Surprised by Joy
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz give us the chance to help them change the spirit of America
On the morning of August 6, 2024 Kamala Harris announced her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. She said,
As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his. It’s great to have him on the team. Now let’s get to work!
And Claire McCaskill says on MSNBC,
He’s the guy J. D. Vance pretends to be.
Excited words are still coming from everywhere, celebrating the new team.
So the Democratic ticket is complete and now we’re ready to use the amazing energy we’ve gained in the past couple of weeks. It’s time to get back to work.
But wait. I want to hold on a little longer to Kamala Harris all by herself.
Remember when President Biden was still the nominee? His record gave him every reason “to finish the job”, as he told us. But with constant press coverage of hateful Trump-Vance displays, for many of us every day began and ended under a cloud of worry. Emotionally, we looked for shelter from a turbulent, dark political sky that could turn worse at any moment.
Then suddenly on July 21, Biden stepped aside and we had Harris. For the next two weeks her personal burst of positive energy was enough to change the emotional weather in America.
Her expression of joy and her strong, fearless presence gave us confidence. We could hardly recognize this feeling after a decade of brutal ill-will that to this day is being stoked by the political party of her opponent.
Harris seemed to give us her smile. Suddenly it felt easy again to expect the best of people out in public, or read a book not about politics, or exchange views without hesitation; to take time off from volunteer work to go to a student theater production or for a scenic drive; to spend time with someone who is in need of kindness.
Yes, take out the sewing basket, hiking boots, camera, sports gear, sketchbook or gardening gloves. Write letters or start a book; plan a trip, revive friendships, show love, laugh, freely enjoy an hour of leisure.
Suddenly, it’s possible again to think about what is beautiful in nature and in human nature, without a sense of loss; to enjoy the day again because we’re not on watch at the gate in the dead of night. And there’s so much more - all while believing that the earth might survive after all.
This extraordinary moment can carry us through the work still to be done. I trust her choice. Welcome, Harris/Walz. Hello to the future in America.
The "Surprised By Joy" is the perfect title for your Postcard today, Deda.
And now onward with the spirit of America!
You made me weep - with joy.