18: something light

Dear Friend,

Happy Summer! We hope that this new season is off to a good start for you and yours.

Without sidestepping (even a teeter) I’d like to talk with you about something that matters not only to me but to countless others, some of whom I will probably never even meet.

It isn’t exciting or comfortable or fun. It isn’t something we planned for. Losing more Open Spaces, BLM, Forestry Lands is Loss, for you, for me, and, other human beings and creatures.

Have you ever heard of a Voice Vote? The reverse is used in school cafeterias, the quietest table can be excused to recess. But Parliament, and the U.S. House, uses Voice Votes, in which the outcome of a vote is determined by the volume of Yaes or Nays. The loudest wins. And, yes, I realize that, for important things, it isn’t a law-maker’s go-to method. But, the idea of what is ‘important’ is becoming more subjective. I have recently asked myself, “Am I loud enough?”

Getting involved is not everyone’s ‘way.’ I get it. Protesting something isn’t in everyone’s wheelhouse. But, if doing nothing isn’t helping, could it be time to try something that will? But what and how?

There are opportunities to write to lawmakers, sign petitions, vote, walk with marches or join in a protest. Prayer, meditation, being yourself, kindness… I don’t take it for granted that we have the freedom to pray and to be ourselves, and I certainly don’t think kindness means silently complying.

So, yes, I’d rather write something light, and this is one thing that I never thought I would write to you about, but I wanted to be clear, I think our voices are important in more issues than just the threat of losing open spaces.

At a time when please and thank you are simply expletives, being polite is a sign of weakness, standing up for something requires the literal act of standing, we can help each other.

If we have something to say, if we want to help but don’t know how, if we don’t like the way we (or those around us) are being treated, it is good to remember that we are not alone, and there is something that can be done, together.

If you have ideas about solutions, or you just want to say what’s on your mind, please write, let us know how you're doing, we always enjoy hearing from you! Thank you for reading Tracks by the Post, it means a lot to us that you are here!

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,

Gently Be,

Leslie and Frank

PS: there are many websites and social media sources that make it easy to find ways to sign a petition or contact your state or local representative. If you need help with this, I’m happy to look into it with you. Just let me know.