A Fly in the Ointment

[H2O Man]

21. It is always

good to hear from you!

I'm likely repeating myself, though at my age, that is one of my least annoying habits. I live rurally, literally the sticks. About half of the people along the road have a variety of Trump signs on their properties. Still, I am on good terms with all but one family. Most are volunteer firemen and EMS. I respect that. I've known some for over 50 years, not to where we socialize at each other's homes, but where we can have decent conversations beyong what the weather is like.

The majority of the guys are hunters, trappers, and fishermen. If I ask them about changes they have witnessed first-hand over the last half-century, they can identify things relating to the soil, water, and weather. Yet if I mention climate change, without exception they say that it is a hoax. Some even point out that China is behind the hoax, which translates to their remembering Trump saying that. Somehow, they are not able to connect the water, soil, and weather with the climate.

I also maintain a few casual friendships with people I went to school with. This includes some with rather rigid christian belief systems, which predispose them to supporting Trump. Odd, that. One had told me, during the 2016 election season, that a relative used to work for Trump, and that he was a terrible human being. But over time, he told me that "God" wanted Trump re-elected. I said that I didn't think it likely that "God" was involved in US politics. I said I see no evidence that would influence me to praise or blame "God" for American politics. He assured me that "God" would make sure Trump was re-elected to carry out his divine plan. He said he'd explain this to me after the election. It's been what? Eleven months. I haven't heard from him since.

Fear is the number one emotion being exploited and capitalized on in society today.