Fight or Flight?

[mrdreamjeans]

Maybe it’s time to fight with more than my words! In a dream last night, a heavily armed man in black came to take me away. I was leaving the Early Voting Center here in Minneapolis when he confronted me. He mocked me for my political beliefs, taunted me because my beliefs about gun violence, racism, human rights and horror over the death of Judge Ginsburg were not in alignment with the government’s.

In the dream, I stood still, not responding to his mocking remarks, just staring at him, making a decision. I was filled with fear as I gazed at him in silence. There was a lot more to the dream, but in that moment, I realized I had two choices: fight or flight.

What was more important? My personal safety or my country? I could simply disappear or I could take a stand. As the Man in Black moved to handcuff me, to make me disappear, my subconscious made a choice. I attacked; I physically lashed out.

My reading glasses are now the worse for wear as I swept most of the items on my bedside table to the floor. At least in my dream, I made a choice. I didn’t go silently. I fought to protect the invisible, the vulnerable, the different. I didn't pull my punches. This action woke me up. At 2:00am, I calmly picked up the items from the floor, feeling a bit silly to have physically lashed out in my sleep; at the same time, I was relieved I didn’t knock over the lamp.

But, let’s hope in the light of day, I would find the courage to make the same choice, to hold the same conviction. I am a man of words, not violence; but, maybe it’s time to rethink that choice. Words don’t feel enough.

What would you do if the government came to take you or your loved ones away? It’s my belief you have to experience fear to understand bravery. Would you choose fight or flight?

Comments

[billeyler]

Even when "The Handmaid's Tale" first season was released, I thought as depressing as it was, it was still fiction.

It isn't anymore. We're getting there quickly.

[mrdreamjeans]

We are definitely headed to a fascist state. We must all vote or start making plans to live in another country (if they'll have us). Soon, it will be Americans requesting political asylum.

[pink_halen]

> I was leaving the Early Voting Center

By you own words he was too late. You had already voice your vote. He had no power over you and your influence. The Deed was done.

At this point it was your personal safety that was at issue not your vote.

Words won't change hearts and minds right now. Everyone has made up their mind. I am amazed that they could find "Undecided" voters for their town hall. If you haven't decided you aren't paying attention. But for both sides, the path is clear.

Pundits think they know but until that last ballot is in the box then counted, it is anybody's guess.

I won't tell callers who I am voting for. I say "It is a secret ballot" and they know they have no where to go. Polls and projections can be wrong. We don't need to feed them.

What ever happens you duty is to vote.

[mrdreamjeans]

Though I requested an absentee ballot, I've decided to vote early in person this coming Tuesday. The Early Voting Center is nearby and spacious and opened yesterday (9-18). My LJ friend Val is working there and I really want to see her.

As in most dreams, everything was in a confusing order. I had voted, but the feeling of the dream was he was secret police and he had come to take me away, sort of a pink triangle situation. I really don't believe there are any undecideds. But, I do believe any corruption efforts will be on the side of the GOP.

I like your approach to not feeding the projections, but I've been too open about my choices already. That ship has sailed. :)

[mellowtigger]

This weekend, I attended a few online sessions of the Twin Cities nonviolence conference. There are still upcoming sessions this week, in case you or others might be interested.
https://twincitiesnonviolent.org/calendar/