Please give this post a chance and don't bail out before reading through. I'd like to open a discussion with an eye on appeasement and assuaging any fears some of you might have about the recent U.S. presidential election. I realize that many readers don't like to discuss or think about politics, but having seen the anger and ugly behavior resulting from the election outcome I think some points are worth examining. This will be a process that might not be easy for some while others might rather entirely dismiss what I have to say about this. I hope you will stay with me.
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| Donald J Trump speaking at CPAC in Washington D.C. on February 10, 2011. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Not much need to tell anyone who won the U.S election of 2016. In my most recent post--found here if you missed it and might be curious--I made an election prediction (based on this Battle of the Bands post) that Donald Trump would win the election. Apparently my polling process was more accurate than that of most of the professionals. My BOTB post called the election outcome pretty accurately.
It likely comes as no surprise to most of my regular readers that I supported Donald Trump--or at least had an affinity for what he was saying. Prior to his June 2015 announcement to run for President, I wouldn't have considered myself a Trump fan. For three decades I had an awareness of the man. Not once did I ever watch The Apprentice, but I was well aware that it was a popular show on television. In previous elections I had heard his name floated for a possible presidential run, but I never cared much one way or another. Then when he made that official 2015 announcement I had an epiphany that Donald J Trump would be our next President.
Now, I understand that many of you are disappointed and even angry that Donald J Trump won this election. Anytime we invest our emotions in something such as a presidential election it hurts when our pick doesn't win. For my part, I would have been deeply dismayed and even angry if Hillary Clinton had won. I certainly wouldn't have taken to the streets and likely would have just clammed up and ridden through her years as the President just like I did with President Obama, with whom I have little agreement.
What I found most upsetting was the vitriolic outpouring that began appearing on Facebook in the days after the election results had been announced. The rampaging on the streets and the usual yammering by the media pundits were bad enough, but the ugly words that I was seeing on Facebook were from a few family members and friends. Being disappointed that ones chosen candidate did not win is one thing, but when people start repeatedly calling me and other Trump supporters ignorant, racist, stupid, and SOB's then that is getting a bit harsh. There are some old friends as well as some family members whom I am not sure that I would want to associate with in the future if that's how they think of me. To be upset about the outcome of an election is one thing, but to harshly attack others about this outcome is unreasonable and uncivil. Maybe we all need to talk this out before we turn this into war and cold-shoulders.
I've avoided discussing the election in the year and a half that preceeded it, but now I'm feeling a sadness interwoven with deep disgust about the reactions from the anti-Trump crowd about the outcome. In the days before last Tuesday's election day I strongly considered mostly stepping away from blogging except for my Battle of the Bands posts. The Facebook attacks caused me to reconsider this decision. After one FB interchange I was encouraged by Damyanti at Daily Write and Hart at Confessions of a Watery Tart to go ahead and express my thoughts on my blog. Always a risky thing to do I suppose, but in this case I believe it to be worth the risk.
Both of these long time blogger friends as well as a few other people wanted to hear my explanation as to why I supported Donald Trump for President. To me this is not something that can be easily or adequately done in a single post or even two or three posts. And in addition to my reasons for supporting President-elect Trump, I think we have to examine and correct all of the scurrilous attacks and vituperation that was so thoughtlessly thrown about over the past months by media, candidates, and voters.
Take this now infamous statement by Hillary Clinton:
"To just be grossly generalistic, you could put half of Trump's supporters into what I call the 'basket of deplorables.' Racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, you name it. And unfortunately there are people like that. And he has lifted them up. He has given voice to their websites that used to only have 11,000 people, now have 11 million. He tweets and retweets their offensive, hateful, mean-spirited rhetoric. Now some of those folks, they are irredeemable, but thankfully, they are not America."
This absurd statement epitomizes many of the false accusations against President-elect Trump and his supporters. I want to correct this outlook that few have attempted to correct during the campaign. In addition, I would like to explain why I believe Donald Trump won this election as well as addressing any questions or concerns readers might have about all of this.
