I’ve always felt honesty was the best policy. I’ve touted it for decades, even when I was a raging drunk and didn’t always follow the philosophy. Since my sobriety date in October of 2015, I have put an emphasis on the truth, even to a fault at times.
“Don’t change who you are,” I was advised by my mentor when I became publisher and started writing columns for Watermark. That’s a rough paraphrase, but the sentiment was don’t try to be someone you think you need to be because you are publisher and now have an audience. I’ve always had a quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor, and the former publisher was concerned that would get lost with my sense of responsibility to the legacy of Watermark.
I wish I had some of that humor to pass along today, or some “Rudy”-esque half-time speech to rally everyone’s spirits to a rousing “we will all get through this together” chant. This past month has been a roller coaster, and for me it’s at a low right now. I know I am not alone and that is what makes it easier to say what’s on my mind. We have to be honest about our feelings, allowing ourselves to process the grief and share that with others so we can lean on each other.
A month ago, when Watermark started its work from home initiative, I was in a darker place. We had no relief in sight, no expectation of how long Watermark could sustain its current trajectory. My mood changed when the CARES act passed Congress. Suddenly there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
I spent countless hours in as many Zoom meetings learning the ins and outs of each aspect of the CARES stimulus package and how it could assist Watermark. I filled out the applications in record time and sat back knowing I did everything I could. I ended that week on a high. I felt great that the programs in place would be there for us.
At this point it’s been nearly three weeks since I applied for the Florida Disaster Bridge Loan, two weeks since applying for the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advancement and more than a week since I submitted the paperwork for the Paycheck Protection Program and my optimism has faded. I have heard nothing back. Anytime I inquire I am thanked for my patience in these difficult times.
The truth is I’m not patient. I’m frustrated. I’m frustrated that the system of government isn’t in place to help small businesses through this. I’m frustrated that the banking system seems to be helping clients with current loans rather than every one of their clients. Okay, that last one is speculation on my part but it makes sense that they would want to protect their investments by helping clients who already owe them money. I’m frustrated my best friend doesn’t work at my bank to give us an edge. Mostly though, I’m frustrated for the Watermark staff who are so dedicated to what they do. They are the true light at the end of my tunnel.
Rather than simply whine about the current economic situation, it’s time to adapt. It’s time to look to what the future is going to look like. We are looking at plans now. Regardless of what happens in the coming weeks, Watermark will be here to report LGBTQ news to its communities. I will hang on to hope that economic relief is just around the corner.
We as a nation have the opportunity to shape what our country will look like come November. I ask that everyone take a moment to think about what your part is in that future. Between now and the election we need to garner all the support for change that we can. Is it productive to insult Bernie Sanders’ supporters? Is it productive to equivocate Joe Biden to Donald Trump? Let’s figure out how to work together for a common cause. Let’s make “Love Conquers Hate” a reality, not just a slogan.
The choice here is really simple. Which candidate do you think harbors most of your political opinions? Do you think trans soldiers should be in the military? Do you believe vacated positions on the Supreme Court should be filled with Justices that put the Constitution ahead of the Bible? Do you want an administration that will file a brief to the Supreme Court in favor of LGBTQ rights or against it? Do you want a president that believes in science and fosters the truth? We aren’t voting between two old white guys, we are voting between two very different sets of ideology. I hope we choose the candidate that lifts up and inspires our community.
In this issue of Watermark we celebrate the women in our community who are inspiring our future leaders, while paying respects to those who inspired them.
We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.
