Nov 3, 2020 - a day that will live in infamy. (sorry FDR, seemed appropriate). Many of us have been waiting for this day for, I'm guessing, four long years. A chance to remove this monstrosity, this blight on our hearts and souls. He is not the entire reason for the country losing its collective mind four years ago; he is merely the result of the continuing upsurge and panic of white conservatism that feared it had lost its grip on the thoat of this country. To pretend that some Americans are not racist or sexist or hate-filled of anything or anyone different is living in "Din-ney Land".
The Repubs have been working on this premise for a long time. One can say it goes back to Newt Gingrich's insistence of party over country and never cooperating or compromising with the other side. But it goes back further. When a terrorist shot Abraham Lincoln the rebellious southern states were welcomed back, but were never held accountable or required to deal with the slavery issue. Or further when the constitution only considered a person of color 3/5s of a man and women were not even mentioned. The founding fathers who believed only those with property and standing should be able to vote and that education was a privilege of the well-connected and powerful. When police forces were created from the ever-popular "slave catcher" forces that existed before the war resulting in a mentality that exists even unto today. If it's not white, it's not human.
The good-meaning people of the country, the majority, have systematically had their voice, their opinions stripped away under the guise of nationalism, law and order, abortion rights, socialism, etc. Programs like the Affordable Health Act, Social Security, Medicare, Consumer Protection Agency, EPA, Wage and Hour and OSHA are condemned as liberal (read socialist) acts that, by golly, benefit the majority of Americans and are supported by our taxes (beneficial return on our money). However many either believe the lies or they are powerless to protect these beneficial programs due to the control exerted by those in control. Government is not created to make a profit (why do we think businessmen make a good politician). They exist to take care of the many in ways an individual cannot.
The Repubs have successfully managed a long-term game of securing strategic legislative seats to control gerrymandering which allows them an electoral victory against the popular will and vote of the people. (Repubs have not won the popular vote since 1988) Stacking and influencing the Supreme Court destroyed and eliminated the Voting Rights Act leading immediately and directly to no federal oversight of the process. This in turn assured the minority right to vote was destroyed in the South. Ever wonder why poorer (read black) districts have to wait hours or travel miles to vote? Because the Repubs shut down the polling stations in their districts regardless of the number of eligible voters preserving what? Again that insane fear of people of color and any educated, well-traveled or sophisticated person having an influence.
What is especially diabolical is the use of "religion" to keep the masses down. That old chestnut has proven successful throughout the ages by the ancient civilizations and their "gods", by the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Reformation and war after war. Meanwhile those in power were and are merrily commiting every sin of which they accuse others. Suppressing education and allowing literacy to a chosen few kept their "truth" protected. (Truth is not truth) A tactic successfully deployed during the slave times as well. Of course I will admit the Internet is rather dumbing down the masses as we become a bit lazy in tracking down the truth.
I have faith that the majority of us do "love our neighbor" and perhaps we will prove it this week. Do I think the Democrats have all the answers or can achieve long-term positive change with one election. Of course not. But we have to start somewhere to create decency and cooperation where someone can state an opposing viewpoint without holding a gun in their hand and enduring the mindless vitriol of grammar school attacks. I was disappointed on my 65th birthday when I cast my vote for the first woman seeking the office of President. Hopefully "We the People" can start taking back our power and it can start today. I pray that it will.
Blue and pearls for RBG!
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