My life before these last four, was fairly unpolitical. If it wasn’t an election year, my focus was rarely, if ever on the White House. If it was, it was because Obama did something funny, or Michelle planted a garden, or Malia and Sacha were part of a special event, playing with their dog -or something cute.. As I moved through life, I took for granted that things were being done well in this great country. Human rights mattered, polluters were being kept in check, our national parks and endangered animals were cared for, and we were hopefully creating a more perfect union gradually that would have a fair place for all of us, all races, religions and for LGBTQ people.
Four years ago we skidded to a halt on all that we were moving toward. We not only stopped the progress, but actively turned the clock back. Suddenly things we took as a given- women’s rights, human rights, protections of the earth, and care for our fellow man on the planet all got relegated to the waste basket. We became a country I no longer feel proud of. I refuse to be quiet about this and I know many of you feel the same. So much is at stake in this election.
If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I sometimes speak out about more than decor and design. People don’t always like it. I have been told directly to stick to the fluff and please stay in my lane. I wrote about George Floyd this summer. I don’t think I can change the mind of someone who is a Trump supporter. However, I would feel like this blog has lost its soul if I didn’t mention this election. It may be to my own detriment, as I’d have more followers if I just keep my opinions on the down low. The problem is I was raised to believe in the good of America and how very special it is. Four years ago I was utterly devastated by the win of Trump.
My dad, who is a conservative, even told me, ‘Honey someone like that will never get elected.’ We both couldn’t believe it. After the shock wore off, I thought a lot about what I personally could do. I never was active in politics, but seeing someone of Trump’s caliber become president really woke me up and (and a whole lot of others).
In the time since Trump has been elected, I marched in women’s marches and the anti-gun march with my friends and family. They were some of the most powerful and moving things I have ever done. It felt very validating to be out there with so many who felt the same as I did. In this four years, many of my friends have gotten involved in this election process on every level, from texting to fund-raising, to writing letters and even working on campaigns. It’s been inspiring to see what we all can do. I began, like many others following politics obsessively, tried to better educate myself about the political system and our history, and write letters to congress and others. I have also learned much following Heather Cox Richardson, a political historian who writes the daily Letters From an American.
Trump spent the last four years doing as much damage to our country and our rights that he could. My dad asked me to give him a chance and I tried. How can one feel attached to a man who never shows empathy and whose main emotion is hostility? I could go on about so much else he has done, but this year he showed how poor a leader and human he is.
When the Covid pandemic hit, we had the perfect storm, a man who wanted to keep information about the virus spread under wraps and above all, keep the stock market high, at the peril of our citizens. What a horrible and sad disaster. If anyone was unsure about his ability to lead, it was proven with this tragedy. Trump’s priority was love of money and his own ratings- and American citizens came last.
His utter inability to ask us to take any nationwide sacrifice to save lives, and wear masks, has been another huge mistake. This has resulted in the deaths of over 231,000 of us, and more are coming. We need a leader who will ask us to do what is right for the sake of America and for the greater good, if we are to ever be done with this. Simple measures work amazingly and other nations have mandated masks and nationwide rules and fared so much better. By letting each state do what they want, with no leadership from the top, we have become a deadly mess. If we had done the same as Australia we would have 94% less deaths. If we did as Canada did, 59% less.. There are more facts here.
We closed our borders to China only after 40 other countries also did, and we continued to allow flights in from Asia and China for citizens and others living there for many weeks after, with no stops at the airport. People in our town wrote into our local news that full flights came in and walked straight through the airport with no stops for months after the January 31 order. The horrible deaths from the virus in New York in the spring came from a European carrier. We closed our borders to Europe months after China. The stats are here on what was actually done. Blaming China for this virus was convenient and a way to never take responsibility for any part of this. Other countries have this and have not pointed the finger at others and instead put a plan in place.
Today’s election has been on my mind for so long. Biden was never the person I saw as the Democrat nominee, but I have come to admire Joe and the kind of man he is. I appreciate his years of service to this country and his care for the others and clearly the values this country was founded on. Biden with Kamala, a California girl my own age, will be a very great team, with diverse talents and backgrounds. It bodes well for creating a nation that could be more inclusive, more diverse, forward looking and where facts and science matter.
It may be naive, but I do believe the people of this country will prevail and we will all do what is right. I hope this election is the start of more good to come. I believe so many Americans know their votes are the most powerful thing they can do right now. I am blown away by the early voting numbers, which are historic and huge!
If nothing else, these four years have shaken us all awake and alerted us to the need to be involved in our elections and who has a place in our government. This set back has made us stronger, more committed and more involved than ever. We will never take democracy for granted – or our part in it again! We are more knowledgeable than ever about the constitution, our Supreme Court and the executive powers.
