A Sad Reckoning
I had hoped that the American Presidential election would be a repudiation of Donald Trump and the divisive, racist, misogynistic, homophobic, fascistic nightmare of Trumpism.
That hope was not realized. While Joe Biden–a decent man who I think will be a good though not transformative President–will eke out a victory, nearly 50% of the country voted for Trump even after watching four years of his antics and destructive policies.
I could not be more disappointed…unless Trump had actually won.
I don’t link to him very often, but John Beckett has a very fine piece on this. You can find it here. He has said the things I want to say.
I am so saddened by this. Why, why are my people so filled with hatred and fear? Why will they choose leaders not in their own best interests, so long as they can stick it to those who are not like them?
We have so much work to do, friends. The Earth-honoring, kind world we hope for is still a long time in coming, and we must redouble our efforts to bring it about.
You’re a sad person Mr. green;
Where as I agree with the issue of “so much hatred etc.”. It is evident that this present President is a total example of the hatred; you so supposedly speak of. He would do everything possible to end any kind of peace efforts; especially among the common person. Maybe Mr. Biden will change a few things then again maybe not. Yet even he doesn’t possess the innate hatred this present President has. He will still be a better change to history and it is something this nation is so badly in need of.
And yet 48% of the American electorate in a record turnout year supported Trump in all his racism, hatred and incompetence.
That’s why I’m sad. Of course I supported Biden. But we have problems that are much bigger than anything he can fix.
Sad, indeed. If it wasn’t for the pandemic, I think Trump would have cruised to victory. We’re learning a lot about our nation, even if it is painful. We haven’t shifted much over the past four years. People remain entrenched in their positions. We can’t vote our way out of this mess. We need deep social change which can only be accomplished from grassroots movements — if it can be accomplished at all. Much work to do, indeed.
All the many different beliefs etc. are valid. Even though it will take more than 4 years to rectify our situation. At least there can be a beginning with Mr. Biden and yes even he will make mistakes. What will make a difference? The mind set of the many who live in a Bubble world and fantasy. We humans just love to make a mountain out of a mole hill; rather than face what is really happening. All the he said she said things will not solve our situation and bickering with hatred. Having a clear idea of where we need to begin to focus our efforts; at least gives us a beginning path. So, until the masses get pass their private biases we will go no further than we are now.
Take the win, Mark. That so many were supportive of Trump is unsurprising considering the amount of stoking they’ve had over the years of this maladministration. Consider Stockhausen Syndrome and it becomes a matter of healing, not of conflict.
“Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won.” Arthur Wellesley
As long as politicians exist and they will long after we have passed on. There will be fairly honest ones and others down right despicable. They care not whether it is for the common good; but for the power struggle. A democracy! I wonder if ANY of them really even understand the word. It seems as if somehow the word DEMOCRACY has become a word from the past.
Certainly to the party that purges voters, closes polling places, suppresses voting, sabotages the Postal Service to undermine mail-in voting, and sues to have votes not counted.
As I said there will ALWAYS be some who are fairly honest and others down right despicable.