I have been feeling as if I don’t know how to write here anymore. As if I just need to be quiet. If you want to know the truth, all the analyses of the election outcome simply don’t add up to me. I don’t think Anne Seltzer’s Iowa poll got it wrong. Rather, I think in addition to all the voter suppression methods put in place over a period of years, there was something buried in the algorithm of the machines in the districts where the far right over performed, and certainly Leon (as I now call him), with his self driving cars and space rockets could have handled that “little secret”—perhaps it was the “little secret” Orange couldn’t help crowing about at his Nazi rally a week before Election Day. But of course, I sound as crazy as all the election deniers from 2020 saying that. And what even is the point, as nothing will be investigated or corrected. We are heading into the darkest of days and I feel a fair bit of dread. So I’m keeping my head down. Being quiet. Waiting to see what it is that I need to do. I’m not in denial or delusion. But I am in limbo. Suspended. Not knowing just how bad it’s going to get. No more unicorns and rainbows of hope. We’re beyond that I think. We’ll need clear eyes and true hearts now.
Me too. Me too. Me too.
ReplyDeleteLet us hold out our hands to each other.
Also? I have had the same thought about the "little secret." That does not make us crazy.
ReplyDeleteCodex: I know exactly how you feel. I think that heading down the rabbits hole is not healthy. Something was off but guessing is like thinking aliens were flying ufos instead of being a testing site for new aircraft. Chaos is coming and either we'll be invWW3 or scared into thinking that it's coming. I am always hopeful and decided that discussing it to death is pointless. Can't change it. I realize we're all grieving but Kamala was never unicorns and rainbows, just normalcy again. I'm also done with the melodrama of it all. Suspended is a good word. So we write and create and support. I see no other way right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the words "clear eyes and true hearts." Sending love to you and your beloveds.
ReplyDeleteyou aren't the only one. Many of us feel like something dodgy went on. for him to win ALL of the battleground states when he couldn't even fill half an auditorium while Harris was filling stadiums. but you're right, nothing will be done, there will be no recounts, no investigations. people don't have the heart for it or the stamina, they know they will face constant attacks and threats not just to themselves but to their spouses and children. they think it will just be four years and then he will be over and we can put it back together. but I don't think we will be able to. I think we are seeing the end of American democracy. and if he aligns with Putin and Orban and Kim Jong Un, the world is going to go up in flames.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very good time to be old. It's a selfish, self-centered statement, but good grief I would not want to be in my 30s today. One man, one man did this.
ReplyDeleteSadly, one man supported by millions. -Tara
DeleteWe will read analyses of what happened, didn't happen, should have happened, for a long time. It may help us to understand, maybe even to point the finger, but in the long run, you in the US and we in the rest of the world, especially the EU/NATO world must be ready, must be alert, must not shut down and feel sad and sorry. I don't usually do this, but please read here and take notice:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/17/how-to-survive-the-broligarchy-20-lessons-for-the-post-truth-world-donald-trump
It's a waiting game for now but the majority of eligible voters did not vote for him and there are many ready to resist his game. Live with kindness, truth, and love but be strong.
ReplyDeleteYou wrote exactly what I feel.
ReplyDeleteYou have written the words that my heart feels. I don't even want to read the news anymore. I don't want to see that name. I want to hibernate for four years and wake up with hope. I am full of fear right now. (NewRobin13)
ReplyDeleteI think the truth is misogyny is alive and well in the US, as is racism. I'm so angry today I just want to punch somebody in the throat, so maybe some rage cleaning is in order. Take care sweetie.
ReplyDeleteSolidarity... definitely feeling the dread too. But, I also see such an overwhelming number of conservatives that really help validate his win. I think many liberals woefully overestimate how progressive this nation is.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I feel uneasy with the current situation. That said, last night I listened to Doris Kearns Goodwin (author and historian) on YouTube talk about American voters and DT. It provides perspective.
ReplyDeleteLimbo? Exactly. And your inklings? Ditto.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure whether I hate it more that Mr Orange got voted in by enough people who wanted him or that he got in by a voting scam. Either way, he is in. My hope is that in the body of government there are enough sane people left to keep his mad ideas in some sort of check.
ReplyDeleteThe nasty fight over washroom access for the transgender Congresswoman is also beyond horrible.
Never mind. There is a network of sanity here on the internet where you are and your fine commenters hang out. And our families are smart and strong and will survive.
Yes to all of that. I'm with you.
ReplyDeleteYou know how to write and do so with good heart. These are hard times in this messed-up world of ours, lessons that never seem to be learnt. It is a good time to appreciate all the many small things that are good.
ReplyDeleteAnd now we know his victory was a slim - 1 percent - margin. Not a landslide. I understand how you are feeling, as I am feeling the same way. Keeping my head down as well and focusing on the things I have the power to change. It's going to be a bumpy ride. --Tara
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