We were asked to share something we were grateful for in my yoga class. I struggled. I thought of all the typical things: my best friend, who also happens to be my wife, my family, my health, another day on earth. I remained silent, instead, thinking of things I was grateful for that are under attack, threatened by extremists. Maybe half the class spoke up, sharing personal gratitudes, some fighting back tears. Half of us remained silent; ironically, I felt grateful that I wasn’t the only one. As I did my best to stay focused on the yoga positions and my breathing. … I remembered!

Since integrity, logic, critical thinking and human rights are systematically being replaced with a fabricated hate, encouraged, condoned and enabled by one of the most despicable human beings to walk the earth, I struggle to find something to be thankful for (I fear the poor souls who bought into the lies will have the same struggle very, very soon). It is deeply sad that anyone thought their life would somehow be better with a convicted felon as president? The adoration of a narcissistic criminal is mind-boggling, a disturbing cult driven by fear, hate and lies. What “reasonable” explanation? Take your time, but while you’re thinking, I think I have found some joy, some gratitude, a silver lining.

I live in Oregon. My gratitude is knowing that no matter how many Oregonians voted for a convicted felon sexual abuser, hoping to validate, protect and advance their embrace of racism, homophobia, religious dogma, misogyny. … they all live in my beautiful, liberal state of Oregon! Maybe that silly Idaho pipe dream border fantasy will come true, but while your waiting for miracles, (one of which would be that your life will somehow be improved by a con artist) always remember — in Oregon, women’s rights, access to abortion, gay marriage, LBGTQ protections, gun controls and all those “radical left” policies have been and will be perennially protected by a “Democratic” governor, Senate, House and a “majority” of likeminded liberal citizens. Something to be extremely grateful for! Happy New Year!

Mike Meyer

Baker City