We live in a constant state of injustice. We are always struggling against systems of mass incarceration, of extreme income inequality, of late stage capitalism. Those conditions do exist.
But one thing that I think is important is that we must mobilize for an affirmative vision for this country — we can’t just mobilize on fear.
We need to be clear about what the stakes are. We do. But I don’t believe in a ‘fear only’ approach.
I’ll tell you what I believe: I believe in a bare minimum.
$15 minimum wage needed to be passed several years ago. I believe in guaranteed, improved, and expanded Medicare to every single American.
We can’t give up. I’ve been in that place when I was a waitress. I did spend some time giving up and being cynical and saying, “F*ck this.”
And you know what it got us? Nothing. Depression, cynicism, and a sense of purposelessness. Giving up is a privilege that people just can’t afford.
Movements wax and wane. And there are times when it feels like our power is waning, and it’s really easy to take our ball and go home. But the strength of a movement really depends on the durability of it, and the commitment to it.
That black pill of cynicism is the death of movements, not the birth of them.
In solidarity,
Alexandria
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