This was not the existential crisis I was expecting this week. I had much more pressing concerns – possible recurring cancer in my family, increasingly difficult elder care, and helping my sister move out of her home. The presidential election was the last thing on my mind.
Laura proudly cast her vote for the first woman candidate, as I had done by absentee ballot earlier. She and I then watched with horror as the returns came in. I fear for this country, not because of Donald Trump himself, but because so many of my fellow Americans embraced his message of hatred.
And that’s what it was – pure hatred. I can understand political differences, and I believe diversity of opinion is a good thing. However, there was absolutely nothing positive about his campaign. His followers openly tossed out anyone who disagreed. I worry more about those he has enabled more than any policies he might enact. It is a dark, dark time.
That’s not to say he can’t do damage. With control of both houses of Congress and the possibility of loading the court, this could be grim, setting back the country for decades.
I am an unabashed progressive. I believe in the power of democracy to improve lives, and that government is not a bad thing. Sadly, this whole farce has been disgusting from the start, and that’s about all I’m going to say on the matter.
Yes, life will go on. I will keep exploring, paddling, and taking photographs. The peace that brings will be needed, that is, when I can get a chance to take those escapes. I will keep writing here, but I will probably take a hiatus from social media. I think the whole nation needs some space.
Lastly, while I normally welcome discourse on this page, comments are turned off for this post. I’m just not in the mood to put up with it today.