Thank you for listening on this momentous day and I just had to share and I wonder if you all felt the same?
Much love,
Kim
Well said Kim!! To see the young generations so involved in this election makes me hopeful. Their future is at stake. God bless us all!
Thank you Vivian. You are so right our future is at stake. xo
Although I disagree with you on a political level, and I would just offer that maybe it would be beneficial, and make you feel better if you found your news from places other than mainstream media. That being said, I adore your blog, am not offended whatsoever that we have different views, and I am so thankful that as American citizens we can freely share our opinions! {{hug}}
Kate, I had to reply to this because you asked someone to get their sources of news from places other than the mainstream media. What the heck does that mean? You believe that we should look for news – which is in fact “facts” – at places that do not need to fact check, because that is what “the mainstream media” does. Do you get your news from Facebook? Breitbart? Reddit? Fox talking heads? Talk Radio? Just because the man who has been fact-checked as telling thousands of lies a year calls “the mainstream media” fake, does not make it so. I suggest you start getting your news from the mainstream media and maybe you will realize you have been lied to and indocrinated into a world where facts no longer exist.
Kim, I apologize for replying to this if you did not wish to, I just cannot take the denigration of actual real reporting of facts in favor of someone’s opinion, conspiracy theory, or whatever else they decide to pretend is real news. I cannot live in the novel 1984 anymore.
Jenny, I had the same reaction. And I have come to believe that people who refused to trust “mainstream” information, including science, are looking to YouTube etc. to find “facts” that allow them to justify voting as they want to. In other words, people want the Trump rhetoric, and they are willing to choose their “news” to support their wants. Makes me very, very sad, and concerned.
Lisa I so agree. People increasingly want to only hear what they want and these propaganda machines disguised as news, like Fox and OAN make it possible. If you cannot listen to mainstream news, then you have a problem. The beginning of a fascist society is the cancelling and vilifying of the free press. Every damn president before Trump put up with mainstream news, negative and positive, yet never tried to call it fake. It’s part of holding this office. When you can’t stand the truth, you cannot be a leader for all of us and you need to go.
Jenny no apology and I thank you for explaining this to Kate. I am saddened that she feels real news is now something to be avoided? THIS IS WHY WE HAVE TRUMP SUPPORTERS! This is how this administration is getting away from doing what is right, checks and balances and fairness. They are keeping the dark garbage they are doing on the down low and spinning what they want us to hear on their preferred networks. The propaganda and faux ‘news’ have spun hysteria, and other garbage to keep the truth about what’s happening. I agree Jenny. I cannot take another four years. Hugs.
Thank you for your remarks. It’s shocking to me that Trump followers could believe that every major news network and newspaper have conspired to give the public identical “fake” news – imagine the labor this would require. it’s shocking to me that the US is populated with so many ignorant people. Education needs to be a priority with the new (hopefully) administration.
Lynn, Thank you, right? You are saying exactly what I think. How can all these newspapers and networks be conspiring to put out false news? It’s easy to see what a sham that narrative is if you have half a brain. You are right, if we are learning anything from this election, it is that we need serious education here. That so many are so willing to believe that any negative news against this president is false makes me think we have failed in history education and also government studies. It’s sad. Hoping the next president mandates better history and government education. In Finland they say they have no problem with fake news because their people know what is propaganda from school. We can do better!
Kate, First thanks for the kind words, but are you suggesting I go off real news and try and get my news from ‘alternative fact’ spots? Part of the reason we have conspiracy theories running rampant in this country is a whole lot of people have turned to places like YouTube and Facebook groups where they keep being fed information that is twisted by people spouting propaganda.
If you want real facts about what is being done to the country, and who is doing what is right, you absolutely have to stick to mainstream news. I would point you to things like PBS Newshour, The Guardian, even ABC and CBS. Those organizations have won prizes recently for truth in reporting and journalism. If you have a random person putting their own things out there, you must know it’s getting skewed for the audience. PLEASE try and read some other sources and know when you watch, read or listen to something with a very one-sided view, you will only get more of that from the algorithms of social media also.
I personally get annoyed hearing the opinions of the Trump administration people on my own news sources, but I know they must have a voice too. That is how news works. Know that you need both sides for it to be fair reporting.
Don’t forget Washington Week! :o)
YES Kim! Thank you for being brave enough to post this. I’m from Canada, my husband is from England and we’ve in the States since 1983 but look at American politics through a different lens. Like tens of millions of others, we never thought Trump stood a chance yet here we are, His dark menacing inauguration speech promised to end “American carnage” (???) and instead has turned this country into dumpster fire. My hope is that there’s enough chaos fatigue and buyers’ remorse to vote him out and if you lose readers. you should be proud that you had the conviction to speak out.
