The long road to Tuesday

Hope you'll indulge me in some non-dog blogs for the moment. I really don't like to discuss politics, but what with history in the making this coming Tuesday I just wanted to add my thoughts.
It all hit home to me a few weeks ago when Obama was elected. While there were celebrations 'round the world there was also some ugliness too. While I do not live in the South, racism is alive and well in my part of the world, much more so than when I lived in California. I was shocked to discover a horrid racist email in my work inbox, filled with the "n" word and every other racist name I'd ever seen in my lifetime. It ended by saying "it's not a crime to be white, but if we don't stick together it could be!" This email came from a prominent person in our town, and sent to every single community leader in our town.
For me in my little life it was a defining moment, for if I was quiet I felt it would mean I agreed. In small towns everyone knows everyone, and roots run deep so even though I've been here eight years I know I'm still a "newcomer". If I spoke up, I realized there could be consequences: possibly eventually losing my job and many friends. I truly don't know who is a racist where I live but there it was, sent by this person to everyone who mattered in our town.
But I took the plunge and emailed back, cc'ing everyone saying how it was hurtful and demeaning, etc. etc. I was scared. Fortunately my story has a happy ending as the person who sent it said it was their spouse who sent it, apologized to everyone, and made a comment that "not many people would be as brave to stand up for what they believe in." End of story for me. I'm very lucky to live in these times. Had this been but 50 years ago, I'm sure the outcome could have been much much worse. And, I really wasn't "brave" at all. Not even close, considering that back then, standing up for what you believed in meant dire consequences, not just losing a friend or two.
And now on Tuesday, a man of color takes office.
So let's take a moment to thank all those brave men and women who stood up for what they believed in, because it was the right thing to do. It's because of them we will have Tuesday.
Now my friends, THAT is bravery.