My goal is to present a series aimed at reconciliation, clarification, and understanding from the point of view of a political observer and not an expert. Judging from the ineptitude of many of the political pros throughout this election season, I think my words have as much authority as those of many of the pundits. After all, like I pointed out earlier, I did correctly predict the election outcome (of course it was easy odds, but I went against the grain of the majority of the world of the politicos).
Let me emphasize that my focus on this blog until Inauguration Day on January 20th, 2017, will be Battle of the Bands (with a couple of #IWSG posts thrown it). I will be interspersing my President Trump Acclimation Series throughout and interweaving this theme into my BOTB posts. My next Battle of the Bands post will be tomorrow (Tuesday November 15th). Today's post will be quickly covered up by that post.
If you think what I intend to do is a good idea then I hope you will share this current post so that others can be a part of the conversation. Perhaps you'd even like to participate on your own blogs--if you do, let me know so we can do some linking.
If you have some specific issues that you'd like me to address in my series then let me know in the comments. Tell me why you don't think Donald Trump should have won or what is the worst thing that he represents. What are the worst attributes of his supporters? Why do you think Trump will be a failure (or a success) as a President? I need your feedback in the comment section.
And if everyone hates this idea and stops reading Tossing It Out then I'll likely stop posting on this topic after a while and just put up Battle of the Bands posts. However, before you settle back into the protective stance that we should never discuss religion or politics, let me suggest that this kind of avoidance is not only a likely reason that the United States got a President Trump, but also a reason that we have a great many of the conflicts in the world now. If we don't understand each other, then we distrust and fear each other. That's the way I see it at least.
In any case, please give me some feedback and we'll take it from here. President Trump will be in office soon and I'd like to be a voice contributing to a peaceful transition so maybe, just maybe, we do have a President who makes America great again.
Some people are just nasty. But, there is a genuine fear held by many. It is important that those that believe in Trump and former Hillary supporters to write their representatives and senators imploring them to stand up for the rights of marginal groups of people. Poor whites are also a marginal group.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, it remains to be seen what will happen with Trump as President. I hope he does well because our fates hang in balance. However, reducing social security, food stamps and the taxes of the uber wealthy has been tried before. Each time, Reagan and W. Bush, they had to backtrack to save the economy. I can't see where Trump will have better luck.
In my opinion, we need younger people in office. We also need people who lead with better character. I'm sorry, but Trump is a thug. This is why people are rioting.
[Here at work, the computer allows me only to post a comment via "Reply". I'm unable to initiate a new comment from scratch. Therefore, THIS is not really in response to Ann's comment above, even though it appears so.]
DeleteLEE, there is nuttin' at all wrong with what you're trying to do here. In fact, I'd say it's admirable.
However, sorry to be a negative voice right out of the chute but... I'm quite certain you're wasting your time.
You remember what I just said a couple days ago on my F-FFF blog about trying to reason with people who arrive at their conclusions without reasoning? Well, to a large extent, that is what you are trying to do here, and it is bound to lead only to frustration.
Your heart and mind are in the right place, but I'm pretty sure your stomach is going to regret this attempt.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Excellent comment, Ann and one that I completely agree with. Thank you!
DeleteTIMOTHY ~
DeleteOf course I was speaking to Lee, and I wasn't personally accusing you of anything since I don't know you.
However, if this is something you want to discuss, you are more than welcome to bring it up at my own blog, FERRET-FACED FASCIST FRIENDS.
But this being Lee's blog, it's not the appropriate place for you and I to go back and forth.
>>... This is why you stand there not knowing why people are acting the ways they are.
I believe I understand very well why people are acting the ways they are. There are several different reasons, and I am not in the dark about them.
>>... Does one of us have access to information the other does not? No.
I don't think you should be so sure about that. Yes, the access is available to all, but the information is not in the possession of all.
But, if you feel offended, and if you're up on the Constitution, and the CFR, and the Bilderbergers, and the way Foundations are used to socially condition us, and if you understand how and why the Federal Reserve System has enslaved us all... And if you understand how all of these things were very much in play during this presidential election, then sure, you can take it up with me in a more appropriate arena.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
The amount of haters has been astonishing. If Clinton had won, would the other half have been allowed to be so hateful?
ReplyDeleteHe's our president now, folks. Pray he does the best job ever.
