WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS (a guest post)

Full-Time Life is almost always a blog about our happy space.    Each time I write a post (and each time Bill proofreads and adds the important facts that I've forgotten), we're reminded of how many things we have to be grateful for.   But lately because of what is happening politically here in our beautiful country, I've had a hard time focusing on 'happy, happy'.  At this point, when I'm so worried, it almost seems dishonest to keep posting only happy stuff, especially to OUR WORLD.  

My blog friend Penny, who blogs at Life on The Cutoff, usually writes about family, books, flowers, gardening, travel ....some of  the same kinds of things I do (only she does it better).   Then,  a couple of weeks ago, I read her post called 'We Are Better Than This.'   It was beautiful writing (as hers always is), but even better it made me feel good to know  I wasn't the only blogger who feels the way I do.    

Because I can't express my thoughts anywhere near as well, I wrote to ask Penny if I could re-blog her post and she graciously agreed.   It's not my "regular programming"  but it tells you pretty much exactly how I'm feeling here in Our World these days!  

 

    Here are Penny's words:

 

 We are better than this

Saturday, March 5, 2016 by lifeonthecutoff

I needed to clear my head. Hours in front of the computer screen, working on several projects with impending deadlines, too much caffeine and campaign noise were holding me captive, wearing me down. I needed to chew on some thoughts and digest them. I headed out into the crisp, sunny afternoon, a list of errands penciled every-which-way on the back of an envelope.

With piles of books just about everywhere, I really did not need another, however, when it comes to books, want has always trumped need and there was one book I wanted which was on a shelf of the Thomas Ford Library in Western Springs. A quick internet check of my inter-libary loan catalogue showed the book at this library, which was on my route. This Western Springs Library is a lovely, Lannon stone structure with an exemplary staff. It sits on a busy corner, surrounded by trees and embodies all a public library should be.

I parked my car a block away, had a nice stroll to the heavy wooden door, found the book, perused the sale cart (but did not succumb), and headed back out the door towards my car. Something caught my eye.

A feather and a Q.

I have endeavored, in the 6 1/2 years of rambles here on the Cutoff, to write of nature, books, family, friends, good deeds, bits and bobs of life. I have purposefully stayed away from political positing and views. In the course of time, you, dear reader, have come to visit me here. You come from near and from far. You are family and friends I have known for a very long time, and friends I am just now meeting. You are from Down Under and Across the Big Pond, and so many places in between –  and you all matter to me.

All Americans are not what you see in the news these days. If some of the political rhetoric you are seeing and hearing is troubling to you, it should be. It is to me as well. Discourse is healthy and part and parcel where free speech is championed. What I, and perhaps you, are hearing these days is something different.

Rhetoric of hate and blame has been used before in history. The stirring up of crowds who are unsatisfied for whatever reason and willing to blame”others” has led us down some of our darkest hours in history.

 

 

A political candidate, whose opening salvo is to immediately forge a wall between neighboring nations and brand a culture as rapists and murderers, shows a glimpse into the character of that candidate. Demeaning comments about women is not a trait I seek in a presidential candidate. From locker room language profanity, to base innuendoes of genitals, this is not the mark of a statesman. Threats and innuendoes of how things will be done, who will cow-tow down to his orders, is not what I look for when I cast my vote and it is not what I hope for my children and grandchildren, my country, and for yours.

Campaign rallies have always been raucous events and a place for protestors, but the outlandish, dangerous taunting that is meant to incite from the podium by a presidential candidate leaves me fearful and alarmed for our common good.

In a place in time when we are working to halt bullying in our young, how do we explain to our children this man, a contender for the office of the President of the United States, who has bullied workers, businesses, war heroes, reporters, women, and the men and woman he has been running against, that bullying is not allowed. How do we make a country safe when such a candidate shouts from the podium for security to go ahead and beat up a protester and that he, himself, will pay their legal fees – or even proclaim he would like to punch someone in the mouth?

It was seeing the feather and the Q that brought me to this point where I need to say what I need to say. I am embarrassed and I am appalled. We are better than this. American is better than this. Our political parties are better than this.

The letter Q and the quill have long symbolized mankind’s ability to write.  It is fitting to be on a public library, where we can freely read what is written. I thought of this, of the freedoms we have, of the power of the pen and of a candidate whose security staff bowled down a photographer. Other photographers and journalists were right there, recording it in their varied professions.  This candidate has implied, in what I deem a loosely veiled threat, that if he is president, he will change all this – and more.

I think not. I wasn’t trumped when I went looking for a book, and I pray we will not be trumped by a bully.

Birds will keep flying and quills will fall  – and we are better than this.

 *****

 Thank you again Penny for allowing me to post this.   For all of you, here is the link again to LIFE ON THE CUTOFF.    It is always worth visiting!!

