First things first. It’s FRIDAY! Wahoo!
I have a few housekeeping items to address before today’s post. I’m in the middle of reorganizing the recipes on my blog and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it to you at some point over the next few days. It turns out I have a ton of recipes and when I made the switch from Blogger to WordPress, I didn’t adequately categorize so I’m a bit backlogged so to speak. On the off chance that someone reading this post is simultaneously searching for a recipe, now I feel better that you’re an informed reader. 😉
Second, I had a rather random post ready for yesterday. Thursdays are the best because they’re for Thinking Out Loud. And I usually very much enjoy a good TOL post. But for some reason when I went to hit ‘publish,’ I started second guessing myself. Why? No clue. I’m happy with what I upcycled because everyone needs 19 Reasons to Get Off Your Butt but it wasn’t as random as it was going to be. In retrospect, both good posts. Both very different.
And third — and I’m sure this is going to open Pandora’s box which is one of the reasons I’ve kept quiet about it on my blog (until now) — to say I’m uneasy about the incoming administration is a complete understatement. I was hoping to be in DC for the Women’s March but unfortunately plans fell through so now I’m hoping to attend the march here in Cleveland. Since my mind has been riddled with anxiety since November 8th, now is as good a time as ever to address it. Therefore, I have decided to sidestep today’s posted theme for the Friday Five 2.0 and go with this instead:
5 Concerns About the Incoming Administration
If you don’t feel comfortable talking politics, that’s cool. I won’t take offense. But if you do, and you feel the need to comment, I ask that you keep it clean and respectful. We are all entitled to our opinions and for that I am truly grateful. This, however, is my space and not public domain. If commenting gets out of control, I will delete malicious and inappropriate comments, and turn off the feature completely. Play nice.
Proceed.
1. Education.
I don’t agree with any of Trump’s cabinet picks. But his pick of Betsy DeVos has my head rolling. If you watched any of her hearing you’ll know what I’m talking about. Particularly galling are the clips of her “answering” questions from Tim Kaine as well as Elizabeth Warren. But what bothers me most about her? Her dumbass smile the entire time. It’s like she was prepped not to answer a question. And why would she anyway? She doesn’t actually have an answer is why. It’s the old “smile and look pretty” trick that so many women have worked tirelessly to eliminate from the workplace. Like pleading the fifth but for women. In the 1940s.
2. Women’s health. And rights. And livelihood.
I can’t even. Seriously. I want to. But there are so many things. And so many angry feelings.
Point number two is #whyImarch.
3. Affordable Care Act.
Are there issues with the Affordable Care Act? Yes, of course. But should it be scrapped completely without any sort of plan in place to take over? Absolutely not. The Affordable Care Act has helped millions of people receive healthcare they otherwise could not afford. I’m so worried about how far we will step back if the ACA is crumpled up and tossed in the trash.
4. In 140 characters or less…
Seriously? A complete lack of professionalism from the get-go. It keeps getting worse with every tweet. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Can someone please turn off this guy’s twitter?!
5. Overall safety of my family and me.
There’s been an influx of hate crime since the election. And frankly, this is not okay. Not now, not ever. A few of the issues that have kept me up at night:
This example of anti-Semitism:
And this one, too:
And most recently, this headline:
“Politician Arrested for Pinching Woman’s Genitals ‘Said He No Longer Had to Be Politically Correct‘”
These reasons only graze the surface of the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my trepidation about the incoming administration. There are so many unanswered questions. What was the extent of Russia’s involvement in getting Trump elected? What is Putin holding over Trump that has made this presidency even possible, or desirable, to Russia? How did Trump and his campaign dupe so many people into believing him when the truth was staring us all in the face? How did the US suddenly become the laughingstock of the world? I feel as though the majority of Americans are now scratching their heads, mulling over the question, “how did we get here?”
To be sure, I am not anti-Conservative and not anti-Republican. I am pro working together and pro finding common ground. Half of my family is Democrat, half is Republican. And who’da thunk we agreed on most subjects? Because we are reasonable, intelligent people and when we disagree we can find common ground. My hope, despite my concerns, is that the next four years won’t be nearly as tragic as millions of Americans are imagining and we (our elected officials) in fact do end up working together and more productively than in the past.
Happy Inauguration Day all. And to those of you marching this weekend, be safe, be smart, and be strong.
xo
“May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours.”
-Old Irish Blessing
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58 Comments
these are very good reasons to be concerned. I’m concerned and I live outside of the country. Some people think I don’t even have the right to feel how I do since I’m not there and I “don’t know”. Thing is, it’s my birth country and I will always care about what is happening. I’m extremely concerned. I didn’t think he would be elected and he was. I don’t think he’ll last 4 years but… time will only tell now. Some things are going to get way worse before they get better though.
My husband doesn’t think he’ll last four years either…
You’re right, things will absolutely get worse before they get better. How much worse is the question, though. Which is a huge source of my anxiety.
No matter your political beliefs, its safe to say that today will be a huge day for our country. Whether you see it as positive or negative, it will certainly be a day of change.
Absolutely!