Alex, when the "hate" comes from those who are considered friends and even worse when family members speak it then it's perturbing. Maybe "hate" isn't the correct word to describe the people, but it has become a chosen means of response sadly. Like you say, he's gotten the office and now we should try to cooperate to make things work better.
DeleteLee
First of all, Arlee, thank you for this. I appreciate your posts and I will be following them, although I disagree with your choice. I didn't have a rat in the race but all of my American friends would have (or did) vote for Clinton, and many of them would have preferred Bernie Sanders to run.
DeleteI fail to understand how you can talk about the hatred of progressives when the right have been making comparisons between Obama and Hitler, or Obama and Satan, and suggesting that Obama is a personality cult for years.
The conservative representatives in government refused to work or collaborate with Obama on many initiatives, and then they blamed him for the failures of government.
Are these fair charges? I speak exclusively to your charges of hate, Arlee. So the liberals are probably not attacking YOU. They've probably had enough of the trash-talk from other conservative supporters and political representatives, as it's been going on for the two terms of Obama's administration.
Best to you, sir, and thanks again.
There has been a great deal of harassment of gays, Muslims and minorities since Trump won. Graffiti in schools, yelling 'go home' to people of colour. Some women in hijabs have had them tugged on and told they are scum terrorists. Trump's win has given racism and sexism a free pass. Be fair, Lee. You mentioned the people taking to the streets but you didn't mention the harassment that's also taking place. For my part I'm willing to sit back and reserve judgment. Some of his supporters scare me more than he does, to be honest. But I am also seeing a lot of Trump supporters saying, 'give him a chance' when all they did the last 8 years was not give Obama a chance, rail against him and insist he wasn't born in America.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jo Jo. You added more of the valid points that I have been thinking over this week.
Delete<3
I support this comment of JoJo's, Lee, and also Timothy's comment. A former and current businessman who concentrates only on getting money and power over people is sadly lacking when compared to a statesman like Obama was. I'm not that fond of Hilary, but I've always disliked Big Business getting into government. Yes, I'm a Canadian, but my family is still American and they live there. That's why it concerns me. Trump will be an example of 'America' in the world's eyes, let's hope he tries to polish up all his rough edges and actually gets some valid work accomplished, rather than screwing up the good that already exists.
DeleteI know a few reasons people voted for Trump and I know that isn't totally representative of everyone. A lot of people voted for him because he wasn't Hillary. They didn't like the top two and went with him. A few of my relatives are what I like to call Trump nuts. Just act like the guy can walk on water, which I find disturbing. The others voted for Trump because he is Republican.
ReplyDeleteFor my part, I have never liked the guy. But, I always have maintained that no one really has a clue what he will do once in office. Over the years he has said so many conflicting things on how he thinks.
I find it all disturbing too, Ruth. I kept waiting for Republicans to stand up to him and find a better candidate ~ Kasich or Rubio? I now see this as a game played on Americans. We don't know what he'll do.
DeleteI'm glad to hear from you about this, Lee. I respect your input.
ReplyDeleteI was a fan of neither and am sickened by the outcome. Either way I would have been apprehensive. We deserved better.
I have to point out that I've had the same treatment from Trump supporters since the outcome. I've never called them the labels you mentioned. None of that adds to the health of our country. When you say 'having seen the anger and ugly behavior resulting from the election outcome I think some points are worth examining', and I know you're referring to one side as if there would not have been an enraged reaction from some if HRC won, I have to call foul.
I was unfriended by one for my reasonable, thoughtful and sincere posts during the campaign on why I didn't want a Trump presidency. I never endorsed HRC.
I'm enduring a steady stream of horrible, insulting and angry meme posts from a relative who is gloating about the win.
There are people on all sides who voted either D, R or I for good valid reasons and that is our constitutional right. The ugliness that this candidate has enabled in his fans is troubling. He deliberately manipulated them with his ugly rhetoric and now we'll see him back off from his promises. I'm glad he's not taking a presidential salary and that my taxes will be used for a charity of his choice (as indicated on 60 Minutes)
No, I don't like this president, and I'll hope and pray for the healing of our country which I believe will not happen quickly. I applaud peaceful protest and feel it is justified with the way this campaign and election unfolded. We all deserved better, more worthy candidates.
