Maybe it's because I am a child of the sixties

[hamsterjill]

But I find myself simply very sad for my country right now. I see the divisions becoming greater and the anger and frustrations growing. I see nothing right now or on the horizon that gives me any hope of this trend softening.

I'm definitely on one side as I know many are. I feel I'm on the right side, and I certainly understand that we cannot back down in trying to get those things we cherish accomplished for (what I believe is, at least) for the greater good. Health care, equality, fairness, respect, human rights, and many other issues.

I simply feel sad because although I hope all of this strife leads to greater understanding in the long run, I see no evidence of that right now. My country is divided like I've never seen it before in my lifetime. As a proud American, that fact alone saddens me.

With the moron in the White House and all of his minions who so want to hate the rest of us, how will we ever recover?

Thanks for simply allowing me to voice my sadness. Some days, it just gets to me. Today is one of those days.

[samnsara]

1. yes me as well.. i worry about my 90 yr old parents...

...and my two young teen grand daughters. Thank God most of us have passports and Canada is half a state away.

[hamsterjill]

11. I understand.

Canada isn't an option for me, although I certainly wish it was. I'm in the 54 to 64 age category that the Republicans are so insistent on killing off via lack of insurance, so healthcare alone is a big concern for me right now.

I think we are all frazzled, and I'm tired of having to be that way. But I don't see an end in sight. Just today, the North Korea headlines are enough to scare anyone to death.

[louis c]

2. I was born in 1952

So I, too, am a product of the same generation.

I wake up sad every day.

When I was politically active in the late 60's and early 70's I would never have dreamed America would be what it is today.

[hamsterjill]

12. I was born in 1958.

Like you, I thought the battle had been fought and won, and that we'd move on as a society to more important things - like protecting our planet and taking care of our populace. Instead, I feel we have gone backwards of late.

Frustrating as hell, and frightening.

[Wellstone ruled]

3. The last threat we had to our

Democracy in form similiar to what is going on today was during the McCarthy era. Many of Trumps phrases that he uses are so similiar to what Roy Cohn and Richard Nixon as well as Tail Gunner Joe,hurled at the Nation.

As someone who remembers the Garbage and Hatred Spewed by these three so called principled peoples Representatives,will never forget the angst of my neighbors and relatives who still had Family in War torn Eourpe. Never will forget how Nixon Propagandized the Republican Party.

[hedda_foil]

8. Well, Roy Cohn was the worker's mentor, so ...

[Wellstone ruled]

9. Funny how that worked out.

Roy Cohn and Donald Trump shared the same ideals. Both were trying to joint the elite Hampton Crowd.

[hamsterjill]

13. There's certainly enough angst to go around these days.

Angst is a great word to describe the feelings that I think most people are having. At least most people with any sense.

Part of what made me sad was reading a Facebook post by a former classmate of mine. He was singing Trump's praises and condemning liberalism as "less than human". Really? Less than human?

His post was disgusting. I didn't even bother to respond because it would be wasted effort. He's a goner.

[Wellstone ruled]

31. Oh my,

here your concern. Live in a Tea Partly Community mostly retired military and Business Professionals. Here this Trumpism verbiage continuously. We fly our flag 24/7 just to piss them off. They have some really twisted views as to what is really is happening.



Most wear Racism on their sleeves and are proud of it.

[spiderpig]

4. I've always made an effort to keep my political viewpoint out of the workplace

and even extended family. No point in fighting.

Not any more.

We have a malignant narcissistic sociopath in the Oval Office who, somewhere in his insect brainstem, is aware of his mortality at 71 and seems determined to take as much of the planet with him as he can.

I denounce him at every opportunity - and I'm somewhat surprised at the reaction I'm getting from people I may have doubted.

He is universally hated, at least in my circle.

Just like I'm waiting for the new season of Game of Thrones, I'm waiting for this cretin's demise and public shaming.

Shame! (ding) Shame! (ding).

[hamsterjill]

14. I will denounce him at any opportunity that I think is worth my efforts.

There are some Trump supporters in my world (not by choice, but by reality) that are too far gone over the edge and will never understand reason. I don't bother with them.

I'm waiting for Bob Mueller.

[Lifelong Protester]

5. I am sorry youare sad.

I wish I felt differently but I don't.

Every morning I wake up and wonder "What did he do now?"

[hamsterjill]

15. Thank you.

I cry just about every morning. I know I am not alone.

Knowing that I'm not alone helps.

