CLAIRE FISHER: ON BEHALF OF SBU COLLEGE DEMOCRATS
Photo: @sbu_collegedems on Instagram
Often, when things do not go our way our immediate response is to be disappointed.
We want to be clear, we are not simply disappointed. We are afraid.
Countless voters: women, Black, gay, trans, Christian, Jews, teachers, veterans, sexual assault survivors and immigrant voters, woke up with tears in their eyes. While some Bonaventure hallways may have been buzzing with weekend plans on Nov. 6, so many struggled to hold themselves together.
How many days do we have before the next school shooting? How many more days will we have a functioning Department of Education that helps provide IEPs and 504 plans? How many more days will we still have protection for gay marriage? How many more days before someone we love has a miscarriage and suddenly now has to be investigated for potentially having had an abortion?
Yes, our economy is important. The price of eggs and gas is heavy on our minds. But much more so is the health, safety and dignity of our loved ones. It’s not dramatic. It’s not being overly ‘woke’. It’s about empathy for our neighbor.
This month’s election has shown us, yet again, that no amount of violence — both verbal or physical — will bar someone from the highest job title in the nation.
For all those who are losing hope, take care of yourself. But once you have wiped your tears, continue your fight. Like the Washington Post says, “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” Never stop being a pursuer of accountability, a change marker and an advocate. Ever forward.
“‘When we fight, we win.’ But here’s the thing, here’s the thing: Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win.” — Kamala Harris, 2024 concession speech.
The Bona Venture provided St. Bonaventure University’s College Republicans the same opportunity and timeframe to write for the Nov. 15, 2024 edition of The Bona Venture. They did not respond.
fisherck21@bonaventure.edu
