I've stuck my head above the firing line a few times to express my support of Hillary. It's dangerous out there. I'm mostly lying low and waiting for her nomination to be confirmed and then I'm all in and eager to work for her. Is this cowardly? I trouble myself sometimes thinking so. But with the electorate (read, "my friends") so polarized, I can't make any headway with changing hearts and minds now anyway. The Bernie contingent will not hear or believe anything other than what he says and I can only hope that when he finally steps aside he will encourage them to vote for her regardless of the hatred he is helping to whip up now.
I was involved in a huge local issue about 30 years ago. A Navy Base was proposed for our waterfront, displacing local industries and effectively claiming prime development real estate and inhibiting access to this jewel of a natural setting for the public to use. Oh, and there was also the little problem of parking a nuclear powered aircraft carrier and its nuclear weapons on the edge of our downtown business district and residential neighborhoods. Some of us didn't think this plan was one we could embrace and saw it as the "pork barrel politics" it was. We formed a citizen's coalition that showed up at every public meeting to question the Defense Department and local politicians about these issues of grave concern as well as others. The "other side" whipped up a lot of resistance to our questioning, called us Communists, anti-American, and unpatriotic. I'd get phone calls from strangers encouraging me to "Move to Russia, where you belong, bitch!" I was the chairperson of the committee and one of several visible spokespersons interviewed on TV and in the paper, so I guess I should have expected the calls. Thank god this was before social media! I just changed my number and was out from under that harassment. This went on and on and, of course, the base is now here and so far hasn't blown anyone up.
The point is, it seems to be the way of things to vilify the enemy in ways that are antithetical to reasonable, respectful, compassionate regard for someone of a different opinion. During the height of my dismay about the threats aimed at me, a local pol who was "on our side" counseled me to let it roll off my back. His retort was, "It's only politics", as in, this is part of the game; don't take it personally. I guess that's how some people view it. I found it scary and hurtful; thin-skinned I guess.
Hillary has had it all thrown at her for her whole career. She can take it. For now, I just try to walk the middle ground and throw people off by the display of bumper stickers on my car: Hillary 2016 (evil witch of a woman); Namaste (peacenik Bernie lover); Seattle Seahawks (violent sports fan). That should cover all the assumptions people make about me as they wait at the stoplight studying my rear window -- wondering what kind of multiple personality disordered person was able to get a driver's license in this town!
At least, that's the view from here...©
I wrote several words - and erased them - then thought about comments - and walked away from the computer - and tried again. Your honesty is an inspiration. Nope, I'm not a Bernie-burns gal. And yep, I wish Clinton was more to the liberal side. But the idea that "the Donald" could actually win makes me 1) want to puke 2) break out in hives 3) make me take up serious drinking 4) makjes me craaaazy! Bottom line, we need the enthusiam of the liberal Democrates - even if they really are "Independent" Sanders-followers and have not idea how the system really works. We need a better "grass-roots" Demo party. And we need to understand that over half of the stuff on the media is crazy-media-wrong. I am hoping that whomever wins the Demo party also, after the nomination - has what it takes to take Trump to the ground and ask simple questions such as 1) how can you talk about "enabling" when you screwed around on all of your wives and shed themn as soon as a wrinkle appeared? 2) You got a million bucks when you graduated. How does that make you a self-made man? 3) I know you did this campaign to build your Brand but aren't you tired of running your own semi-reality porgram? 4) Are you really trying to be Hitler or do you not understand what History has shown? 5) Do woemen really think we've reached the point that only White males can be angry and effective?
ReplyDeletePreach it, Sister!
DeleteI can't believe it, I just wrote a blog post to publish tomorrow about politics. Must be something in the air (or on the airways).
ReplyDeleteI have not seen a single bumper sticker around here. I love yours, shows a sense of humor. I have my 'Dump Trump' pinback but will buy more Hillary stuff once she has the nomination for sure. I've been really shocked at how much some of my relatives hate her. I just don't get that.
I don't get it either, how people in politics can just let stuff roll of their backs likes it's a big game. I was shocked that McCain came out so soon in support of Trump after Trump's remarks about his being a prisoner of war.
I don't debate politics with people I know or on social media. It's usually a waste of time and can hurt relationships. Better to volunteer some where or debate at political sites where hundreds can read what you write. We all know our own limits and strengths and can use them accordingly when the time is right. No need to feel guilty for pacing yourself until Bernie is out.
I have always thought one should act on their convictions and do the right thing at all times, which is what makes me feel a bit guilty about hiding out for the most part right now. I just never expected to be so far afield of so many of my friends who are Bernie-maniacs. I'm curious to see how it will play out. I can't believe, as some of them say, that they will skip voting. "He Who Won't Be Named" is much to dangerous a foe to let slip in with a protest abstention. Eager to read your post too!
DeleteI don't get how people who support Bernie but say they will vote for Trump if he doesn't get the nomination. Trump and Bernie are like day and night! Bernie wants to help the masses and Trump only wants to feed his ego.
ReplyDeleteWell, I re-read my posting on your blog - and my main thought is: PLEASE HELP ME WITH SPELLCHECK! (my fingers stumble when I am excited and my ADD keeps me from recognizing badly spelled words. Sigh.)
ReplyDelete