[Lifelong Protester]

18. If it helps, I always read your posts.

You are not alone!!

[hamsterjill]

21. We have to stick together, because we are still...

STRONGER TOGETHER!!!!

Thank you for that.

[riverbendviewgal]

6. I know how you feel.

I went to school in NJ. Graduated in 65 from high school. When I was a kid I spent a lot of time reading in the library. Magazines like Life, Look, National Geographic. I hid under my desk for air raid drills. watched the nightly news show the Viet Nam war like it was a TV series. I watched JFK, MLK, RK assassinations, the riots, the moon landing. I read the NY Daily news during the Eichmann trial. I learned what the Nazis did. This affected me very much. I left America in 1969. I am only a Canadian now. Not a Dual. No regrets but a lot of sadness for my birth country.
My NJ family love Trump. It hurts to be a relative of racists. I do not communicate with them.

But I have Trudeau and great health care. I went through my son having GBM brain cancer and my husband Non Hodgkins Lymphoma at the same time. No medical bills. Government even paid me $ 2500 toward each of their funerals. My friend's up here love Obama.

We have our share of Trump lovers and RW nuts. We speak up and they crawl back in their hole.

[williesgirl]

7. I'm so sorry to hear you've lost your husband and son. At least

You didn't end up bankrupt as well. Canada is pretty enticing to me right now. Just turned 72, so I'll probably stay put. But, if I were young....

[hamsterjill]

16. I am also sorry for the loss of your son and husband.

If I were younger, I would certainly consider Canada as an option.

Peace to you.

[Lifelong Protester]

19. I'm so sorry for your losses!

I'm glad you are in Canada. It is only half a state away (We are in WI) And our passports are at the ready.

[Rhiannon12866]

10. Me, too.

I think of how far we have come - civil rights, workers' rights, how essential it is for a global world to ensure human rights and keep the peace (paraphrasing President Carter), and Trump and his hateful policies and actions both sadden and frighten me. This is not the America that my grandfathers fought for. One came from Poland, they made him a citizen and sent him to France - and the other was first generation, Irish.

[hamsterjill]

17. The hate spewing is just tiring.

Just having to listen to it even when you try NOT to listen to it. It's sickens the soul. No, this is NOT the America that my grandfathers fought for, either. Their America had shining hope and the possibility of dreams. Trump's America has gloom and doom and failure, but on top of those qualities, it has sheer meanness, too. Brings out the ugly in personalities.

[Rhiannon12866]

22. That's it, it wears me out and depresses me

And he's unavoidable, these days, he's so "newsworthy" that his OTT offensive message has crept into everything we see every day. It's been this way since the campaign, no candidate - from either party - was given any airtime as long as he was out there outraging people - he brings in ratings. I do fault the media for "normalizing" him and his message of hate. I will never get used to it.

[hamsterjill]

25. I do try to take breaks, but I find myself wondering what's happened when I'm not keeping up.

It's a ratings game every day for that idiot. He still thinks he's running The Apprentice as opposed to being President. He'll do or say anything just to get a reaction. That scares me.

There's a video that I'll try to find of Greg Popovich, Coach of the Spurs, who talks about the people around Trump and why they are letting him behave like he does. I feel that way, too. Why aren't some of the "more normal" people making Trump at least obey protocol and the law?

Here's the link. It's not a great link, but all I could find. Starts at about the 5-minute mark. It's well worth the listen.


https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2017/9/25/16362298/gregg-popovich-spurs-trump-comments-racism-president-nba

[Rhiannon12866]

27. Thanks so much! Anything helps, these days

And I completely agree, he thinks he's in charge of everything in this country, all branches of government, now sports, I'm surprised he hasn't tried to "fire" a few senators...

I've gotten so I can only take so much news, during the campaign I started watching reruns of Murder, She Wrote - think I've seen all of them at this point.

[Lifelong Protester]

20. I mean my spouse came home just now

and asked "Well, are we at war yet?" And it gets worse every day.

[hamsterjill]

23. Honestly, my daughter sent me a text earlier today telling me she loved me.

"In case North Korea attacks" - alluding to the comments by Kim Jong Jung that America has declared war on North Korea, of course.

Trump is just such a dumbass!!!! Yes, it does get worse every day.

[spanone]

24. Love Is All You Need.

in the end, i truly believe that.

You may say I'm a Dreamer......



b.
1951

[hamsterjill]

26. But I'm not the only one.

I hope some day you will join us. And the world will live as one!


Me, too!!!

