Preparing for The Coming Storm

1868 Painting by Martin Heade, "Thunderstorm on Narragansett Bay"

There is no safe harbor.  It's time now for all hands on deck.

This 1868 painting by Martin Heade reminds me of our current political climate:  People are going about their daily tasks, seemingly oblivious to the impending storm the new administration will bring.

For weeks after the election, I was like the people in the painting, trying to keep my head down (or in the sand) and doing my best to ignore news stories of what is about to happen.

But - I am a sailor, and fully understand what will happen to my crew and my boat if I ignore the signs of a storm on the horizon.  We will be battered about, our sails may tear, our rigging may break and lives may be lost.  And so, a good sailor will see the storm on the horizon and prepare.

Ignoring the storm - or - just hoping it will go away or that it won't be as bad as people say - is the very worst thing we can do.  By not engaging we may ensure that our good ship of state will be lost and millions of people will see their lives destroyed.

Any seasoned sailor will tell you that with an approaching storm, the first defense may be to seek safe harbor.  If that isn't possible, then the next best thing is to bring all hands on deck, prepare the boat and the crew for the worst, and then ride out the storm with a clear eye and steady hand and pray to God that that is enough.

The storm is certainly coming.  There is no safe harbor.  It's time now for all hands on deck.

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