The slim margin

By the slimmest of margins, the majority of voters chose to turn away from violent extremism, the big lie of election denial, and the crushing of human rights.

This past week, many countries marked the cessation of war that started as Armistice Day, the day the guns of World War One stopped firing while the parties moved toward signing the treaty to officially end that horrific conflict. During the Cold War, the United States shifted its November 11 recognition to all veterans of service in the armed forces, so sometimes we forget that the root of this holiday is the recognition of peace.

During this same week, in the U.S. we also witnessed the counting of the people’s votes - the settling of conflicts with polls instead of battles. And (in too many cases by the slimmest of margins) the majority of voters chose to turn away from violent extremism, the big lie of election denial, and the crushing of human rights. Democracy hangs on.

To be clear: too many who seek to be called “leaders” choose the path of advocating violence, lies, racism, anti-Semitism, and fear-mongering. In too many places, voting is severely restricted, dark money swamps the process, and districts are gerrymandered beyond recognition. Too many of our neighbors live under single-party rule, too many are excluded from full participation, and too many are villainized and dehumanized in cynical attempts to retain power. We have a long way to go to ensure democracy thrives.

For now, we pause and appreciate the work it took to get this far, as we pause and give thanks for the cessation of violence in 1918. In the century since then, violence won the day too many times. But we cannot cease our efforts to construct peaceful, inclusive, thriving communities that support all members of our human family, and respect the earth that holds us.

For now, the margin is slim. Moving forward, we work to enlarge it, one step, one election, one moment at a time.

Be safe and well, and take good care.