A letter from Iron County Democrats Chair, Schuyler Rhodes

November 6th, 2024; Cedar City, Utah

Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As I sit down to write this morning, I know that many of us are processing the results of yesterday’s election.   If you’re like me there is a stew of anger, fear, stunned disbelief with a strong taste of grief and sadness. That we lost is a reality not missed by any of us, and yet here we are today, faced with the challenge of the work we  to do.  

As a young man I spent a fair amount of time and energy in Central America. It was a life transforming experience for me.   And it was in war-torn Nicaragua where I heard the people repeat this phrase over and over. “Struggle is the midwife to our joy. Struggle is the midwife to our joy.”

I believe we are called into a period of struggle in these times. But hear this. Though the work will be difficult, this is not a struggle of negativity and despair. It is a dance of joy. Though the challenges ahead will use all of our talent and energy, this is not a struggle of exhaustion and burnout.  It is a feast of community and love. And though we may not be able to see through the smog of these days, let us never lose our vision of a world wrapped and thriving in Hope, Compassion and kindness.  Let us recommit today to the vision of a better world, a healed world, a world where justice lives and joy leads the way.  Let us continue the good work we started together. As I reflect on this,  I want to share with you an excerpt from a poem by Venice Williams. He writes, calling us to “pull ourselves together” as we……
 
                  “Continue to do the good work.
                  Continue to build bridges, not walls.
                  Continue to lead with compassion.
                  Continue the demanding work
                  Of liberation for all.
                  Continue to dismantle broken systems,
                  Large and small.
                  Continue to set the best example
                  For the children.
                  Continue to be a vessel of nourishing joy.”
 
It is my absolute conviction that the best days are ahead of us.   And in this conviction I am buoyed up by the incredible spirit I see in the Iron County Democratic Party. 
   
I am grateful for the opportunity to work among so many gifted and committed persons. Wishing you the peace of one who has done the good work,   
 
Schuyler Rhodes, Chair
Iron County Democratic Party