A Short Reflection Before Response
Two critical reminders before I share my detailed analysis of the 2024 election results
Dear readers and subscribers,
Asked during an interview, “Are you still in despair about the world?” James Baldwin responded: “I never have been in despair about the world. I’ve been enraged by it. I don’t think I’m in despair. I can’t afford despair. I can’t tell my nephew, my niece. You can’t tell the children there’s no hope.”
Later tonight I will post a detailed analysis of what happened in last night’s election. But I wanted to send this brief note for two reasons.
One, as a short reminder to not lose hope, and that it is okay to take time to reflect before responding. Many people are hurting. Many are confused. Many are angry. There is no rush to respond. And be not hopeless. I say this both to those hurting, and to those looking to point fingers. Already this morning I’ve received notes telling me to “f*ck off” or “enjoy the camps” or “hope you like being deported,” even making genocidal statements about Palestine. And to be sure, these aren’t from MAGAs—but sadly from folks on the left. I don’t take it personally, but I do take it seriously.
Two, I want to make a clear ask for your support as we go into these next four years. We’ve sadly seen the failure of legacy media, the refusal of the fourth estate to hold accountable those in power, and the capitulation to fascism. Meanwhile—with your support—I have built the Let’s Address This community to now more than 75,000 thoughtful people on the promise to speak truth to power and uphold justice in all matters. If you’re reading this, you are a member of that community, and I am grateful to you for choosing to partake. So, my ask is that if you are in a position to become a paid subscriber as we build into this next year, now is a crucial time to join this movement.
Thank you for the trust you have in me. My commitment is to reciprocate that trust with consistent, thoughtful, fact-based analysis and insights on the key human rights and civil rights issues that impact us all.
Sincerely,
Qasim
It’s the abject failure of voters to see beyond their pockets that annoys me. But after all American wealth was founded on genocide and slavery. I’m hurting for my ancestors and for Jimmy Carter - both of whom deserve to see the arc of the moral universe bend towards justice.
I had a dear friend who died a few years ago, who always, in parting, took my hand and said, “You be good.” He knew just how to say that to convey both keep well and do good. That’s what I wish for all of us: To keep well and do good. —Madelyn