How to improve the world during these trying times

Traveling to the Redwood region and Sequoia National Park recently, I was struck by the fortitude and majesty of these living giants. They survive for thousands of years growing ever taller and wider, resolutely withstanding cataclysmic infernos and floods all while defying the windy ravages of nature.

I think about these spectacular trees often as wildfires rage in the Western US, as the Covid crisis in some regions of the world shows only tiny signs of abating and continues to be politicized, as newly aware masses fight for racial justice, and as some leaders work hard dividing us in order to stay in power.

Here and now we have to fight the temptation to throw our hands up in despair. Instead, let's follow the science and experts like our life depends on it because it literally does. Let's work WITH rather than against each other no matter the differing beliefs because we do indeed need our friends and neighbors to help us thrive during these extremely trying times. Let's look to common sense to sort out truth from fiction instead of aiding our international adversaries in their sinister goal to weaken American democracy and strength. Perhaps most importantly, let's vote for our best interests because if we don't the challenges we face in 2020 won't get any better and can almost certainly deteriorate dramatically.

Grab an absentee ballot and select only those who will honestly attempt to solve our most intractable problems. Make calls for candidates who share your values. Answer this monumental moment in history with integrity and grit, showing perseverance in the face of adversity. After all, it's what has helped the imposing Sequoia and Redwood trees survive for millennia.

Let's work towards a future that promises much, much better times ahead.