“His soul is that of a coward,” said Biden after reports that our president described dead soldiers as “suckers” and “losers.” With two months remaining until we vote, it’s tempting to howl at each outrageous statement and exploded norm—but monitoring this madness won’t do much good for my soul. Nothing I read or write will change how I vote. Beyond that, best I can do is volunteer where needed and channel my energy into my teaching, my work, and the people in my life.

I’d started this nightly journal on January 1 so I could remember the texture of this year. But in terms of politics, the shape is clear and will not be forgotten. This election will test how much cruelty Americans will tolerate, and how many of us crave it.

Damien Jurado & Richard Swift – Be Not Fearful

Other People’s Songs | Secretly Canadian, 2010 | More