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People want that beautiful future, but when they discover they may have to give up privilege or unjust advantage to receive it, they shrink from. Justice may require that my neighborhood, school, tax structure, economy, will have to be *different.* 3/
We can't present a convincing case for change by pretending everyone will keep all the things we like now, and wonderful things will be added. That's not how life works. Choosing a new path means some things will be lost. 4/
Every mature human being knows this. In fact, recognizing this is a key aspect of achieving maturity. And the refusal to recognize and name what we'll have to give up only makes it harder for people to move forward. 5/
We need to make the case for change by admitting what will be different and lost, and by making the case that what we gain will make those losses worthwhile. Over and over and over again, even those in this country who advocate change fail to do this. 6/
Maturity and honesty require that we tell the truth. All of it. About the past and about the future. About the costs that were paid, the costs that we've ignored, and the costs to come. We have to stop talking to each other like children. We have to grow up. 7/
So, by all means, beautiful visions. But also the reality of the hard work. Also the willingness to admit loss and the grief that will accompany it. Because often *reckoning with grief is the hardest and most important part.* 8/
To me, the most telling aspect of this country is our insistence on being optimistic and our deep avoidance of loss and grief. Life hurts. Change hurts. Growth hurts. But pain isn't always bad if you accept it's necessity and are willing to face it. 9/
The question for this country has *always* been are we willing to go through the grief it takes to see ourselves honestly and become better? Are we willing to let go of comforting fictions and unjust advantages in order to grow? And the jury's still out on that. fin/
