I'm writing this on Wednesday, the Day of Insanity.
I woke up this morning at 5:00 and was afraid to check the news to see who would be our next president.
However, I didn't have to. I saw there were already many many text messages from friends in Illinois and Hawaii giving me the awful news.
My blogger friend, Linda Reeder in Seattle who is also a retired teacher wrote on her blog:
...A friend shared an email she got from her relative in Sweden saying, "Sad day for humanity. I'm sorry for the American people and for the whole world."
Me too...
I've told the story many times about our 2016 trip to South Korea when we got off the plane and discovered that the Chicago Cubs had won the World Series after 108 years. We were jubilant! Ecstatic! (Especially since I'm not usually a sports fan.)
We didn't think anything could get Art or me down. But several days later people with cell connection and our Korean tour guide got the news that Trump had won. We were all shocked and just couldn't believe it. We talked to our tour guide and she said whoever is in control in the U.S. affects them as well. Her tour office was all worried about Trump. This made it especially clear to us that whoever is in the oval office can affect the whole world.
And so here we are again.
Art just told me I should mention what I wrote to friends about my grandfather who was a zen Buddhist priest. He always seemed at peace. He was on Molokai for 7 years to support Buddhists with Hansen's Disease (leprosy) while Brother Dutton helped the Christians. He'd ministered to people in prisons. And then he was taken to a Soviet Prisoner of War camp in Siberia and came home near death. But when I met and stayed with my grandparents for 3 weeks while in college, he was totally at peace. He didn't hate anyone. He was still trying to help people find good in the world.
And I guess that's what we need to concentrate on... I suppose.
Put aside the disillusionment. Put aside looking down at people who voted for Trump. Try to find goodness and light in the days ahead. Be glad that Kamala showed dignity and grace because you know who....
Never mind.
We can do it.
POSTSCRIPT: It's Thursday night now. We saw friends at tai chi this morning and we were all still feeling horrible. But it was comforting to see friends smiling just because we were happy to be together and commiserating about our disappointment and angst. And soooo.... as the days go by, I hope things will get better.
I hope.
How are you all coping?
I think we’re trying to hold on to whatever light we can.
ReplyDeleteWe've always found it interesting when we've traveled through Canada that you all seem to understand our government better than most Americans. We've had awesome political discussions with so many Canadians in our travels. Actually, we just like Canadians. You guys are so nice.
DeleteYou are so kind to say! I was totally shocked. The polls were so wrong.
DeleteThis is a wonderfully positive post. We shall get through it, again. All I kept thinking about are all those kids they put in cages and jail. 'Give me your tired..." NOT.
Those T-lemmings will find out things won't go as they thought - we are in for a very bumpy ride. Keep your own circle positive and keep it close.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. We do need to stay positive or it will get us down. I'll be meeting with some high school friends for the 1st time this coming week. That's something to bring a smile.
DeleteI'm surprised my stomach is still queezy. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. I thought it was hard getting over Trump the first time, but this time... it's much, much harder.
DeleteBeing independent politically, I've been sleeping just fine. I guess nearly 28 years of voting for a losing candidate numbs you to the new president elect. I keep hoping that somehow, someday, those on one side or the other will come around and start asking those more moderate centrists what is important in our lives. Obama, Obama, Trump, Biden and now Trump again have done the best in asking those questions, but not nearly enough, and thus have been elected. Each time afterwards, we face weeks of the losing side belly aching and asking how could you vote for that guy but nobody every asks the question of why did their losing candidate not appeal to those of us in the middle enough that the other guy was the better choice.
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate seeing your "centrist" perspective, Ed. We all need to see your point of view to understand better. Thank you so much for being here.
DeleteJust have to accept
ReplyDeleteSigh... no kidding...
DeleteLin Floyd shocked also...and especially because my best friend voted for him...it's difficult for us to even communicate these days but life will go on...with great DRAMA as Trump finishes his final episode as president again. Time to unite and find a new way.
ReplyDeleteLin, I hope you know that people are not able to comment on your blog. I kept looking for a way and there isn't a place to do so.
DeleteI do have a couple of cousins who I think voted for Trump. I have to just put that in a far corner of my brain when I am with them. Sigh....
I am feeling very fearful of all the damage that will be done in some many realms.
ReplyDeleteMe too! I'm very worried.
