This election I lowered my heavy GenX shield of cynicism, and finally let myself feel a hopeful naïveté about my fellow Americans. I believed we wanted positive change for our country to move forward in the same way. I believed we wanted unity. I believed our country was ready for a leader who is a woman of strong character, versus a moral degenerate of a man with a long history of assaulting women.
But I was very wrong, and now I know how Yankees’ fans felt after game 5.
I grossly underestimated the power of high tech oligarchs feeding disinformation and a distorted reality to a disenfranchised voting audience with an average sixth grade reading level. (I didn’t realize 🇺🇸 still had so many misogynistic dumb-dumbs, but Musk & Theil bet on it).
Combined with 13 million fewer votes than 2020 from uninspired Democrats, and here we are once again back at the gates of Hell at Mar-a-Lago that Trump calls “the Southern White House.”
Around a million Americans died the last time we walked through these gates for those with short memories. Unlike World Series baseball games, elections have real consequences and affect people’s lives.
But for the 2nd time, 70 million Americans chose to be comforted by the lies of a rich, white, newly convicted felon rather than be lead by the most qualified woman ever to run for the highest office. That’s something the Democrats will have to figure out how to fix if they ever want to win another election. The game has changed and they’re still playing by the old rules.
I’m grateful to all the Harris supporters, volunteers and poll workers who worked so hard and tirelessly for her. Your efforts didn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. You are all heroes and true patriots.
This was a hard, gut wrenching blow that knocked the wind out of me as it did for many others now and back in 2016. I saw his win coming towards us back then. I didn’t see it this time because I was high on the hopium. I saw the record turnouts and long voting lines. I saw the enthusiasm from women voters out in droves to take their rights back. It’s gonna take me a minute to reset, and I definitely won’t be getting rid of my cynicism shield anytime soon, but I’m done believing in our flawed political system for now.
Trump voters: You got the school bully you hoped for, so “bully for you.” Think of me and my wife when Trump finally gets rid of the Affordable Care Act and we are left scrambling for options with our preexisting health conditions. I can’t wait to hear Trump’s concepts of a medical plan right after infrastructure week! Seriously tho - go fuck yourself. You know all the cruelty he has planned and you voted for it.
I’m no better than you. I come from the same working class stock you do. I understand conservative politics and lived them. My first vote was for Bob Dole. I don’t want to hear your complaints about the cost of eggs and gas. You sold out your fellow Americans because a wannabe fascist dictator told you some lies that played to your anger and fears and you fell for it. It’s that simple. You are that simple.
You put money over people and although that’s how America does things, it’s not the way decent humans do things. You failed the most basic litmus test for showing you have compassion for others by voting for a man who will bring cruelty and destroy families. Again, please - go fuck yourself.
Actually I would prefer it if Trump voters reading this simply unfollowed me, that way I also won’t have to wonder who to trust when the shit goes down (and it will). Yes that includes my family. I need to know not only who has my back but also the back of my gay neighbor. My trans neighbor. My immigrant neighbor. I need to know who is on our side. I’m not going to pretend to be nice or friendly to someone who would rat me out to Stephen Miller’s Gestapo 2.0. I’ll work on being less condescending after Trump voters learn how their selfish actions negatively affects others. They probably haven’t read this far down anyways, even though I’m trying to use small words they can understand.
For true friends: It’s okay to feel all the feelings you’re having right now. It’s okay to feel afraid. I feel the same. Cry it out if you haven’t already. Protect your peace and energy for yourself and the ones you love. Find joy in life’s small things and cherish them like jewels. Help those in need if you’re able. Plant a garden. Make art. Create something new. Reach out when you need an ear to listen. Finds healthy ways to transmute the pain into something positive, and unfortunately there will be a lot of pain in the next 4 years (Elon even warned us) and the only way we’ll get through it is with supportive friends and building community.
I’ll be there to help along the way. Take care.
-A