The mean-spirited, nationalistic, and violent trends around the world are troubling to me. I could give my opinions about the insanely small minded decisions made by other countries this past year, but I try not to criticize things that are none of my business.
I could rant on about evil dictators and macho strong-men in other countries, but I am beginning to think, like Voldemort, one should not speak their names out loud. Especially when I find that I get ridiculously large amounts of hits from those countries on my blog stats every week.
However, this is still a free country, at least for now. I will say that I believe the electoral college of the U.S. elected a man of limited intelligence who is motivated by ego and greed. He is a man who lost the popular vote by nearly 2.9 million votes (the largest margin in history), so obviously does not have a mandate. He is disliked and distrusted by people in his own party, and he seems frighteningly unprepared for the job ahead of him. That, combined with the aggressive actions of troubled nations and the subsequent revival of nationalistic backlash all over the world, fills me with dread for the coming year.
I have always been happy at the prospect of a new year, a new start. For the very first time I dread the coming year. It seems we are moving backward instead of forward. I am waiting for the next shoe to drop.
I know reality goes in circles, politics are cyclical. I survived Nixon, Reagan, and the younger Mr. Bush; however, the world has changed since then. Climate change is actually real, and we are in danger of making this world unlivable. We need reasonable gun control reforms that stop criminals from buying guns and killing innocent people. Black lives DO matter, and we run the risk of civil war by not taking our racist inclinations seriously. Social justice is actually righteous and moral, not a "politically correct" idea to be sneered at. Poverty encourages crime and limits our achievements as a nation, and as a world filled with nations. Women's rights are human rights. I cannot even get started on that one. Not yet. Too soon.
Perhaps the foolishness we are unleashing will change people's minds and we will see a progressive and compassionate awakening like we have never seen before? Maybe good people from all sides can come together and build a better world on top of the ruins of failed ideas? That is my hope for 2017. Stranger things have happened.
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You made some valid points. However I choose to hope for good rather than dwell bad. That does not mean that I won't be keeping my eyes open. Some things I cannot control. What I can do is try to keep my area as happy and safe as possible. I can try to make at least one other person feel good about himself each day. I can do positive things each day. So be vigilant and change things if you can. But don't let things make you unhappy or fearful because you can control your immediate surroundings.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read this I took it the wrong way. Now I see where you are going with this. Cheers.
DeleteJust remember we only have four years until the nest election.
DeleteI just watched a short clip on youtube from the 25th (?) anniversary celebration of democracy now early Dec 2016 where Patti Smith sings 'People have the power'. Let's remember.
ReplyDeleteI'll look for it.
DeleteThank you for writing this down, Colette. It sums up the beginning of the new year so perfectly. I agree, and I am distressed about the direction we are headed. My only hope is a global awakening. Hah, like that's ever going to happen. Still, I do hope.
ReplyDeleteThat is the only hope I have right now, hope in a global awakening and the coming together of concerned world citizens for positive change.
DeleteI hope so too.
ReplyDeletePerhaps hope is contagious. Let's spread it around.
DeleteWe really cannot stop the DC express, Colette. Our job is to raise our voices in protest, and do what we can to keep our stations kind and in order. We still have the power of opinion and the polls that don't involve the electoral college.
ReplyDeleteYes, we do. It is so important to do these things.
DeleteI also have a fear for the future and an uneasy feeling of what's to come. However, I do believe that other people in power will do the right thing and not allow this man (and those who are influencing him) bring down our great country. We need some very brave politicians from all sides to speak up loudly.
ReplyDeleteThat's the truth - we need brave people everywhere. Being brave, having the courage to speak out to demand change used to be the hallmark of being an American. We have to rediscover our fearless selves.
DeleteIt is your business, it is everyone's business.
ReplyDeleteKim Jung un is completely equipt for nuclear war. We spend too much time in this country thinking of ourselves and not enough time seeing what is going on around us.
I hope too for a progressive and compassionate awakening. I can't find anything else to help make sense of all of this. At the very least, it's an opportunity - to wake up, to see what really has value before it's gone and to fight for it. I think it's ridiculous to sit in our little corner making ourselves safe. This is not the time to feel safe, this is the time to yell as loud as you can and drag your neighbor to the corner and ask him/her to yell with you.
If Germany could have woken up before it was too late - how different life would be.
I know that all sounds very harsh and maybe even unkind, (and I don't mean to offend anyone) but it is, in actuality, a little nightmare out there. It is vigilance that is necessary now - clearly.
Well written post, Colette, thank you.
Thanks Liv. I couldn't agree more. Ignoring evil doesn't make it go away.
DeleteMuch like the earth can reclaim itself after mankind's imprint, I have to believe that humanity can do the same. This was a great post, and I still have hope.
ReplyDeleteLovely comment. Thanks. You often give me hope in your blog writing. I am grateful for that.
DeleteI believe our first goal should be getting rid of the electoral college. We're the only country I know of that ignores the popular vote.
ReplyDeleteOver the years I have went from being a centrist to a democrat since there is no middle ground anymore. And as a democrat I believe we need to get our act together. To appeal to the people that need us most and to stand strong. We've really shot ourselves in the feet. This should have been a slam dunk.
I grieve the loss of Hillary. Given half a chance I believe she would have done an amazing job.
Yes, we have a lot of work to do changing our attitudes so that we can appeal to working people.
DeleteI agree with your post and feel a bit uncertain about the future of the country. The hope is that people will realize their mistake and it will only last 4 years. With a new year I know that my husband’s illness will progress, and lately it has not been much fun being his caregiver 24/7 – we all need patience, patience with politics and me, patience with his disease (Alzheimer’s.)
ReplyDeleteI am sad to hear your husband has Altzheimer's. It is a terrible, cruel disease. I am sending loving thoughts your way, knowing that a full-time caregiver's job is also hard, and prone to exhaustion. Bon courage! I will be reading your blog.
DeleteHope for the best, prepare for the worst.
ReplyDeletePower to the people. Step up. Speak up.
But yes, the fear of dread is there.
"Hope for the best, prepare for the worst." Good advice.
DeleteKindness , neighbourliness , compassion , patience and a smile .
ReplyDeleteIf we all join arms and stand firm , it has to make a difference .
Thanks S&S!
DeleteJust stopped by to say hey. Wishing you much success with your writing. If I can help with anything just sing out:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra, you're the best!!!
DeleteYeah, I try not to think about it all too much myself since so much of it is like watching a freight train careening down the tracks and you know it's gonna go wheels off the rails but should you dare foolishly step in front of it to make a point since clearly you're not going to actually stop it?! All I know is that I can continue to do the Right thing, to walk in Love and Faith on my own Path of Life and hope that the small ripple I make in my Pond is somehow influential in a Positive way in my sphere of influence? I remain in Guarded Optimism because it's just how I tend to be hard wired regardless of the World around me and how very negative it all can appear. Virtual Hugs... Dawn... The Bohemian
ReplyDeleteThanks for your perspective on all this. Virtual hugs right back atcha.
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