Today I Am Relieved
At the risk of being political, which I don’t want to be, because I’m not, I am quietly relieved and celebrating the US news that the Biden/Harris ticket has won the election. And I’m a Canadian living in Canada.
The shock and sadness that I felt 4 years ago when I had to explain to my three kids that our family values of integrity, truth, inclusiveness, science and cooperation were not upheld, was palpable. It hurt. It made us feel alone.
Fast forward to this year, and the shock and sadness that I feel as a healthcare professional listening to lies and watching the lack of science based action in the US against a contagious novel virus was infuriating and demoralizing. Lives were lost that did not have to be. Harm was done.
Most difficult of all to endure was this: when you are raising a marginalized teen, the actions of world leaders make a big difference in determining whether your child is safe, is accepted and sees themselves valued and represented in the World. My transgender child lived in a more dangerous world the last 4 years and was given messaging that he did not matter and was not wanted.
Humanist: having a strong interest in or concern for human welfare, values, and dignity.
I think there are many social justice issues that should be neither right nor left, they should be embraced by all political parties and be humanistic: having a strong interest in or concern for human welfare, values, and dignity. For all humans. To raise us all up and give every one of us a chance to be our best and to live our lives in health and safety. Every one. Regardless of a political party and who holds power.
