Let’s be clear: It matters who wins.
The next US president will wield enormous influence over climate, health, the economy, the books in your library, the dinner on your plate. If you’re a primary caregiver, or live in poverty, or have a pre-existing condition, it matters who wins. Whether you’re Bill Gates or John Q. Driveway, the next president will shape the world around you.
But not absolutely. Despite the sense that politics determines the fate of everything, there are positive things happening in this world that might be slowed down, but can’t entirely be stopped.
On a broad level, this includes forces like the forward march of green technologies, the global reduction in poverty and fights against deadly diseases. Renewable energy is cheaper than ever. Electric vehicle sales continue to rise. Global emissions may have already peaked. HIV rates keep on plummeting. Deadly diseases such as malaria and wild polio have been eradicated in countries where, just a few years ago, they were killing thousands. And despite a small increase since the pandemic, the percentage of people living in poverty is at its lowest in decades.
These are broad, sweeping changes, many the result of years of collaborative efforts spread across the world. They won’t easily be slowed or swayed by one country’s politics. And it’s not just global forces –– as individuals, we have the power to live, work, advocate and fight for how we want the world to be.
That’s why, a few weeks ago, we asked you to fill in the blank for this question:
“No matter who wins, _________________.”
We received hundreds of inspiring responses. You talked about standing up for equality, racial justice, economic fairness and basic human rights. You told us about your plans to rewild your cities, cultivate pollinator-friendly yards, and make art and give it away. Many of you responded with personal expressions of kindness, love and compassion.
No matter who wins, I will continue to make my home a cozy, safe space for all who enter.
No matter who wins, I will continue to show up for my family and community.
No matter who wins, I will love this world with every fiber of my being.
From now through November 6, our content will focus on solutions and positive changes likely to keep moving forward, come hell or high water, no matter who wins the US election. On Election Day itself, we’ll reveal the hundreds of responses you sent us. And the next day, we’ll publish a poem adapted from those responses written by our managing director — and accomplished poet — Rebecca Faulkner.
We realize that this is a sensitive time for many. We welcome your thoughts and feedback. And if you didn’t get a chance to tell us your response to this series’ question, you can still do so here.