Hi Barb, I could not agree more. I know it must be nuts to be in a country with reasonable and educated people like Canada and try and understand why we chose a man like Trump. It boggles the mind he still has supporters after this past four years of his daily hatred and mistakes. It boils down to education I think. Too many poorly educated in this country, and who are fueled by their hatred of others instead of wanting a better America where we all have fair chances. Thanks I know the Trump supporters can take a leap. I am tired of being fair and balances. They clearly don’t give a care about things like that.
Thank you for the well written and heartfelt commentary! I’m in your lane. So hoping we are able to change our country’s direction today. Vote Biden/Harris!
Janet keeping up the hope! Thank you so much!
Well said! Thank you!
Thank you Sarah!
Thank God we now have an experienced, empathetic person as president elect. The last four years under Trump have been a nightmare. I’m excited for the leadership under Bidenn and Harris. They have many challenges and will need our patience and support. Thanks for your honest point of view, Kim.
Thanks Sheila! I know I am excited and feel the same. I am looking forward to being a more united country with less hate and more love for each other.
I applaud you and your candor as it mirrors mine!! Now more than ever we can’t stick our
heads in the sand hoping it won’t get worse because it will. I believe the majority
feel the way we do and hope the incredible number of votes already cast will confirm this.
I love your blog and all the fashion, decor food etc. but I really like your speaking out
and supporting a better future. Those who don’t respect that have other options to
follow. 💙
Hi Char, Thank you. I’m glad you like the blog and agree about talking politics here. It’s the presidency and who we choose means the difference between a nation for all of us, and a country that has turned back the clock and doesn’t care about science, decency, those struggling in this nation. xo
I appreciate your comments. The future of our democracy depends on this election.
Thanks Susan. I could not agree more with you.
I love young women bloggers like you who are willing to take the risk of voicing your honest opinion during difficult times in our country. This post is so well done, and you are speaking my opinion as well. I believe as strongly as you at age 70. I’ve lived through many turbulent times, and I believe there is a season for all things. So glad these past years are challenging us all to wake up! Praying for better times for us all. Xo
Hello Karen and thanks so much. I love hearing from strong women like yourself who are speaking out. Women alone can change the course of this election and this nation. We aren’t putting up with the bullshit. Thank you for the prayers. I am praying also. xo
I don’t think our country could survive another four years of Trump. Biden has got to win.
Jill, I agree. I worry this could be the end of us. Hoping today. xx
FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY I GOT SICK!
Well, I was sick before but I started writing THE EPISODES DOWN FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY!
YOU KNOW WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH and am still struggling with………………..
IT would be AWESOME if TODAY MY SICKNESS WENT AWAY………………….POOF!SWAMP IS CLEAN AND BIDEN/HARRIS LEAD US ON AND MAKE US HAPPY AND THEY SMILE AT US FROM TIME TO TIME AND THEY MIGHT EVEN HAVE A PLAN IN A MATTER OF DAYS!CAN YOU IMAGINE!!!
THE FEELING FOR ME IS We WILL BE CARED FOR NOT ABUSED AND THROWN OUT TO PASTURE………….
THE MAN THERE NOW OWES 421 MILLION DOLLARS………….in my book that is NOT A GOOD BUSINESS MAN!BY the way do we know HOW MUCH he spends on his SPRAY TANS?I think I have YOU to THANK as I couldn’t understand WHY they put white make up around his EYES all the TIME!
ITS THE GOGGLES THEY PLACE ON HIM TO SPRAY HIS FACE!BUFOON is all I can say and one more JAB as I’m heating up here THE MAN CANNOT SPEAK AT A THIRD GRADE LEVEL!
HE MUST GO!
AS THAT MAN WOULD SAY GREAT POST KIM!!!!!!
ADORE YOU!
I await YOUR TEXT Later tonight or TOMORROW…………………XOXOXO
Elizabeth, I still remember that day and will never forget it. I hope things start looking up and you feel better and our nation get back on track to be a place of health, caring and love for one another. I cannot do another four years of the hate and division. Please keep good thoughts. Thank you Elizabeth for speaking out, using your blog for change and being brave in a time we all need to. Being quiet is only helping us stay the same and is condoning this man and his agenda. When we all speak up, we can change the world. xoxo
Right on, girl…and write on as well…I admire you for speaking the truth of what has happened the
last four years. I’m with you, hoping and praying we get a new president !
