My Political Oddyssey
My six-day political diary23 total reviews
Comment from jlsavell
Dear Ingrid,
Thank you for an exceptional
write. It is quite apparent your decorum is number one class and your intellectual ability to present a subject is to be admired. Engaging, informative and yes, thought provoking.
I hope you are back safely.
You are quite brilliant and all I can say is I aporeciate this post. It speaks truth with much dignity and reserve.
This outcome is more than sad, it is downright frightening. Putin and Trump... Red Sky at Morning on the horizon. Perhaps an overexaggeration, perhaps not.
Take care... jimi
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2016
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Dear Ingrid,
Thank you for an exceptional
write. It is quite apparent your decorum is number one class and your intellectual ability to present a subject is to be admired. Engaging, informative and yes, thought provoking.
I hope you are back safely.
You are quite brilliant and all I can say is I aporeciate this post. It speaks truth with much dignity and reserve.
This outcome is more than sad, it is downright frightening. Putin and Trump... Red Sky at Morning on the horizon. Perhaps an overexaggeration, perhaps not.
Take care... jimi
Comment Written 13-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2016
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Sailors take warning... I had a physical reaction to the results. Total shock. I'm home and Jimi, I feel safer, though I enjoyed my week in Myrtle Beach. Thanks for the visit.
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I applaud you. Thank you for sharing. I feel this big elephant called a nation is going to roll over soon and our neighbors have every right to voice and be damned concern. Take care sweet lady. Will talk later. Have to go and do my postural therapy.
Comment from DALLAS01
Ingrid,
A provocative essay that meticulously lays out your reasoning. You are probably among a handful that can so eloquently argue your point in great detail.
For th last 15 months I have diligently followed both CNN and Fox news in an effort to draw my own conclusion. The prospect of either candidate nauseated me.
My original intent was to write in my choice. However, believing that I would simply be throwing my vote in the trash, the Friday before the election I decided I had to take a stand and make a decision. Below are a few of the things that drove my decision:
1. I am not ready for globalization. I choose autonomy instead of living in a Star Trek generation where I would be governed by a world federation.
2. I respect authenticity versus pandering to the extreme left.
3. I am for Safe Havens rather than open borders that could be a pathway to terrorism. I am neither a racist or an Islamiphobic.
4. And I believe in a strong military. Especially as our enemies are busy at work enhancing theirs.
When I pulled the lever for Trump it was not with any kind of enthusiasm but rather a matter of placing this countries principals above my own personal values.
One of the toughest choices I have ever made.
I must say I was heartened by both President Obama's and Trump's determination to put the country first and move forward with dignity. I found it rather interesting that the predictions for violence post election were originally expected to be by the right. Just wonder how many of these protestors and rioters actually cast a ballot.
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2016
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Ingrid,
A provocative essay that meticulously lays out your reasoning. You are probably among a handful that can so eloquently argue your point in great detail.
For th last 15 months I have diligently followed both CNN and Fox news in an effort to draw my own conclusion. The prospect of either candidate nauseated me.
My original intent was to write in my choice. However, believing that I would simply be throwing my vote in the trash, the Friday before the election I decided I had to take a stand and make a decision. Below are a few of the things that drove my decision:
1. I am not ready for globalization. I choose autonomy instead of living in a Star Trek generation where I would be governed by a world federation.
2. I respect authenticity versus pandering to the extreme left.
3. I am for Safe Havens rather than open borders that could be a pathway to terrorism. I am neither a racist or an Islamiphobic.
4. And I believe in a strong military. Especially as our enemies are busy at work enhancing theirs.
When I pulled the lever for Trump it was not with any kind of enthusiasm but rather a matter of placing this countries principals above my own personal values.
One of the toughest choices I have ever made.
I must say I was heartened by both President Obama's and Trump's determination to put the country first and move forward with dignity. I found it rather interesting that the predictions for violence post election were originally expected to be by the right. Just wonder how many of these protestors and rioters actually cast a ballot.
