What Does It Take to Stop Making Excuses?
Planning ahead is the answer
Did you go to one of last weekend’s huge protests? No?
I’m not proud of this but I didn’t either. And I’ve rarely called a congressperson or senator to voice my opinion about anything. I vote, so there’s that, and when I can afford it I donate to causes and candidates I believe in, but my phobias (mild agoraphobia, phone-phobia, and aversion to discomfort of any kind) have been my excuses for not doing more. That, and my fear of not having a nearby bathroom when I need one. Like I said: not proud.
What’s your excuse?
The 5.2 MILLION people who showed up all over the country made me downright ashamed. Old people. Disabled people. LGBTQ people. Children. They turned out in spite of whatever barriers and discomforts they faced. If they can do it, you and I have no more excuses, no more what-ifs. So, here are some ways I plan to get around mine:
What if there’s no parking? Take a bus instead.
What if I get hungry or thirsty? Bring lunch and a water bottle (with extras for others if I can—a cooler on wheels full of bottles, sandwiches, and ice? Yes.)
What if I need a place to sit for a bit? Bring a folding camp chair.
Worried about…
sunburn? Wear sunscreen.
crowds and COVID? Wear a mask.
no porta-potties, or long lines to use them? Wear Depends. (Seriously.)
But what if I’m arrested? Robert Dempsey of Pathfinder Chronicles has good advice — What to Do If You’re Arrested at a Protest: “Know your rights, protect yourself, and be ready — before, during, and after an arrest at a protest.”
ACLU has even made a handy-dandy guide to help us know our protest rights:
The next nationwide protest is set for April 19th—just next weekend—and I’m pretty sure more are planned over the summer. Planning is the key, btw, for the people who plan events like this, and also for people like you and me (see above) so we have no excuses on the day.
How will you reframe your excuses?
I’ll be there. Will you?
Ed. Note: I played with AI to create an audio ‘discussion’ of this piece (see at the top) that was shockingly realistic (except for the pronunciation of my name, which decayed with each attempt, laughably by the end.) Give it a listen—you’ll be amazed.
I didn't go because I had a 102 fever. I am willing to go on the 19th, but I feel it's too soon after the last one. People do have to plan, set aside discomfort, travel, etc. to attend these things, and I don't understand why the next one is so soon. I worry that it won't get good turnout, which is the whole point. But assuming there is one in my town, I will go!
I went last Saturday. I've been to lots of rallies but this was my first protest. It was a good experience. I went not knowing what to expect. I'd attended a call with the ACLU and was a little intimidated because they talked about things like facial recognition and tracking phones etc.
IDK if any of that was going on tho. Overall the crowd was lots of people like me (older) but there were also people who brought their kids and plenty of college age men and women too.
Common thread: FED UP and completely appalled at what's going on.
I promise that being around a group of people who feel the way you do was worth getting sprinkled on and the discomfort.
Good for you for planning ahead.