Thank you Joan!! I’m right there with you. xo
Dear Kim, I am so glad that you, and many others, have been speaking out – as I’ve said before in your comments, otherwise I would forget that there *are* Americans who care for others, who respect democracy and who are as aghast as the rest of the world is at what has come to pass in your country. Four years ago I couldn’t bear to watch the news on this day, and today is no different. I only hope that when I wake up tomorrow (or some unspecified time after that, because we KNOW that votes are not all counted on election day!) it will be to the beginnings of a different world (even though it will take a long time to undo all the damage he has done). Because whether we in the rest of the world like it or not, what happens in the USA impacts us all.
Hi Patricia! I know it’s got to be hard watching from outside the U.S. and seeing the policies and hatred Trump droughts daily. That is not us! Most of us have lived the past four years in horror and disbelief by the crap and undoing of protections that took decades to create. The rest of the world has clearly evolved farther than a lot of people in this country. That is how we are still in a close election. Please keep us in your thoughts. We need change and hope! xo
Kim, it’s so great to read over the comments this evening, particularly the robust defence of ‘mainstream’ news – when did that become a dirty word? (I know, 4 years ago!) I have, thankfully, been busy all day, but have been able to peek at a few minutes of news and read some articles – HOW can it be so close?? How is that possible after all that’s gone on? I am, literally, shaking my head.
Patricia I love the comments and thoughts here! I have the best readers and they always reply better than I can. I loved the notes on mainstream news. It’s ridiculous. Keep the faith Patricia! I am trying to stay positive.. Biden has the most votes ever for a presidential candidate ever!! We only need one more state.. Hugs and thanks for you positive thoughts!!
Kim, thank you for speaking up. You may get pushback but it is the right thing to do I think. We are all of us whole human beings with a range of opinions and insights on many topics. I share your views. The horrors of the last four years have done much damage. We are creating through our choices the world we wish to leave our children and grandchildren. A high stock market is nice but means nothing when children are held in cages, science and truth are being disregarded, the environment is despoiled, medical care is unaffordable, and people are pitted against one another.
Let the healing begin!
Penelope thank you. I appreciate you mentioning the future generations. They have no role in this administration’s agenda. My sons are devastated this election could be so close. The things they care about, the earth, the planet, rights for all, have no part in a Trump world. I do hope you are right and we can start to heal us. xx
I love you. I’d follow you 10 times more if I could. Bravo to you!!!
Sandra love you!!! xoxo
Hi Kim … I understand and agree completely. This is so well written and so true…. ( in my opinion.)
Sending hugs xxx
Rosemary thank you for the support. xoxo
Hi there Kim
Well written post. I’m from Canada and sure hope there is a CHANGE. I know some of my politicans agree he must GO.
When fences/boards are being put up and the National Guard in one place needs to be on standby re an election one knows there is a major problem in the country with this current president.
Yesterday he said – if you’re not going to vote for me don’t vote. Well people must get out and vote and make the Change. As the saying goes – show him the door.
If he gets 4 more years he will gloat. I will wonder why people allowed this to happen.
Hi Rosemarie, I know it’s sad state when other countries – our own allies cannot wait for this man to go. Yes things have gotten violent and scary in this country. We need a leader to bring us together, who listens, who calms us and does not pit us against one another. I am trying to be positive. Thanks always for your kind notes!
Spot on…I couldn’t have said it better! Thanks, Kim!
Lynne thank you!! xo
Right there with you!!
Thanks so much Susan! Good thoughts today. xx
glenda from Melbourne Australia here. We too cannot believe the deaths and destruction you have endured from the Trump 4 years. We hope and pray sensible people will vote him out. Yes Australia went into major lockdown right from the start of Co-vid and we now have only single figure infections that are quickly traced. We will be watching with anticipation your election and keeping fingers crossed.
Hello Glenda! Thank you for the good thoughts from down under. I am so inspired by Australia and other nations who made the hard decisions for the greater good and had so few deaths and covid cases! We could have done the same. Please keep your thoughts for us. We need an adult who can lead us out of this disaster and people to be rallied to do what’s right, not just what they feel like. xo
Thanks for this important post. We all care about more than “fluff”. We need to stay engaged to protect our democracy.
Cindy thank you. I totally agree we have to stay informed and active especially now.xo
Hello. I also do not agree with your political views, but have enjoyed your blog. I think you might be surprised if you travelled to other parts of the country. There are many many Trump supporters. While I don’t agree with everything he does, I am thankful for a lot he has done. I do believe in having our borders strengthened. People have fences around their yard for a reason, and its the same thing. I believe in our military and our police officers. And human rights? Thank God he is trying to protect the human rights of unborn babies. They are a person with a soul, just like everyone created. He supports our military and has done wonders for the economy. Unemployment was at a nearly all time low before covid. He is the one who will turn the economy back around. I truly fear that Joe Biden has dementia; he makes so many blunders when he speaks. He doesn’t always make complete sentences. And I do not want a socialist country. I do not want to support those who won’t work when they are capable. I am all for supporting the disabled. I believe in the right to bear arms, as our constitution allows. I love God, I love people. And if Joe Biden does win? I will support him and pray for him. I will not protest, or loot, or burn businesses, or harm others. This is America. Yes, we all need to vote.
