Yes, we were all restless last night

Much on the line, but much work ahead either way.

I thought I’d start the election coverage by acknowledging what most of us feel. I’m sure many of us, myself included, were restless last night thinking about how today and its aftermath would play out. 

None of you are alone in your worry. Some consequences will happen whether Donald Trump loses or wins. If he wins, the president-elect will face criminal sentencing for a felony conviction. If he fails, then he will deny the results, face prison time, and we’ll have half the country bitter about the results, watching him taken off in handcuffs. That’s a recipe for civil unrest.

What does that mean for the abortion rights movement? 

Violence could be visited upon many of us. Doctors could be killed. Activists and writers could be targeted and harassed. Clinics could be bombed. In short, everything that happened in the last 50 years could increase in frequency. 

I hope Kamala Harris wins. But whether she does or doesn’t, we will continue our work advancing the cause. 

There are states where ballot initiatives aren’t possible. The only recourse we’ll have is to flip state legislatures, which means categoric shifts in the body politic in places like Texas. That means we must start by winning small positions like school board, borough council, and small-town mayorships and build up county parties to the point where their influential leaders can push for more liberal causes. 

When I wrote my last book about a serious racial injustice, a black history professor told me something I found beneficial. He said to have fun with my research and not take it too seriously. 

It’s easy when you’re writing or working on a topic as important as abortion rights to feel you, too, are very important. But don’t lose your sense of humor. Don’t lose the ability to self-deprecate. Don’t belittle the work of others in the same field of inquiry or the same domain of activism. 

One person can make a difference in their country and community with time, dedication, and discipline. They can make it more tolerant, change attitudes, and inspire young people to follow their example. 

I’m not one of those people who say I’ll leave the country if Donald Trump wins. No. I’ll stay and fight. So should you. The cause of human dignity doesn’t begin or end with the election of a president. 

This isn’t a rah-rah newsletter. I’m not giving a pep talk. But I wanted to acknowledge how many people feel and use my platform to let them know they’re not alone in their worries.