Comment Written 12-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2016
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Alice, I appreciate your very thoughtful and generous response. It's over, and within days, Trump has begun to backtrack--a DAMN good thing, Already he has removed his slurs about Muslims from his web site, and NOW he is building on Obamacare, not obliterating it as proposed in his election promises.
Here's what I learned during my vacation. The media can be considered 'rigged'. All news channels were dedicated to partisan politics and news about the outside world was nonexistent. It is very difficult to form an unbiased opinion when every headline and broadcast spews an internalized and biased point of view. I think it takes a lot of time and guts to expand one's knowledge beyond American borders. That may be a tough nugget to swallow, but if the average American feeds on headlines, he will have a difficult time sorting through advertised opinions.
Globilization? Can you train Americans to pay twice the price? As far as trade goes, it's already there. If you walk into a Dollar Tree, you are supporting the Asian economy. If Trump's policy of charging manufacturer's an enormous tariff to ship their goods into the US--you will pay two to three times the current cost. It ain't gonna happen. He called out Ford and Carrier. Watch and see.
Star Trek government? If any country had a chance to lead the 'federation', it might be America. Recognized globally, America is/was the leader in the free world. I really feel this democratic decision has lowered America in global respect. My dissent of Trump is not an isolated opinion.
Bring us your... A nation of immigrants who now want to close its borders? One of the bandied numbers I heard was a 500% increase/threat and translated into real numbers, America got crazy over less than 100K Middle-Eastern immigrants in a bloody country of over 330M? What a heartless crock of shit. Jesus, Canada--35M population--swallowed half as many. Radicalization is happening on computers--not in airports.
I totally understand your struggle to do the right thing. I think you were wrong--totally, but you won. I hope Trump's handlers will curtail his radical opinions--or public declarations--pick one. As I have been reminded many times--it's not my country, and I'm very happy to be home.
Good luck, and continue to pay attention. You are my friend, regardless of politics.
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Bottom line is I voted for change. Did not care for the direction the country was headed. Am not a fan of either the far left or the far right. Now it is a sit back and see what happens. I also hope he surrounds himself with people who will reign him in. I even envisioned him doing something to get impeached and Pence taking over. Must have been dreaming. lol. Up until this election, I was a life long Democrat.
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I see Pence taking over as well, and it wasn't a dream. LOL. BUT, I found him condescending--am I wrong?
There;s still the Trump University case. Will they settle out of court? I am damn sure if it. He'll get a free pass. Yet, the man swindled individuals and workers...ah ,,,who cares. It is your cross to bear or your salvation. It was an opinion essay, not a prophesy. I want America to glow with pride and accomplishment.
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I don't know that much about Pence, only that he is more palatable than he or she, and has yet to prove himself an ass hole or a crook. Trying now to take a sabbatical from the news. I need a break.
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Me too. I've been absorbed by this and it isn't healthy.
Comment from Stacia Ann
LOVE THIS, Spiritual Echo! I'm one American extending her gratitude for your consideration (as well as welcome into her land) in the face of what I call with I think no hyperbole the tragic events of last week.
But I am one of the Yanks who have vowed to stay and fight.
More on the content on this of this before moving onto the actual writing:
Absolutely this election IS your business. The U.S. calls itself, and is generally recognized, as a world leader. Leadership means other people depend on you. We seem to have forgotten that, and our leadership position may be in jeopardy (I hear Germany's already vying for the position.)
I also agree with you on what you say, or say indirectly, about the reality TV circus this became. That is how Trump treated it. I don't think he ever expected or really wanted the office and has no idea what to do now that he has it. He has no plan. He had no plan even for the debates with Clinton.
Religion plays too much a role in American life, as do guns--just a part of the culture, going back to its formation. (I just read, and couldn't bring myself to review, the work of another site member who stated outright that the reason the Democrats lost is because we forgot the "God factor." Trump apparently was sent by God. Oh, really? Trump as the Messiah...hmmm...) Finally, I have to disagree with the position that Americans don't appreciate Obama. Those of us who voted for him, twice, do appreciate him as a great leader. Some routinely express love of him. Those who don't like him usually are not able to articulate specific reasons, and I suspect the reason is racially based. Did you hear he wasn't born in the US and therefore unqualified to be President? Apparently some Americans don't realize Hawaii is part of the U.S. Or that you can actually be born in another country to American parents and still be an American by birth.
