11 Comments
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Kali White VanBaale's avatar

LOVE this piece, Nicole, and love the Jane Austen quote so hard.

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Nicole Baart's avatar

Thanks, Kali. It’s such a perfect quote.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Oh my gosh...terrified, indeed. Wow.

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Tim Grover's avatar

We can be terrified but encouraging at the same time. Beautiful writing Nicole.

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Nicole Baart's avatar

Thanks for your encouragement, Tim. I’m glad you’re here.

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Ray Johnson's avatar

These are scary times indeed. However, heroes are emerging who won't give up the fight and they aren't waiting for the next election. They are doing it now. Let me tell you abut a couple of the organizations who have essentially said, "Screw the bridge. We will cross that bridge even though you are throwing rocks at us while we do it. And when we get to the other side we are kicking a** and taking names."

The ACLU has always been a great organization--protecting our rights and freedom, including the rights of those we and they disagree with. They know if the nazis can't march and protest, the day will come when you can't either. But the ACLU has taken it up ten notches. They are litigating to save birthright citizenship, to protect naturalized citizens, fighting for Due Process, attacking illegal executive orders, to stop ICE abuses, including stops and arrests solely because of the color of a person's skin, where they work or whether they speak Spanish. They have fought to require humane conditions in detention and 24 hour access to attorneys. I am an attorney and can say without reservation that what the ACLU has done and has accomplished has been truly remarkable. They clearly aren't finished. They could use your support no matter how small it is because hundreds of thousands of others are doing the same thing.

Indivisible isn't waiting for the next election either. The group is led by highly talented organizers who know what works and what doesn't. They provide guidance all the way from anyone who wakes up some morning and decides to grab a few people and go protest whatever to staging nationwide protests of thousands of people.

Yes, the next election is important. But families and children are being terrorized and abused right now, and this needs to stop NOW!!!

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Virginia Traxler's avatar

I agree whole heartedly. Thank you.

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Virginia Traxler's avatar

Thank you Nicole. You are modeling survival for all of us, as you share how to “cross the bridge,” and not to stay on one side rooted in terror. This is the definition of courage. The small acts of decency for our fellow travelers are so important, and your words bring me strength and hope to try to face my own fears in this time sad and terrifying time.

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Kathy McMahon's avatar

Exactly what i needed to read. Beautifully said as always. I love your precious heart and mind.

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Robert Leonard's avatar

You inspire me. Thanks for your courage.

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Kate Leo's avatar

Thank you for this hopeful piece. The picture on the bridge is breathtaking! So impressed you made it across. But even more impacted by the suggestions of the small things we can do to get through these difficult times.

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