As time has passed since the 2020 presidential election, I’ve often wondered what is happening with us and our politics. I really thought that after the previous four years and the departure of the former president that our civility and sanity would be restored. Whoa; was I wrong!
It almost seems as if many of the citizenry value allegiance to political parties more than what is actually good for the nation. To even suggest that we consider the well-being of fellow citizens is out of the question given the selfishness and greed on display by voters and the politicians. It’s all “what’s good for me; I got mine; screw you.”
The poison brought about by slavish devotion to parties and political ideologies saddens and scares me. I do value and understand that there are potentially viable alternatives to organizing our society and the role of government, but I reject out of hand the outright contempt and vitriol shown by many toward competing ideas. What, after all, is America other than a petri dish for an immigrant population since its founding?
The continued dysfunction and dishonesty that characterize our politics defy belief. Where are the “country first” conservatives? Hatred for Democrats and obsequity toward Trump seems to dictate Republican actions whether it is going along with the “stolen election” charade or rewriting state election laws.
There is a deafening silence about the atrocities and sedition that took place during the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Those who voted for Trump in 2016 and again in 2020 bristle when asked if they have any “buyers’ remorse.” Apparently the ends justify the means for them; they will take the short term gains without concern for damage done to the country and democracy. It’s not their problem.
Make no mistake about it. The present dysfunction and contempt for truth are a legacy of the previous administration and the ongoing efforts of the former president to keep things stirred up for his own personal gain. Almost every day there are new and credible revelations about corruption during the Trump administration.