Yesterday a Facebook friend posted this video, which is a compilation of the events that happened on August 28, 1963 at the March on Washington for Peace and Freedom.
It reminded me of the hope we all had back then. We thought we could change the world. And for a while, it seemed like we could. Less than a year later, on July 2, 1964, Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act. The following year, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was ratified.
But now many of those achievements are under fire. Billionaires who do not believe in democracy are trying to turn this country into a plutocracy — a government run by and for the richest few.
We've also seen the Supreme Court invalidate key parts of the Voting Rights Act.
I can't recall a time when racism was more proudly proclaimed. People parading around with Confederate flags, white supremacists running for public office. It's all so disheartening.
I miss the unbridled hope I had in the 1960s.
"Hold fast to dreams,
for if dreams die,
Life is a broken-winged bird
that cannot fly."
– Langston Hughes
hold on tight to your dreams
ReplyDeleteIt's all we can do.
Delete"Unbridled hope"—you're right, that's hard to imagine these days. There is hope (same-sex marriage is now constitutional across the land; young people growing up with more tolerance than their parents have), but it's certainly bridled with a lot of straps of despair. I try to hold on to the positive. Some days that's harder than others.
ReplyDeleteSusan, there are days when I just want to despair. I'm glad I know so many people like you and Terri, who continue to fight the good fight.
DeleteAlas, Michele, alas!
ReplyDeleteAlas indeed, my friend. It's generally disheartening, but there are some bright spots. I would love to see more.
DeleteMichele, are you still around?
ReplyDelete