[guillaumeb]

28. Remember the Watergate hearings?

Remember how Nixon's crimes were slowly revealed until he resigned to avoid impeachment?

Remember the violent protests?

Remember how the Democratic South turned Republican in a generation?

All part of the cycle of change and resistance to that change.

==================

Remember too that, in spite of the voter suppression, the Russian interference, the media bias, and the gerrymandering, that Clinton received 3 million more votes than did the racist in the White House.

==========================

I was sitting in my garden on this 90 degree September day, watching the butterflies visiting the flowers and looking at all of the peppers and tomatoes. We all need balance.

[hamsterjill]

38. So true.

Yes, we all need balance. It's just harder to find for some of us right now, but if we are wise, we spend time looking for it!

[guillaumeb]

43. It is difficult.

I am also of the 60s generation, and in my 60s. To see the country slipping backward is troubling.

My wife and I walk from 3-6 miles a day, morning and evening. It helps because we exercise as we talk. And the garden is a great meditation spot, but for those with no garden, a park would do as well.

Good luck finding and keeping that balance.

[Boomerproud]

29. I feel all alone too-I just have extended family (brothers & their families)

I don't know what to do, except feel hopeless like yourself. I was born in '56 and lived through the same period of history as you, but have never felt so alone.

[hamsterjill]

30. Then let's be friends.

We can vent to one another and share ideas and innovations. Heaven knows we are all going to need to come together and help one another through this. I just looked at my health insurance premium renewal. It's hopeless.

[Lifelong Protester]

34. Same here.

Was born in 1955. Only have a sister several thousands of miles away. I need someone online to commiserate with, so I am looking for a friend, too.

[bluestarone]

32. baby boomer here to

and extremely proud of our generation. and extremely disappointed in this society never thought the USA would become what it has! BUT i'll never give up these bastard repubs got a fight on there hand because we boomers are not QUITTERS The world depends on us AGAIN

[hamsterjill]

39. We are NOT quitters!

You are correct. I'm not giving up yet either. I still call my two dipshit Senators pretty much every day. It just makes me feel like I'm doing something if for no other reason.

[marlakay]

33. Born in 56 I get it!

Lately for the very first time I feel old. I dance, stay active, pretty techie, but I feel old because of the general lack of respect in our country.

Yesterday buying gas I remembered as a child for 18 cents a gallon you had a guy put your gas in, clean your windows, check your oil and if needed put in for free, hand you a jelly jar and blue chip stamps while being respectful and friendly.

I turn on news or tv and its interrupt this, bad talk that, everyone paying more attention to phones than real people...and I love my phone and ipad! Just know how to put down!

The longer Trump is president the more unmannered are coming out and proudly saying fu to the rest of us.

[Lifelong Protester]

35. I can relate to all you wrote!

[hamsterjill]

40. Isn't that the truth?

There's no etiquette any more. No decorum. People aren't taught what to do, what to expect, etc. I agree with you in that I love my technology, but NOT 24/7. And the onslaught to the English language? Ugh!!!!

[Texasgal]

36. I hear you..

I don't think you have to be a child of the 60'd though to understand what is happening here. I was born in 69' and I completely get it.

[hamsterjill]

41. I think "asshole-ism" transcends the ages.

Perhaps anyone with a brain understands the frustration that is Trump. I've yet to understand his supporters and their lack of understanding of him.

My comment in the OP was my effort to link the turmoil of the 60's to the turmoil of today. I realize that there has always been social turmoil, but the two time frames seem particularly similar to me. It's a sad commentary IMHO that we, as a society, are still fighting many of the same battles.

Peace.

[jalan48]

37. There were riots, Weathermen, Black Panthers and daily turmoil for years.

The big difference today is a President who is insane.

[hamsterjill]

42. Yep.

A President who is insane and obviously no one who can get control of that insanity.

When Bush was President, I was in a constant state of anxiety. BUT...I still felt that nothing major could happen to America as a whole because there were people around Bush who would stay in control of the situation. Bush wasn't necessarily dangerous in my thinking. He was more ill-informed and stupid. Disengaged, if you will.

But Trump is another story. Trump is very muchly engaged in retribution against anyone who has caused him grief in the past. Obama, the NFL, etc. Payback for lack of loyalty. Trump has a focus and he has a purpose. That purpose is what's best for Trump. He doesn't give a damn about his supporters. He doesn't give a damn about anyone. He doesn't give a damn about that which is America. That's what scares me about Trump.

[jalan48]

44. I agree 100%.