It is a curious thing to see everyone celebrate a holiday weekend that honors the labor movement while living in a state that actively exploits and distances itself from labor. And by distancing, I mean, actively working to dismantle the labor movement. The idea of a “right to work” state with the slogan Indiana - A State That Works just feels…off.
This past weekend I had the privilege to travel the rural roads of Indiana with a group of fellow Hoosiers from southern Indiana in an act of solidarity to decry the cuts to Medicaid and the further risk to our rural hospitals. We called ourselves the Motorcade for Medicaid, a small but mighty brigade committed to the simple truth that all Hoosiers, regardless of zip code or bank account, deserve quality healthcare.
I don’t know about you, but this past week was harder than expected. Coming to the end of a campaign feels a lot like being on a treadmill that suddenly comes to a stop. Everything inside you is still moving at a brisk pace but the outside world has slowed to a crawl. Added to the feelings of loss are the very real concerns around what will come. To be clear, fascism has reared its ugly head but for too many, it remains, as they say, “Cloaked in a flag, carrying a Bible.”
Well folks, this is it. Tomorrow is the BIG DAY, and the final day for us to turnout voters for Election 2024. We have knocked doors, attended events, talked with voters, posted photos, encouraged volunteers, and created lasting friendships throughout this campaign. In the midst of complex emotions and fighting back feelings of fear and powerlessness, we have shown up. There is a determination in our fight for freedom. And what I want to make completely clear is that IT CANNOT AND MUST NOT END HERE.
Because of my compassion, the sun wanted to be near me all night,
and the earth deeded her fields to me, and all in heaven said,
“We have voted you our governor; tell us your divine mandate.”
And I did, and God will never revoke it:
‘Nothing in existence is turned away.’
- St. Thomas Aquinas