I’m some odd mixture of overwhelmed, confused, and in awe. “How did we get here?” is probably the most obvious question, and one that speaks volumes. I don’t know how we got here…so backwards, so obtuse…and we’re supposed to be a progressive nation.
I’m wearing all black today.
Amen, sister. I don’t know how we got here and I’m embarrassed for all of us that we did.
Bravo to you for putting your concerns out there. I hope that people are respectful of them, though with this day and age, who knows. I am going to Netflix the day away and keep that body temperature of mine as low as possible…
Thank you.
I hope you find something awesome to watch on Netflix. 🙂
I hated both of the candidates, they were both terrible. I was sad the whole election about that being the best we could come up with. I liked Trump for a bit because he was different, not a politician and not afraid to say what he thought… but that is also how I discovered I didn’t really like him. Something has to be done about healthcare. its terrible expensive. I don’t know what the answer is but at this point repealing the ACA could do more harm than good. Work with it, improve it. I don’t know. It’s all frustrating isn’t it.
It is incredibly frustrating. The most frustrating part for me is why it’s seemingly SO HARD for politicians to find a middle ground. Politics were not always like this. Most politicians were moderate. Now all they do is bicker over stupid shit and don’t make any real progress. It’s disheartening to say the least.
Every new administration makes people nervous that is normal. I have been in health care for 25 years and I am hoping for some change in that arena. We need a plan that can be easily managed and can produce great results. I know there is a lot up in the air and a lot at stake……nerve wracking at best!
You’re right, every administration does make people nervous. People really disliked Obama. I personally thought he was a breath of fresh air but I know not everyone agrees.
We need an effective, affordable health care initiative. There’s a lot to be done but scrapping it completely seems dangerous at best.
Only 5 concerns? I’ve been a wreck since last fall and my anxiety continues to grow. Thanks for sharing your concerns–we are in this together, my friend.
Definitely more than 5… I’ve been a wreck as well.
Here’s to wishful thinking… #cheers
Hmm, I am now intrigued by this Betsy Devos. I’m gonna be looking her up now to see what she’s all about!
I encourage you to watch and read what you can…
Being Canadian, I feel like I shouldn’t comment as it’s not my country. However, your concerns are my concerns. Though with Trump in power it will have a great affect on Canadians as well as those in other countries.
You’re absolutely right — this is going to have a ripple effect for better or worse.
I could not agree more. I have about 500 concerns and your number 2 is a very high one. Oh and human decency and respect. I think not only hate crimes impact us but rudeness and bullying. I applaud you for sharing your feelings. And I hope that we all can do our part to steer things back to a better place again.
Thank you. It took a lot of anxiety and clammy hands to hit publish but I did it!
You hit the nail on the head with human decency and respect. How did this even happen?!
Thank you for putting words to something that has made me uncomfortable. Sometimes I’m not very good at eloquently explaining what makes me uncomfortable. I am concerned for the ACA in particular, as so many people who voted for Trump voted to take away “Obamacare” and I fear that they may not have realized that it was the Affordable Care Act. Hopefully if we all (including myself) stand up more for what we believe in, we’ll be able to shine through this period as a country.
The amount of confusion about Obamacare vs. ACA is truly frightening and astounding.
I think Americans have become to complacent over the last however many administrations, and this is finally our wake-up call to take action and be responsible citizens again. I hope so anyway.
So so worried about the next 4 years!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with everything you posted.
Glad you did.
Thank you, Darlene. This post has made me anxious but it was something I needed to get out into the universe.
All the feels babe…it’s something I’ve been praying about and looking for things to do in my own small way. You should check out Everyday Feminism and Feministing for ways you can silently protest the new administration in your own life. Together, we can overcome this, look at the 60s for example 🙂
I always joked with my parents and friends that I was born in the wrong decade. When I was in high school especially I was always looking for things to get involved in — protesting (what?), activisim (where?), etc. Now it’s finally coming full circle. Except now I’m an old lady with kids! Lol. I’m going to do my part as best I can, hopefully with the same fervor and angst as in my teenage years.
(I feel like I just aged myself into my 80s… lol!)
So many concerns… I’m so worried about the environment, amongst a whole list of other things.
You and me both, Vicki.
I was thinking about this morning, and I feel like neither party took the election seriously last year. I’m middle ground, but have voted for both. The candidates were terrible, but I still voted, and I won’t stay quiet. That’s the important thing. Keep speaking up and supporting people.
Right. If we keep making noise something is eventually going to change. Just can’t sit idly by anymore.
Oh, girl, I agree 100% with you. I am scared, I’m angry and I’m trying hard to hold onto hope that the checks and balances of our system will work. Thank you for voices your concerns as well.
Ha! The “checks and balances” is what scares me most…
You are brave for sharing your views. I was in a really bad place last week. Today, I am ????
Can I just say that I am Christian (Episcopalian) and the priests of the churches I am affiliated with (in my “old” and “new” neighborhoods) are just as appalled as you and I are, so please know that not all Christians share his views, and many of us think they are very anti-Christian.
Right, I should have said “Republican” or “Conservative.” Because those are more encompassing I believe. I’ll actually change it now.
