70 And Radical?
Who, me?
Sliding into my 70th year, am I becoming radicalized? Me?! Or have I simply stepped into activism?
Radicalization, in its most basic political sense, is tied to extreme views and a drive to upend the principles of a political system. Opposition is the core stance—sometimes, even physical altercation.
Activism, on the other hand, is about using vigorous action to bring about political and social change.
So I ask myself:
"Self, I’m making phone calls, writing letters, blogging about my personal political beliefs, and speaking my truth to anyone who will listen. Even strangers! And I never talk to strangers… OMG!"
And I answer:
"Maybe what’s happening isn’t radicalization but a deepening commitment to my beliefs. Maybe, because I’m older, my passion and advocacy don’t belong in the extremism column but rather in a growing awareness, and an understanding of the urgency required."
Okay then. I have political passion. I am aware. (I am WOKE—ha!)
When I went to bed on November 5, 2024, I felt sucker-punched. I was in shock. I’d expected a fight, but I believed I knew the outcome. All day, I had been elated.
When I woke up on November 6, it felt like I had lost someone precious. That grief stayed with me for weeks. Then came anger, and that anger has never fully left me.
When the threats and promises of The Man Who Would Be King became reality, I woke up and smelled the Constitution burning.
Now the question becomes: Are my beliefs evolving, or am I simply becoming more committed to them? Where is the fine line between activism and radicalism, and where am I standing?
Right now, I’m on the activist side. But sometimes in my thoughts, I feel dangerously close to that line.
Still, I know I won’t cross it. I haven’t thrown a punch since I was eight years old. (My dad taught me how to punch…I killed my baby doll.) My morals, and my mother, god rest her soul, won’t let me. (My mother boycotted grapes for Chávez.)
But I will get loud. I will write. I will call. I will talk.
And you can get loud, too.
There’s not much Democrats can do in a Republican House and Senate right now. But our voices matter. Coming from the constituency, it matters.