A sad, sad day for many Americans. I have had a wonderful first two days at the sanctuary, which I'll get to shortly. First off, a few words from my boyfriend. Will, I hope you don't mind being quoted here, but I thought you hit the nail on the head and wanted to share your thoughts with everyone:
"I can't imagine that any of you are too happy today with
George W. Bush's victory last night. It's amazing and disheartening
to realize that so many people in this country define "morals" and
"values" in a way that doesn't include a balanced budget, healthy
environment, solvent social security, or civil liberties.
What's even more disturbing to me is the reaction I've heard today
from young people who voted for Kerry. Talk of "moving to Canada" to
avoid the repercussions of a second Bush term. It's in jest, for the
most part. But it's indicative of an attitude amongst younger
Americans. That our efforts, votes, and voices don't count. That the
problem is too big to solve, and that ignoring it is the only
solution. An easy out.
It isn't. In fact, it's not a solution at all. Getting involved is.
However we can. Doing whatever we can. There's a congressional
election in 2 years, and that's where the fight starts. If a
congressional district near any of us has a Republican representative,
we need to contact the Democratic challenger and see what can be done
to help. Even if it's answering phones or designing a flyer. If we
can help defeat a Republican Senator in our state, we have to do
whatever we can. If our Republican governor is up for re-election,
then we need to call his opponent's campaign headquarters and GET
INVOLVED!!! Donate $20 over the internet. Post a link to their
campaign on your band's website. Hand out flyers. Talk to neighbors.
Get co-workers to the polls. Because the job we have, BEFORE the one
we get paid for, is to be informed and involved citizens in this
democracy. If we don't take that one seriously, our paying jobs may
not be there for long.
I know we're all horribly disappointed and saddened today, but those
feelings won't change the situation now. Committment and hard work
will. PLEASE use the emotions of today to help fuel a positive
movement for change in 2006 and beyond!
Thanks for listening, and good luck to us all!"
I couldn't have said it better, that's for sure!
So, in my last two days when I wasn't screaming about Ohio, etc...I've met a lot of incredible animlas and people. This morning I shadowed a vet and watched her spay and neuter several dogs and one cat. It was cool, actually, but then I'm not at all squeamish. I spent the afternoon in a dog area. I love dogs, but it is a bit overwhelming to walk into a run and get rushed by a bunch of 40-60 lb dogs, all trying to lick you. They are all very sweet though. I made many new doggie friends. Today, I will be working with the older dogs. Tomorrow I go over to cats for two days, and then the sanctuary workshop begins. I don't have a free day nuntil the 15th! Hopefully I'll still get down to the Grand Canyon before it's snowed in.
There are three interns, two other young ladies and me. We're all from the east. When I walked in on Tuesday, I saw Jaime sitting in a chair wearing a Patriots sweatshirt and Red Sox hat. She's from Maine. We both wore our Sox hats all day to make sure everyone knew wherde we came from. :)