Andrea I do not believe that only the human rights that matter are the rights of unborn babies. The lives of 230,000 people in this country who died mattered and could have been saved, had our leader told us what he knew in January, and made some hard mandates for us all which he didn’t. Trump does not care about the lives of those in the front line of the health crisis, who were tending all the sick. He does not care about the families who lost a loved one. He has barely mentioned those who have died from this pandemic, who account for more than two world wars.
If you want a pro-life president, then all lives matter… the kids at the border in cages, the poor in this country who need healthcare, and those who lives have been forever shattered by gun-toting idiots. Don’t preach about human rights unless you are willing to address all of them. Don’t be brainwashed that the unborn is all that matters. Jesus would not approve of the hatred sown by Trump, and the disregard for all other lives. The unborn is just a carrot he dangles to the evangelicals to keep them voting for him. He doesn’t give a damn personally. He just wants his white privileged and lightly taxed life to continue for himself and his friends, and he needs all the fools to keep supporting him.
Keeping people out is not an American value or Christian. This country was built own immigration and we need those people. Higher fences do not make good neighbors. Working together and trying to help a humanitarian crisis these people are fleeing from is the right thing for our nation to do. Those who have crafted the current policies are haters and white supremacists like Stephen Miller.
As far as Biden having dementia, he’s been a hell of a lot sharper than Trump. The man has a stutter and that may sometimes make his falter, but in no way diminishes his drive, grit and pure care about this country and being its leader. I will not trot out all the Trump blunders with basic sentences and his oft slurred words. Feel free to google.. There is more than enough to keep you occupied for a few hours..
Kim, you truly are amazing! So well said!
Beautifully expressed, Kim. At this moment the pit in my stomach prevents coherent words … flash backs to this same point 4 years ago reverberate through my body. While I want to look away I’ll be glued to the screen all night hoping that the unprecedented voter turn out translates to the return of sanity and dignity in our nation. We weren’t perfect by any means before DJT but we were always striving toward a more perfect Union. I hope we will once again be on that path. Love you.
Juliet thanks is much. Feeling much the same and trying to remain positive. You are so right, we were never a perfect country, but we were on a path of progress, and creating a more fair and inclusive country for people of color, women, and LGBTQ folks. We were believing in science and ways to go forward tin the world in a more green way. We also were going towards healthcare for all of us, a human right I believe and something a country as wealthy as ours can surely help facilitate. I have so much hope. How can everyone not want that? Love you too for caring!!
Kim, you are such a kind, good-hearted person. Now I know that you are brave as well. Thank you. I am with you. Let’s hope enough of us are with you to make a needed change. No. More. Hate.
Lisa, Thank you and so are you! We must keep up the good fight. I am honored to know women like you who are also speaking out! You are inspiring too. Let’s stay strong. xo
Thank you Kim for your brave and heartfelt post.
We have all seen with our own eyes and heard with our own ears how incompetent and uncaring our president is. He shows us every day who he is. Thank goodness we still have a free press and don’t have to rely on his propaganda machines and conspiracy theorists. There is hope for our country.
Hi Rita, You are so right we need to keep up the support of our attacked free press, much maligned by this president. The propaganda and fake news is so high in this country it’s unbelievable and scary. We need to support mainstream news and facts more than ever. As you said if you listen to the man and hear how he speaks to this country and others, no news need tell you how to feel about him. WE can all decide for ourselves. Hate is not something I want in a leader. I also want an adult, not a 10 year old. xo
Hi Kim,
Way over here in Australia my friends and I are watching and hoping. It has been truly awful to see the USA descend into such a dreadful state, in so many ways. Congratulations for speaking out in such an eloquent and reasoned way.
Good luck!
Helen
Hi Helen and thank you so much for the support from over in Australia! We truly appreciate it and knowing the rest of the world wants better for us and adult as a president too. Trying to keep positive thoughts!! xo
By the way, Suzi, who said Biden is part of the KKK and that Democrats want to keep black people on the plantation, I will not publish your letter. Feel free to unsubscribe and go back to your propaganda news source, I am sorry you have been brainwashed beyond help.
Whoa, someone actually said that?? It is shameful, the nonsense that is being put out, and that people believe it? Crazy!
I know Patricia. I don’t want to censor the discourse here, but that was over the top. Clearly a lot of conspiracy theories have driven people to side with Trump. Who is peddling them may even be foreign countries? A lot to clean up.