Anyway, onto the writing itself:
I like the format of this--almost a travel journal, taking your on a literal journey through the U.S. and then the metaphoric journey through the tangled web of the election, theatrical even by U.S. standards. You describe the emotional roller coaster well--the excitement, build-up, the let down. (Crushing for many of us--I woke up Tuesday fully expecting an early Clinton victory and then couldn't eat or sleep for two days.) Your analysis here is also good, about how it happened and what will happen (most of us are still trying to figure it out.)
Your description of your travel along the East Coast is also done well.
I noticed some SPAG, which actually may just be cultural differences in usage, but I'll note them here for what their worth:
In U.S., double quotation marks (") are used for dialogue and marking unusual usage: e.g., someone yelled "gun." I think that is different in Canada and UK.
The semi-colon (;) is used between two independent clauses.
The colon (:) is after an independent clause and before a list.
Just some thoughts.
Again, thanks! Have a great weekend/week.
Stacia
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2016
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LOVE THIS, Spiritual Echo! I'm one American extending her gratitude for your consideration (as well as welcome into her land) in the face of what I call with I think no hyperbole the tragic events of last week.
But I am one of the Yanks who have vowed to stay and fight.
More on the content on this of this before moving onto the actual writing:
Absolutely this election IS your business. The U.S. calls itself, and is generally recognized, as a world leader. Leadership means other people depend on you. We seem to have forgotten that, and our leadership position may be in jeopardy (I hear Germany's already vying for the position.)
I also agree with you on what you say, or say indirectly, about the reality TV circus this became. That is how Trump treated it. I don't think he ever expected or really wanted the office and has no idea what to do now that he has it. He has no plan. He had no plan even for the debates with Clinton.
Religion plays too much a role in American life, as do guns--just a part of the culture, going back to its formation. (I just read, and couldn't bring myself to review, the work of another site member who stated outright that the reason the Democrats lost is because we forgot the "God factor." Trump apparently was sent by God. Oh, really? Trump as the Messiah...hmmm...) Finally, I have to disagree with the position that Americans don't appreciate Obama. Those of us who voted for him, twice, do appreciate him as a great leader. Some routinely express love of him. Those who don't like him usually are not able to articulate specific reasons, and I suspect the reason is racially based. Did you hear he wasn't born in the US and therefore unqualified to be President? Apparently some Americans don't realize Hawaii is part of the U.S. Or that you can actually be born in another country to American parents and still be an American by birth.
Anyway, onto the writing itself:
I like the format of this--almost a travel journal, taking your on a literal journey through the U.S. and then the metaphoric journey through the tangled web of the election, theatrical even by U.S. standards. You describe the emotional roller coaster well--the excitement, build-up, the let down. (Crushing for many of us--I woke up Tuesday fully expecting an early Clinton victory and then couldn't eat or sleep for two days.) Your analysis here is also good, about how it happened and what will happen (most of us are still trying to figure it out.)
Your description of your travel along the East Coast is also done well.
I noticed some SPAG, which actually may just be cultural differences in usage, but I'll note them here for what their worth:
In U.S., double quotation marks (") are used for dialogue and marking unusual usage: e.g., someone yelled "gun." I think that is different in Canada and UK.
The semi-colon (;) is used between two independent clauses.
The colon (:) is after an independent clause and before a list.
Just some thoughts.
Again, thanks! Have a great weekend/week.
Stacia
Comment Written 12-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2016
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You must have read an essay by MelB. I almost choked when I read her review citing Trump as the second coming of Christ. I am offended, but silent, when politics is swathed in religious rhetoric. F**king BS. The shroud of useless words when put on display is supposed to end arguments.
I'm home, and I'm giving up on America. Had a great vacation, dropped my G-note into the economy, but I doubt I'll ever go back unless the grandkids persuade me pay for Disneyland. Hey, I hear they have alligators there--maybe not.
