Dan Rather: "They are counting on despair. That's how they win."

[smirkymonkey]

19. I tend to cycle between despair and then rally with a resurgence of hope and a fighting

spirit. I think it's pretty natural to feel kind of beaten down and exhausted at times. That's when it's healthy to pull away for a little while and nurture yourself - avoid politics for a few days, watch funny/uplifting movies, go out with friends, read books on other subjects that you are interested, spend time with pets, indulge in your hobbies, etc.

Then come back refreshed and ready to encourage others who are despairing and down and if you can, take action. organize marches, register voters, call and write your congresspeople, etc. Whatever you can do, no matter how small, is going to help you to feel like you are making a difference.