Spoiler Alert
Before you read the rest of this article, here are a few points I hope you will take away and share with your children.
- Love your neighbors. Even when you disagree with their actions, don’t hate the actors.
- Tell your stories respectfully, but passionately.
- Go outside. Appreciate community and cherish the opportunity to meet new and different people.
- Have the courage to stand up for what you believe and for others who cannot themselves.
- Remember we are in this together and will be forever.
- Teach your children well. (thank you, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young)
My First Rally
In my seventy years, for the first time last weekend, I attended a protest rally and march. Like 
many other events across the country that day, this gathering sought to bring attention to unacceptable actions taken by the current federal administration. The crowd chanted, “This is what democracy looks like.” I knew they were correct. Democracy is not a one-sided conversation. Democracy is not about always agreeing. Democracy is not about demeaning others for their views; but rather about the freedom to persuade others without the fear of repercussions.
Among some 5,00 people I saw folks who were legitimately concerned about the actions being taken by our country’s leaders. These people had gathered and listened while speakers identified and explained the status of those actions. Afterwards the large group marched to show unity and support. Peacefully.
This Land is Your Land
I saw a group of people who still believe – in Be There Dad terms – that nobody wins until we all do. The event was open to everyone. Many came to represent the interests of others who could not attend. The morning started with the pledge of allegiance. Honoring a flag and country that belongs to all of us. That was followed by a spirited rendition of This Land is Your Land. I listened joyfully to the familiar words again, “this land was made for you and me.” Democracy belongs to all of us. It is messy because it demands that everyone has their say. That others listen. That people compromise when they can. The majority rules. We move on. Now more than ever, it demands that we participate.
Tell a Story
Film maker Ken Burns told us that arguing rarely gets us anywhere. The secret to compromise and co-existence is persuasion. The best way to persuade is to tell stories. Watch a lawyer trying to convince a jury. Telling a story the jurors can understand. Observe a coach leading his team into a contest. Telling a story. Making it real. Helping the players understand the point in terms to which they can relate. In south Charlotte, I was surrounded by an effort in persuasion. People coming together as a community to tell their own stories. Each one a chapter in the larger narrative. All hoping others would listen.
Participants carried signs summarizing their personal stories. Most were homemade showing the passion and creativity of the bearers. The topics included: Social Security. Medicare. Medicaid. The stock market. Tariffs. Women’s rights. LBGTQ rights. Overreach by the President. Inaction by the Congress. Each displaying unique messages that came together in a common theme. Apprehension about the deterioration of our democracy. People were persuading us to maintain democracy as we know it. That all people are created equal. That all people should be protected by the laws. And that elected representatives and officials are accountable to “we the people.”
The Heartbeats We Share
Outside in the fresh air, I saw what I could not see on polarized screens, social media and impersonal influences. I saw the faces of people I had not known. I heard their voices. I felt the passion of people who had the same ideals as me. That we still share common values. That people still love this country. That people still care about each other. I felt the comfort of community and the exuberance of personal connection. I was hopeful and optimistic because face-to-face I experienced “the rest of the story.” Life is not measured in days, but by the heartbeats we share. Audrey Hepburn
I wasn’t reading messages from email addresses. I wasn’t part of an undisclosed cc list. 
I spoke with a farmer who looked like me. We shared stories about our college days. As we sang, We Shall Overcome, I joined hands with a black woman who had a beautiful voice that thankfully carried the melody for both of us. I walked beside a young lesbian couple. While they all may have differed on the steps, that day they all faced towards the same destination. All looking to preserve the country they know and love. Seeking to protect the freedoms our democracy has made possible. Looking forward to even brighter days. I thought about the words of Desmond Tutu, Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. Songs. Signs. Steps. Little bits of good. America has struggled before; if we all walk together, we can overwhelm, again.
Teach Your Children Well
I end where I began. I hope that others like me were living the lessons we had already learned; and planning to pass them on to our children. Love your neighbors. Even when you disagree with their actions, don’t hate the actors. Tell your stories respectfully, but passionately. Go outside. Appreciate community and cherish the opportunity to meet new and different people. Have the courage to stand up for what you believe and for others who cannot themselves. Remember we are all in this together and will be forever. Teach your children well. This land is OUR land.