Hi Kim
I just had to respond here and say how much I admire you for speaking your truth, and for your bravery in doing so! I agree with everything you’ve mentioned here and of course there’s just so much more that could be said. But, votes are in. They should all be counted. The truth and the will of the people of this country will prevail. That is my deepest hope. I can’t believe, I will not believe, that the majority of us have become a hateful, prejudiced, ignorant, intolerant, fact bashing, selfish, rude, mean population.. I will not accept that the general public of the US accepts the last four years supposed leadership as the way to continue forward. This has been the first time in my life I’ve felt deeply embarrassed for my country, and frightened for the soul of our nation..
XO Heidi
Kim,
This entire post–including your comments–has felt like a heavenly dose of hope for my tired and exhausted heart.
I should probably begin by mentioning that your political views and your responses to your readers could have been spoken by me in a conversation with others. Donald Trump has been a dark stain on our democracy and up until yesterday I felt sure that his brand of hate and his pitting American against American and his blatant racism would all be rejected on a massive scale, one that included those spineless Republicans who have allowed him to trample over our Constitutional values. And yet last night I went to bed with such a hurting heart. To realize that 60 million people would want 4 more years of this chaos and craziness and massive deaths leaves me speechless. As I write these words I believe Joe Biden will be President. But as I look around and hear the conspiracy theories coming from the far-right Fox News OANN universe I feel sad. It is now possible to exist in an alternative universe where misinformation and lies are taken as truth.
I don’t know. I guess I thought we were better than this.
Thank you for this post and for keeping it real in blogland. I really appreciate it.
xo
Leslie
Leslie, Thank you for this! I know I have gotten real here and I am not sorry. I am tired of being apolitical and polite to a group that is not getting real information and swallowing propaganda masquerading as news. Like you I am shocked that half our nation would want four more years of the hate, the acrimony, the blatant racism and disregard for those who are most hurting in this nation. Trump is the poster boy for the screw everyone, but myself and let me remain in my bubble part of this nation. They don’t want to hear about racial disparity, those struggling to get healthcare, the late rent, or anything like that. The Republican congress is at least half responsible by supporting this man and his garbage at every turn. They sold their souls and I have lost my faith in their care of this country.
I hope Joe Biden can bring us together, love us with all our faults, not just his party, and pull us together again. Leslie you are so right about the disinformation and fake news as mentioned before here. This lies at the heart of some of the problems. Trump treats the mainstream news as his enemy and that Americans don’t see the alternative as propaganda is very sad. Hugs to you Leslie and thanks for your note and support! I knew we were kindred spirits. xo
Yes, I agree totally with you! I too was so sad to see so many more than I thought there would be support Trump. It honestly really made me want to sit down and cry! And I’m done with polls forever! But now we must look to the future and know that a truly good man, Joe Biden, will be the 46th President of the United States of America! This will be made possible even under the many obstacles that stood in the way of the people’s right to vote! Enough people do see the truth regarding the unqualified deplorable Donald Trump! 😁
Hi Darlene, I am saddened and honestly shocked that half of us looked at the current man in the White House, and the divided state of things in this nation and said, ‘Sure I want four more years of this and this is my guy.’ That is when I ask why? You cannot have a caring heart and vote for his daily hostility and bullying, and his utter disregard for anyone, but himself. I think maybe a lot of people were unable to see that maybe by watching Fox or some other fake propaganda? The people have spoken and when every vote is counted Biden will lead us and thank goodness because we need hope now. We need optimism and we have to heal- we are stronger together!
I totally agree with your political point of view. Trump had four years to prove himself and failed. He has not been a president for all the country. We need a better leader with experience as a leader. It’s time to fire a Trump along with his deviceivenattitudes.
Sheila that is exactly it.. What has he done for us in four years? Our beautiful nation has been driven into a ditch and we are at our lowest point of national pride and unity since the Civil War, not to mention our tragic deaths. As he likes to say, ‘You’re fired’ and so he should be too.