The same as you feel, in the future, there are some family members that I will always love yet there will be a healthy distance created between them and me.
I've been reading a great website ~ Political Storm ~ and was thinking of sending your post to them. Here's the link to their 'About' page. I think you would be an excellent communicator on this page. I've already communicated with them about this post and decided to let you know about them too. http://www.politicalstorm.com/about/
DeleteMost Canadians, myself included, were shocked by the outcome of the U.S. election and we are worried how this will affect us, you largest trading partner. Plus, our respective leaders are now on opposite ends of the political spectrum, so that doesn't bode well, either. My thoughts are similar to Ann Bennett's and Jo Jo's, above. I'd be lying if I said I liked your idea for future BOTB posts, but it's your blog, your choice. I'll still vote in the contests.
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, I think just about everyone everywhere felt at least a bit shocked, if not in outrage, then in celebration. I don't really see the outcome having much effect on the economic situation between the U.S. and Canada as long as there is no outside interference. Actually I expect an improvement in both of our economic situations. AS far as the BOTB posts they will be the same as I typically do--a song or songs that kind of have something to do with my topic of the day. I don't think you will be bothered at all by them, but if you are let me know. Most likely you will find my BOTB posts as acceptable as they have ever been (hoping that you've found those past posts to be acceptable).
DeleteI'll try to be cool and considerate in the weeks to come with hopes that we'll all have some better understanding of things.
Lee
No worries, Lee. I'm a supporter of free speech for everyone. ☺ I think we can agree to disagree when it comes to politics, but are united in our love of music. Just tired of reading all the rhetoric at present. :P
DeleteDebbie D, hoping I'm not spouting rhetoric, but clarifying some popular misconceptions that are out there or at least assure my followers that I'm not a villain because of who I chose to vote for.
DeleteLee
Lee, I may have mentioned that my father was a card-carrying member of the Tea Party in San Diego and yet, we still got along. ☺ Even though I don't agree with you politically, that shouldn't affect our friendship. It's your business who you voted for and why. Unless given a reason to do so, I don't cast aspersions on anyone's character I am tired of reading political posts, however.
DeleteGreat thread, you two! I'm torn between 'tired of reading political posts' like you, Debbie. Yet I know it's healthy to continue trying to communicate through the misunderstandings. We need to step back and create a bit of space and detach once in awhile. This too shall pass. :)
DeleteMLQ, I, like many others, just want to stay informed on this controversial election as it will likely have a big impact starting in 2017. There's that normal apprehension of facing an "unknown" quantity as well as trying to figure out where the hatred is mostly coming from. To a great extent I think the press stews the pot and people act according to whatever line of press bull they're being fed. By this time next year we'll be thinking of far different things--I hope.
DeleteLee
There was a popular meme going around. On one side was Hillary Clinton, and it listed the mistakes Clinton had made in office. On the other side was Donald Trump, and it said, "Said mean things."
ReplyDeleteYes, he was judged by what he said. Clinton had served in office before, so we could judge her by her record, but all we had were Trump's words.
Now that he has been elected, he too will have actions by which he can be judged.
I am withholding any judgment of him until such time as he takes some action. I'm starting fresh with him and I'll see...
Nasreen, this is a comment with great wisdom and tolerance so I thank you for that. You're right, Hillary to a great extent lost on her record as well as some of the failures of the Obama administration. I think it was not so much that Trump "said mean things" as that what he said was misreported, misinterpreted, distorted, and taken out of context and therein lies the problem that has lead to the current negative reactions on the other side.
DeleteA fresh start and an objective lens is the best way to deal with any new presidency. We shouldn't get upset about what we think Mr. Trump will do in office until he actually does those bad things some think he will do.
Thank you, Nasreen, for a reasonable reaction.
Lee
I am not a fan of Donald Trump. I think he is crass and crude and I am embarrassed to have him "represent" our country. I do believe there are some things that need to be changed, but I have yet to hear him actually give any real answers to questions about how he is going to change them. Just having him look into the camera and say "Stop" to the people who are harassing minorities, etc., does not seem to be any more effective than it did when women told him to "stop" his groping. I would love nothing better than to be proven wrong during the next four years and IF my family comes out better for it as far as healthcare and Social Security stands, I will admit that I was wrong about him. In the meantime, I will double my endeavors to be kind to all.
