In 2000, when George W. Bush was "elected" by the Supreme Court, I despaired and saw it as a failure of government, In 2004, I again despaired but got my Italian citizenship and then moved to Vermont, jokingly telling people I could walk to Canada if necessary. Again, though, I saw 2004 as a failure of the political process (remember Karl Rove's shenanigans on election day?).
This morning, I suddenly realized how frightened I have become. I turn on cable news by habit (bad habit) early every AM because I care about what is going on and haven't given up. Every channel, every minute, every hour: Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump! Why? Why did the MSM not cover Bernie's new immigration plan and his proposals for climate change - both seen as thorough and comprehensive in the print articles I read in the Burlington Free Press.
Why? I'll tell you why. This is no longer a failure of the government or the political process. This is a failure of our democratic society. We as a people have been complacent, pleasure and entertainment driven, and focused primarily on our "consumer" desires. WE HAVE NOT PAID ATTENTION! We have not paid attention while our democratic process and the very fabric of our society have been eroded by the encroachment of powerful corporate and oligarchical forces.
This election is our last chance. I cannot see a government headed by any of the Republican candidates or by Hillary Clinton as in any way able or willing to try to slow the process. In fact, I see all of them, Hillary included, as poised to abet and benefit from what is happening. Bernie is a small ray of hope and, I'm sorry to say, I do consider him a small ray.
I should say that I know I am not the only one who has figured this out and, even though many words have been written, I just had to put my thoughts out there. I also need to say that I have never let fear control me (except for snakes). I WILL continue to fight - even though it is a desperate and likely losing battle. It's trite to state, but nonetheless true, our democracy is at stake.
