It wasn't just President Obama's nightmare coming true. Most Americans were horrified to learn that Donald J Trump had won the necessary Electoral College votes to secure the presidency. President Obama had to eat his own words predicting that Trump would never be president of the United States. He had to be gracious and kind to the man who was anything but gracious and kind to him during his two terms in office. Most of us who had supported a different candidate went through the stages of grieving; many getting permanently stuck in the anger stage. Many of us finally reached the acceptance stage only to wake each morning to the reality of Trump's presidency and a new round of outrageous tweets, ridiculous surrogate statements, and bizarre Congressional committee hearings. We are only just 3 weeks into this presidency and yet nearly half of Americans polled would like to see him impeached. So, where do we go from here? As a long time Democrat, my plan is to resist most of President Trump's agenda. I don't support most of what he's proposed to do as president. I will support any Democrat in office who also opposes President Trump. I will work to encourage people to vote for Democrats who are running for office. If you share my sentiments, please find something you can do in this article on how to oppose President Trump and commit to taking action.
https://qz.com/846940/a-yale-history-professors-20-point-guide-to-defending-democracy-under-a-trump-presidency/
Friday, February 10, 2017
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
The Resistance
According to a magnificent article by Liel Leibovitz in Tablet Magazine we have three obligatory tasks ahead of us if we are to survive. You can read the article here: http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/217831/what-to-do-about-trump
I'm going to share the three points here. First, "The first, and most obvious, is this: Treat every poisoned word as a promise. When a bigoted blusterer tells you he intends to force members of a religious minority to register with the authorities—much like those friends and family of Siegfried’s who stayed behind were forced to do before their horizon grew darker—believe him. Don’t try to be clever. Don’t lean on political intricacies or legislative minutia or historical precedents for comfort. Don’t write it off as propaganda, or explain it away as just an empty proclamation meant simply to pave the path to power. Take the haters at their word, and assume the worst is imminent."
The second follows: " Don’t waste any time, then, trying to understand: Then as now, many were amused by the demagogue and moved by his vile vision."
Finally, "Refuse to accept what’s going on as the new normal. Not now, not ever. " The point here is exactly like what the poet Maya Angelo said, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
He has shown us and the Republican Party led by Paul Ryan has shown us. Let's get our act together and fight them every step of the way.
We can throw them out of the White House and both houses of Congress if we can stop our infighting and act as a united party. I hope Democrats have the wherewithal to do it. Time will tell.
Updated: Democrats and a very few Republicans will be the salvation of our democracy. When folks try to get you to vote against a Democrat because he/she isn't currently voting the way they want, check Ballotpedia for that member of Congress' voting record. Most likely they vote with Democrats the majority of the time. If that person were defeated in the primary and lost to a Republican in the general election, do you really think the Republican would vote with the Democrats the majority of the time? Folks who tell you to vote against an established Democrat, especially in areas the are Republican strongholds, may have a hidden agenda. Consider if they are trying to strengthen the Democratic Party or trying to blow it up.
I'm going to share the three points here. First, "The first, and most obvious, is this: Treat every poisoned word as a promise. When a bigoted blusterer tells you he intends to force members of a religious minority to register with the authorities—much like those friends and family of Siegfried’s who stayed behind were forced to do before their horizon grew darker—believe him. Don’t try to be clever. Don’t lean on political intricacies or legislative minutia or historical precedents for comfort. Don’t write it off as propaganda, or explain it away as just an empty proclamation meant simply to pave the path to power. Take the haters at their word, and assume the worst is imminent."
The second follows: " Don’t waste any time, then, trying to understand: Then as now, many were amused by the demagogue and moved by his vile vision."
Finally, "Refuse to accept what’s going on as the new normal. Not now, not ever. " The point here is exactly like what the poet Maya Angelo said, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
He has shown us and the Republican Party led by Paul Ryan has shown us. Let's get our act together and fight them every step of the way.
We can throw them out of the White House and both houses of Congress if we can stop our infighting and act as a united party. I hope Democrats have the wherewithal to do it. Time will tell.
Updated: Democrats and a very few Republicans will be the salvation of our democracy. When folks try to get you to vote against a Democrat because he/she isn't currently voting the way they want, check Ballotpedia for that member of Congress' voting record. Most likely they vote with Democrats the majority of the time. If that person were defeated in the primary and lost to a Republican in the general election, do you really think the Republican would vote with the Democrats the majority of the time? Folks who tell you to vote against an established Democrat, especially in areas the are Republican strongholds, may have a hidden agenda. Consider if they are trying to strengthen the Democratic Party or trying to blow it up.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Love vs Hate
I wrote this last year before the election. Sadly, somehow, America chose hate and fear. Will we survive? Yes!! We will resist this charlatan every step of the way. Need help? Go here: theoppofile.com or find a local group of individuals who are also committed to Resistance.
Hate builds walls. It destroys and leads to violence and death. Hate sets people apart and creates fear. Hate divides and labels people.
