The Inagural Post

I attended junior high school in a very small town. There were so few of us that each person was gifted his or her own superlative in the 8th grade year book. Superlatives given to my peers were "most likely to succeed" "nicest smile"...those sort of things. But, it was 8th grade, so the superlative choices could be a little sillier. For example, I was voted "most likely to host a talk show called Swigart Speaks Out." (Swigart is my maiden name, FYI) Clearly, I've been a little outspoken for a good portion of my life.

On my other blog Life Less Sweet, I wrote a post detailing why, as an adult, I have learned to temper my opinions by engaging in people's lives and not simply having a battle of ideals with them. Generally, I still support this form of discourse. You can't change people's hearts if you don't know their hearts first.

However, the recent shift of power in these United States has stirred my passion for speaking out anew. On January 20th, Donald J. Trump came into power. I'd dreaded that day since he won the election in November, but, like my conservative Republican brethren asked, I kept (mostly) quiet and waited to see what this president would do. Within his first week he began shredding the fabric of America with dozens of executive orders. I've seen what he wants to do. And I refuse to stay silent while he gleefully oppresses our country and our world.

My Facebook page is flooded with articles that I've shared decrying injustices that the POTUS has already wrought upon Americans. I am sick to my stomach, my heart hurts, and my mind is trying to wrap itself around the surreality of the things that are happening.

One of the things that popped up in my feed was this ARTICLE, which is titled How to #stayoutraged Without Losing Your Mind. You better believe I clicked on that puppy. While it is filled with helpful tips on self care for the new activist, two things really resonated with me.

#1. Play to your strengths. 

I am a writer. My passions come alive in the dark black letters of the written word. It's part of who I am and it's what I can skillfully contribute. So, as to free up my poor Facebook page, I've decided to begin this new blog. I plan to use it as a tool to communicate my thoughts and opinions and groanings surrounding injustices that I see spilling out of the Trump administration. In addition it's my intention to use my blog as a tool of education for people who don't know what they don't know.

#2. Focus your energy on one or two issues.

I've decided to narrow the focus of this blog to the following two topics: racial justice and violations of basic American freedoms. These are the issues I naturally gravitate toward. Does that mean that I won't occasionally broach other topics? No. Does that mean I don't care about the Environment, Healthcare, or LGBT and Women's Rights? I absolutely DO care about those things and so very many more. But, I am ONE person. I cannot fight all of the battles and it will inevitably cause spiritual and emotional burnout if I try to.

On this blog I welcome civil disagreement and differing opinions. This is not, however, a place for name calling, broad stereotyping, or incendiary rhetoric...and I expect the same from my readers. LOL. But seriously, I don't want to create another echo chamber. I commit to doing my very best to be respectful of others, even if we disagree.

So, please join me as I step into the waters of #resistance.

Welcome to Swigart Speaks Out.