How could this a-hole get elected president again? Why can't the good guys win for a change? Now I just sound like I'm whining.
My goodness, for all the excitement, hope, joy, happiness and expectations around Kamala's run, for it to just lay like a wet turd last night was very surprising. Even more surprising (or maybe not), is how many people in this country are willing to vote for a convicted felon, adjudicated rapist, known racist, proven misogynist, and all the other -ists that that a-hole is known to be.
I keep catching myself thinking, "we did it once, we're gonna do it again and be OK at the end of 4 years." But this time, he has no guardrails, no parents in the room to guide him. He has a bunch of yes men and women ready to do his bidding. And he has presidential immunity and a conservative leaning Supreme Court to back him up also.
And then, best case scenario, he dies or his mind continues to deteriorate and he has to step down, only to be hit with the worst case scenario, JDV steps in and assumes the mantle. Younger, smarter, just as awful, and all the pieces in place.
Just the worst people at the worst possible time.
I went to bed knowing the outcome, after staying up to read and watch. Marci went to bed a little earlier; I think she knew what was gonna happen, but it wasn't confirmed yet. I woke up today to her holding me and crying because she finally got confirmation that TFG won. She's scared and upset for women's rights, both in general and health related. She's upset that so many people voted for someone so awful. And she's scared for the future of our kids and all the youngins.
Today at work, it's just been "get through the day." Everyone's a little off, myself included. I talked to the kids here, Ruthie and Chelsea, and they are definitely not happy. Brooke is also mad, but she took most of the day off to self-soothe/run errands.
I've been checking in on friends and Marci and the kids. Everyone is doing their best, but we all have this ominous cloud hanging over our heads. The way I see it is that we will likely be OK, but there is this giant unknown quantity that is yet to happen.
Will Haley's health be affected? Will Marci's? What about Riley's future? Nieces and nephews? What about our healthcare? Or retirement? Will prices of necessities increase? I feel like we're finally stabilizing and now what? Higher prices?
How will someone like Austin, or shoot, Hay or Riley, afford a home in the future? How will any of these young millennials or gen Z manage to get ahead? It was already bad, now it's likely going to get worse?
I'm feeling like I need to at least get off Twitter for a spell. I like to stay informed, but I am spending too much time hitting refresh to get any new nuggets. Or, maybe I stay on until January and then jump off. I just don't know. There has to be a better way.
I like to be optimistic but I'm also realistic. I am not 100% freaking out, but I am concerned. Haley's been reaching out, I think she's really concerned as well. I am happy to see she is staying informed and learning, but I just wish she could do her thing and just "be." Since 2020, it's been so challenging for her either at school or at work. Most recently it's been money and time related. Too much time working to try to make money to pay for school and stuff. And now this election? It never ends.
Riley may be concerned, but he hasn't really said much via text. I think he is pretty even keeled and he may be the touchpoint for his friends at school. He's an ally and a good bellweather for what's going on. Assuming he has the knowledge to be informed and support.
For now, I want to stay informed, support Marci and the kids, and see what happens. I refuse to assume the worst will happen (naivety, defense mechanism, call it what you will), so I will cross that bridge when I get to it. It's weird being in this position. We are the USA. Things happen, we move past it and persevere. But this has never happened before, esp with this democracy, so will we persevere? Stay tuned.
