Inspiration

In his latest newsletter, Jamison Foser writes beautifully and compellingly about Bruce Springsteen, the USA, politics, and we the people. There is much to learn from Foster’s piece, especially about culture, true patriotism, and collective action.

I’m deep in the trenches in two different collective action efforts. (More here and here.) And down in the trenches, it is easy to feel bogged down. To be reminded that my own work is connected to so many others’ work and to so many others’ hopes and dreams is empowering and encouraging. Jamison’s essay fulfills the same function he sees Springsteen performing. He reminded me of the connection between my own ordinary efforts and the great project of American democracy.

I moved to New Mexico in part to make a difference to my country and in the state itself. New Mexico key to the building and rebuilding of constitutional democracy and civil rights in the USA. The state is a leader in progressive politics in the American southwest, but with plenty of counterforces at work.

This is why I recently founded Land of Action. It aspires to be a hub and locus for progressive groups throughout New Mexico. If you belong to such a group, get in touch; we want to include and support you. If you are looking for a model of statewide collective action building, keep an eye on us. We are going to redeem the hope and dream promised in the Declaration of Independence: that through persistent, insistent, ongoing democratic and collective action, we the people can make liberty and equality meaningfully real for everyone in here in New Mexico and across the USA.