Finding thanks

It’s almost Thanksgiving but I’m finding myself struggling when it comes to finding things for which to be thankful.

It’s been a rough year for many reasons, not the least of which is the outcome of the recent presidential election and its continuing onslaught of overt hatred, racism, xenophobia, half-truths and outright lies.

Still, I’m grateful for friends and family members who get how crucial this election was—and how devastating its aftermath is. I’m grateful for those who campaigned, donated and voted; I’m thankful for those who are now joining activist groups, making political phone calls, donating to critical organizations and protesting.

I am thankful for every person I know who has pledged to fight on and refuses to accept a racist, sexist, xenophobic president-elect—or give him a “chance.” The time for chances ended long ago during the campaign—probably around the time he called Mexicans “rapists” or mocked a disabled reporter.

I’m thankful for everyone who refuses to let this go.

As such, I’m thankful to be a journalist and to have the opportunity to work at SN&R. This is a newspaper built on a solid work ethic, an embrace of critical thinking and unwavering ideals. Part of our mission is to be a watchdog against hatred, wrongdoing, corruption and basic horrible-ness—in whatever way possible.

That mission is one embodied by every department in the building and in the days since the election, our small but scrappy staff has doubled down, strengthening our resolve and commitment to good journalism and basic human decency.

And for that I am very thankful.