Sharing my reblog of Penny's thoughtful post  with OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY (hosted by Lady Fi,  Gattina, Arija, Sandy, Sylvia, and Jenn.)  Thank you as always.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Joe Todd]

thanks for the post...needs to be said over and over

[Margot @ Joyfully Retired]

Hi Sallie,

I'm so glad you visited my blog today. It was nice to see you there in my comments section. It reminded me that it's been too long since I've been over here seeing what you are up to. I am so happy to see all your gorgeous photos and read your happy comments.

And then, to read this re-blogged post - well, it made my day. Its so good to know that I'm not alone in how I feel about the current political nonsense. I too get scared by what I'm reading and seeing. But, I agree with Penny when she says WE are better than this. I am hoping that WE, the level heads, will prevail and we'll make it past this current fear.

Again, thanks for visiting me. I'll try to visit more often.

[Debbie]

i got caught up in the politics of this post sally and forgot to say...try to be happy!! enjoy your sunday!!!

[Annie]

I'm sorry to see Sallie you are so moved by the events (but I understand it !). Of course american people "are better than this !" but some of them, like numerous ones in other countries (France by exemple !) prefer always simple solutions to difficult problems. Times are hard and it's a pity to see what happens here and there. Amitiés to you and to all "better than this" american people.

[Pete]

Good stuff. Look at the Senate and House Races. Flipping the republicans out

[Penny]

Thank you, again, for posting this, Sallie, and thank you all for your kind words and for your thoughtful responses. Here is to good outcomes and spring! Penny

[Chandra@GreenComotion]

Hi Sallie,
Thanks for posting this content.
Our great country has seen this and worse and has succeeded.
I trust America will overcome this nonsensical obstacle as well.
Have a Happy Day!
Peace :)

[Yogi]

It is a great post and I'm afraid that those who need to read it won't. I wish I could figure a way out of the dilemma the US is in but I can't.

[Alexa T]

Dear Sallie,
I came to say to you, a happy Spring filled with good thoughts of well! I love your comment on my post! In the quest to achieve what it is called happiness, I guess that your mom knew the most valuable aspects...
A Happy and optimistic Springtime!

[Debbie]

i enjoyed this entry, reading her thoughts and perspective. she seems to be an eloquent writer. i don't write about politics, i am not sure i even know how i feel or am educated enough to do so. many thanks to both of you!!!!

[Florence]

While I am appalled at the circus that has been the Republican primary contest, I remind myself that this represents only a small fraction of one political party. It does not represent the majority of Americans. I'm really sorry that the Republicans are doing this to themselves but the election that counts is in November.

[diane]

It sure is scary what is happening in your country. We have compulsory voting in our country. It is a shame you don't because I'm sure all the people that he has verbally abused like the Latinos, muslims, african Americans and women would surely not vote for him.

[LaVoice]

Things are in such terrible condition now. I try to keep my mouth shut when it comes politic or religion. Very well done presentation.

[NatureFootstep]

thanks to both of you :)

[tomthebackroadstraveller]

...but are we? I would like to think so!

[Martha Z]

Thank you for re-posting this, it is beautifully written.

[Dianne]

I'm feeling chipper today with the great weather, so I could not read your friend's post. YES, WE NEED CHANGE. However, no matter what our little lives continue in this beautiful country. My friend who works for the local election board said it best...no one can wreck this country in four years, not Bill, not Hillary and certainly not Trump.

Remember, Worry and Guilt are two useless emotions. Don't indulge them, and don't try to clean up the wreckage of the future.

[Gattina]

I am happy to read that there are also normal and responsible Americans, because people voting for such a mentally handicapped person like Trump must be very narrow minded and stupid !

[Clair Z.]

Thank you so much for posting this. This is one of those moments in history where we need to stand up and say what Penny is saying. I will share this with as many people as I can.

I just hope that goodness prevails in our country, but I am appalled at how many people believe that Trump is speaking for them. Even in my gentle knitting group where we try to avoid politics, there are people who are very, very angry at those they perceive as "the others." It frightens me to hear what lies just under the surface of those I believed to be both kind and good.

[Amy]

well said, from where I sit blame has been going on all over the world throughout history, everyone has done it unfortunately with politicians I tend to think they don't differ much from each other.

[Al]

I agree wholeheartedly. Trump is a disgusting candidate, and his support is partly an indication of how bad all this year's candidates are.

[JennJilks]

We are shocked internationally about Trumpeters.

[Sondra-SC]

Wonderful words!!
YES Mam! I feel exactly the same way....I haven't said much either on my blog for I lost a total of 5 blog friends in 2008 when I campaigned for Obama on my blog...surprised me to know I had so many Bigots reading my blog back then! I actually changed blogging venues after that and found a great group of people who I admire and I think we are aligned in our thinking. OUR votes must put this man where he belongs I sincerely hope that the quiet ones of us who haven't said much will speak VERY loudly at the polls in Nov!

[Linda]

Standing ovation!!!

