I have never been this disillusioned

I pride myself on being optimistic, not delusionally so, but enough to always feel gratitude and to find the ways in which I can effect change. And I definitely haven’t lost that sense of optimism, but I would be lying if I didn’t acknowledge the deep disillusionment that I feel about this moment and this country in general right now. And yes, some of this is about yesterday, but some of it is also about “our side” if I can call it that.

But let’s start with yesterday. Although I didn’t watch or read any coverage of the main event so to speak, I did see pictures featuring those CEOs. I couldn’t help but wonder why? They are already so powerful and wealthy. Why do they need to be so deferential? At some level, I have to believe it’s just a big F*@# you to the rest of us. And I suppose when you’re powerful and wealthy, it’s never enough.

As equally disturbing as the broligarchy on display was the spate of executive orders, especially those designed to evoke fear and confusion. From eliminating birthright citizenship for non-citizens to suspending refugee admissions and changing asylum policies, the signature-happy child-in-charge assaulted the country with false promises and poorly thought out policies. Just don’t dismiss it as hoopla because regardless of the legal challenges ahead, people are already being affected. Muslims for Just Futures is just one of the many resources to keep you up to date. of Here are some ways to resist. Do your part.

It’s been a long weekend. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the TikTok ban was delayed and Sunday marked the beginning of a long overdue ceasefire. Which brings me back to “our side”.

There is a narrative I’d like to challenge, which is the “together we’re stronger.” It’s a platitude I’m seeing in a lot of emails and social media posts. And I wonder who believes this? In principle, I agree. But who is the we? We progressives? We Democrats? We who are Zionist and we who are not? And are we really together? I feel like I’ve been a card-carrying member of the political/Democratic/NYC elite and these last few years have made it clear that to hold on to that card requires a kind of compliance that’s not about being stronger but about being well, compliant. To get through this next period, and let’s not call it four years, we’re going to need to be more courageous and more committed than ever before. Together, we CAN BE stronger, but it’s going to take a lot more than messaging and talking to our neighbors.

Before I sign off, two things. Los Angeles is under a heavy wind warning again this week. And if you feel somewhat helpless right now, that’s okay. The area and people will need help for a long time, and you can step back in when you’re ready. Which is sort of my second thing. This is all a lot. I’m not just finding it hard to keep up but also hard to know what to do. I’ve made peace with it. It’s only Jan 21, people. We have a long way to go. Some of us can step down, while others step up. When we’re ready, there will be plenty to do.

Sayu