I don't want to come on here and talk politics... I'm trying to use this space to talk mostly about finances.
Here's the stuff about finances:
- we are closer to paying off our mortgage
- sold a couple of things on Craigslist $70
- got a rebate check from the energy company
- my nephew is here, but he doesn't eat very much and he's vegetarian, so the grocery bill is not very much bigger
The financial stuff seems less relevant this week, so this where the politics starts. My first and last post on politics. So stop reading now. Really.
How I spent election night: up in my 11 year old daughter's room hugging her as she cried. She wasn't crying because her candidate didn't win. She was crying because she was afraid that someone was going to "come get us" because we're Jewish. I promised that wouldn't happen. She was worried that people would know that I voted for Clinton and punish me for it. I described the democratic process. We talked about other presidents I didn't agree with in my lifetime. I told her that her life would change very little, and that it would be important to do good things for people who will be affected.
I don't think any of them ever actively courted racists (and the KKK!!) to get votes, though, but I didn't discuss this with my daughter. I live in a very liberal city, and I only am friends with one Trump supporter. I wanted to ask her how she can support him when she herself isn't a racist (and has at least one Jewish friend). I wanted to ask her what she'd tell my daughter.
I watched Van Jones (who I really admire) talking to voters in Gettysburg and I do think there needs to be a dialog. But now that they've won this election, I'm not sure Trump supporters want this dialog now.
Not every Trump supporter is a racist, surely. But by courting racists, they have given them legitimacy. And by allying themselves with racists, they've said that it's ok.
Here is what I'm NOT telling my daughter: I am worried, too. I am worried about the climate, rejection of science, our national parks, clean energy. I am worried about women's and LGBT rights. I am particularly worried for Muslims and immigrants and hispanic people. Black lives matter to me! And I am worried for myself and my family; I am worried that I might one day have to make a decision about when is the right time to use my Canadian passport and uproot my family before it's too late. I like to think I'd have more foresight than some of my ancestors did, but I'm scared I will ignore warning signs.
I don't hate most Trump supporters, I just don't understand; and I'm disappointed because all of the values that I think are non-negotiable, they don't agree with or don't think are that important. And they don't understand me either, and probably think I'm being melodramatic. But, these are the things I'm thinking about, and if you read this even though I warned you not to, I'm sorry if I offended anyone.
A little bit financial, but mostly getting the past week off my chest
November 11th, 2016 at 11:08 pm
November 11th, 2016 at 11:21 pm 1478906479
November 11th, 2016 at 11:32 pm 1478907132
Oh and for anyone who isn't aware, white people are the biggest group in poverty and the biggest users of foodstamps. This impacts all races.
I really try not to talk about politics on here too, but I fear I shouldn't have been even as neutral as I was. Though I probably wouldn't have changed minds or stopped the spread of misinformation, perhaps I should have tried harder.
November 12th, 2016 at 12:04 am 1478909060
Wishing you peace!!
November 12th, 2016 at 01:03 am 1478912621
A client of our firm who is originally from the Middle East implored us to vote for Trump. He says coming here was the best thing that ever happened to him and he was happy to work and earn his living.
November 12th, 2016 at 01:15 am 1478913314
November 12th, 2016 at 02:49 am 1478918973
November 12th, 2016 at 02:52 am 1478919171
November 12th, 2016 at 03:04 am 1478919844
I am happy to have a civilized discussion and disagree on things. Not everyone thinks alike. But if those basic tenets aren't there (tolerance, treat people kindly) aren't there, then that is awfully difficult.
I think this sums it up for me:
https://medium.com/@jessicashortall/voted-for-trump-i-have-only-one-plea-7d5994c7a3d1#.jnunzxir2
November 12th, 2016 at 06:26 pm 1478975214
November 12th, 2016 at 07:42 pm 1478979757
As far as other productive actions we can take, I've connected now with Emily's List, which has been around a long time. It works to promote progressive women in politics. The kind we need right now. They have a Facebook page.
November 12th, 2016 at 11:24 pm 1478993053
November 12th, 2016 at 11:26 pm 1478993201
November 13th, 2016 at 12:18 am 1478996281
November 13th, 2016 at 02:59 am 1479005973
November 13th, 2016 at 03:24 pm 1479050647
Please give your daughter a hug for me. And tell her that the good people of this nation are more aware than ever. We will stand up with all people of this nation.