ReplyDeleteJanet, we live in a "crass and crude" society so Trump is speaking to "the people", maybe not you nor me, but to those people who are accustomed to TV, movies, and all the rest of this boorish culture that envelopes us all. I don't see Donald Trump representing our country as much as I see our culture representing us before the world. Until I have actual evidence of the "groping" and other charges I dismiss them as hearsay. The problem with the press and the people who didn't like Trump is that they believed all the bad stuff without factoring in the good in order to come to a more sensible conclusion about the man. Like you, I hope that Mr. Trump will carry through with his plans and that he does a great job with it all. As for the protesters, a command to "Stop" from Donald Trump right now is likely to have little effect. Like I've heard suggested in the media, the calls for cessation of the violence should come from President Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and all those that maybe the leftist thugs might listen to. Probably the most effect way to stop the violence is with some stringent law enforcement.
DeleteLee
I think the vote for Trump was about being sick of politicians in general. We talk about 'the working class' and 'the middle class' in America where we're not supposed to be divided into classes. I think the Trump supporters are sick of academic elitists and career politicians making decisions that don't consider those who work. As many voted against Clinton as voted for Trump. I believe he is sexist just like just about every other powerful male politician. And don't even start on Hollywood, a cesspool of racism and sexism as well as homophobia.
ReplyDeleteSusan GK, I will be trying to touch upon all of those terms you close with in upcoming posts. However I think you've nailed the reasons for his win. A lot of us are tired of agenda driven political decisions that don't mean much to most of us and sometimes interfere with our lives.
DeleteLee
Both sure seemed like a no win situation. He's an egotistical buffoon, which I think is the only reason he ran, to stroke his own ego. But he's smart enough to surround himself with people who know what they are doing, which could lead to some good changes. Although say something he doesn't like and he could fly off the handle and do something stupid.
ReplyDeleteExplaining rationally things on your blog is a fine way to go, beats all the hating nonsense and name calling. That is just stupid. If you weren't a racist a-hole before, just because you voted for Trump doesn't mean one is now. Just means things like one is sick of the current political landscape.
And many of those Hollywood a listers going against him were pot calling the kettle black. But oh, they act great in movies, pffft just as sexist and whatever else as he is in that cesspool.
Pat, your last paragraph says a lot that the media doesn't seem to pay much attention to. We the people have brought the likes of Donald Trump upon ourselves. Politics have been a boondoggle to a great extent throughout my many years of life and now we get to see if something different will work better.
DeleteAs for the ego description, I think it applies to just about every successful politician out there. Mr. Trump is almost like a caricature of the stereotypical politician. I think he recognized what he was doing with that image and ran with it to achieve a win. The joke is not on the people, but on Washington, DC.
Lee
Well speaking from the heart I'll speak on this subject. I've embraced Star Trek's powerful message of hope and peace for 30 years plus now. The amazing thing is Star Trek began 50 years ago in the United States of America which fans love and has managed to unite people of the world who want to celebrate Star Trek because its good.
ReplyDeleteWe shouldn't lose sight of the fact that we're only human. No-body is perfect. Dr McCoy said as much in the movie Star Trek IV. Spock replied "Well, I'll just have to make the best guess I can." So Maybe this is why anger is ruling the day. Folks are second guessing right now.
We just have to finish our drinks and take a deep breath, forgive. See its easy! Nobody really has a clue whats going to happen. Something really fascinating could come out of Donald Trump's Presidency.
Now make it so says Captain Picard....
I am by no means a political animal. i admit my ignorance on many governmental subjects. I am not pro-Hilary. I don't believe rioting is the right response to show disapproval.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Trump should not be the person to represent us to the world.
Even if only one assault allegation is true, it is one too many. I saw one interview where he said that women needed to be treated like sh*t. it was a while ago, but leopards don't change their spots.
He has belittled and insulted many groups of people through the things he said on national television. He should denounce the discriminating acts that have sprouted throughout the country.