Ok. So I’m going to respond one more time and then I will just unsubscribe. It seems that if someone has an opinion different than yours, it makes you very hostile and aggressive. I AM concerned with all human rights. I said in my initial response that I don’t agree with all Trump does. I do not know how sincere he is in being pro life but some of the Dems flat out believe in abortion right up until birth. I just don’t see how any mother can think that’s ok. There are so many who want to adopt. And saying that keeping people out of the country is not christian is pretty bold. I believe in immigration 100%-legal immigration. Trump raised the number of legal immigrants higher than its ever been. Obama and VP Biden had the “cages” built. If you research, you will find that families are treated very well at the border. One of the main problems is that children are kidnapped by drug cartel and used to try and stay in our country. I have worked in Honduras in extreme poverty and I love the people there. Going and serving by improving their homes and living conditions, supplying educational information and supplies for the children, and helping monetarily is what they need. I am by no means a white supremacist. In 2009, H1N1 pandemic affected millions of Americans. Then President Obama sat on the information for 6 months. I work in the medical field, my daughter is a CRNA, my son in law is a critical care nurse. We are very familiar with healthcare and the needs. Trump was left with a shortage of medical supplies, and searched WORLDWIDE for needed items. China actually had a shipment that was due to us turned around. Trump did stop flights coming in but was given erroneous information by the “experts”. I think they were doing the best they could with a new and difficult situation, with a virus that did take many lives. I could say more but I’m not sure you care to hear it., just sharing some info that is pertinent and hope you will consider. As of today, it looks like Biden will be our next president and I truly hope he will accomplish good things for all of us. We will see. I wish you well.
Okay Andrea, I’ve been kind in the comments and not hostile, but I will not abide fake news on my own blog. With your ‘late abortion’ assertion, let’s go there.. I will share something Pete Buttigieg said, so well that tells the truth to your false statement that Dems want abortions all the way to birth:
“Late term abortions is representing one percent of cases. So let’s put ourselves in the shoes of a woman in that situation. If it’s that late in your pregnancy, than almost by definition, you’ve been expecting to carry it to term. We’re talking about women who have perhaps chosen a name. Women who have purchased a crib, families that then get the most devastating medical news of their lifetime, something about the health or the life of the mother or viability of the pregnancy that forces them to make an impossible, unthinkable choice. And the bottom line is as horrible as that choice is, that woman, that family may seek spiritual guidance, they may seek medical guidance, but that decision is not going to be made any better, medically or morally, because the government is dictating how that decision should be made.”
I think this says everything. I am not personally for abortion, but I believe as RBG said that it is choice between a woman and her doctor and no one else. I cannot decide for others, but late abortion is something that is done because of medical emergencies, not out of choice. Saying otherwise, is false and tries to make that something people are choosing. They are not.
As far as immigration know this per the A.P.
“The Obama administration did build the cages Trump alluded to. The facility Trump mentioned was built with chain-link fencing by the Obama administration in 2014 in a warehouse in Nogales, Ariz. The makeshift shelter was built in response to an exodus of unaccompanied immigrant children from Central America. But those children did not arrive with their parents; they were unaccompanied. The shelter was not being used as part of a child separation policy, and U.S. border agents did not separate those children from their parents.”
How ‘Christian’ is it to separate those coming in, refugees fleeing violence in central America, and then take their children away from them? The Obama administration never did that and you can do more research into that. We now have more than 500 children who cannot be reunited because their parents have gone missing, were deported, the U.S. government is having NO PART in the reunification process.
Once they separated them,(a master plan by Stephen Miller,) this is now the situation – per the L.A. Times:
“Although a federal court compelled the administration to provide contact information for the parents, U.S. officials are not doing the searching. Instead, the court appointed a steering committee of nongovernment organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Justice In Motion, because the U.S. government refused to conduct a search. The Trump administration kept poor records, which exacerbated the situation, according to a Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general report.”
– As far as the children brought here by ‘coyotes’ as Trump claimed that is also baseless, also per the L.A. Times :
“Federal court filings show that their adoptive or biological parents brought the children in question to the United States. Children who are brought over without their parents, by smugglers, are often classified as “unaccompanied minors” and are not included in the group that is the cages asked about.”
It’s great you worked in Honduras and cared for the people there, but these people coming here are fleeing violence, threats and need a safe place to live. We need immigrants, and we have huge country that can take and needs these people to fill jobs. We are a country of huge open spaces, and many rural towns falling empty and that need urban renewal. When we close the door, we close the possibilities. You want to help people, but not share the wealth, the security and the kind of life we have here in this country? Legal immigration is best, but when you are a refugee, that is not always an option.
As far as Obama’s mishandling of the swine flu, I did more research. According to NPR and PBS that is not true, and again another Trump tweet being taken as fact.. The timeline per them was actually this:
“According to a CDC estimate, there were more than 60 million swine flu cases reported in the U.S. between April 2009 — when the disease was first detected in California — and April 2010, with more than 12,000 people dying.The agency said the first case was reported on April 15, 2009, and the government declared H1N1 a public health emergency on the April 26. The first test to detect the new virus was approved by the FDA two days later. Shipments of the new CDC test began May 1.”
No doubt that was not done perfectly either, but a better response than what we have lived through this year- and Obama did not withhold information. There is no basis for that assertion.
