I really didn't want to write this. I really wanted to avoid wading into the morass that is American politics. I know that by addressing the (orange) elephant in the room I might lose one of my few followers/fans. But when I'm too upset to think straight, am feeling utterly helpless, need to get my emotions out, and I actually have a platform from which to do that, I need to go there; to go here. So, apologies to those of you simply hoping to learn about Vermont, read about travel or food, or get some cooking or organizing tips here today.
There's no sugar-coating or understating the seriousness of the political situation in the United States right now. Our democracy is quite literally at risk of becoming a theocratic tyranny led by an evil, ignorant, deranged, narcissistic serial liar who feels disdain toward the very country he wants to lead (to stay out of prison and enrich himself/ his ego). I'm obviously referring to Donald Trump, the man responsible for too many atrocities to list but that list certainly includes stacking the Supreme Court with conservative sycophants who lied during their confirmation hearings and oaths of office when they vowed to uphold the constitution and avowed that no citizen was above the law.
This Supreme Court has overturned 40 years of environmental protection precedent, 50 years of abortion precedent, 60 years of Affirmative Action precedent, and now 248 years of limited presidential power precedent. To wit, the Supreme Court undermined a foundational principle in the US Constitution this week -- that no man (person) is above the law. It should be clear to any thinking and sane human being that by stipulating the President has immunity to act illegally in official acts of the job AND that the court can determine what constitutes an official act, the former President is on his way to avoiding accountability for any (or many) of the grievous and illegal acts he committed. If Trump is (re-) elected, he is most likely never going to face the consequences of his actions and will use his authority to punish those who he perceives to have wronged him. Think about that. Think about the consequences and precedent of that.
I follow Heather Cox Richardson, an American Historian who discusses current events in their historical perspectives. What she and many others have explained, in terrifying terms, is that what we are experiencing has no precedent and is antithetical to what this country stands for. I agree with her that THE ONLY THING WE CAN DO AT THIS POINT IS ENSURE THAT TRUMP NEVER GETS BACK INTO THE WHITE HOUSE. Click here for a link to her discussing the Supreme Court decision or here for her write-up of it should you feel you need some explanation.
You, and everyone you know, and everyone they know, must vote in this upcoming presidential election, and you and they must vote against Trump. Period. Hard stop. There is no other option. You or they may (vehemently) disagree with the policies of whomever ends up being Trump's opponent, but at least democracy will prevail so that four years later you or they will have the opportunity to vote them out (and hopefully Trump will no longer be a threat). I truly feel that if Trump is elected there will be no opportunity to vote him out.
This may sound alarmist and feel like hyperbole. It IS (intentionally) alarmist, but it isn't hyperbolic. We ALL need to do everything we can to ensure that the USA remains the democracy it was established to be. Please, folks, don't make me bone up on my Russian language skills (which might be necessary should Trump be re-elected). Do whatever you can to effect a change and make a difference, even if it is writing a blog post few will read and fewer will share. You don't want to say you did nothing to stop the end of democracy in the United States.
Peace out.
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