JUNE 17, 2020: The hard truth is there is no vacuum ~
Here we are, more than two weeks since my last installment. A lot has been happening, and I’ve been super busy with work and life in general.
The biggest thing to come out of the past two weeks has been the focus on law enforcement lawlessness, particularly the horrific George Floyd killing in Minneapolis and the use of federal officers to clear Lafayette Square in front of the White House so the president could stage a photo op that looked, well, dictatorial.
With regard to COVID-19, I recognize that increased demonstrations attended by an ever-increasing number of people means that we could see a huge jump in cases within the next 2-3 weeks. It’s hard to make a case against the demonstrations, however, given the overwhelming need for reform, the desire for justice for those murdered in police custody, and the unwillingness of those in power to do anything about it.
I believe in voting by mail, something that the armed forces does regularly. Likewise, the president, his daughter, at least one of his advisers, and his attorney general all vote by mail, even though they will tell you that it should be illegal (Republicans… go figure).
But I did not opt to vote by mail this year. The reason is because a) I don’t know if the post office will still be up and running by November; and b) Because I won’t let anyone take away my right to vote, even if it means I have to stand in line with others during a pandemic.
The reasons for large protests, and for me voting in person this year are the same: We will risk our lives in order to exercise and confirm our rights as American citizens, regardless of the risk. Particularly now, when our participation is needed most.
Corona Dailies 