Simple, what we are witnessing. The purchase of truth, the currying of favor by immense wealth,

[NRaleighLiberal]

greed and narcissism.

I've started many OPs over the last weeks, but I don't have the will to finish them. I really had no way to finish once I started - it got so depressing. Trust is utterly destroyed between my wife and I, and media, between us and politicians (she and I are the only people in our lives to share true trust).

This is far more vast than this election - we are in a particular time in history that is simply not for whatever reason in support of democratic principles. There are pockets to be sure - such as we here. But authoritarianism is on the rise - whether it is apathy or brainwashing of TV and radio, losing hope, feeling forgotten, extreme right wing religion, the media's skillful use of non-stop fear - we are in deep trouble.

I suppose it is all like a pendulum - our country is very young, and the swing right now is in a very dire direction.

And so we can watch an obscenely wealthy, ignorant buffoon purchase the megaphone, get the media crawling at his feet for access because for some reason they feel like they are not a real part of this.

Reality TV come to life.

And I can't watch. Life is too short, too precious, I feel too impotent to help - both in terms of ideas that can be actioned, and energy to do it.

I am still waiting for a good conservative idea - one that serves all. I am still waiting until all of our good democratic ideas can actually be implemented without being blocked at every turn.

[cilla4progress]

1. What a wonderful - if tragic, post

You encapsulate what I am feeling, NRL.

I have a desire to turn inward in the sense of confining my world to my progressive friends and activities. I am fortunate to work in poverty / nonprofit law, in the sense that I can surround myself with like-minded souls. I also live in a blue state - Washington , although in a red region of it.

As to my conservative friends here, I have never been more out and proud about my views. I am seeing in the wake of this election progresssives coalescing and coming together to resist. We now have an opportunity to fully embrace and live out - fight for our values. No more taking democracy for granted.

I am somehow able to still find some humor and joy with friends, family, pets, in nature, in my work. I wasn't sure if I would.

Blessings.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. thanks - your response means a lot.

I agree with you - my wonderful wife, kids, pets, hobbies - great music and books and movies - all provide solace from the pain of current politics. And to tell the truth, Sue and I may get to skate along and be but horrified observers to the so many that will get hurt. And there's the rub - we are both big bleeding heart types - knowing how many are likely to lose so big during this asshole's tenure is inexcusable and tragic.

[Horse with no Name]

3. I hope and pray we will be able to take back the reins from these people

I truly fear that once SCOTUS is set to RIGHT WING MADNESS for the next 40 years....there will be no gerrymandering undone...and the majority will continue to lose elections.

[NRaleighLiberal]

4. all things do come around - the punch line is how much damage will be done in the meantime.