I understand that there has to be change. I agree with that. The people are frustrated. Only the change needs to come from the parties and the people. will the republicans and democrats ever choose to actually work together. probably not. Many are too entrenched in us vs. them to ever work together.
we must force our represatives to change their ways. how i don't know, but we should not be lemmings. we need to be fierce and fight for what we want.
I will put it this way- having read the boss of the NYT apologizing because basically they were too busy bashing Trump to notice that a LOT of people just didn't agree with them, I would say that the there are a lot of hard lessons to be learned on both sides about both the legitimacy of our disagreements, and how to respond to them.
ReplyDeleteI have found it pretty childish that a lot of the so-called "sore loser" class think that the right should be willing to hold hands and get along with them because it's the nice thing to do. They forget that immediately after announcing to the world that he was going to work together with John McCain and others upon election, Obama took the first opportunity to tell McCain to go screw himself. I would like to see a new dawn of people working together, but it has to be in a "I'll hear you out, but remember you didn't elect me" sense. It is the tune that was called to us.
Cw, it's not always easy to cooperate with those with whom we disagree let alone not like for some reason or another. If we just listen to each other sides and then talk about points of agreement and disagreement we could probably make a lot more progress on the political front. Hopefully, Mr.Trump will set a good example for those in government and set the rest of our minds at ease to some extent.
DeleteLee
I am one of the deplorables. Although Trump would not have been an ideal candidate, he will be a decisive and intelligent president. He will speak his mind to world leaders, chose wise advisers.
ReplyDeleteClinton is exactly the opposite. Even Obama said she would be his third term.
I will be praying for trump, supporting him, and watching. And will be watching Clinton.
Susan, I think you have the right attitude and will be responding in an appropriate way. I'm with you.
DeleteLee
Each of us chooses to be just about as happy as we want to be, and holding onto anger equates to taking poison and expecting the other person to die.
ReplyDeleteNot only did the silent majority have a say, we all have much to learn from them in terms of not using words as weapons or weapons as justice. Nobody wins and the whole world is watching. If they can’t be proud of their country, can they at least have some self-respect? Imagine any one of these protestors trying to flee to a much less tolerant country after their actions of late. Good luck with that.
Diedre, nicely stated. I don't know what they expect to change by protesting and they certainly won't gain much favor by destroying things and chanting obscenities. This is one of the reasons why Donald Trump won the election, but these folks are probably so self-absorbed that they don't realize that.
DeleteLee
Sorry, Lee but I find you deplorable...
ReplyDeleteIs it that I do not remember or is this the first time such demonstrations have happened?
A lot of people objected to Obama and felt there was a problem with his credentials. I do not recall them rioting, but pursing their case in the courts.
I did not read all the comments, but I noted what you replied to Diedre-what I find interesting (found it interesting during the "Occupy" protests, too) is that usually a protest has a desired outcome associated with it.
Do these people really think that their riots will cause someone (could the Supreme Court even do it?) to say, "Gee, you're right-we'll give the job to Clinton."
My last post showed how the Democrats failed to turn out, whether because they were not Clinton supporters or just did not want to vote.
I wonder how many of the protestors actually voted.
And do not even get me started on the university healing services and cry-ins.
I'd tell these people to move to Canada but I don't think Canada would take them.
"I'd tell these people to move to Canada but I don't think Canada would take them." You're right about that.☺Good point about the rioters. It's appalling how many people didn't bother to vote.
DeleteLarry, if they didn't vote they shouldn't say anything, but that seems to be a typical modus operandi--reject the system by not voting and then complain that the system doesn't work. Well I guess it worked for some people. The protesters would be far better off working within the channels offered by the system, writing letters, or even starting a blog. Blowing off steam at the expense of others is not fair which is ironic considering they are calling the outcome of the election unfair.
DeleteLee
There is a lot of hand-wringing and insulting going on right now. It's not productive. While obtaining a consensus may be hard, the good of the country depends on people making a good try. Compromise is not a dirty word.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the 'basket of deplorables' remark stung. It was tactless and discounted the economic problems so many of the Trump supporters felt. After all, not everyone can afford to live in a penthouse in NYC.
