Global Community. January 21, 2017

Walking back to our place on January 20th, after having a beer down in the pueblo, trying not to watch inaugural coverage, Dan & I ran into a French Canadian couple taking photos in front of the island graveyard. We offered to take their photo in front of the historic graveyard that contains stones dating back to the early 1800’s.  The dearly departed of Isla Taboga, fresh (or plastic) flowers always on their graves, have a beautiful view of the Bay of Panama.

“Congratulations on your new President?” one of the tourists said hesitantly. “NO!” we responded. “HE IS NOT OUR PRESIDENT!” They smiled at us in solidarity and we commenced a conversation about politics in general, the U.S. election, Canadian issues and what we think will happen in the world from here forward. They didn’t have much English and even less Spanish. Communication was a challenge but our mutual disgust with what has happened in the U.S. with this tragic election definitely came through.

On the day after the election, I walked on the beach near our boat in Seattle. I felt alone, scared, vulnerable, despondent. I held out hope that something would change, something would prevent this man from becoming president. It seemed like the end. The rolling back of history and of all the advances we have made over the years in terms of human rights.

Today, January 21, I spent entire day watching coverage of the Women’s March on Washington and the Sister Marches taking place all over the country and the world. I couldn’t stop! I was stunned to see the global response, the show of support, the coming together of the world over our election of a man who openly degraded women, handicapped people and minorities.

What a showing! The photos are astonishing. Millions of people all over the world saying “NO!”This is a global movement to be sure. We are in this together and we are not going to stop or be cowed. This movement, this resistance is not going to go away.

I am hopeful and empowered and unlike after the election, I feel strong and solid in my womanhood. I am proud to be female, proud of my brothers and sisters who marched yesterday all over this beautiful globe. I am energized and courageous and positive and I know that I, we can accomplish anything, overcome anything.

I may be in Panama right now, but I am also everywhere. And we are all together. And this feels really, really good.

Finally.

Be strong. Be brave. And remember, Silence is not an option. No excuse. We have the world behind us.

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