America First
Last time around in 2016 I felt totally devastated by the election outcome. I was devastated because I disliked Trump intensely, a sentiment that only grew by day as I watched him shrink in humanity and decency. I was disappointed at the loss of the prospect of a first woman president, though I didn’t vote for Hillary on that account. But most of all I felt betrayed as the election outcome did not reflect the will of the majority of the people, the most basic premise of a democracy. My only consolation was knowing that despite my loss, a little less than half the voter population was happy, a sentiment I hope the shrunken less-than-half voter population is able to muster for the opposing side this time around.
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Despite her victory in popular vote, I watched in awe the towering spirit of a woman expecting to take the lead make concession speech in full grace, asking the nation to rally behind president elect. That was true to norm and traditions established over decades by a nation believing in America First, individual victory last.
Fast forward to present time once again I watch not in awe, but in absolute disgust the spectacle of a mega narcissist who relentlessly tries to “preserve, protect, and defend” himself at all costs, endangering national security and destabilizing instruments of democracy, hoping that somehow amidst all the chaos and confusion something will give and he can prevail once again. Never mind he is down in popular vote by over 5.5 million, or that his opponent has secured 306 electoral votes, winning in battle ground states by winder margins than he won in 2016. And despite all evidence to the contrary, his legal maneuvering hitting wall after wall, the repeated affirmation by election officials, republican and democrat alike, and last but not least, top government and industry officials joint statement that the 2020 election was the most secure in American history Trump in his vanity continues to assert lies and spread misinformation banking on his devoted fans blindly and gullibly believing his untruths.
Still, the optimist in me remains hopeful that the totality of people will follow the voice of reason and decency and abide by the fundamentals that make America Great and demand President Trump to concede, even if not graciously, and to follow, if not lead, the protocols for peaceful transition of power, if not now, for god’s sake when the results are certified.
Wishing all the best to the Biden/Harris administration in healing the nation.
