Final Stretch of 2021 (12/19/21)

As we approach the last two weeks of 2021, we can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the sudden reality that the Omicron variant is overtaking the U.S. quickly and that we are about to enter year three of the pandemic with no clear end in sight. We should, however, remember that we are not where we are two years ago. We have vaccines and boosters -- and research shows that boosters are effective against Omicron so please make sure that you and your eligible loved ones get boosted; we know more about how the virus is spread and the importance of masking in indoor spaces so upgrade your masks to N95s and KN95s, and we have anti-viral therapies available including the (hopefully) soon to be approved Pfizer pill.

Uncertainty swirls around us. We worry about the fate of women’s reproductive rights and voting rights, the repercussions of supply chain issues and inflation, the fallout from natural disasters and gun-related disasters, the impact of disinformation and misinformation, and more. The incessant stream of seemingly unending bad news is exhausting. It is important, however, at moments like these when the world seems off-kilter to take a deep breath and remember the good that swirls around us too. We at MFD are a community of like-minded people who are working for the common good. Every postcard we write, every text we send, every article we share makes a difference. History shows us that we can’t solve these major issues overnight, but the collective chipping away one act at a time over time will prevail. Together we can make a difference.

It is holiday time and Markers For Democracy will be taking a two-week break from online Zooms. If you can enjoy family and friends or find quality time to do the things you love, seize it. Take two weeks and source the good around you. If you find yourself hibernating at home or on vacation, please note that there are still plenty of postcarding campaigns. Please check our Slack for pop-up postcarding opportunities over the two-week break. We hope that everyone has a relaxing and restorative two weeks off and then returns ready to hit the ground running in 2022 as we have a democracy to save.

Happy Holidays!