Shock. Horror. Disbelief. Disappointment. Hollow vindication. These are a few of the violent emotions that swept over me this morning when the Associated Press confirmed that a psychopathic criminal filled with hatred has been re-elected President of the United States.
Surreal. I would never have dreamed this would happen after the traitorous attempted coup and cold-blooded murders of Jan. 6. How could this happen? How?
Yes, I blame social networks, the mainstream media that cares more about profit than democracy, and Putin and his massive and very effective disinformation campaign. As a kid, I remember growing up and hearing that America can only be defeated from within. I fear today is that day of defeat. And it took ruthless billionaires like Musk, Zuckerberg, Murdoch, and Putin to help make that unthinkable reality come to life.
But mostly, I blame the American people.
- I have long been an avid student of history. Throughout the ages, politicians and religious leaders who pledge to usher in a golden era mean one thing. A golden era for themselves. It is almost always the people who have been duped (in this case, the MAGA herd: uneducated white people, religious people, and Latinos) who suffer the greatest. Always. Throughout history.
- Americans have grown lazy. The immigrants they vow to deport by the millions are the people doing the grunt work of America. Who will do it when they are gone? Not the Americans I know. They are too busy getting high, playing games, and playing the victim.
- Americans are myopic. They know nothing about the real world. Less than one-half have a passport. FOX News, social media, and perceived suffering shape their warped worldview.
- Americans are ignorant. Gallup Polls show that 20% of Americans have not read ONE book over the past two decades. Americans in most major subgroups read fewer books now than in the past. Reading appears to be in decline as a favorite way for Americans to spend their free time. To be ignorant means to be destitute of knowledge or education.
- Americans love to play the victim. T***p’s crybaby antics play perfectly to most Americans. “That is so unfair!” “I’ve been treated so poorly.” “No one has been treated worse than me.”
- America has always been a nation of entitled white men who subjugate and take advantage of everyone who is different. This election proves once again that remains the reality. And the abused have chosen to crawl back for more.
- Americans are selfish. They want their little perfect bubble. They do not care about the future of our planet, the freedom of other countries, or their grandchildren. They only care about themselves. And they don’t take the time or just don’t care to vote. Or if they vote, they choose a strongman over the messy business of democracy.
Yes, this is a harsh assessment. But it does not scratch the surface of the hollow inner void of the majority of Americans who voted for T***p (or did not bother to vote) in the 2024 Presidential election.
A few years ago, we began planning for what we feared would happen on Nov. 6, 2024. It is one of many reasons we did the challenging work of becoming immigrants to a new and better country. A country more suited for who we are: who do not believe in utopian promises, who value hard work, who are unafraid to broaden our perceptual view, who value knowledge over ignorance, who are compassionate to all human beings, not just white American males, who take time to study history, who read avidly, who refuse to play the victim, who refuse to subject ourselves to abuse, and who value global philanthropy.
Are we perfect? Far from it. We have much to learn, much to improve, much to accomplish. But unfortunately, we were right about our decision to leave America. We woke up Wednesday morning so grateful we now call ourselves Spaniards. On our last phone call, my Mom asked me when I was coming home. And I firmly replied, “Mom, we are home. Spain is our home.”
A few days (or years) from now, as I recover from the utter shock of this tragic moment in history, I may temper these words. I am open to that possibility. I am raw and hurting for my birth country. Many tears have been shed here this morning. But I vow to be resilient, compassionate, equanimous, and empathic—to everyone, not just those who look like me.
If you enjoy this post, join our community of subscribers HERE. I will send an email once a week or so with a new post and my latest art. Uncensored. You can unsubscribe any time.
20 responses to “My Raw Thoughts A Few Minutes After the 2024 Presidential Election Was Called ”
Randy, thank you for your thoughts here. It’s been almost 1 week since the election and every morning since I wake up with a feeling of dread and profound sadness. All of what you said rings true. Additionally, I am coming to the realization that much of that shock is recognizing that I have friends, family and neighbors who have turned their backs on the Golden Rule. They have traded EVERYTHING for the promise of money. For the first time in my life I am ashamed of us. Everyday, I hope that the shock will have less of a sting. That I can find common ground again. But I walk through my life now feeling the “us and them”. I am adrift. I wonder if a loving relationship would provide a safe harbor. I wonder if the answer will be leaving the US like you and Gina.
With admiration,
Mary
Thanks so much for your honest emotions. Yes, to everything you say!
Thanks for writing and sharing, Randy.
It’s heartbreaking…
I am so happy that you and Gina have a safe place that you love. I think of moving, but the thought is daunting with 3 school aged children and health concerns.
Maybe we can at least visit one day!
Thanks so much, Lindsey. Yes, it is so heartbreaking. Please come visit us. You will LOVE Barcelona!
Very well written Randy, and it captures our feelings of disappointment and horror. We may join you abroad if they succeed in destroying our democracy. For now we will stay and fight.
Thanks, Rob. I admire your courage. The fight is too destructive for my emotional and mental health. We are so grateful we are here.
Still in shock. And sad to my very core. I’m lucky to live in a very blue Georgia county, and my friends are all in shock too. We will move forward. But I’m not sure how.
Leanne, I know, I know. How to move forward? I see no way for America to pull herself out of this. But I hope she can…
Lots of sadness in our house. Your post is right on point. This.Is.Hard.
Yes, Spence. In our home as well. We have been trying to determine why. We now live in Spain and are so happy. But there is a connection with one’s birth country that is hard to comprehend. And when you see your country betray the very foundations it was supposedly built upon…wow. Perhaps, it has been false all along. And that is even more difficult to comprehend.
Sadness, anger and disappointment color my mood today. Your words might be harsh and difficult for some to read, but they are on point. As always, thank you for sharing your thoughts as you have the gift to capture, in words what so many of us are feeling.
Thanks, Ray. That means a lot. It was great to share the evening with you guys, regardless of the outcome.
R
I want so much to be as shocked as I am disappointed; sadly, I am not. Republican/Democrat just two sides of the same mask worn by those fighting for the interests of corporate greed and unbridled power. I understand that… I can’t grasp how we’ve come to a place where a literal convicted felon is elected President of the country – regardless of party affiliation. I am dumbfounded. Though this reality is what we have, I refuse to be defined by it. It is comforting that my own energy is repulsed by the energy perpetuated by the MAGA Evangelical populace of this country, but I am always grateful for the warmth and hope that I encounter when I share space and experiences with others attracted to the same cosmic energy as me. We exist in many layers. Socio-political is just one layer of coexistence. I will seek to find more opportunities to coexist outside that layer.
Yes, I definitely know I do not exist in the hypocritical religious bullshit realm any longer. They prove once again there is no god, or at least their god is certainly not legitimate….to them or me.
R
Your words are perfect. I feel this profound sadness and heaviness in my whole being.😢
I love you so. We will hold each other through this. And cherish our beautiful country and home and people.
Randy, I could not have said it better. I am very disappointed in my country… but, unfortunately, not surprised.
Thanks, Steve. Oh my broken heart.
No need to temper anything. With deep sadness and a tinge of rage, I’m processing.
Thanks, Melissa. Oh my broken heart.