It’s time to post a timely gratitude column in a hurry. I often extol the benefits of gratitude. It may have come later in life, but I’ve learned that just being grateful can be an almost impenetrable shield from life’s blows. It’s a superpower. It’s no wonder Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday after New Year’s Eve.
Most LGBTQ Americans probably don’t feel particularly grateful ahead of this year’s feast. According to a poll commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign, we voted Vice President Kamala Harris defeated President-elect Donald Trump by a landslide margin of 84-14.
So what is there to be especially grateful about seeing the Gilded Age 2 billion billionaire class line up behind a man who has already shown how little he cares about democracy? Is it clear that the popular vote is also pushing into the Trump column?
I’m sure you’ll find something. It’s better for your sanity.
First, this popular vote victory is not remarkable, even though, as I write, votes are still being counted. It feels like it’s leaning rather than falling. The country is so divided that more votes for President Trump could probably be counted this month.
Americans’ feelings may change next month. We’re ridiculously fickle people, but how can someone who voted for Biden/Harris four years ago refuse to respect the peaceful transfer of power and turn to a convicted felon? I can’t for the life of me understand why I voted. Brand became even more hateful and insane. Or voted for progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. and playing cards.
But I think that’s democracy. Messy, messy, messy. Still, it is far superior to competing brands of digital authoritarianism in China and populist politics in Russia. Let’s hope we can somehow hold out.
Harris received more votes than the entire population of France and the United Kingdom. Trump received fewer votes than the population of Germany. That’s small consolation, considering Trump’s train also passed the House and Senate. Just like at the beginning of 2016. This time, the Supreme Court on opening day was more supportive, with fewer guardrails and an Emperor Palpatine-inspired call. retaliation.
Staraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Let’s regain gratitude!
Looking at this narrow victory and reflecting our very divided country, I am so grateful to Harris and Governor Tim Walz’s campaign. Although they did not win, it sparked an outpouring of love and joy across the country.
Ever since I lived in Florida, The Villages retirement community has always looked like a ruby-red conservative castle. The Harris/Waltz team has motivated hundreds of The Villages residents to golf cart parade I was surprised and happy that they supported me.
On October 29th, my jaw dropped when I saw the huge crowd that gathered at the Ellipse for the Harris rally. The campaign’s estimated 75,000 people feels like a bit of an underestimate when I remember just a fraction of the crowd that filled every lane of NW 15th Street for several blocks, much farther than I could see.
Across America, the Harris/Waltz campaign shined a light on what’s good about America and what actually makes America great. I will forever be grateful to have witnessed their campaign for justice.
I am grateful that we still have a constitution that guarantees freedom of speech. This means that I can say that President Trump “quitted” Harris during the debate, but it also means that I can write that he is the king of dipshit.
At least I think I can still write. Once I’m back as president, can he give me immunity and let the Secret Service break my ribs because I don’t show enough respect?presidential law?In that regard, I also appreciate that it’s just a small pile of potatoes, a trivial mediocrity that will never distract the occupants of the White House.
Not to sound grumpy, but I’m grateful to be 55 years old. From the time I was born on the weekend of the Stonewall Riots to this day, I describe death to young people as being like having only 20 percent battery left on your cell phone. And never charge me.
I am grateful that mortality has given me some comfort. I am grateful for the rich life I have lived that cannot be taken away from me. Yes, I’m grateful that I’ve already reached my future, but at the same time, I wonder why someone who cares about their children’s future would vote for a man who sees climate change as nothing more than a punchline. I’m confused. Have you forgotten about Hurricane Helen?
When it comes to looking ahead decades into the future, I thank incoming U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride, a hallowed Democrat from Delaware. As a result of profiling her, metro weekly I’ve watched her career in awe since she publicly came out as transgender in 2012. We are thrilled that her recent victory secures her a place in history that extends far beyond her position as a Delaware senator.
McBride was one of the clean spots in this dirty election and will forever be known as the first transgender person to become a member of Congress. Meanwhile, South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace secured her place in history as a bigot celebrating McBride’s victory with a small, hateful push to bar McBride from the Congressional Women’s Caucus. . Times change, and Congressional biases adapt.
Nevertheless, I could not be more grateful for the spirit of competence, kindness, and determination that McBride embodies. I am happy to know that she has already achieved great things and will do even more great things on bigger stages in the years to come. Dover’s loss is the nation’s gain.
Returning to the near future, we are grateful that Washington, DC is the host city for WorldPride 2025. Had Harris won, the global event would have been a monumental celebration of America’s first female president. Oh, that would have been great. But perhaps it is more important to organize World Pride as a protest as well as a celebration. During this election, as the Republican Party uses our trans allies as scapegoats, we are so grateful that a parade of our global LGBTQ and allies is already scheduled. Masu. Project 2025’s bigotry is entrenched, piling on, and salivating at the chance to undermine queer communities at the federal level.With just a few months to go, President Trump’s term is about one-eighth and one-fourth away. It’s reassuring to know that. Until the midterm elections — we’ll be enjoying Pennsylvania in the shadow of the Capitol. It’s going to be great.
Thanksgiving 2024 may be even more painful than previous years, but gratitude has the power to dull and even empower. There is absolute strength in gratitude. I am grateful that I was able to resolve the issue before the battery ran out.
Will O’Brian is a former metro weekly The editor-in-chief lives in Washington, DC with her husband. he is online www.LifeInFlights.com.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