Thanks for sharing. I have a deep affection for the country and, I guess, half the citizens, but I'm done. Too tough to navigate.
Comment from mbroyles2
You wrote this well.
Not easy making points without showing hate or elation.
I, too was shocked by Trump's victory.
I found myself going into this election not liking either candidate.
America voted for change.
It may not be better, I hope it is, but one thing is almost for certain.
It will be different.
Good luck in Canada.
I wish you well and thanks for sharing your comments.
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2016
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You wrote this well.
Not easy making points without showing hate or elation.
I, too was shocked by Trump's victory.
I found myself going into this election not liking either candidate.
America voted for change.
It may not be better, I hope it is, but one thing is almost for certain.
It will be different.
Good luck in Canada.
I wish you well and thanks for sharing your comments.
Comment Written 12-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2016
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I like America, and honestly have continues relationships with people in the US without thinking about politics. Change? A bigoted narcisstic man was the best America could do? I'm terribly sad for most people, but I'll be crossing the border by noon tomorrow. There's no reason to care--is there? The people spoke.
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Those who wish to leave the US because of this election are more than welcome to go wherever they so desire.
Bye-Bye Clinton, and Kenya's Favorite Son, Obama.
Now perhaps the US can start to mend again and maybe, just maybe, get over all the incredulous damage Obama and Clinton have wrecked.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2016
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Those who wish to leave the US because of this election are more than welcome to go wherever they so desire.
Bye-Bye Clinton, and Kenya's Favorite Son, Obama.
Now perhaps the US can start to mend again and maybe, just maybe, get over all the incredulous damage Obama and Clinton have wrecked.
Comment Written 11-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2016
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Sure, that's the spirit! Two days after the vote, Trump has REMOVED his stand on Muslims from his web site and already said they won't throw out Obama care, but keep the good parts. Yup, can't wait to see the number of employed brick layers in days ahead.
Comment from Dustybones
Great post of your political interest, and Canada's perspective too. I know so little of Canada. I wonder why that is? The news doesn't cover too much of your county. Your bring up many good points. My own observation is that for Trump to get nominated and WIN, the people of this country had to be feed up with the their country. Whose damn fault? The bias media, the now ex-president, the economy, etc. So that's my beef. People weren't happy, and this is the result. One item I heard was that if she won and there was protests in the street can you imagine the outcry of how wrong these people would be to not accept the "will" of the vote.
I blame the media for it's blatant bias to kiss ass of the left, no matter what they say or do. Thanks for the post. dustybones
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2016
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Great post of your political interest, and Canada's perspective too. I know so little of Canada. I wonder why that is? The news doesn't cover too much of your county. Your bring up many good points. My own observation is that for Trump to get nominated and WIN, the people of this country had to be feed up with the their country. Whose damn fault? The bias media, the now ex-president, the economy, etc. So that's my beef. People weren't happy, and this is the result. One item I heard was that if she won and there was protests in the street can you imagine the outcry of how wrong these people would be to not accept the "will" of the vote.
I blame the media for it's blatant bias to kiss ass of the left, no matter what they say or do. Thanks for the post. dustybones
Comment Written 11-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2016
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The National news in .Canada cover world events and always covers major issues in the states. We've had nightly reports on both US candidates for the last year. In reverse, while here in SC, there has been nothing about anything ANYWHERE outside US borders. As a passing item this morning--less than 10 seconds--they announced the death of Leonard Cohen, a Canadian singer known for his song Hallelujah. End of story and the only one outside the US. Huh? Cohen was an internationally acclaimed poet. Celine Dion, another Canadian, might get more coverage, but only because of her Vegas gig.
We're taught US history and geography--brief, but part of the curriculum, as well as US government as a form of democracy SLIGHTLY different than ours, but we are exposed to a world outside our borders. That could be part of the reason there's no curiosity.
Thanks for the comments.
