“We have nothing to lose in this moment and they’re trying to take it all. You put me in a corner and you better watch out.”
On October 11, 2018, I attended The Wing’s #MidtermsOnOurTerms event featuring the incomparable Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The entire event from beginning to end was magical, inspiring, empowering, and filled me with hope. I tried to take as many notes as I could… Here’s what I was able to frantically tap out:
“How you react to the truth is a personal thing; some people get mad at the truth and some people get inspired by the truth.”
“Action is the antidote to despair.”
“One of the most radical things you can do is celebrate who you are and just say, ‘I’m awesome.'”
“If there’s a choice between maximizing profits or maximizing well-being I will always choose someone’s well-being.”
“Our economy is not natural law.”
“Feminism without intersectionality is just white supremacy.”
On women unsure if they’re ready to run for office: “You are enough as you are right now.”
“There are members of Congress bringing snowballs to the senate floor to disprove climate change and there are the people saying I’m not smart enough.”
“One person alone is just a person, but once you recruit a friend, you’re an organizer.”
“Political power is used to reinforce the people that have always been in power: the white, the male, the rich. So you just have to take [the power].”
On voting along party lines: “If we are making progress, I will support that progress.”
“I am a Democrat because Republicans are not a governing party. Meaning Republicans aren’t serving the people of this country.”
“You are ready as you are because you’re never going to be fully ready; getting there is the only thing that can prepare you for being there. There’s no way to be fully ready… You just have to step into it.”
“You cannot lead when you don’t know what life is like.”
“Somewhere where you came from there’s a little girl just like you. Do it for her.”
On staying grounded and not getting corrupted by power: “It’s like inception. What are your totems? Mine are doing my own laundry—and messing it up sometimes. And taking the subway. And going to my bodega… You have to have those totems. You have to take the middle seat on the airplane!”
“Power tells you not to challenge it. We have nothing to lose in this moment and they’re trying to take it all. You put me in a corner and you better watch out.”
Action being the antidote to despair and all, here are Ocasio-Cortez’s asks:
- “A lot of people are watching you and what you do. You have more power and influence than you think. Share that you were here. They will care.” (Here I am sharing it! Please feel free to share this post too!)
- “If you are a voter, be more courageous with your vote.”
- “We don’t accept corporate donations, so…” (Click here to make a donation to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign.)
Pictured: yours truly with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and my dear friend Rebecca Lopez-Howes.