The Politics Thread

[Maxim]

Not just anyone. MILLIONS... AND MILLIONS... AND MILLIONS OF Americans. And that's the disturbing part of it. 

Edited November 7, 2024 by Maxim

[DramatistDreamer]

I think I need to save my writing for the creative writing process, put it to good use. I am still very very angry and I think it’s probably best to take a break posting on the message board. I may return in January or February, whenever BTG premieres or maybe I will wait to see how it goes with that show (sorry, I still don’t trust CBS or P&G). I won’t be checking PMs but take care of yourselves. Bye for now.

[JaneAusten]

@vee I feel for you. I feel a lot of what you do.  I tend to be a glass half full person but this is two elections.  And I am remembering that Biden in 2020 did not win in a landslide despite the overall vote totals.  I had the same feeling some here did(especially Carl) deep down but I wouldn't allow myself to feel it.  

The right has captured new tech and these people are puppet masters controlling our propaganda even more.  I don't believe they have competent people outside of the Heritage people who know the mechanisms of gvmt, so the damage - who knows. We'll see how far they really go.  The mass deportations are horrible, but then I remember even an effective administration under Eisenhower bungled it. So it's going to be a mess and MANY people will be hurt.

The racial resentment that has been fueled is a bit more complex because Gen Z is much more diverse. But maybe that in effect is a sign that that's not what it's entirelt about.

I do think that a lot of people are seeing our gvmt having failed average people for so long.  It's been hard for me to come to terms with that, especially since I see a lot of these same people with their expensive coffees, iphones, etc., but I have to realize that's that's not all it. It's resentment of the establishment. The GOP has somewhat more effectively turned against it or should I say is pretending to. Donald Trump is a tool those powerful have used to stoke more resentment.  But I do believe many of the followers are not hateful people, just unknowing that they are being used.

I look at a state like Missouri which is ruby red yet voted for a very progressive abortion referendum, minimum wage increase, and a start to affordable outside the home childcare system by making these places exempt from property tax.  Those all won substantially. So there is something there besides resentment.    

I'm so disappointed in the democratic party at this juncture. But not us.  But we have to see what the severe flaws are in our party. And admit to some extent this party has been so flooded with money, many democrats are even blind to their own greed. Citizens United has definitely been a cancer to our system but then I don't hear politicians talking much about overturning it anymore especially on the right, but it is democrats.   And telling people that the Parlementarian is the main reason legislation could not pass, why the federal minimum wage could not be raised, is not something most people understand.  The Child tax credit was mega popular and yet.  I did say this once before.  You have to make people believe you are fighting for them. And that's not something Biden did effectively. Not blaming him, it's just who he is.

I do think the democratic party needs to be wiped clean of all consultants and operatives. Does the party have the guts to do it or do they really care about people are are willing to do the serious work. I have my doubts.

I too have had health issues this year, but am much better, but all this has made me realize how important self care is. At some point you have to allow those whose future this is - the young people - step in, but I fear they are already too propagandized. But what do I know. I have been wrong about so much.

Lastly, I am convinced VP Harris was a sacrifice. I now feel it was "throw the black woman to the wolves" was the tactic after President Biden stepped aside. Did she know it? Not sure.

It's hard now to have hope, but I have faith in humanity.  We'll see if we even have a planet, much less country, to save.

And my thanks to all of you. This is a great group of intelligent people.  Let's focus on the things we can change. Our own well being.

You have been a thoughtful poster.   Please take care of yourself.  All of this has been a gut punch, that's for sure.  Stay sane and safe.

[marceline]

I think it's really more an issue of young men being radicalized across the board.

[Maxim]

Today I'm not crying anymore. I'm full of determination that I will not be closing my eyes or tolerating anything from now on. It's time to be... stars in the dark dark sky, everyone. All around the world. We should all fight to keep our freedoms. 

[janea4old]

Interview with a psychologist about the very real feelings of grief and anger we are experiencing about the election results, honoring those feelings, 
we shouldn't have to "get over it", that these feelings will continue,
and how to not be paralyzed by it, but instead take real action.

My description isn't doing it justice, so just read:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/election-grief-is-real-heres-how-to-cope/

(edit to add: they give a variety of interesting examples of "action" and "activity", including small simple-yet-meaningful personal actions of kindness, stretching one's limitations/perceptions by doing things differently, as well as larger political action. I found their list helpful, as I was too paralyzed to think of most of it.)

Edited November 7, 2024 by janea4old

[Maxim]

Thank you for this! 

[BetterForgotten]

Edited November 7, 2024 by BetterForgotten

[Vee]

I'll pass.

[Liberty City]

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[Marco Dane]

Pass. He can kick rocks. Had the chance to dropout earlier and now we are fucked. 

[marceline]

I just want to make sure if I'm reading this correctly. Are you blaming Joe Biden for not dropping out sooner? 

[Vee]

That's not what I meant. I just don't need any more of this period. I didn't watch Kamala concede and I don't need to watch Joe choke out this loss.

Edited November 7, 2024 by Vee

[marceline]

I feel the same way. I've still never watched Hillary's concession. After Biden was pushed out I tuned out on everything as best I could. I absolutely could not watch this. I knew that's what you meant. 

Edited November 7, 2024 by marceline

[Khan]

Yes, I've said this before; and yes, I'll say this again: the Democratic Party will never nominate another woman to be president.  If we ever get a female president, she will be a Republican or Independent.  As Ken Corday would say, "Bank on it."

At the moment, I don't know what to do next.  Part of me doesn't want to stop fighting or give into despair, and part of me thinks - as @Vee thinks - that if this is what Americans want they can have it.  I mean, here we were, all jazzed about Gen Z coming in this election and wiping the floor with Donald Trump, and what do they do?  They break FOR him.  As did the Latinos and other minorities, save for Black and Jewish women.  It's sheer madness...and yet another sign that this country is just not a place for people like me to be seen or heard and never will be.

Fortunately, I was born and raised in a state that has been deeply conservative since the dinosaurs, so, in a way, I've been conditioned for this moment.  I'm just sorry that the rest of the country will now know what it feels like to live in Oklahoma.

Same here.  I, too, knew what you meant, @Vee.  And I'm not watching Biden's speech either.  I will never forget what was done to Joe Biden, nor will I ever forgive those who were responsible.  (If you're reading this, Hunter Biden, just know that I'm with you if and when you feel like getting some payback.)

Edited November 7, 2024 by Khan