Children Behave?

I've been seeing a lot of posts, and overhearing discussions, saying things like:

--We need to work together and support the new administration.
--Let's just love each other!
--Stop acting childish and having temper tantrums.
--Stop whining and deal with it!
--So you lost, big deal!I
and, of course, America will be great again!

I, for one, am not whining.  Nor am I childish, nor am I paranoid.  You have had to be both blind and deaf not to have heard or seen the things our new President has said and done.  Some things were years ago--but some were during the course of his campaign.  Things that were offensive to every group but his (which, btw, consists only of rich white men).  Indifferent to the poor, the disabled, women, immigrants and people of color.  He has immediately begun the process of disenfranchisement, removing health insurance benefits and paying back everyone he owed anything do with positions of power far above their skill set.

This man has no understanding of global issues, other than the fact that he can make more money by manufacturing overseas and establishing business interests in Russia (despite his repetitive promise of bringing jobs home).  He has a lovely relationship with Vladimir Putin who is known to be a vicious despot; that's not even counting the hacking of the Presidential election.

Be nice?  Give him a chance?  Why?  I won't start fights or be rude--but I won't be silent either.  I will resist what needs resisting, express my beliefs and call out the Emperor when he has no clothes.  Should I be afraid of alienating people, or of retribution?  I am way more afraid of a run-away tyranny--and of losing my soul.  We must never forget.
 

This is My Happy New Year Blog

I’m reaching deep inside my psyche for something positive to say about the New Year.  It’s really hard to envision the next 4 years as anything but disastrous and frightening.   Every decision, every word salad, every snarky comment issuing forth from our new President just adds to my desire to live in a fantasy world where this travesty never happened. 

I plan to avoid looking at his pictures, tune out his words and maintain an unrealistic optimism that this too shall pass.  Alternatively, also keep my options open for escape should it appear to become necessary.  I hear his supporters continue to say things will be great and he will make everything better. I think these comments will eventually disappear when even the die-hards lose their jobs, health insurance, and watch America sink to an all-time low in the eyes of the rest of the world.

All the “I told you sos” in the world provide no gratification.  It feels like we climbed a big mountain over the past 8 years and saw the sky--and then suddenly dropped off the edge. We saw the potential our country has for being a safe place to live and be a positive world leader.  Most of us were really proud of our President and his family.  Hopefully his legacy will be a lasting one.

So what’s good about the New Year?  Family and love of course, first and foremost.  My children and their families:  Josh, Metty and Evan; Jessica, Jovan, Tristan and beautiful baby Julian, our surprise Christmas gift.  My loving husband Lamar and all the pets all of have:  Lu, Murphy, Spicey, Arty, Johnny, Lili and Henry.  My job and the good people I work with and for, and the friends who share my belief and goals.

I will join with those who are trying to keep the faith and make good things happen.  We will meet, support each other and spread the word.  Shout out to RJ Hadley for his political fervor and to Elizabeth Welch for her energies in uniting the community in historical and cultural pursuits. 

As they say at NASA, “failure is not an option”; giving up is not in my DNA (although depression is definitely there).  Hope to see you all on the other side!