Buckle Up

Donald Trump’s Presidential reality show has been renewed for a second 4-year term.  For the first time in three campaigns, a majority of American voters have opted for him over his political opponent.

This decision by voters caught me more off-guard than when Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016, winning the electoral college by a margin of 304-227 (though losing the popular vote by 2.8 million votes).  Back then, it was easier to appreciate that some voters viewed him as an outsider who could shake things up in Washington.  This time around, he won despite losing a number of civil and criminal court battles since 2020, despite being indicted in both federal and state courts for a range of crimes, and despite nearing 80 years in age.

All of these factors made me skeptical that he could eclipse his vote count from 2020 (74.2 million).  This was basically correct - this week he earned 74.6 million votes.  But I didn't expect Kamala Harris to underperform Joe Biden's 2020 vote count by 10.4 million votes.  Trump’s ability to convince a majority of Americans to vote for him in spite of these many factors is nothing short of remarkable.  

While I fear that America has just been sold a bag of magic beans from the fable Jack and The Beanstalk, I must now root for Donald Trump.  My distrust of the man and his motives does not outweigh my genuine desire for a vibrant society.  So I hope that all of the actions he takes as president move us in a positive direction.  

I’m reminded of Mark Twain’s thoughts on worrying: "Worrying is like paying a debt you don't owe. I have spent most of my life worrying about things that have never happened.”  Hopefully this holds true for the many concerns I have.

I can’t say I will be rooting for the President if he tries to force Ukraine to accept an unreasonable peace settlement.  Or strikes down the Affordable Care Act, replacing it with “concepts of a plan.”  Whatever may come, I accept that as a nation we have chosen this man as our leader.

I will be managing myself far differently than I did during the first Trump term. Back then I viewed it as my civic duty to stay highly informed on his administration's activities. Not this time. No more “doom scrolling” for me. I will not abandon my civic duty to stay informed, but it will be done in a more disciplined fashion. I’m not going be as concerned about things that are far outside my control or influence. As the late Tim Kight would put it, I’m going to manage my “20 square feet” of the world.

In her concession speech, Harris said “A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results.  This principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny.  And anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it.”  She models behavior that we did not see from her opponent just four years ago.  But so it goes…

America has bought the ticket.  Now we ride the ride.  Buckle up.

Sunday Supper
Perhaps all of us Harris supporters should enjoy some Barbecue Crow Sliders this Sunday!  I’d rather tuck into this comforting Swedish Potato Salmon Casserole instead, along with Roasted Pear Salad w/ Endive, Blue Cheese and Hazelnuts.

Sunday Music
This song by Chumbawamba feels appropriate this week.  This documentary of the making of Sting’s album, Dream Of The Blue Turtles brings back a lot of fond memories.  Enjoy!

If you know anyone who might like this essay, please share it with them. 

Have a great week ahead!  Offer support to others.  Make good use of this day.  And let me know how I can help.

Peace & Love,