Pop Tart, the "basket" line wasn't as bad as the labels that followed in her statement. There is no just excuse for labeling the Republican candidate like that especially when Hillary doesn't know who all these people actually are.
DeleteWithout some compromise we cannot achieve a reasoned peace among interest groups.
Lee
Well, I didn't like either candidate, but I was pretty certain a pendulum swing was coming. Still, I was shocked it was Trump. There's a reason we have two parties. One improves certain things and breaks others. The other breaks the other's improvements and fixes the broken ones. And some things that are fixed (in my eyes) slip through from each without getting re-broken. That's just how it works.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I've been disappointed in both sides. The accusations and name calling from unhappy Democrats made me ashamed of the party. However, as I pointed out to my husband last night, there are two different sets of concerns for each party, and neither party appears willing to listen to the actual concerns the others are expressing, because they think they're silly. Each party seems to have a group that just plain thinks the other party is stupid, and they make statements about the other party's ignorance.
Quite frankly, I'm tired of the nastiness on both sides.
Also, I personally have friends who have been attacked by the extremists who have decided that Trump being president means they get to act out on their bigotry. It IS a fact that some people have decided to do this. That's disgusting. Trump spoke out about it on 60 Minutes, but it won't stop their behavior. He will have to prove he is not a bigot (I don't believe he is racist) through his actions from January forward in order to dissuade those behaving as if he is, and I'm talking about both sides here. There are bigots out there taking it as license, and there are people on the opposite end accusing everyone supporting him of being a bigot. Both are in the wrong. I'm not sure I've ever seen so many adults act like horrible, unruly children in my life. And, again, I'm talking about BOTH sides. There are extremists on both ends, and their ugliness is showing.
It sounds like you're open to dialogue and to hear what others have to say. I imagine you'll continue to address this in a fair-handed manner, which is great.
The hate is based on fear. We are petrified of what this man is going to do. Based on the things he's said, we're bracing for a second coming of... Well, I won't repeat it.
ReplyDeleteSo much progress has been made on equality issues. He's pledged to roll those things back. If you're not white and male, there's a very real chance that you're going to lose some protections that you've had. Don't tell me that that was all talk. It wasn't. He believes those vile things he's said.
My SIL is petrified. He's said he's going to get rid of ACA. This is the only reason she has health insurance. If she loses her health insurance, she's going to die. I'm not exaggerating. She has an aggressive form of MS that's almost killed her a couple times this year alone. Without access to health care (and because of my brother's occupation, they're on their own) their 5 kids will be motherless.
The anger and protests are over what we expect this vile man to do with power. And he's already signaled that some of it is coming. We're bracing. And we're going to fight him as much as we can.
As a UK citizen that's just become a US resident, I was going to read but not say anything - until I read your comment, Liz. I am so sorry to hear about your SIL and her MS. Mine is not as severe, but I will struggle to get help with mine as a new immigrant. I'd also just lost my benefits in UK as the Conservative government was reducing the 'scroungers'. So I'm frightened what Trump will do in the US to those already marginalized, whether by their health situation, color, religion or sexual orientation. Native Americans, who have been treated badly for centuries, would be right to take their county back, peacefully. And I'm afraid to say that Clinton was the other half of the evil, so pretty terrible things would have happened under her. (But that's why I'll always be a green with good friends elected at all levels of government.)
DeleteP.S. I'm in a wheelchair but still got called a scrounger and people ignored me, or worse in the UK. Not sure how people will behave over here but concerned.
DeleteAs always, a very thoughtful post. I actually have a similar one sprouting forth on Wednesday. Not as in depth as this one, but it touches on the hysterical (IMHO) response to the election of DT.
ReplyDeleteOn a personal level, while I did vote for DT in the primary, I ultimately voted Libertarian in the election. Granted, I am a moderate Republican (have been since Bush I) but I simply couldn't see myself voting for him.
I believe there is enough blame to go around, from the GOP's typical passive-aggressive attitude towards DT (yes, they could have nipped it in the bud if they really wanted to), to the Dems/media's not realizing that while HC won the popular because the bulk of the popular was in the cities/urban centers of each state, it's the other 85% of the state that really matters.
