When I despair, I remember that all through history, the way of truth and love has always won. There have been murderers and tyrants, and for a time they can seem invincible. But in the end they always fall. Think of it, always.
— Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948)

 Dear Nelson County Democrats and Supporters,

First, please accept my sincere thanks, and the thanks of everyone on our Executive Committee, for your commitment to democracy and our rights during this tumultuous year. Whether you attended a meet-and-greet, wrote postcards, engaged on social media, donated to candidates, volunteered at the polls, put up yard signs — and most importantly, voted! — you were out there fighting the good fight. I was honored, and will always be honored, to work alongside you.

Our candidates — Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Tim Kaine and congressional candidate Gloria Witt — conducted themselves with integrity, intelligence, and yes, joy. They demonstrate what’s best about America. And congratulations to Tim Kaine, who thankfully won re-election and now has his work cut out for him in the Senate.

Second, as devastating as the results of this election have been, it’s going to take some time for each of us to grieve and come up with effective ways to cope. Give yourself space and grace. You absolutely deserve it.

Third, when you’re ready, please remember that our work as Democrats and as Americans most definitely continues. Predictably, it’s already looking like our democracy will be shaken to its core over the next four years under this new administration. So it’s critical that we elect a Democratic governor and General Assembly in 2025 who want to protect Virginia by legislating against the worst of what’s coming.

And tragically, based on what we know so far, many Americans, as well as our allies, will suffer and die under a Trump administration. There will be much we can do to speak out, protest, and support legislation, programs and organizations that advocate for the most vulnerable among us. We’ll keep you updated.

Giving up will never be an option. In the words of President Biden: “A defeat does not mean we are defeated. The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up.” And we will.

 Informational Note: There will be one more NCDC Newsletter in 2024 that will be sent in mid December and will include the Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes for both November and December. In the meantime please have a wonderful Thanksgiving.