A couple of weeks ago, I began to ask my friends how they were coping withthe national election and how they were responding to the changing of the guard. Some are coping by withdrawing. One says that she listens to WOKO instead of public radio. Others have built strategies for regulating the amount of distressing news that they take in in a day, and listen to music, talk about other things with friends, work out more, hug their spouse closer or spend more time in nature or museums.
Some absorb every morsel of salacious andupsetting news about Donald Trump, his cabinet, the election shenanigans and The Donald’s family. Responses to the election vary. Some are taking a break until the inauguration. Others are writing opinion pieces or poetry. One plans to work more rather than less as he ages since his work can help preserve civil rights that might be threatened. Another studies consolation. One says he’ll “protest like it’s 1968.”
Most feel that being quietly liberalis not enough and plan to actively resist the potential assault on civil rights, the environment, international relations and health. Some worked hard to impact on electors. Some are sitting back waiting for Trump to implode. Many are in touch with our Senators and Representative.
Some planto attend the Million Women’s March in D.C. on Jan. 21, the day after the inauguration. Many talk of being in closer touch with like-minded people in order to support each other’s actions. Thoreau said, “…Cast your whole vote, not a strip of paper merely, but your whole influence.”
I am going to take Thoreau’s advice and be atVermont’s Women’s March on Montpelier at 1:30 p.m. this coming Saturday. It will be a chance for people to “stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health and our families — recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”
For me, marching in support of the Washingtonprotest and 300 simultaneous local demonstrations in all 50 states is a small thing that I can do to “cast my whole vote” in response to the ever more questionable election of Donald Trump. 
Harry Yeo Chaucer
New Haven