Comment from MelB
I find so many people that really don't understand what happened with this election. This country was founded on Godly principles. This nation has been blessed by God for that reason. When Obama came into office, he started dismantling everything Godly he could. He has been removing crosses, the 10 commandments, weakening our military. There are so many more things. When he lit up the White House in the gay colors and put a monument on the building, it was a total disgrace to this nation and what it stands for. Hillary was not for standing with Israel, abortion even up until the day a child would be born, against religious freedom, she takes money from ISIS, she was guilty of Benghazi. She had warning our military was going to die and she did nothing. She took money from Haiti and when she was an attorney, she got a rapist off. He did 2 months time and she went brutally after the 12-year-old girl and said she seduced older men. This girl could never have children because she was raped so brutally. Hillary now laughs about it on tape. One of the women Trump was accused of groping was a friend of Hillary. As soon as Trump threatened to sue these women, they all shut up. The media has done nothing but smear Trump. This was all about one world government. Trump has come in and broken up corruption and exposed it on both sides, hence, the smear campaign against him. They never showed all the pastors who prayed over Trump. Mike Pence prays with Trump every day. Millions of people have prayed for this election, but that wasn't shown on TV either. Trump is in office because God put him there. God is breaking up the corruptness that has been in our political system for a long time. He is also the only one who is not a member of a secret society. I'm planning on writing a piece on this. I can't believe how much misinformation is out there. There are all kinds of prophetics who have predicted Trump would win. One prophetic predicted it in 2011. This was about a spiritual battle. Trump came in and defied the odds over and over - that's God. There's no other way it would happen. This is the biggest upset we've ever seen in this country! It's funny to watch the news stations scratch their heads and try to figure it out. One did finally say, "Well, I guess the Christians have spoken." Yep - we sure have and we are taking this country back for God!
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2016
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I find so many people that really don't understand what happened with this election. This country was founded on Godly principles. This nation has been blessed by God for that reason. When Obama came into office, he started dismantling everything Godly he could. He has been removing crosses, the 10 commandments, weakening our military. There are so many more things. When he lit up the White House in the gay colors and put a monument on the building, it was a total disgrace to this nation and what it stands for. Hillary was not for standing with Israel, abortion even up until the day a child would be born, against religious freedom, she takes money from ISIS, she was guilty of Benghazi. She had warning our military was going to die and she did nothing. She took money from Haiti and when she was an attorney, she got a rapist off. He did 2 months time and she went brutally after the 12-year-old girl and said she seduced older men. This girl could never have children because she was raped so brutally. Hillary now laughs about it on tape. One of the women Trump was accused of groping was a friend of Hillary. As soon as Trump threatened to sue these women, they all shut up. The media has done nothing but smear Trump. This was all about one world government. Trump has come in and broken up corruption and exposed it on both sides, hence, the smear campaign against him. They never showed all the pastors who prayed over Trump. Mike Pence prays with Trump every day. Millions of people have prayed for this election, but that wasn't shown on TV either. Trump is in office because God put him there. God is breaking up the corruptness that has been in our political system for a long time. He is also the only one who is not a member of a secret society. I'm planning on writing a piece on this. I can't believe how much misinformation is out there. There are all kinds of prophetics who have predicted Trump would win. One prophetic predicted it in 2011. This was about a spiritual battle. Trump came in and defied the odds over and over - that's God. There's no other way it would happen. This is the biggest upset we've ever seen in this country! It's funny to watch the news stations scratch their heads and try to figure it out. One did finally say, "Well, I guess the Christians have spoken." Yep - we sure have and we are taking this country back for God!
Comment Written 11-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2016
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It's difficult for me to comment on your response. Canada separates government from religion and yet we are a Christian nature. I can accept your point of view to a point. If you believe that Trump is some kind of apostle forewarned in prophesy, then you've totally lost me. I no more believe that God sent you a messenger to lead you out of your difficulties than I think he abandoned the children who are dying of simple starvation--not in Syria--in our own backyards.
I honestly wish you and America well, and if Trump is the answer to your prayers, then I hope he doesn't disappoint you. Thanks for sharing your views.
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This will blow your mind! It was predicted Trump would win in 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqwFWD_Htfo
Comment from LIJ Red
The working American, not the student, not the dole recipient, the native onetime middle-class citizen whose debt grows as his real wages shrink, has yelled for help.