I’m sorry that you couldn’t make it to DC for the march and protest. I have no interest in watching the Inauguration, I still can’t wrap my head around this whole thing and I share many of your concerns!
Me too, I really wanted to go. There’s still time I suppose. It’s only a 6 hour drive from me. Want to go? 😉
I’m so right with you on this!!! I keep waking up every morning hoping it was all just a dream. Hillary wasn’t perfect but WOW! REALLY?!?! I can’t even begin to understand how people were still on the fence up until election day. I will pray for this administration, peace, justice, and equality for all. Good luck on the women’s march, too!
I don’t understand how people were on the fence either. Mind blowing.
So concerned about what will happen too. Hopefully it won’t be as bad and we all think!
I’m so hopeful! Time will tell.
I’ve been holding my breath since the fall and I just hope and pray that everything will somehow be okay. Hugs and prayers my friend!
It’s been a rough ride for many. Here’s hoping everyone can get along and we continue to make forward progress! Hugs to you, too.
I agree it is CRAZY that we are here. I have plenty of concerns. I’m buckling in for a wild ride and trying to keep an open mind. Hate is not the answer.
Hate is absolutely not the answer. And did you see that 100 people were arrested for protesting (somewhat violently) at inauguration today? Not cool!!
I’m buckling in, too. Here we go…
Lots of hugs to you today and going forward. I had a friend who ran with the group of women running to the march and I am so proud of her. I was also so touched when she texted me today to say she wishes I was there with her. It would have been an honor to be a part of it.
I absolutely understand your concerns. They are valid, and I truly hope they prove to go unrealized.
Betsy DeVos would be a huge mistake, and I don’t know that I want to be in a world where she is confirmed as the best choice for anything.
I pride myself on my neutrality. I appreciate productive disagreement and the sharing of opinions. I don’t want anyone to fail. No one wins that way. I live in an area that swings very much the opposite of where I sit on the political spectrum and it is hard, because I don’t really have anyone to talk to about my own concerns (my husband and I disagree about politics, and it’s tough to have a good conversation about it), so I understand staying quiet. Sometimes, you just can’t. The big positive I see in all this is that for those who are so angry and horrified and upset, perhaps it will mean a renewed interest in politics and voting. I think maybe people will see that their participation and education on the issues DOES matter, and that we can change things we don’t like. In the past week, I have already sent emails and made phone calls regarding things I want stopped (DeVos, I’m looking at you). In the past, I might have shrugged it off and assumed someone else would have reached out, but not anymore.
Be well. Be safe. Be strong.
Oh that’s amazing, I read about that group!
I agree, I don’t want anyone to fail either. Especially when it comes to policy and the presidency. If he fails, we all fail. The best way is to have open lines of communication. Unfortunately it does not look like that’s the direction we’re headed but I truly hope I’m wrong.
Hi there, I just wanted to wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
I am far from politically active. I feel like our political system is unbelievably broken. I was shocked that Trump was elected, and I agree with all of your concerns. However, I do take some solace in the fact that the US President isn’t really as powerful as most people think. Most of the changes / power is in Congress.
For me, the most devastating thing about Trump being our president is public {world} perception. “How did the US suddenly become the laughingstock of the world?” That is what is most troubling to me. I don’t really think that the world will end, and, in 4 years, we probably won’t be too far off from where we are today – policy-wise. But that public perception thing again…. And that people think it’s OK now to do hate crimes… smh
And, seriously, shut. down. his. Twitter!! No president in American history hasn’t been complained about. It’s part of the job. Stop being so sensitive about every single negative comment and start acting like a president (which I’m not really sure is possible).
Thanks for your honest post. 🙂
Yes to the Twitter… come on, man! Grow a pair and deal with criticism. You’d think he’d be used to this by now!
I wasn’t particularly happy with either candidate, but I can only hope that good changes will be made over the next four years.
I think we’re in for a wild ride. It will be interesting to see how this all pans out.
I agree with many of your concerns. Sometimes I actually ask myself how could this be real! We have to keep moving forward and to work as hard as we can to bring about positive change!
It will be an interesting administration, that’s for sure!
[…] forget (I mentioned this on Friday) — I’m in the midst of categorizing my recipes so if you can’t find something […]
I am legitimately scared about some of the things he’ll do (and he’s already started)…
whoever believed he will actually care about things that affect the poor and middle-class will have a rough awakening.
Meh… I’m speechless. The ridiculousness that has already ensued since I first drafted this post on Thursday evening… I can’t even…
I think the election demonstrated how fed up citizens are with government right down to local elections. I have never seen so much hatred & violence then I have seen in the last 10 years. It seems to get worse each year. The behavior in Maryland/California/Missouri to name a few. it is like America is no different than other countries. Violence is wrong. Period. I can pray ( if it is politically correct) that citizens will be the change. Looking to government to do our thinking is not working.
I haven’t seen much violence but I have seen a lot of protesting. Citizens will absolutely be the change. I think we’re already seeing it and I’m certain we will see more of it to come. And no matter how we get there, it will be a huge turning point for our country. A turning point we haven’t seen in 50 years! Historical if nothing else.