In just over 4 months, the disaster that is 2020 will be over. Like many of you, I can’t wait.
The pandemic, wildfires and heavy smoke, the continued killing of blacks including black trans women, the upcoming election and now RBG… I am done.
Two weeks ago, my home state of Oregon was hit with many wildfires. The heavy winds fueled the fires, causing them to spread rapidly, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, and they are still burning. Thousands we’re evacuated, many are in shelters or hotels having nothing to return to. The town of Blue River is gone. The death toll is still unknown at this time.
At one point, looking at the fire maps, it appeared as if half of the state was burning. Over a million acres of land has burned and that number is rising.
I live and work within an hour of one of the biggest fires, and our phones were blowing up with notifications regarding areas that needed to prepare to evacuate. Luckily, the winds died down and the fire didn’t get any closer to us. The smoke however was everywhere and we were advised to stay inside because of the harmful air quality. It’s rained since then so the smoke is better now, but it’s still present.
Last Friday we were informed about the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This woman gave her all to the United States of America, right up to the end. Her voice, her wisdom, and her fortitude will be greatly missed. I’m having a hard time imagining what life here in the US is going to be like without her.
I know I’ve said this before but I implore you now, please vote. You can visit this site to check your registration, register to vote, and/or request an absentee ballot: vote.org
Change must happen, but it’s going to take all of us… Showing up to do our duty and vote. Vote like your life depends on it, because it does…
I hope you are all safe and well. My heart is with everyone affected by the fires here in the western United States. My heart is also with the family of RBG. She was a beloved, fair minded, tough lady, and we will not see the likes of her again.
Rae
Rae McDaniel 