My heart is broken for the families of those who have been the victims of the incredible hatred that surrounds us. The loss that they have experienced is unimaginable. When I close my eyes I see the numbered tattoo on my cousin’s arm, I hear the voice of my father telling the story of the liberation of Bergen Belsen concentration camp in Germany. Are we as a nation not better than this?
My heart also is breaking for what may lie ahead for our grandchildren, all future generations and democracy as we know it. Will we abandon all civility and allow hatred to dominate our lives and destroy our democracy? Will we allow continued degradation of our laws until there are no protections for the health and wellbeing of our residents? There are times when I feel completely helpless and then I realize each of us must stand up for what we believe.
If you have not already done so, please VOTE. Your future depends on it as does the future of all of the grandchildren. We remember all the victims of senseless hate and violence and we stand with the survivors.
The elder voice is critical, VOTE on November 6th.
For the our grandchildren, future generations and all life,
Geri
GERI FRIEDMAN is the co-convener of Elders Climate Action, and is a board member of the Elders Action Network. She has been inspired to become an activist in her elders years by her love for her grandchildren. Before retiring she worked in social services and government administration, and was active in the women’s movement, the war and the environment before her career and family.