It is usually such things that divide and destroy nations. A well-written journal.
Was the elephant a wall, a sail or a rope?
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2016
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The working American, not the student, not the dole recipient, the native onetime middle-class citizen whose debt grows as his real wages shrink, has yelled for help.
It is usually such things that divide and destroy nations. A well-written journal.
Was the elephant a wall, a sail or a rope?
Comment Written 10-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2016
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I'm sure in the months ahead you'll answer your own question. Thanks for sharing.
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
To be fair Hillary had the popular vote by 200,000 votes. Had us people decided who we wanted she would have won. The electoral votes got Trump in. We didn't elect him, we elected Hillary in my book, the electoral votes elected Trump. I'm not a Trump fan. I was shocked, stunned, hurt. I'm more hurt by how mean people are. I'm been called and told things by more than one person that I will never forget. Some people have told me that I can't take what they say to heart because the election brought out the worst in them, no, it brought out who they really are. It's gonna be ride, hopefully, I'll be proven wrong.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2016
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To be fair Hillary had the popular vote by 200,000 votes. Had us people decided who we wanted she would have won. The electoral votes got Trump in. We didn't elect him, we elected Hillary in my book, the electoral votes elected Trump. I'm not a Trump fan. I was shocked, stunned, hurt. I'm more hurt by how mean people are. I'm been called and told things by more than one person that I will never forget. Some people have told me that I can't take what they say to heart because the election brought out the worst in them, no, it brought out who they really are. It's gonna be ride, hopefully, I'll be proven wrong.
Comment Written 10-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2016
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Yes, 200K votes separated the election, but a rift in the nation runs deeper. I hope my fears are overstated and your prosperity grows with the new regime and the trust put into such an important role in America.
Comment from MartinDHall
A flowing and enjoyable - perhaps an inappropriate word, given the subject matter - analysis.
It was very well-written, and not in the least spoilt by a typo. No, not the name of the president-elect, but something mundane: paragraph 6, 'Or, am I mistake? At its worst?'
You are a fine writer.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2016
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A flowing and enjoyable - perhaps an inappropriate word, given the subject matter - analysis.
It was very well-written, and not in the least spoilt by a typo. No, not the name of the president-elect, but something mundane: paragraph 6, 'Or, am I mistake? At its worst?'
You are a fine writer.
Comment Written 10-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2016
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May the force be with you. I have no way of knowing if you are American, but I wish you the best, and fear the worst. Thanks. ingrid
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Hi Ingrid,
I'm British.
How about this: the result in the US is down to David Cameron ("call me Dave"), who, in an attempt to stave off the ultra right wing of his party, came up with the ludicrous idea of running a referendum on the EU. In his mind, their was no risk of there being a protest vote because - despite 7 years of austerity under his leadership - the electorate voted his party in with a majority (albeit slim), less than a year before. It didn't occur to him that it wasn't his charm or wit that swayed the voters, but rather the right wing tabloids (Email, Express, Sun).
Having lost what couldn't be lost, we were landed with the immortal phrase: "Brexit means Brexit", and the realisation that the referendum was, in fact, used as a protest vote.
Move three thousand miles west, and ahead a few months ... Those with the same mindset of voters in the UK - lovingly termed "Brexiteers" - use Brexit as the new rallying call. While many with a wider mindset rouse, momentarily, from their slumbers and briefly ponder the ludicrous possibility of a Brexit-like vote. They chuckle at the absurdity of it all, before settling back into the comforting warmth of their higher ideals, secure in the knowledge that their vote isn't necessary, as women and minorities who have been the target of unsavoury comment will overwhelmingly vote to maintain the status quo.
They no longer slumber, having been rousted from sleep by the impossible: 47% of women who voted chose their tormentor, and being on north side of the proposed wall was all it took for 29% of Hispanics to do likewise.
Now, fully awake, they, like us realise that elections are not won by policy or reasoned argument, but by soundbites and unfulfillable promises.
Cheers,
Martin
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I'm travelling with a Brit and she has been telling me about Brexit. There are a lot of similarities. Thanks.