I started the week off well. Monday was a work holiday; I ignored social media and the news and wrote.
Since then, it’s been one variation after another of this meme.
I understand that the intent of those currently in power in the United States is to overwhelm us all. To layer shock upon outrage upon revulsion until we are all unable or unwilling to react.
My husband has a US green card, but I still worry some overzealous cop or, heck, even a grocery clerk, will eye him with suspicion and bring down the ICE hammer on us. I’ve been teaching how to react to—literally—unwarranted questions with responses like:
Do you have a signed warrant?
I wīll remain silent until I can speak to an attorney.
Am I being detained?
Am I free to go?
Everyday he has come up from his desk, asking me if I’ve read the latest, seen the latest, heard the latest.
The firings. The roundups. The hearings. The traitors to the Constitution.
But I think I’m more frightened than he is.
Frightened for him, for us, for our friends living everywhere on the rainbow, for family.
And so I need a few more days before I can share some Japan travel myths with my subscribers. I need a few more days with my oxygen mask on.
And if you’re feeling the overwhelm too, leave a comment.
I’d much rather be in community with you all.
I’m trying so hard to find the right balance between not burying my head in the sand and not absorbing so much news that I’m in a constant state of anxiety, though the latter is winning out a bit. It’s very hard not to feel sad and scared right now. I’m sorry it’s hitting so close to home for you guys.
I'm truly sad this is happening, and sorry that you two are closer to the most immediate impacts. I hope you can find and secure community. ❤️