HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE

Humanity is deciding what it wants to be

Thank you, Brazil. We needed that.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential election on Sunday, a huge win for freedom, human rights and environmental protection. As Latin America’s largest democracy and home to nearly 60 per cent of the Amazon Rainforest, this race was hugely important both inside and outside Brazil. Lula’s opponent, authoritarian current President Jair Bolsonaro, has previously insinuated he would pull a trick we’re pretty familiar with over here and just declare he won even if he didn’t. President Biden issued a statement this evening congratulating Lula, in what felt like a message to Bolsonaro saying, “Don’t even think about it.” Good for him.

President-elect Lula. Photo by Alexandre Schneider

And things have gotten pretty dramatic here too, as numerous candidates around the country have suggested they may not accept the results of their election if in fact they lose. Most notable among them is Arizona’s GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, who when asked if she will accept her election results if in fact she loses, says simply, “I am going to win, and I will accept the results.” Also in Arizona, men in tactical gear have been surrounding voter drop boxes and the Supreme Court does not consider this voter intimidation.

From the attempted murder of Speaker Pelosi’s husband to Steve Bannon’s threat that November 8th will be “Judgement Day against the entire illegitimate Biden regime,” political violence is on many people’s minds as we approach the midterms. We can’t take for granted a peaceful transition of power in this country right now, as the stark contrast between authoritarianism and democracy is playing itself out here as well as elsewhere. Having traveled extensively around the country over the last few months, my sense is that Americans are taking it all in, slowly processing what is happening among us. We’re having to recognize things that not that long ago would have seemed inconceivable. Something indeed seems to have come apart at the seams, and we’re awakening to the fact that our country needs us.

I continue to believe in the decency and the dignity of the American people. I’m going to pray without ceasing leading up to and beyond November 8th, and I know others will be praying too. This is a difficult moment but I believe in my heart we’re going to make it through. May brotherhood and justice prevail…here, as it just did in Brazil.

And by all means, everyone, let’s vote!!