The writer represents the Windham-4 district (Putney and Dummerston) in the Vermont House of Representatives.
PUTNEY-It can be easy to get discouraged these days when we see and hear things that we couldn't have imagined just a few months ago.
These clowns in the White House want that, though. To discourage us, to see despair.
If for no other reason, I'm not letting them think that what they're doing is working.
More than that, I'm hopeful from meeting with kids who are growing up in these tough times.
Despite, or because of, all that's happening, they still strive and in their efforts is the hope that what they do can make the world better.
I'm also hopeful seeing the courage of immigrants who come to this country because it's better than what they left behind and who are working to make a better life for themselves and their families.
And I'm hopeful from accompanying immigrants walking into the Homeland Security office to get their papers in order. They do so not knowing if they'll be allowed to walk out of the building.
One young mother wore a note their young child taped to their arm, with the child's name on it. The child told her, "Momma, this is in case they take you, so you don't forget me."
When I see courage like that, how can I not stay hopeful, be ready to do the work to support them, and create a country that welcomes immigrants and creates opportunity and "justice for all" - with no exceptions?
And what is the work we can do now?
There are two governors races this fall. Support the Democratic Party candidates who running for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, respectively.
Then, get ready for the next election cycle in 2026.
The Koch-family-funded dark-money group Americans for Prosperity has targeted us right here in Vermont. They're saying they're sending money and staff to elect their kind of candidates. Let's make sure they know their tactics and policy choices, especially around dinosaur fuels, won't work here.
We can also help locally. More people than ever are needing help with food, even as food programs are being cut .
Donate, volunteer.
And show up.
Demonstrate at ICE.
Demonstrate at the overpasses.
Demonstrate to make sure your beliefs are made known and that what the Trump clown car is doing does not reflect your values.
And ask questions.
Where are those lower prices we were promised?
Where's the end to all wars we were promised?
Clarissa Pinkola Estes once wrote, "I do not keep a chair for despair." Good advice.
So, yes I'm hopeful for better days to come
Because not to have hope is giving up, and I'm not giving up. Please don't either.
Mike Mrowicki
Putney
The writer represents the Windham-4 district (Putney and Dummerston) in the Vermont House of Representatives.
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