I know the blog has been quiet for a while. I haven’t done much writing over the past month and I’ve been processing the state of affairs in our country. I don’t say much about politics here, but if you know me, you know I’m pretty left of center. That may be evident in some of my posts. I wanted to give the new administration the benefit of the doubt, but the past few weeks have shown that our country is going down a dark path. I fear we are no longer a shining beacon of hope and democracy, a welcoming place for all people, regardless of their religion or country of origin. That’s not right, and I hope that those who feel it’s not right will stand up and speak their minds, because that’s what democracy looks like.

Last month I took part in the Women’s March on Washington, along with hundreds of thousands. I joined women from all over the country, and a good number of men and even some children. Some of them traveled all night to get to DC and were leaving right after the march. The Metro was packed with people all going to the march, wearing pink hats, carrying signs, and the mood was so uplifting and inspiring. We came together for many reasons, but ultimately we were there to lift one another up and demonstrate to those in power that our voices matter. People marched all over the world. We are stronger together and we will not be silenced.

You may not agree with me. That’s okay. We have the freedom to disagree, and we need to find a way to have a respectful dialogue about these issues so we can move forward. But to those who would disparage minorities, immigrants, LGBT, Muslims, women–know that we are watching and we will stand up for what makes our country great. Our diversity and our tolerance make us great. We cannot turn our back on our values. We cannot be ruled by fear and distrust.

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”