Standing Together (in the rain)

It rained all day yesterday. The ‘Stand Up Against Hate’ rally was held inside city hall rather than on the front steps. Worcester Interfaith was the organizer and Melissa and I had signed on as supporters. A few clergy and a couple politicians stood in front of a small crowd and one TV camera. They all expressed deep concern about the current state of our nation and affirmed the importance of standing together. The Mayor of our fair city said: ‘It is a sad day when mayors across America have to stand up and reassure people they are safe.’

But isn’t this just an expression of the bubble we have been living in?

Many Americans have not lived lives of safety (and privilege). Both across the rust belt of grinding economic decline and in cities large and small, many American children have grown up in homes where instability, violence and abuse are woven into the fabric of their lives. Maybe it’s a good day when elected officials across the country stand up against hate and violence?

In the book HILLBILLY ELEGY, J.D. Vance recounts the story of his growing up in southern Ohio, in a family recently migrated from the hills of Kentucky. Now a graduate of Yale Law School, he reflects on the impact on repeated childhood trauma on his life and the lives of those around him. It’s a good read and a glimpse into a part of the America that received Trump’s message with enthusiasm and hope. A part of America that has been hidden from many of us.

The MC of the rally was a local minister who reminded us that showing up to a rally in the rain and signing on to support the declaration against hate* are not enough. In the weeks and months ahead, he said, we need to hold ourselves accountable.

But how do we hold ourselves accountable? And what are we accountable for? These are essential questions for every members of a democracy.

Most of us have been used to practicing democracy in a rather lax way. We may make sure to vote every couple years, but we have been too busy in our lives to do too much more. It seems clear that more is required of all of us now. What exactly that more might be is what we have to find out.

*STATEMENT 11/15/16 Worcester, MA   worcester.interfaith@verizon.net 

We stand in solidarity speaking directly to our neighbors, our co-workers, our sanitation workers, court advocates, store clerks and police officers. We stand in solidarity talking to all of the students and young people. We stand in solidarity speaking as mothers, fathers and parents, to the Refugee and Immigrant families who have fled pain-filled pasts to come to our city and also to those who count generations here; this city is YOUR HOME, it is OUR HOME. You are welcomed here, we are glad you are as a part of our community and grateful for the many contributions offered through your presence.  You are not only welcomed here you are appreciated & LOVED here! 

For years we have reprinted, emblazoned and trumpeted our City as the“Heart of the Commonwealth”. Today we are being challenged to make these words mean something. The events across our country and Commonwealth have challenged us to put our words into meaningful action.

As the heart of Massachusetts, Worcester must be a community committed to justice and ready to defend justice. We pledge today as community leaders, elected officials, community organizations and faith leaders to be voices that reject hate and racism.

We pledge to challenge and resist those attacking immigrants and refugees, our transgender GLBTQI brothers and sisters, Blacks, Latinos, and those who practice the Muslim faith. 

We pledge to rebuff those who seek to create discord and hate.

We pledge to denounce and challenge those who choose to demean and attack. 

We pledge to use our collective power to support and protect anyone who may be targeted because of who they are.

We know that many are fearful of the climate of animosity, racism, bitterness and hatred that has been stoked over the past few months.

We will not be part of going backwards. We seek working together to ensure that, as the Heart of the Commonwealth, the only BEAT you hear in Worcester is that of LOVE and not hate.

You’re Invited!  Come Help us Share in the HEARTBEAT of LOVE! Tuesday Nov. 15^th 6pm in front of City Hall.