Ah, America.  Our election came and went, and I just barely evaded a full fledged panic attack.  Not as good as I’d hoped, nor as bad as I’d feared.  I am sorry and disappointed that we the people seem so predictably split by “party,” while the very wealthy merrily and largely unchecked go about despoiling our irreplaceable waters and lands.  The longer the many continue to fuss at one another, the less time and energy we are expending to reverse our collectively unsustainable course.

On the subject of the great and important work we could accomplish together, and a decidedly bright spot in this past Tuesday’s results, my Michigan county of Ingham approved a ballot measure to continue funding farmland and open spaces preservation.  Hooray!  This millage was overwhelmingly supported, by a larger margin than any ballot proposal for the past two elections.  I actually passed out flyers as my single act of direct canvassing, so an extra cheers for the result .

I find it comforting that the seemingly insurmountable division between “sides “ evaporated when people were presented with a decision about a thoroughly local matter, clearly and directly linked to our quality life as well as the best interests of future generations. We really can come together, and look out for each other.  We just need to focus our attention on what it is we care about that isn’t necessarily related to money. Or fear.  What can we do to restore life and hope?

Vote for butterflies.