To wax philosophical means to speak thoughtfully, reflectively, or abstractly about life’s big questions.  The Verb “Wax”: Derived from the Old English word weaxan, it means to grow, expand, or increase in intensity—much like the phases of a waxing moon. Growing in Tone: When you wax philosophical, your speech or writing swells with contemplative, general, or speculative ideas

Back in the 1960s, the world was in chaos, much as we see today. And yet, we persevered and rallied over and over again. Colin Fletcher was born in 1922, grew up in England, and became a Royal Marine in WWII. After the war, he moved to Africa and took up farming and walking. He moved to California in the 1950s and continued his walking escapades. In 1963, he walked the entire Grand Canyon, and his reflections in his journals turned into the book The Man Who Walked Through Time.

Writers like Colin Fletcher gave Westerners hope that we could make a difference on this planet by rigorous physical trials and deep personal reflection in the lonely places of the Southwest. Fletcher wrote The Complete Walker (I still have Vol. 3), first published in 1968; Vol. 4, his last volume, was published in 2001. It became the bible for hikers, the first instructional guide to backpacking in the wilderness and surviving. His personal reflections in all of his books helped so many people, especially those of us who survived the Vietnam era. His writings helped me tackle the Grand Canyon with my friends in the 1980s and gave me a different perspective of the world and how I fit in.

In his will, Fletcher offered a final definition of his worldview, asking us to accept that we are the current spearhead of evolution and to behave like it. “In all our activities – religious, political, economic, personal and whatever – we should bear this fact steadfast in mind; that we can act ethically only when we do so, and that in all our acts, physical or otherwise, we should strive to work in harmony with the non-human-world, and not – as is the current and also traditional inclination – savagely, with little or no regard for the welfare of the planet’s other inhabitants, living or non-living.” https://www.colinfletcher.com/Colin_Fletcher_Home.html

For the first time in two years, we are starting to feel hope once again. The people have spoken, and somehow we will crawl out of the pit that the current administration has dug. We are all asking for changes in our Federal Government. Systems have to be repaired, and the list is long. A friend of mine recently posted this on Facebook:

“It’s time to start thinking seriously about the kind of changes we want to see in our Federal Government. What legislation do we want to see passed? What systems do we want to repair to make our government more democratic? I have ideas, and I’d love to hear others. Here are a few of mine:
– End the Iran war, and go back to the nuclear agreement that was in place pre-Trump
– Reverse the massive cuts to Medicaid before they go into effect
– Medicare for all
– Invest in rural America (hospitals, broadband, community colleges and trade schools)
– Invest in better public education, to include a focus on critical thinking, and empathy
– Affordable housing legislation (much of this has to happen at the state/local level as well)
– Wealth tax, to ensure the wealthiest Americans and corporations pay their fair share, just like the rest of us do, and we can start paying down our national debt
– Strengthen worker unions through legislation
– Increase the Federal minimum wage
– Pass comprehensive immigration legislation (it’s already been written and passed by previous Democratic held House majorities – revive it and pass it)
– Get $ out of politics! Override Citizens United with a Constitutional amendment
– Pass comprehensive voter protection legislation
– Pass comprehensive anti-corruption legislation (things like banning stock trading among office-holders; banning gifts, like jets from Qatar)
– Nationwide ban on partisan gerrymandering
I could go on and on, because I have a lot more ideas, but I’d love to hear other people’s ideas!”

The list seems daunting, but I believe we have to start with ending the illegal war on Iran, tariffs, and giving people a chance to live and survive in this very expensive world created when the idiot took office. There is a sliver of hope that the new Congress can make a difference.

For me, I am focusing on one thing I can do locally. I am asking all those crazy soccer moms to think about what laws they voted on regarding trans people. I am asking them why they wanted to legislate something that is none of their business and hurts others. I am asking them why they think trans people are such a threat. I am asking them why they feel that their child is such a superstar and won’t get a scholarship because of a person’s birth gender. I am asking them to take a look at their prejudice and reflect on what they have done with these new laws. Haven’t you already abused those who are different from your child? Have you asked your children what they think about it? They accept their teammates for who they are despite all your efforts. Young people will remember your actions and will go their own direction. The young voters spoke, and things are changing with or without your permission. I have embraced everyone who understands who they are and accepts themselves. I have embraced the “You are Safe” campaign, bought some of the cool pins to put on my backpack, knitted colorful scarves, and hope those who see them know that I am not one of those grey-haired ladies who don’t see them.

The People Have Spoken. We hope this brings about change and that people become less hateful. Congress can make a difference, keeping the crazy idiot under control. A caring Congress truly helps those people who voted for them.

But as of today, hope remains. The fall weather is wonderful; the zinnias and nasturtiums are still blooming, the leaves are turning, and there’s hope for water next year with snow in the mountains. Take a walk in your woods and reflect on a better future. I love each and every one of you and appreciate your complexities!