1st November 2000
During this period, as our court system is being attacked by the same man, George W. Bush, who feels entitled be the next President of the United States “under the rule of law,” I find myself seeking solid ground. I am horrified to see this arrogant man’s political machine manufacture demonstrations and near-riots that intimidate and presume that he has already won the Presidential election and that Vice President Gore is trying to “steal” the election from him.I am looking for a sense of hope and possibility at a time where it appears that the darkest, most venal forces are loose on the land.
Earlier this month, at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change Conference in Atlanta, I had the honor of meeting one of the truly great people of the 20th and 21st Centuries, Coretta Scott King. She is a woman who has tirelessly worked for civil and human rights for well over 50 years. She has also been a powerful role model for those of us who believe grace and spirituality are fundamental to enduring political activism.
Mrs. King said, “The coalition that gave Al Gore a popular majority can surely be as powerful as the New Deal coalition that transformed America in an earlier era.”
Regardless of what happens next in this toxic political atmosphere, it will be up to women and men like us — those who believe, like Mrs. King, that creating inclusive culture and politics in coalition is our best future— to take whatever actions we can to build community, not destroy it.
That is why The Avalon Project (my new CD and tour) feels even more timely today than it did when we launched it in October.
Please join me in taking direct action in support of democracy. Here is one site where you can get involved: trusthepeople.com