Love builds bridges. Love brings peace and joy. Love unifies people and creates trust. Love brings compassion and serenity.
One candidate trades in hate. He labels people to create distrust and fear. He promotes violence and promises walls and policies to keep people separate.
My candidate talks about love. She wants to unify America. She promotes community and kindness. Her voice is raised for ALL AMERICANS. I trust her. She has my support. Which will you choose? #ChooseLove
Hate builds walls. It destroys and leads to violence and death. Hate sets people apart and creates fear. Hate divides and labels people.
Love builds bridges. Love brings peace and joy. Love unifies people and creates trust. Love brings compassion and serenity.
One candidate trades in hate. He labels people to create distrust and fear. He promotes violence and promises walls and policies to keep people separate.
My candidate talks about love. She wants to unify America. She promotes community and kindness. Her voice is raised for ALL AMERICANS. I trust her. She has my support. Which will you choose? #ChooseLove
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Bernie's Revolution
By definition revolution is: "an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed." http://www.dictionary.com/browse/revolution
The term can also mean: "a radical and pervasive change in society and the social structure, especially one made suddenly and often accompanied by violence."
Some of Bernie Sanders' followers seem to be of the second persuasion. But, is that what Sanders himself is seeking? Just yesterday, he continued his call for revolution at a rally in San Jose, CA.
http://www.mercurynews.com/politics-government/ci_29909443/san-jose-bernie-sanders-continues-call-political-revolution
Careful review of his message will show that he is not talking about the second type of revolution. Yes, he is unhappy with the status quo within the Democratic Party. And no doubt he will have some influence at the DNC National Convention in July.
In the meantime, Sanders' best efforts need to be directed at taking down Donald Trump and helping turn the Senate Blue by electing Democrats to some of the seats currently held by Republicans.
Rather than view the DNC, the Democratic Party, and Hillary Clinton as the enemy, Sanders and his supporters must focus on defeating Republicans if their revolution is ever to have a chance of changing anything they so disparage about the current political system.
The term can also mean: "a radical and pervasive change in society and the social structure, especially one made suddenly and often accompanied by violence."
Some of Bernie Sanders' followers seem to be of the second persuasion. But, is that what Sanders himself is seeking? Just yesterday, he continued his call for revolution at a rally in San Jose, CA.
http://www.mercurynews.com/politics-government/ci_29909443/san-jose-bernie-sanders-continues-call-political-revolution
Careful review of his message will show that he is not talking about the second type of revolution. Yes, he is unhappy with the status quo within the Democratic Party. And no doubt he will have some influence at the DNC National Convention in July.
In the meantime, Sanders' best efforts need to be directed at taking down Donald Trump and helping turn the Senate Blue by electing Democrats to some of the seats currently held by Republicans.
Rather than view the DNC, the Democratic Party, and Hillary Clinton as the enemy, Sanders and his supporters must focus on defeating Republicans if their revolution is ever to have a chance of changing anything they so disparage about the current political system.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
#ImWithHer
I'm a 67 year old woman, wife, mother, and grandmother. I came of age in the 60's. At that time young women were mostly looking to get married and raise a family. Young women who wanted a career were mostly tracked into nursing, teaching, or secretarial work. Before The Pill, women were often derailed in their career goals by their biology. At that time women were subject to and trained to be submissive to their husbands. Many were told who to vote for by their husbands. If they worked outside the home, they were still expected to accomplish all or most of the household tasks.
It was a time of transition. I got married in 1970. Because I had access to birth control, I could finish my education, start my career, and plan the birth of my first child. My husband was a traditional man but he learned to adapt to the changes and together we have helped raise his four children and the three we had together.
I am supporting Hillary Clinton this time because I believe she will be good for America. I have looked at her past actions and her current policy proposals. I like her emphasis on early childhood education and paid family medical leave. I like that she got the children's health program passed. Her plan to make college affordable seems to me more reasonable than free college.
I trust her judgment and respect her diplomatic expertise. Hillary Clinton is no war monger but she isn't a pushover either. She has experience at the statesman level and is the best qualified candidate to ever run for president. That's why she has my vote. And my husband's!
It was a time of transition. I got married in 1970. Because I had access to birth control, I could finish my education, start my career, and plan the birth of my first child. My husband was a traditional man but he learned to adapt to the changes and together we have helped raise his four children and the three we had together.
I am supporting Hillary Clinton this time because I believe she will be good for America. I have looked at her past actions and her current policy proposals. I like her emphasis on early childhood education and paid family medical leave. I like that she got the children's health program passed. Her plan to make college affordable seems to me more reasonable than free college.
I trust her judgment and respect her diplomatic expertise. Hillary Clinton is no war monger but she isn't a pushover either. She has experience at the statesman level and is the best qualified candidate to ever run for president. That's why she has my vote. And my husband's!
