I want to share an article Slate wrote today. I found it rather interesting. This was a unique perspective that I feel is important to take into consideration during all of this movement.  The Seven Main Reasons Democrats Shouldn’t Donate to Jill Stein’s Recount Fund I have been following this closely since last week. I even went to her donation page and stared at it for a long while debating a contribution. At the time she had only raised about 200k, maybe a little under. Ultimately, I did not donate. At that time I felt there were too many unknowns. However, I continued to follow this. I have been googling the progress each day. I am feeling: incredibly cautious optimism. I do not want to be disappointed again. Today I felt a twinge of excitement when I read the petition had been filed in Wisconsin. At the same time I reminded myself not to feel anything much over this.

This evening I again found myself considering making a donation. Then I saw the Slate article. I don’t know that I agree with everything, but I feel some valid points were made. Especially number 7. In a meeting I went to last weekend we discussed that upcoming senate election. Foster Campbell, Dec 10th. (Although, please take a look at his issues on the link to his campaign page.) I have donated to the ACLU and joined. I am also attending a fundraiser for the ACLU on the 9th. Followed up two days later with another group meeting (if you are local and want to join me and my partner in crime gal pals, let me know I will share info with you. Dudes welcome, I just happened to car pool with some of my favorite ladies)

I DO feel that our election system is rather hodgepodge. From primaries with voting and caucuses to the general elections with paper vs electronic and voter id/registration laws. These are all concepts too in depth to delve into in this post. It is a nightmare overall. We DO need to examine the consistency and integrity. However, I feel this strange pit in my stomach that this is just going to end up with a lot of people (anyone who doesn’t have faith in a Trump/Pence White House, myself included in that) disappointed all over again. Maybe it is a weird intuition. Maybe it is just that I am jaded.

I think we need to take a step back along with a deep breath, remembering that this doesn’t mean we are going to have some historic upheaval, regardless of what our dreams have been filled with during our nightly slumber. (Again, me included) The buzz going on around this is palpable. I have read other people’s hope and excitement. As much as I WANT to believe in that, the realist in me is not sold. If I am wrong and this comes to fruition, I will humbly admit I should have jumped on the recount train. I am not disavowing the attempt. Nor the inclination to make a donation. This is written by a woman who has already booked her hotel and flight for the women’s march the day after inauguration. I am not one to shy away from being vocal or taking action. I have experienced that twinge to act twice now for this particular cause. I am just concerned of hopes being utterly smashed once again. Personally, I do not want to go through that all over again so soon. Cautious optimism…..And who knows, I may make that donation yet. While reminding myself not to feel anything in particular about this action.