DeleteEmbarrassed for our country and "shocked again" with people's choice. So many things could be lost... 2 steps forward, 3 steps back. But saying that, I won't let it affect how I feel about those who chose this (or will try my hardest not to ). And perhaps??? things won't turn out as bad as we fear?? We'll just accept for now. We do respect the position if not the man... and will continue to hope and pray for all those who may be in harm's way.
ReplyDeleteEmbarrassed definitely. What must the rest of the world think of us?
DeleteWe watch and wait. People need to turn out to vote, to realise that their votes matter. Start now, building support for the things you care about.
ReplyDeleteSo very true. I know some people who didn't vote and can't understand it.
DeleteI am putting my time and money into organizations that help children, women, and immigrants. I will continue to read to first and second graders once a week. I will continue to give the children's sermon at church once a month. It's what I can do, and I will do it as well as possible.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. We just have to do what we can do until the four years have passed.
DeleteIt is akin to when Charlie Brown almost won a spelling bee contest but then misspelled the word "Beagle", much to Snoopy's frustration. He was so depressed and the next morning was still depressed. His pal Linus came along and had him look at the blue sky and sunshine and basically said that the world is still around.
ReplyDeleteWe will survive and it will be alright. I hope.
One of my tai chi friends just read your comment and texted me how much she appreciated it.
DeleteI am distraught over what Trump plus a GOP(really MAGA) Congress and Supreme Court can damage or destroy in this country. No one is safe. But life does go on and I'll make the best of it.
ReplyDeleteYou, me and ours, Margaret. We'll all try our best.
DeleteCarole from Illinois, still shocked, in disbelief, and terribly disappointed in our majority. After listening to the many analyses of Trump-voters I am concluding that there is no real one TYPE of person who elected him. I think this type-casting amounts to racial profiling and isn’t helping us understand what happened. It seems to me that his followers are not aware of the facts, believe his lies and are brainwashed by his hate-filled promises to destroy whatever and whoever anyone believes is THE ENEMY, including friends and neighbors (“from within”). We have to stay positive and keep our faith that justice will prevail in our government and society. We need to not sink to the lowest, most vulgar kind of humanity that Trump appears to be, and be decent, honest, and respectful as we each do all we can to help our world.
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful for you and all our Illinois teacher buddies who were able to text each other and commiserate throughout this terrible time. It's amazing to see blue Illinois surrounded by all that red. That letter that Governor Pritzker sent out was beautiful.
DeleteAt 82 I keep thinking I should have known better but I was shocked at tRump's re-election and realized at my age I might not live to see him out of office. All I can think of right now is to find something good to do for someone. Volunteer, be kind. As I write my youngest son, his wife and their adopted 17 year old son are on their way to Arizona to pick up the son's 7 year old half brother. They are bringing him home and adopting him. He'll be the 10th child in their family of 3 home grown kids and 7 adopted ones. There are still good people out there doing good things.
ReplyDeleteWow, Celia! That's awesome! I can just imagine how very proud you are of your son. Yes, there are good people in our country and the world and I am so very thankful for them. Hugs to your son and his family.
DeleteI hate politics with a passion. I vote but I will gladly vote to get rid of someone. When Trump came in last time his whole 4 years I told myself "Just Abide, for everything there is a Season" and ~~Voila~~ The season passed. But then it returns. In the days leading up I would text the polls to my anti-Trump friend and we kept hopin' and aprayin'. The next day I texted her and she said she's dressed in all black and can't talk. Yesterday, no better. I realize I can do nothing and have clung to my Faith that the Lord knows what He is doing. So all I can do once again is abide. I was perhaps unrealistic that the U.S. was better than this; that racism, and the patriarchy was not that bad. I've been seeing the hate online but just thought it was trolls. Perhaps it was a pulse of America I was seeing. The hate towards the woke culture, transgender and liberalism was real. Shoganai. BB
ReplyDeleteHontouni shoganai. My mom often used that term. Or shikata ga nai. And it's so true. However, I'm trying to get over the disappointment of knowing that more than half the people in our country feel this way and are OK with the sort of person Trump is and what he stands for. Sending you a cyber hug, BB.
DeleteI will be 82 next month and was not only shocked, but incredibly sad that the country has elected him knowing who he is, no fluke this time. I read an article by George Conway who reminded me that this is who America is these days. We did it knowing full well that he will punish the "enemy within," which includes me. I will probably not see another president in my lifetime.
