Revolution unfolding

There’s plenty of reason to feel overwhelmed these days and to want to “back out of the room,” politically speaking. I have certainly heard those sentiments over the past few years, speaking with hundreds of folks local to Durango. But I notice an interesting opinion shift as we process what has been going on politically. There is a new sense of confidence, even enthusiasm, as our legal system takes on even the most powerful actors, even those protected by threats from a violent mob.

We are still dealing with the aftermath of an imperfect storm during the last administration, granted. An economy that is allowed to collapse during a pandemic needs strong medicine to recover. We got the right medicine in the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure and Jobs Act passed by only Democrats last year. That legislation created some 10 million new jobs and increased wages more substantially than in decades. But an economy jolting from zero to 60 in a year will have problems like inflation. Unfortunately, the Federal Reserve – not under Biden’s control – did not respond with raised interest rates early enough to rein in the surging economy. We’re also still dealing with pipeline problems, price gouging by our profit-driven corporations and Trump-buddy’s well-timed war of aggression on Ukraine.

So folks are reeling from all that has happened, understandably, and trying to process where we’ll stand when the dust settles. Are we really a nation of laws that apply to everyone, and of norms that can control reckless grasping? A nation where we all get to vote and have leaders we have chosen? Or are we heading for a mafia-style autocracy, a class-system that smiles on bigotry, where lies rule if enough talking heads repeat them? Many fear what will happen if too many people of conscience step back from their vital civic role in our political process, because it has been tainted by bad actors.

What I hear on the street is very encouraging. There is a basic shift in opinion and perception this summer as folks recognize the context of our current situation. Bernie’s runs in 2016 and 2020 were a huge catalyst, shifting candidate talking points across the country toward justice in economic, legal and health care systems. His impact shows up in the 400 bills passed by Congress – truly groundbreaking bills by any historical measure, addressing climate change and family needs like childcare, and education; protecting the sanctity of our voting systems; and ensuring the rights of minorities and vulnerable populations. We made that happen. Voters now expect more from this country, and their demands are showing up in election results with establishment incumbents losing to new determined grassroots champions who refuse the corporate payroll. 

But I think the core driver of change was former President Trump, who made Americans think deeply about what they stand for, and who demonstrated that our culture is vulnerable to division, hate and extremist cult activity. I witness that citizens are indeed “getting woke” as they realize that only their personal participation and determination can protect what is good about America.

Witness the amazing changes in our politics in the past four years. Truly awesome! Young folks are voting in ever-increasing numbers and powering campaigns and initiatives, making change happen. Their politics are not corrupted by the hope to win more loot than others. Their ethics are fresh – loyal to the diversity of friends they identify with. Older folks are stepping out of their usual ruts and roles to show up too, in droves. Witness the huge marches to support BLM, Muslim rights and reproductive rights, thronged by “allies” loyal to their friends. We’re actively learning and not accepting less for our BIPOC, LGTBQIA and other minority members. Volunteering for campaigns is way up – folks are taking personal ownership of this national healing. I love it.

Organized crime (big business) corrupts our government, true – but only when folks leave their government on autopilot. In the end, unity, ethical determination and personal involvement are the real power. 

It turns out that “we are the ones we have been waiting for.” This is the time of an epochal political and spiritual paradigm shift, when our people come together, organize, make core decisions and take control of our future. I am incredibly grateful and inspired to witness this revolution as it unfolds.

– Kirby MacLaurin, Durango