Finding strength in community
To the Editor:
In Western North Carolina we’ve been insulated from the horror and tragedies across the country. We haven’t seen the ICE raids, but sadly I recently learned that ICE is around. We don’t have the details but in Asheville a friend of one of one of my friends was picked up and sent to Atlanta.
From Indivisible, a national resistance organization: “Those who oppress us have always relied on the ability to make us feel hopeless and that there is nothing good to fight for. We refuse to feel that way. Joy and community are resistance in this moment.”
This doesn’t mean we aren’t angry and scared. It means that in community we find our strength and, in that strength, we focus on our end game, not theirs. Our end game is a stronger country that takes care of its citizens, not just the rich. It is a country that sees no distinction in skin color or sexual orientation. Our end game is a country that recognizes equal rights for ALL. We also recognize it is a long and bumpy road to our end game, but we the people are going reach it.
It is easy with everything being thrown at us to feel defeated and worn down; that is what “they” want. A perfect place for you to reenergize will be at the March 28 “No Kings Rally — Unity for Community” (1 p.m.-3 p.m., Haywood County Courthouse). You will be with like-minded people and will be reminded you are not fighting this fight alone. You will have people you can share your fears, anger and hopes with. But, more importantly, it is where you will see joy and community are the resistance.
Mary Ford
Waynesville