ReplyDeleteYou and me, DJan. I fully expected Kamala to win. I'm still in disbelief. And I hate to think that this is truly who America is now. I like to think that they are just misinformed and corrupted by social media.
Deletenow is the time to embrace other people. even maga. no name calling or finger pointing. they have been sucked into a cult. he will show himself to them quickly. thry will be overwhelmed when they realize what he has done to them. he wants us to be a divided nation. lets not give that to him.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment. I agree, of course. However, could you tell me who you are. You can even make up a name just so I can recognize you next time. :-D
DeleteI prepared myself for this outcome because I could not let myself be as devastated as I was the first time he won. I am very disappointed and somewhat angry, but I am letting it go. Apparently this IS who we are. Trump won. I'm done. I will concentrate on other things.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Linda. I will try. I will do some gardening tomorrow.
DeleteAmong other things, I thought of my grandmother who lived through two world wars and a few more. She used to say Pull in your corset strings girls, we have work to do. And we do. We will overcome.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joanne. Yes! Women need to stand together. We need to keep trying and trying and trying.
DeleteI am empty. And terrified for my daughters and granddaughters. My friend's adoptive daughter was told at school this week that the White House is for whites now and she can go back to where she came from. I am tired and sad.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh!!! That is just AWFUL! Is that what MAGA means? This is devastating and sickening.
DeleteI'd vote for your Grandfather to be president!
ReplyDeleteAwww.... Red. I do love Canadians. I wish you lived next door.
DeleteSoooo disappointed. I had an encounter with an old friend. He is a serene person too. We discussed that. I thought of you. He is Buddhist.
ReplyDeleteSigh... I wish I could be serene. The most important thing my grandfather told me was that there is no best religion. I'd asked him if Buddhism was the best religion. He said it's not the religion that is best. It's what a person does with that religion. He told me how much he admired Brother Dutton. Buddhism works for me and I try to find peace with it. Others will find peace with Christianity, Judaism or the Muslim faith. I need to go meditate now and somehow move forward with a more positive attitude. I think that's what my grandfather would want me to do.
DeleteI share feeling and thoughts with you, Kay. I’ve been in a shock state with disbelief. I’ve been sick and tired of that man's behavior without sense of responsibility as well as conscience. I’ve been scared when conspiracies and misinformation spread like wildfire. I’m also worried that authoritarian style conservativism is increasing in the world. We (all the world) have responsibilities to do better in our own way in our own place. I hope things won’t much worse for the benefit of all the people.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Hello Yoko san, I texted my Tokyo cousin about how disappointed we were and he texted back right away, "Me too!"
DeleteIt's amazing that people in other countries understand how bad the outcome of this election was but more than half the people in the U.S. just don't. It's hard to comprehend.
Thank you for sharing about your remarkable grandfather. His is the inspiration I need as I seek to do exactly the same thing. I actually shook hands with a man in a trump shirt today at Ala Moana. I congratulated him and said that though I didn't vote for his man, We are all Americans and I hope the best for our country He said to me give him a chance and we shook hands. Being like your grandfather and loving everyone is our only salvation and heaven has a magical way of turning bad things to the ultimate good. So let's enjoy the blessing of each day and of our friendships, as you have said. Aloha, my dear Kay, Aloha from townside
ReplyDeleteWow! You are my inspiration tonight, my friend. We need to all follow your example. The country is divided enough. My grandfather would have loved knowing you.
DeleteI feel privileged to know of your grandfather Kay. Thank you for sharing his story. I think you know how I feel so won’t elaborate any further.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise. I'm so grateful for my blogging family. I love how we can get comfort and grow from knowing each other.
DeleteYour grandfather sounds like quite a remarkable special person. I am not blogging much but felt compelled to write a piece after these Nov. events. Think of you often and enjoy reading your blog. I agree, we must continue to stay positive for any and all that's good, however little or much for our own sakes and everyone else. I never in my wildest imagination thought our country had so many people as have come out of the woodwork in this recent election. I hope the people in the rest of the world will know there are many of us who do care about them and they'll continue to care for us.
ReplyDeleteKay of Musings: I know you know I agree with you 100%.
DeleteJust found your blog. What a moving and thoughtful post. Definitely need our friends around the world.
ReplyDeleteKay of Musings: Hello Buttercup! It’s so very nice to meet you. Thank you for your kind words. I do continue to worry for our country, but hope to get through with the kindness and understanding from people around the world.
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