Someone decided that women and abortion shold be the issue that would win the election and they made sure to focus on that one issue almost exclusively in many cases. In so doing this election was hinged very strongly on one issue, and the women who would vote for abortion to the exclusion of every other issue that had nothing to do with abortion! So if you are a farmer and there is no farm bill and the Republicans failed to make it happen and then promised to make it happen before the extension they approved forone year ran out and then failed again, but you don't hear a word about it, who are you going to vote for? It does get that simple, and yet how many loosing cycles have we faced where the party simply "has all the answers" yet once the votes are counted, we have lost once again!
As it happens, I've been listening to "East of Eden" on audiobook. Steinbeck is a gem. An entirely appropriate response. There is also much wisdom to be found in Lewis's "Babbitt." The echoes between the 1920s and the 2020s are uncanny.
Somehow, this struck a bell in my reading the other night.
"With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion." -- Steven Weinberg
Resistance and exercise between and beyond elections. Democracy is like a muscle: it requires regular exercise (beyond voting every 2 years) to stay strong. Engaging consistently, from voting to civic participation, builds resilience. Just as we exercise the whole body, a healthy democracy needs active involvement across all levels of society.
For a political party, the D's political muscles atrophied and failed to reach out or successfully message working class or some members of minority communities.
I have friends who never voted D. The guys who took care of our plumbing and helped re-do part of our house were not Democrats. They listen to the 'wrong radio stations'; too often buy into the lies of R's over the past years. I have had more than one R friend tell me that I am the only D they can talk politics to.
A mistake for me is to become consumed with the election results. People have voiced their opinions at the polls and now we can either lay down and give up or continue to practice kindness. Take solace in nature. Embrace her and love her. She will heal your soul.
Thanks Bob. I too am friends with many of both parties. I think too few people have any sense of what can happen to us if 2025 plans are actually implemented.
Most people don't believe Trump will do what he says. I have heard many MAGA's say that. Plus, Trump has lied to his followers about Project 2025 & said he had nothing to do with it.
Great words from wise men, which I would expect from you Bob, a wise man. Thank you. I'll take your hand...
Someone decided that women and abortion shold be the issue that would win the election and they made sure to focus on that one issue almost exclusively in many cases. In so doing this election was hinged very strongly on one issue, and the women who would vote for abortion to the exclusion of every other issue that had nothing to do with abortion! So if you are a farmer and there is no farm bill and the Republicans failed to make it happen and then promised to make it happen before the extension they approved forone year ran out and then failed again, but you don't hear a word about it, who are you going to vote for? It does get that simple, and yet how many loosing cycles have we faced where the party simply "has all the answers" yet once the votes are counted, we have lost once again!
And when the GOP dropped the farm bill again, why do the farmers keep hanging on to lying Trump?
As it happens, I've been listening to "East of Eden" on audiobook. Steinbeck is a gem. An entirely appropriate response. There is also much wisdom to be found in Lewis's "Babbitt." The echoes between the 1920s and the 2020s are uncanny.
Thanks. I'll be in touch.
At the risk of being pilloried, I can’t agree that women “did their best.” Around 10 million FEWER of them voted for Harris than voted for Biden.
They were another among many disappoint cohorts that failed America last night.
And lest you think I’m absolving “my” people - the absolute WORST cohort is middle aged-plus Midwest white guys - which I am.
We all failed the test.
agreed.
Somehow, this struck a bell in my reading the other night.
"With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion." -- Steven Weinberg
So good Merle. Thanks.
Resistance and exercise between and beyond elections. Democracy is like a muscle: it requires regular exercise (beyond voting every 2 years) to stay strong. Engaging consistently, from voting to civic participation, builds resilience. Just as we exercise the whole body, a healthy democracy needs active involvement across all levels of society.
For a political party, the D's political muscles atrophied and failed to reach out or successfully message working class or some members of minority communities.
I have friends who never voted D. The guys who took care of our plumbing and helped re-do part of our house were not Democrats. They listen to the 'wrong radio stations'; too often buy into the lies of R's over the past years. I have had more than one R friend tell me that I am the only D they can talk politics to.
We were all wrong. I simply do not understand how people could vote for someone as vile as Donald Trump.
Devastated. Who are we? I asked as the results came in. Now we know. I too take your hand.
A mistake for me is to become consumed with the election results. People have voiced their opinions at the polls and now we can either lay down and give up or continue to practice kindness. Take solace in nature. Embrace her and love her. She will heal your soul.
Thanks, Bob. I'm struggling for words now but this helps.
To quote another movie...let the Hunger Games begin...
Thanks Bob. I too am friends with many of both parties. I think too few people have any sense of what can happen to us if 2025 plans are actually implemented.
Most people don't believe Trump will do what he says. I have heard many MAGA's say that. Plus, Trump has lied to his followers about Project 2025 & said he had nothing to do with it.
Thanks Bob. Great.
"There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo....and it's worth fighting for!"
--Samwise Gamgee
I was wrong too, Bob. The fear, misinformation and hate were greater than we knew. Too great for a black woman President.
Thank you for your words, your honesty. Today we reflect. Tomorrow we stand back up.
Taking your hand.
thank you, this is beautiful
Thank you for your reflections. There’s gonna be a lot of that over the coming days as we regroup and strengthen our convictions.