 |
| "we get the government we deserve." |
"what did he just say?"
"he said there's a storm coming."
"...i know."
***********
no matter how it goes in the coming election, it seems unlikely to go well for america.
one of the presumptive nominees is an obvious, vulgar train wreck ~ a train loaded with anger and racism and misogyny and insolence. he is unfit to represent a cesspit, let alone a country that loudly proclaims "exceptionalism."
but by now there's no doubt he represents millions.
the other flaunts a remarkable résumé ~ the arc of her career is fraught with achievement and qualifications. but in important ways she seems less a democrat and more a corporate proxy. her carefully calculated public persona does not inspire and she is not easy to trust. when epitomizing "the leader of the free world," these are not qualities that leap to mind.
it seems impossible that the former could even be nominated, let alone win the presidency. but the closer we get to november, the more ominous and destructive that prospect becomes.
it seems impossible that the latter is the best a "progressive" party ~ representing the better angels and higher aspirations of our national community ~ could offer up in opposition.
no matter who wins, the losing side will pursue a scorched earth policy to cripple the victor. no matter who wins, years of escalating social and political fracture will follow.
as one who grew up believing in an america where "...the poor are not oppressed and the rich are not privileged," it's tempting to say, "we're better than this."
that sentiment is increasingly difficult to believe.
No comments:
Post a Comment