by Jeanne Devine

Servas has “a mission of promoting peace and justice, and tolerance while encouraging environmentally sustainable meetings and lifestyles with less ecological impact.” It appears that much of that ethos will be relegated to coffee house discussions for the next four years.

Along with millions of others I was shocked by the outcome of the US elections!  Since January and through five months of a hot, dry summer, I worked with many others for democracy, reproductive choice, LGBTQ equality, the urgency to address climate change, human rights of migrants, and the importance of addressing foreign policy non-militarily and through the UN process.  

Arizona is one of the most conservative states in the US. I have been sorely tested these last few years with hateful racist legislation; yet we organized and tabled, knocked on doors, attended community meetings for qualified candidates who endorsed public education, sensible water policies, voter integrity, civil rights for all.  Many people were intimidated by the hatred of opponents; few dared to put up yard signs or bumper stickers on their cars; our leaders and their families were personally threatened, and the Harris/Walz office where I volunteered was hit by gunshot three times before it permanently closed for safety reasons.  

Now our values will be challenged an ideology that is the antithesis of what we hold dear. How are we to cope as we watch ideas and institutions we hold dear be torn down? What do we do when we see hate groups parade through towns spewing bile with impunity?

Still too many Americans are complacent about democracy and our responsibility to be informed and vote.  Too many Americans are complacent about an educational system which does not value history or critical thinking. Too many Americans are complacent about homelessness and blame it on laziness and drug abuse.  Too many Americans are complacent about mass imprisonment and the disfranchisement of 4.5 million felons. Too many Americans are complacent about wars in Ukraine or the Middle East or global warming.    

Now our values will be challenged by an egotistical billionaire, convicted felon, outspoken racist and sexist, who resisted the peaceful transfer of power four years ago and the list goes on. Someone who does not acknowledge climate change, does not recognize the importance of global treaties nor countries’ rights to self-determination. All of which are contrary to the mission of Servas.

We are facing a radical social movement to the right! Here are some of my thoughts and personal concerns...

• What do we tell our children and grandchildren about democracy?

• Other than the dangers, what will be the result of the deportation of millions of undocumented and DACA residents and the fate of their children? 

• How will the US work with its allies and who will we “pick” as our enemies?

• How can we deal with global warming – if those in power continue to promote fossil fuels?

• How do we rein in the dangers posed by social media as a tool of manipulation. 

• How will we react to the promised retribution for those who speak out – politicians, celebrities, journalists, non-profits, etc.?

It is too much to contemplate – which is why I am just now writing my thoughts on the election... a cathartic exercise. I stay busy catching up on house chores and medical appointments and reconnecting with friends.  I don’t know what will happen in the future – nor what I can do to change things. I just know that democracy – as imperfect as it is – is far better than autocracy – and kindness and respect are superior to lies and hatred. Let us not be silent in speaking of our commitment to peace through communication! Long live SERVAS!!! 

Note: US Servas is a non-political organization. Our members may have diverse views on issues that are political in nature. We may occasionally publish thoughtful opinions from members that have political overtones provided their views fall within the overall mission of Servas, i.e. peace and justice and protection of our planet.