins. People do not want the country we have been living in since January 20, 2025. They showed that by attending the No Kings protests in great numbers in June and in larger numbers in October. The Paris event drew 400 people the second time. That was more than double the first. Some of our neighbors in Kentucky were so eager to vote that they were calling the Secretary of State to ask why the polls were closed. Kentucky votes next year. New Jersey and Virginia elected Democratic governors. New York City elected a Muslim American as mayor and Proposition 50 passed in California. This was the proposition to redraw districts in response to that action being taken in Texas.

Are there still very real reasons to be concerned? Of course. But instead of listing the atrocities we witness and read about every day, I want to take time to enjoy the hopeful feeling. We the people are still willing to fight for our republic.

Joyce Hale
McKenzie