and all around me a voice was sounding
"Whew."
That seemed the collective response to Saturday's declaration that the presidential race of 2020 had been decided. Relief; equally measured, quiet, and hesitant.
I've spoken to many friends and a few strangers about the ongoing release since last weekend. At random, it would seem, another belt of tension within will unclasp. Another set of muscles will untwist. Breaths we didn't know we were holding would suddenly release.
Instead of one moment of relief, it's been a continued series of small ones, of forgotten doors unlocking to allow the light to stream back in. Whatever we've been holding onto for this past four years, it's going to take time to let it all go. Maybe we'll never be rid of it all.
There's a lot to take from the results of last week's election, but this was a victory we should enjoy. We've begun to turn away from the chaos and back toward compassion. So let's enjoy a moment. And then we need to get back to work.
I'd like to say one more thing before I send you on to this week's mixtape.
I've read a lot of calls for coming together in the wake of the election, of forgiveness for and understanding of those we disagree with. I certainly echo those sentiments when we're discussing our different views and philosophies on governance. And I believe we have to do better to stem the tide of vitriol and to learn to answer some challenges with compassion.
But.
Agreeing to play nice over basic differences and working together for a better society are not the same as forgiving those who make attacks on people's humanity or those who allow them in order to gain or maintain power. With the assistance of the words of James Baldwin, @MistaGillis made it clear:
Let us all hope for the open minds and open hearts of those we disagree with and let's work to stay open ourselves. But let's not fool ourselves that one election or any political party is the fix for the problems we face. Trump only exists because of the rot within that allowed him to grow. So enjoy the moment. And then let's grab our shovels and get to digging it out.
Enjoy this week's tunes.
WQPM playlists are a collection of ten songs I've been listening to this week, crossing genre, era, and taste. No themes here, just the tunes I've been sticking in my ears lately. The newest Weekly Quick Pick Mix is available on Spotify and Apple Music.