On a personal note, when my soon to-be-16 year old daughter gives me major static on both DT & MP, then I know that it's time to stick with the state/local political scene, because quite frankly, it's that very scene that directly affects me the most.
Not the national scene.
Father Nature's Corner
GB, for years I voted Libertarian until a persuasive argument encouraged me to vote for George W. In the next two elections I reluctantly voted along party lines, but this is the first year that I really felt enthused about voting Rep.
DeleteYou're right about local elections mattering the most to the regular person. Still, it's good to vote at the state and national level as well. Just for the principle I suppose.
Lee
Not my country, not politically minded anyway. I conceived an antipathy for Trump and what he said during his campaigns. Hopefully it will not impact on Canada too much. I have a very good Mexican friend who is horrified at the outcome. I don't agree with your point of view, but I would fight to defend your right to express it Lee.
ReplyDeleteJo, the media has portrayed Trump unfairly I believe.
DeleteLee
It is such a shame that the election results created such hate and furor. Regardless whether one agrees with ones belief or not, this hatred does not help no matter who would have won. It is a shame, when people, especially people you care for, judge rather than agree to disagree. It can truly hurt and does hurt. We both live in countries where we have the right to vote and the right to express our opinions whether one agrees with it or not. There are many people who vote and are not educated and many who vote and are highly educated. The same goes for the people who don't vote. This is the shame of it when people take voting for granted and just don't vote. I enjoy reading your posts even if I don't agree at times, that doesn't matter because your posts are well thought out and intelligent. I am happy that we live in countries that we can express our beliefs.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, I like what I'm hearing here. Thanks for the kind words. This has been the strangest election I've seen in my lifetime with the most disconcerting outcome as far as reactions from everyone.
DeleteLee
There have been exchanges of hateful messages on both sides of this election. I am most upset with all the false "news", basically outright lies. When did spinning the news turn into blatant lies. I'm concerned with the appointment of know racists to important positions. There seems to be no ethical or moral line that cannot be crossed. The disrespect for women is especially troubling. I'm considering burying my head in the sand for four years. Time will give us perspective and I'm expecting the honeymoon will be over quickly...especially for those of us who rely on social security, pay our taxes, and don't have trust funds to fall back on. The tax cuts are not going to us.
ReplyDeleteNana, I'm among those who have only Social Security to rely on (aside from what my still working wife brings in) so I'm concerned about this revenue, but I don't think the government would ever touch what we get unless DC collapses and then we're in big trouble anyway. The other stuff you mention I don't know about. I find it difficult to trust much of what I hear through media anymore.
DeleteLee
I like what Shannon had to say.
ReplyDeleteIt's like with the poll. Everyone wondered how they could be so wrong. I think it's because we've gotten to the point in America we are afraid to voice our opinions. If our opinion isn't left-wing liberal, we're shot down and called all those names. I think many of those polled were afraid to say they were voting for Trump.
L.Diane, I think you're right. They were calling the internet polling "unscientific", but I think those were the most accurate of all. Getting a good polling sample that includes a fair amount of conservative voices is probably difficult for the reason you mention as well as a few others that I might talk about on a later post.
DeleteLee
Arlee,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you wrote this post. It was done in way that was very objective and allowed people to feel "safe" to voice their opinion no matter which side they fall on.
I think Diane is right. A co-worker and I talked about that very same thing right after the election. I think people were afraid to admit they were voting for Trump. I think they quietly went into the booth, voted, and that's how Trump won.
Now it's time for the country to come together. The protests need to stop. A country divided cannot stand. It cannot heal. Our politicians need to reach across the aisle and lead and set examples for their citizens to follow.
Elsie, if we got in the habit of changing things every time a group of people didn't like the way things turned out, we'd be in a constant state of flux with no changes ever taking hold and a world standing still. You are so right about getting together and moving forward to make our country a better place with more of a platform for open honest discussion. Thanks for reading and leaving this comment.
DeleteLee
There are people in this world who can hurt others without a thought for the outcome of their words. I had an unknown to me blogger who commented on my poems and was so hurtful it filled me with fear and dread and it also stopped me for going on line for a week.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is entitled to their own opinions of course but there is a proper way of critique with upsetting others.
Brilliant post Lee. Sorry for being so late.
Yvonne.