The President Elect and the crazy uncle at the table.

Clearly, I should have known that in much the same way traveling can interfere with the simplest goals, the “staycation” we planned for this Fall has effectively proven that a significant change in my daily routine leaves me floundering. Best intentions to get back into writing petered out after a weak four days. To compound the problem, the election was held yesterday, and I think we’re all processing the results on any number of levels, whether pleased or not.

I’m most decidedly in the not camp. But my wits are about me this afternoon thanks to the ruminating I immediately engage in when something is bothering me. I read. I read, and question, search for understanding, and spend long periods of time fighting with myself over issues I’d prefer not to. Issues of a very personal nature which involve people I’m related to in one way or another.

More than once, I’ve seen memes fly past in my newsfeed referencing the dysfunctional aspect of certain family members — the crazy uncle who must be tolerated at holiday dinners, for example. It’s presented as a joke, as something many of us can relate to, and it’s easy to laugh it off until you realize that for too long, you’ve really had to deal with this and you’re tired of it.

I’m tired of it. But I’m working through frustration and general disillusionment by considering the winner of yesterday’s election in the role of that dysfunctional family member. He may be President Elect, but I don’t have to tolerate him. I don’t have to invite him into my house, or to sit at my table. But he will have my complete and undivided attention because I will choose to stay tuned in, to research anything unclear, to question, and relentlessly challenge with as much grace as I can muster. Sticking my head in the sand will solve nothing. Giving in to those who choose not to engage, who complain that they’re tired of it all, and plead for a return to the innocuous sharing of puppies and cats, cupcakes and jokes exclusively is not an option for me.

Nor should it be for anyone.

The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men — Plato

“Here is what Donald Trump wants to do in his first 100 days”  I’ve read through this list several times making sure not to get caught up by the repetitive use of “I will” and “direct,” “cancel,” or “suspend.” It’s more important to understand the list and to research what he has the authority to actually do. It’s also important to consider what on that list directly or indirectly affects you and your family.

“Statement from the PRA (Political Research Associates) on the 2016 election”   It’s a sobering read that addresses much of what is on the list above, and what we should do about it.

“The Populists” It’s an older piece, but a Populist is a Populist. Or is he? I need to understand.

This was an eye-opener. Right-Wing Populism in America: Too Close for Comfort

And then there is this: “The ruthlessly effective rebranding of Europe’s new far right” To say it makes me uncomfortable would be a gross understatement. She couldn’t be more thrilled that Trump has paved the way for her and others.

The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all. — John F. Kennedy

Ignorance, indeed.

 


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3 responses to “The President Elect and the crazy uncle at the table.”

  1. See, you have the right of it. So many of us want to turn away in horror — but turning away is what GAVE US THIS. Thanks, newscasters, for not taking seriously the threat of a laughable man. I always think of the Margaret Atwood quote, “Men are afraid women will laugh at them. Women are afraid men will kill them.” There’s nothing more dangerous than a man who knows people are laughing … a person has already identified himself as an abuser and whose characteristics appear to be narcissistic. Surely we could have done him the courtesy of believing him when he told us who he is… and taking seriously the threat. But, no. Laugh, look away, drum a bit harder on the shoo-in, the stateswoman, the one we know is going to win so we should really thoroughly vet her, send her through the grinder, and not worry about the other guy or the loud opinions of those who are so seeking to preserve a majority against the encroaching minorities, that they will welcome in any insanity with its guns and bloviating.

    Lord, what fools we mortals be.

    But, you’ve got the right of it. Eyes wide open now. Fool us once, shame on us. Fool us twice? Never.

  2. There’s a reason we put up with that crazy uncle only rarely: we pull away in revulsion from his views and, although we love him, we also hate him. It’s complicated, really. It’s survivable once in awhile, but you wouldn’t want to have to deal with him regularly, except now he’s your boss / minister / doctor and how the hell do you deal with that level of constant tension in someone with whom you are forced to relate? Ignoring the racism has only delayed confronting it. This is why people want to leave the country, I think – to escape from being forced to deal with the evil on a daily basis.

  3. rebecca

    My hope now is that the media, who are responsible in a BIGLY way for the outcome, will now take this seriously and track down every shred of evidence against this bully (of which I expect is massive) and expose him for the charlatan he is. Many have said that a president elect deserves respect, but I won’t compromise my morals by pretending that he deserves to exist, much less deserves my respect. A sad commentary on our country, but there it is. My greatest fear right now is that he WILL be exposed and perhaps even removed from office, but then you have the monster-in-waiting who actually understands government. It’s going to be a long road…

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