Linda

[Lowell]

Me again. Boy, are you and I on the same page! Leonard Cohen was my poetic muse...and I like to think my poetry and songs resemble, in some way, his poems and songs. If you haven't read my poetry book, you can get it at Amazon and it's quite inexpensive ("Perched on the Edge")...I'd love to know what you think of it.

I'm planning to post a video of Cohen singing "Anthem," the song with the line, "...there is a crack in everything, that's ow the light gets in" on L & L Photography in a few days.

Take good care of yourself. You're one of the good people!

[Lowell]

Fantastic! This should be spread far and wide. I think, in spite of the media, that many people feel as does Penny. Unfortunately, Trump has a lot of support among certain groups, and I'm afraid he's let the cat out of the bag and we're going to have to deal with more fascists and would-be dictators in the future.

[Mama Zen]

Standing and applauding!

[Penny]

Thank you, Salllie, for your kind words and your thoughts - and for sharing my post. I am in awe of all the responses, from near and from far. They give me hope and a more global view of what is happening here and abroad and of the universal concerns that such rhetoric and actions cause.

To all of you who have so thoughtfully commented, I truly appreciate your words and your measured, thoughtful, reasoned and heartfelt content. Thank you. I truly believe we are all better than this.

Penny

[Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow]

She is certainly quite the writer ; I shall visit her blog, thank you:)

[Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers]

Absolutely. Donald Trump is all those things and more. But I don't think this is just an American thing; I think Trump represents everything that is wrong with the world right now.

[Penelope Puddlisms]

Penny is an excellent writer and I am glad to have discovered her here on your site. I have to say that one of the many disturbing things about this political season in the US is that the GOP front runner has the audacity to focus on someone’s ears, height and level of perspiration rather than articulate his issues intelligently. Such rude/hurtful personal remarks would be condemned in a school playground let alone a race for the president on the United States. Even his youngest son probably knows better. What confuses me is that this grown adolescent man has gotten this far. Sad.

[Gaelyn]

Wow, Penny said it well. I think many of us are struggling with the political disasters being broadcast across our waves. Such violence is deplorable. And yet I hold hope for the sharp contrast of change for the people by the people just across the isle. Thank you for sharing this.

[Ramblingwoods]

I am a political junkie...don't get me started

[Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti]

Sallie your friend writes beautifully and I share her views. I am not that far way from my struggling ancestors that came to this country for freedom and opportunity. It was a hard life for them but they made my life better and I've seen my children thrive even more. Why would we deny this for others? I am still optimistic that our country will survive and grow, even if it is interrupted by a bad president along the way. We've had them in the past, and then a great one will come along. I will certainly make sure I vote and make a good choice when the time comes!

[Carver]

Thank you for posting this. I've tried to tune out the hateful rhetoric of this election season but it's scary that the people yelling T---- will still be around after the election no matter who wins. John Oliver did a great piece which included a bit about how T---- makes fun of other people who changed their family name at some point but he doesn't own up to his family name which had been changed from Drumpf (some generations ago) to T---p. It's helps me to think Drumpf, Drumpf . . . every time I hear the other name.

[artmusedog and carol]

Well written and posing many thoughts of people in the USA ~ I think you will find that it will play itself out and' we will be better than this' ~ truth will out and I hope soon ~

Happy Week to you ~ ^_^

[DeniseinVA]

Thank you Sallie for sharing this post. Penny said it all didn't she? Such an eloquent lady!

[Reader Wil]

I meant of course "I sincerely hope that the clown with the yellow hairis NOT going to represent the entire American population

[Reader Wil]

I admire president Obama. He is such a worthy gentleman. I sincerely hope that the clown with the yellow hair is going to represent the entire American population, for the majority is much better and wiser.
Wil, ABCW Team.

[fun60]

It is good to hear the views of an American opposing such racial opinions. Let us hope many more Americans share your view and make their vote count.

[Photo Cache]

Thank you Sallie for sharing with us these beautiful thoughts. Her writing is wonderful. I wish I could write this way :)

[Eileen]

Hello, Sallie! We are better than this, I am surprised just how far it is going too and how many Americans are so supportive. I am scared and worried for our country. Thank you for sharing this post. Wishing you a happy week ahead!

[David Gascoigne]

The thing that stuns those of us who live in other countries is the fact that he can garner so much support. Whether the Republican establishment likes it or not, he has pretty much hijacked their party now, and that means a whole lot of people are supporting Trump and voting for him. Do you see the rabid fervour at his rallies? Put a Nazi flag behind the stage and paint a little mustache on him and the image of Hitler comes very readily to mind. It is a sobering thought that the United Sates can produce a candidate like this, who now has a fair shot at going all the way to the White House.

[HAZEL]

We have equal-but different-political worries in the UK. The world seems to have changed completely in recent years.....

[Lady Fi]

I'm so glad to hear this. It's so frightening to hear the rhetoric of hate and bigotry coming from the US at the moment (I'm referring to Trump here)...

[Bob]

Superb Sallie.