Dear Friends:
With Inauguration Day 2025 bringing so much change, this feels like a fitting moment to share more about my plans for the future.
While the direction of our national journey remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the path ahead will likely be challenging and communities coming together will be more important than ever. Local government will continue to serve as a vital force for stability and progress. Indeed, it may be the only functioning government we have for a while.
This brings me to my own transition. I’m pleased to officially announce the formation of Libby’s Local List. My new website will launch soon and will provide actionable information to support good local governance and tips for thriving as a community during turbulent times.
At the heart of this endeavor is a guiding principle I’ve always cherished: the Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I believe that in this time of rapid climate change and nuclear weapons, the survival of the human species as we know it depends on this simple rule, which is espoused by all the great religions and secular philosophies, too. For good reason: it is just common sense.
Today I will recommend to you again the book The Fourth Turning is Here: What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America’s Next Rendezvous with Destiny by Neil Howe which sets out a very convincing cyclical explanation for our times with cruelty and authoritarianism on the rise. It seems that many are turning their backs on both religious and democratic principles. I find understanding how we got here and how we might successfully emerge from this time with our humanity intact very helpful.
I also recommend a thought-provoking podcast by Andrea Pitzer: “We’ve Tried Nothing And Are All Out of Ideas”. She describes what people have done in the past to counteract cruel authoritarianism and suggests simple things we can do today. Spoiler Alert: these steps often involve coming together with friends and neighbors, fostering connections that can sustain us through difficult times.
In addition, I’d like to share a link to Volunteer Arlington which keeps a list of nonprofit organizations that help our community. You may want to volunteer or donate to any of them. Another worthy group you may want help is the Arlington Community Foundation that supports the work of non-profits.
Finally, on a practical note, you may have missed this article in The Washington Post about the use of drones for security in Arlington during Inauguration weekend. While private drones are not allowed in Arlington (too close to National Airport and the Pentagon), I expect we will be seeing more of them used for security during times of heightened alert. I think this is a positive and prudent thing.
As we embark on this year together, I hope you will continue to find my newsletters to you helpful and interesting. As always, I love to hear thoughts and suggestions from my readers.
Stay warm and hopeful!
Libby
