I don’t know about you, but the last few weeks have been extraordinarily hard. We have never had the outpouring of help and volunteers like what we saw this election season. Yet, the outcome was abysmal. Our hopes were dashed, our belief in the American way, and our fellow Americans, was severely tarnished. So how do we recover, what can make us care again? Right after the election I came across this little story that made me think a bit and offered some encouragement. Maybe it will inspire you too. From the Women for Change Website –
According to an old Native American legend, one day there was a big fire in the forest. All the animals fled in terror in all directions, because it was a very violent fire. Suddenly, the jaguar saw a hummingbird pass over his head, but in the opposite direction. The hummingbird flew towards the fire!
Whatever happened, he wouldn’t stop. Moments later, the jaguar saw him pass again, this time in the same direction as the jaguar was walking. He could observe this coming and going, until he decided to ask the bird about it, because it seemed very bizarre behavior.
“What are you doing, hummingbird?” he asked.
“I am going to the lake,” he answered, “I drink water with my beak and throw it on the fire to extinguish it.” The jaguar laughed. “Are you crazy? Do you really think that you can put out that big fire on your own with your very small beak?”
“No,” said the hummingbird, “I know I can’t. But the forest is my home. It feeds me, it shelters me and my family. I am very grateful for that. And I help the forest grow by pollinating its flowers. I am part of her and the forest is part of me. I know I can’t put out the
fire, but I must do my part.”
At that moment, the forest spirits, who listened to the hummingbird, were moved by the bird and its devotion to the forest, miraculously sent a torrential downpour, which put an end to the great fire.
The Native American grandmothers would occasionally tell this story to their grandchildren, then conclude with, “Do you want to attract miracles into your life? Do your part. You have no responsibility to save the world or find the solutions
to all problems—but to attend to your particular personal corner of the universe. As each person does that, the world saves itself”.
– author unknown
Against unfavorable odds, we did our part to defend Democracy and put out the raging wildfires of rightwing misinformation, downright lies, Christian nationalism and MAGA extremism. Maybe our miracle is still coming. Despite the heartbreak, I am glad I did make an effort in my personal corner of the universe to work for the outcome we so wanted. If we want our miracle, we are going to have to move forward and keep calm and carry on. Do not let apathy overtake you. We will need the help of everyone to keep the Republican, Project 2025, and MAGA agendas from unravelling 90 years of progress.
So where do we go from here? Weld Dems are staging a forum next Sunday to ask Democratic leaders and candidates what we could have done better, what went wrong, and what steps we can now take to ensure victory in the future. We also will discuss what steps and plans we can make to answer to the extreme agenda our next President resolves to inflict. How can we protect our immigrant neighbors from the vitriol that is sure to be coming their way? How can we protect healthcare, agriculture, small business, education and the environment? Like the hummingbird, we may need to do our part despite the odds.
Speaking of doing your part, in a few short weeks the Weld County Democratic Party will be needing to elect a new term of officers at our reorganization meeting in February. We will be electing a slate of county officers, and also committee persons for both county and state committees. We need leaders who will set the course of the party for the next few years and set the goals for the next decade. We need young leaders as well as seasoned leaders to plan for and carry out the work of the Party. Might that new leader be you? Job descriptions will be available on our website. If you are interested in applying, send in your intent to run in writing to wd.centralcomm@gmail.com and respond to the call which will be sent out near the end of next month.
Finally, I want to wish each and every one of you my heartfelt, warm wishes for a blessed holiday season. I want to extend a personal invitation to our Annual Holiday Party on December 7th, 11:30-2:30 pm at the LINC Library on 6th Street and 8th Avenue in Greeley. It will be a potluck and bake sale so bring a dish to share. Last name A-M, bring a main dish or protein item, and last name N-Z bring a side dish or appetizer. Desserts can be bought at the bake sale. Please bring an item for the bake sale. Indicate on the item what you suggest is a fair price for your item. Let Pat Kiovsky know what goodies you are bringing or call the office and leave a message. Come, let us gather together during this holiday season to heal our wounds, commiserate and lift each other up in preparation for the new and challenging year ahead.
Bev Wallace, Chair