Its ok to be disappointed, dumbfounded - angry even - but don’t despair or be defeated
Trump (and Musk) won. Here are 10 reasons not to give up hope. Its ok to be disappointed, dumbfounded - angry even - but don’t despair or be defeated. Our fight for social justice and nature regeneration is a longer effort. We lost a battle, not the war. We are a movement, not an election campaign.
- Trump is part of an institutional system with checks and balances in the US and a global system that is bigger than America. Look for leadership where it exists.
- Trump is the embodiment of unsustainable and irresponsible leadership. It is easier to achieve a united force when the opposition is clear. Join with others in solidarity.
- Trump will try to reverse trends like climate action and renewables that are already past the tipping point. Trust economics and the market to win over political rhetoric.
- Trump has promised to cancel the Inflation Reduction Act, but more Republicans are benefiting from IRA projects than Democrats. Keep communicating the benefits.
- Trump does not determine how you spend your time, where you put your energy and resources, or how you make your impact. Focus on what you can control.
- Trump ran on immigration and the economy. But the problems of climate, nature loss, inequality and women’s rights are still real. Keep working on solutions.
- Trump has captured the Republicans, but there’s dissent and dissatisfaction in the Party. Most ordinary people do not want choas and division. Be the voice of reason.
- Trump is a nationalist and an isolationist. That plays well for populism, but the greater trend is towards integration and connection. Stay on the side of internationalism.
- Trump wants to create an oligarchy like Russia, and while he has billionaires like Musk in his pocket, many others do not support him. Stand with the middle classes.
- Trump can seem like a dementor from Harry Potter - sucking the light from our world. But it only takes one candle to banish the darkness. Keep kindling your flame.
- (Bonus reason). Trump thinks he’s an all-powerful leader. But complex living systems (like societies) self-organise. Leadership is distributed. Be the creative leader you are.
This is the time for resilience, perseverance, solidarity and systems thinking. The election result simply means that our work is not done.
So even now - especially now - I invite you to Be An Optimist. As my poem says:
- Be an optimist
- Not because the future is bright
- But because bright people are working
- To make the future better
- Be an optimist
- Not because the news is good
- But because good people are showing
- That change is always possible
- Be an optimist
- Not because the world is fair
- But because fair people are fighting
- For justice wherever it is needed