In the past I have done posts about people who are struggling against authoritarian regimes of one sort or another. Little did I realize that I would end up doing the same for my own country. But unfortunately that is where we are today.
Since Donald Trump has taken office he has rushed to implement Project 2025, doing his best to overwhelm any opposition that may arise in other areas of our government. The Republicans in Congress have been rolling over for him, approving of his actions, giving little care to providing the checks and balances that were woven into our form of government. It has been left to the judicial branch to stand up against his attempts to consolidate power. So far.
At the moment I am only looking at the domestic fallout from Trump’s actions. This is only a small sample. You may want to read some of the comments that have been left under these videos.
FAFO:
Mass firings:
What do those government workers actually do?
One of those blue dots:
We will not go quietly into that good night. There are still people out there who are Americans.
This weekend Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on both Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on China. Canada was swift in their retaliation. So I thought I would give a refresher course on the possible consequences of tariffs.
Here is a short video on the Smoot-Hawley tariffs of the 1930’s. You will recall this was around the time of the Great Depression.
Recently I have been researching what investments held up during the Great Depression. It might be handy information for the near future. That and a garden.
Today is a day to
honor someone who believed in an America for all Americans. As we
look into our future remembering our past may be a comfort and an
inspiration. As a country we have overcome adversity in the past, we
have had amazing people, like Dr. Martin Luther King, who have
stepped up to the plate to try to move us forward.
Another year has
gone. The world is still at war. We are looking at uncertainty
within and outside of our country. So in short, nothing has changed
since last year. But we are still here, there is still hope, there
is still resistance to the evil that walks this earth. As long as
there are good people who will stand up for the values that Christmas
represents there is still possibility.
I found the phrase in my title in a letter in my local newspaper. The writer was talking about a
school district in my state which has been intent on removing some
books from its library shelves as well as its curriculum. They seem
to think using a site like BookLooks.org to research books is a good
idea. The writer of the letter had some objections to that. As,
frankly, do I. Banning books for “objectionable” content is as
old as, well, Nazi Germany. The letter writer felt his relatives who survived the holocaust would understand, "Und so beginnt es".
For book banning is only a beginning.
The environment we find ourselves in feels an awful
lot like this:
How do democracies die? All they need is for good people to do nothing, or to elect the wrong person to public office.
One of my infrequent readers commented that I seem to focus a lot on one man. Yes, he is correct. But that is because this is a moment in history that will have momentous consequences. Attention needs to be paid.
I have spent the day trying to process the results of the 2024 election here in the U.S. As you might imagine I was depressed, angry, and very disappointed in them. As you are aware Donald Trump was re-elected as president and the Senate flipped to Republican control. At this time the House is still in question. The future of my country is uncertain. I have no liking for Trump or many of his policies. But it is not just that which is of concern. It is that so many of my fellow Americans find his behavior to their liking. It brings into question their support for the ideals of this country. So I have spent the day cleaning my house and doing other mundane tasks to take my mind off of my worry for my country’s future and the future of those who depend on us. I also surfed around to find what other people’s reactions may be. Well, those who were on the losing side as I was, anyway.
Here are a few:
Liz Cheney was eloquent in her statement. It really is up to those of us who genuinely believe in our Constitution to defend it. We cannot rely on Donald Trump or his followers to do so.
These two videos are examples of the staying power of Americans and their dedication to our country.
In our history we have overcome many kinds of adversity. It has not been easy, nor will it be easy going forward. But to give up on our democracy is to fail those who fought so hard for it. We have a long history of standing up for people’s rights. Even if only one person’s eyes are opened it is a success.
I know I have been focused on American politics to the nth degree of late. But it is a critical moment in our nation’s history, and frankly, the world’s. This election matters. I have listened to those who appear on various media outlets: the candidates, current and former government officials, those who served in the Trump administration and those who have observed the trends in our political winds. You know where I stand. But I wanted to highlight other American voices. Because it will be the American people who decide our future. So I have put together some clips for you. I have tried to include something from both sides.
I tried to stay away from videos showing the more extreme examples of either side, this is just a small sample of voices. There are others out there.
This first video speaks straight to my heart. It is a grandfather’s advice for his granddaughters.
This was just a small snippet, but I think it speaks to something deeper, the depth of animosity we are seeing today. And, yet, even here there is still some connection, humor.
I wanted to look at why some people have changed their minds about the Republican Party, which these next two videos portray.
Trump supporters who
might be your relatives or friends. Their concerns are genuine.
It is unfortunate that so many people do not really do their own research. It is unfortunate that people do not always understand causation of problems and what it really takes to solve them. It is unfortunate that people do not always understand how economics works. It can lead to misjudgment.
I am considering voting early, as I don’t want to miss this election.