I hope Biden will be the next president because he will care for all of us, including those who didn’t vote for him. He isn’t going to be putting malice and hate into the world daily. I believe we need that for us to come together. I hope Americans will get their news from mainstream sources. As mentioned above. If you think they are all doing a coordinated daily attack on the president, that beggars belief. Their job is to give facts. The president may not like the facts, but that is part of the job and spinning it the other way, to make him happy, we become one step closer to a country like Russia or China. Once Biden becomes president, he will have to take the heat too, just like every other president. Embrace the news, whether it be flattering to your president to not. Try hard to find those sources like PBS and The Guardian, and even USA today who win journalism award and get rated as fair and balanced.
I wish you well and thank you for listening too. Kim
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Thank you!! For posting this.
Not enough bloggers use their site as a platform for the occasional meaningful message. Just continuing to post affiliated links & curated home landscapes.
Not even a mention to vote. Sure maybe their politics are private but voting?
On pins & needles. Count every last vote damnit!
Meg
PS I was in PA Tuesday for GOtV – voter suppression is real 🙁
Hi Meg! Really appreciate you saying that. I know not everyone wants to go out on a limb, but this is our country and it means everything to me that we care about ALL of us, not just some. On our blogs encouraging voting is something we all can do without party affiliation! Thank you for being part of the process! I am so inspired how many cared this election and did so much. You all made a difference. The voter suppression issue has been brought front and center and something we have to fix. Everyone should be voting and it should be without obstacles. California makes it so easy and I see in other states it’s a real hurdle- so wrong! xo
Kim, just read your blog & had to comment! I so applaud your honesty & courage in speaking out. I couldn’t agree with you more! The news this Friday morning is so encouraging for us to get this wonderful country of ours back on track. It will not be an easy job, but we have gone through tough times before. Thank you, thank you for speaking from your heart!
Kathy thank you! I am excited too. We have been through a lot. I’m ready for us to heal our amazing country. I think Biden can do so much in that way. It’s the message from the top that we are all in this together, we were missing these past four years. xo
Hello Kim! I just happened upon your site and want to commend you on a very well written opinion regarding this election. I have woken up every day Trump has been in office asking the same question! How is it possible so many people can be conned by this man ( not President) in our White House? Donald Trump is a master con artist and makes Jim Jones look like an amateur. Thank God we have mainstream media! I’m not delusional enough to think I can change Trump supporters, but I will certainly try to have the faith in the people in this Country to do the right thing by voting him out of office. We’re now day 3 of counting votes. No shock how Donald is responding to this process! Totally expected! But I’m very hopeful that in the near future we will have credible good people in our White House. And a truly good man, Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America! Again, thank you for your election post! It was needed!😁
Hello Darlene, So good to hear so many are feeling the same as I am. Sorry I was late to reply here. We did it! It was a shaky week..My faith is renewed in the electoral process and as expected Don can’t take the high road and concede like a normal leader or adult. I don’t know what he plans to do in the next months, but you can’t change an election by tweeting fake news. We have had enough of that. Ready for a return of decent humans who care about more than themselves back to running this country! Thanks for your note! xx
I have followed you for several years and while you have lovely decor and fashion ideas, these posts have inspired the most. Thank you for going out on the limb and being awake, motivated & inspirational.
Hi Holly! Wow thank you so much for that. This means a lot. I just love this country and want better for us! xo
Hi Kim, a little late commenting but I agree with everything you said in this post and in your responses. . I am so over the moon happy that Trump will be gone. It was so awesome to see all the Biden supporters cheering and dancing in the streets including here in San Diego. Character does matter!!
Linda
Linda thanks I feel like it’s a ray of hope for this country. We need to come together and I am excited Biden will be a leader that won’t vilify half of us! A president needs to show us how we are alike, how we are better together, not apart! Good is coming and so needed in this tough year. xoxo
You don’t lose me when you speak of political and social justice issues. In fact, I have trouble with some style blogs I like that have been completely silent in the face of our current upheavals, injustice, white supremacy, rolling back of disability rights, etc. That kind of silence is deafening! Thank you Kim.
Gosh thank you Mary for the kind words. I know I put myself out there, but seems like these are unprecedented times and we all have to speak up for the values this country was built on that are being crushed by this administration. I really appreciate the support! I wish everyone would say something. xo
Kim!
Thank you for witing this! I feel the same way! I have been reading the comments too! How many more days until Biden/Harris take office…It cannot be soon enough!!
xoxo
Thanks Annie! I know what is it going to take? I honestly cannot wait for the scary swamp creatures like Stephen Miller and others to be out of our government offices. They can take their hate elsewhere. We need a fresh start in 2021 and it can’t come soon enough. xoxo