Hurricane Isaias did not turn out to be the threat to our area that was predicted. The wind howled, for short bursts the rain pelted, some branches were twisted off older trees, but for the most part, except for a brief loss of internet service, we were spared serious consequences.
I looked out this morning to see the early golden sun gleaming on the rain-drenched grass, each blade shining. The birds were active and outspoken, chattering around the bird feeders. The air felt fresh and washed, a relief after days of intense humidity and high heat.
No relief is in sight for our country. The storms thrashing our people, our states, our hospitals and election workers, our democracy, rage unabated, even intensifying. It will take all our fortitude to weather the convergence of a life-threatening pandemic, life-threatening global warming, the epidemic of racist behavior that infects our culture, and democracy-threatening behavior coming from, of all places, our own elected leaders.
We need Congress, specifically the Senate, to take swift and generous action to support people during the intensifying spread of COVID-19.
Numerous studies were published last week demonstrating that financial support in a time of crisis does not undermine the willingness of people to work. The fear of illness might, but with support people could safely to continue paying rent, buying food and supporting local business. The short-term expense of supporting a fuller shut-down would more than pay for itself in lives saved, businesses salvaged, homes protected.
We need our elected leaders to actually show leadership rather than confusing people miserably about the need to wear masks and stay close to home. We need clear, tested research on children and their risks before we send kids back to school.
Simultaneously we need immediate and bold action on climate change. A key way to restore our economy, demolished by the current administration’s failure to take COVID-19 seriously, is to launch a huge effort to help people switch from fossil fuels to clean energy. The jobs created would include construction, engineering, manufacturing and services all of which offer solid and long-term job recovery.
We need deep and systemic change in our policing, justice, education and financial systems.
We need courageous leadership to help our country come to terms with its challenges, face them and then take action, together, united for the better. There is no doubt now, after 44 months of president number 45, that none of the action we need to protect ourselves in these converging storms will happen unless there is a different president and a different Congress.
We have the power to make this change.
In month 46 we can vote to have a new president, number 46, and a refreshed Congress including a Senate that will not block important initiatives to reduce the threats to our lives and national well-being. We have the tools — our voices, our votes.
Registration goes until 10 days before the election in Massachusetts, but have a heart for the poll workers and town clerks and Secretary of State and vote early. Early voting in person is October 17-30. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Voting by mail has been made easier in Massachusetts due to the pandemic; visit the Secretary of State’s website for details. However you do it, do it.
Like the birds, tell all your friends and family; like the grasses, shine and amplify the fresh breeze of change. Like the wind, blowing in good trouble, let’s roar.
Judith Wagner is a resident of Northfield.