I came to some fuzzy conclusions while watching the election results last evening. This is a personal decision. I know it is a self-centered and therefore a somewhat selfish direction for the future. Yes, at the moment I am feeling a bit guilty. However, I offer my thoughts here, in public, as a possible path to friends, family and fellow travelers.
Full disclosure - I am a progressive, a liberal, on some issues a radical and even a socialist. I offer those labels based on neutral definitions not those offered by the other side. But my decision is not based on ideology or even solely on this year's election.
What I noticed last night was that the entire political process made be sad. Sad, uncomfortable, disgusted but most significantly unhappy. And here is the crux of my decision. At this point in my life I desire happiness. Add to that desire: peace, calm, tranquility and rest. The politics of the United States provide none of these.
What is clear to me and should be clear to all those on the left is that despite the litany of critiques of Donald Trump. Despite the opposition of the Lincoln Project of intelligent moderate republicans. Despite the insults, lies and an onslaught of "isms." Despite all of that, over 74 million of our fellow citizens voted for hate, division, racism and violence. They voted against their own financial self-interest. They believed the lies or simply didn't or couldn't care.
This is what I saw last night and what has moved me to make several personal resolutions. I would point out this is my decision and only mine. I offer my actions as a path you might consider but I understand if you go another way. Several dear friends have suggested two alternative directions, which I have strongly considered.
To my friends who are prepared to once again grid their political loins and push forward, I understand. Beto nearly won last time in Texas, but he lost. Stacy Abrams nearly was elected governor of Georgia, but she lost. Florida, almost. Texas, nearly. Almost, nearly, close but no.
I am focused on 60+ million votes for darkness and hate. Apparently, 20% of African-American male voters went for Trump. They voted for a racist. The economy was more important. Hispanics of all hyphenated persuasions are heavily conservative voters, even with children locked in cages, they voted red. They are the fastest growing segment of the population.
I truly thank those friends who will soldier on in the political swamp. I mean that, thank you, but I'm sorry, I will not be joining you. The pain, the strain, the stain have become too much.
To other friends, who have put forward a more spiritual path. A longer view, a Gaian view, hope, charity and love. I appreciate the words and the kindness. May your path bring you peace. I shall be searching hither and yon for inner calm myself.
So, here are my personal resolves, I don't expect the execution of these to be easy or immediate but I've been slowly moving in these directions for several years. Time now to fully commit.
Resolve #1: No more politics. No CNN, MSNBC, NYTimes, WaPo. Nix, nope, nothing. I did my time in the trenches, I now officially offer an exhausted resignation. That goes for all forms of social media as well. Goodbye Facebook, so long Twitter.
Resolve #2: A refocusing on the health and safety of a 72 year old body. That would be me. Enough said in public.
Resolve #3: Fiction. Two strains of thought here. First, my own writing will be fiction from this point forward. This may mean abandoning this blog, at the very least there will be a seismic shift away from anything political.
A second fictional direction will be entertainment. I have become a serial binge convert over the last couple of years. So Netflix and Amazon Prime will get my attention in the evenings. Just as long as its full on fiction. No West Wing, no Veep, definitely no House of Cards. I'm installing a Washington D.C. filter on my smart TV.
I offer each of you my sincere hope for whatever path or paths you follow. May we encountered each other on the road to nowhere in particular.
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