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Trump Supporters are Delusional
The reality is that no one person can possibly be all the things that Trump supporters claim him to be. I offer as evidence this article from The Atlantic:
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/08/donald-trump-voters/401408/
The article was published last August and the author invited Trump supporters to write to him with their reasons for supporting the egocentric billionaire. Connor Friedersdorf, the author, explains that the responses tend to fall into two broad categories. "Broadly speaking, the men and women who wrote fall into two categories: Those who earnestly believe that Trump is the best choice to lead America and those who are motivated by giddyness at the chaotic spectacle of his success."
Here for your enlightenment are a few of their responses:
"A Liberal Who Wants America to Win––“I feel that Trump is our only hope in this next election. This is coming from someone who voted for Obama in the last election!”
Trump is Low Risk, High Reward––“I will vote for Donald Trump (and to a lesser extent Bernie Sanders) because he represents hope… And how much damage can he really do?”
Desperate People Cast Desperate Votes––“Wall Street, the banks, and even illegal immigrants seem to be prospering more than the average American citizen. We are desperate.”
Trump is a Gamble Worth Taking––“I am of the belief that he is conceited and arrogant enough to avoid failing in front of the world at all cost.”
Trump Put Illegal Immigration Front and Center––“We have horrendous problem with illegal aliens, sanctuary cities & crimes.”
Trump supporters rely on magical thinking. They believe him when he tells them to trust him to work out the details. They relish in his bravado. They commend him for being brash and insulting. In other words, Trump supporters are as scary to many of us as he is.
Try to imagine him as our president. What type of image would he present to the world? If you don't find that a scary thought, then, I worry about you.
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/08/donald-trump-voters/401408/
The article was published last August and the author invited Trump supporters to write to him with their reasons for supporting the egocentric billionaire. Connor Friedersdorf, the author, explains that the responses tend to fall into two broad categories. "Broadly speaking, the men and women who wrote fall into two categories: Those who earnestly believe that Trump is the best choice to lead America and those who are motivated by giddyness at the chaotic spectacle of his success."
Here for your enlightenment are a few of their responses:
"A Liberal Who Wants America to Win––“I feel that Trump is our only hope in this next election. This is coming from someone who voted for Obama in the last election!”
Trump is Low Risk, High Reward––“I will vote for Donald Trump (and to a lesser extent Bernie Sanders) because he represents hope… And how much damage can he really do?”
Desperate People Cast Desperate Votes––“Wall Street, the banks, and even illegal immigrants seem to be prospering more than the average American citizen. We are desperate.”
Trump is a Gamble Worth Taking––“I am of the belief that he is conceited and arrogant enough to avoid failing in front of the world at all cost.”
Trump Put Illegal Immigration Front and Center––“We have horrendous problem with illegal aliens, sanctuary cities & crimes.”
Trump supporters rely on magical thinking. They believe him when he tells them to trust him to work out the details. They relish in his bravado. They commend him for being brash and insulting. In other words, Trump supporters are as scary to many of us as he is.
Try to imagine him as our president. What type of image would he present to the world? If you don't find that a scary thought, then, I worry about you.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Super Tuesday is Just Around the Corner
March 1 is Super Tuesday. Twelve states will be holding their primary events. More delegates for the party's nominating convention can be won on this date than on any other. "Since Super Tuesday primaries are typically held in a large number of states from geographically and socially diverse regions of the country, Super Tuesday typically represents a presidential candidate's first test of national electability. Convincing wins in Super Tuesday primaries have usually propelled candidates to their party's nomination. The particular states holding primaries on Super Tuesday have varied from year to year." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Tuesday
Which Democratic party candidate will Super Tuesday favor? According to a recent article in The Washington Post, Super Tuesday came about because the Southern Democrats wanted a larger say in selecting the party's nominee. The Southern Republicans agreed. https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2016/02/22/why-super-tuesday-is-so-dangerous-for-bernie-sanders/
There are 11 states plus American Samoa are participating in this year's Super Tuesday. Nearly 40% of the convention delegates are at stake next on March 1. Texas has the most at 252. Then there's Massachusetts and Georgia at 116 each and Virginia at 110.
Can either candidate claim the nomination after Super Tuesday? Probably, not. Yet, clear victories by Hillary Clinton can set her on the path to win the nomination.
Which Democratic party candidate will Super Tuesday favor? According to a recent article in The Washington Post, Super Tuesday came about because the Southern Democrats wanted a larger say in selecting the party's nominee. The Southern Republicans agreed. https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2016/02/22/why-super-tuesday-is-so-dangerous-for-bernie-sanders/
There are 11 states plus American Samoa are participating in this year's Super Tuesday. Nearly 40% of the convention delegates are at stake next on March 1. Texas has the most at 252. Then there's Massachusetts and Georgia at 116 each and Virginia at 110.
Can either candidate claim the nomination after Super Tuesday? Probably, not. Yet, clear victories by Hillary Clinton can set her on the path to win the nomination.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)