One of the reasons I don’t tend to give into despair is that I think about the people who have suffered through worse than what Trump and the GOP are throwing at us and keep going. If they can keep going and keep thinking that we can be better, then how can I despair:

I have heard many say that never in their lives have they experienced such fear, that the America they know might be gone for good. Here’s why I have hoped with my head high and my eyes focused ahead. /1 #MondayMotivation #50DaysLeft

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) September 14, 2020

No one dared stand up for us then. Politicians on both sides, from FDR in the White House to Earl Warren in Sacramento, took advantage of the fear and racism for their own political gain. We lost our home. Our friends lost businesses. We all lost our freedom. /3

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) September 14, 2020

After we were out, many of us, including myself, dedicated our lives to ensuring that something like this would never happen again inside of America. We knew how fragile our freedoms and liberties really were. We knew we had to safeguard them. /5

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) September 14, 2020

It takes hard work to keep our Republic and our democracy strong. Every time we stand up against the forces of fascism, for the rule of law, for decency and humanity, we strike a blow against tyranny and evil. The fight is what keeps us vigilant and strong. /7

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) September 14, 2020

This is why I remain motivated, why I do not despair, why I know that while we have been here before, we can overcome it. We must summon enough strength and win the hearts of all good Americans. In 50 days, we can and will prevail. /9

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) September 14, 2020

I am 83 years old, but I am also that 5 year old, looking out at a dusty American flag and reciting those words, “With liberty and justice for all.” Only now, I know their true meaning after a lifetime of fighting for them. So fight with me. Stand up. Vote. /end

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) September 14, 2020