If I look at what’s happening as a reality show, it’s hilarious. Trump’s transition team in disarray. Trump declaring that everything is fine and that only he knows who the finalists (for the cabinet positions) are. Many months ago, I suggested we declare him Trump of Trumponia, set in Scranton, where he can sit on a golden throne and rule over his Trumpettes with a golden scepter. People laughed, but I was being half-serious. I’ve known since almost the beginning that he doesn’t really want to be president because it’s a fucking tough job. The daily news that he wants this person for a position, then that person, then, oh no, that person declined, or, no, not that person is gobsmacking. They are the Keystone Kops of politics, and, as I said, if this were a reality show, I’d be laughing my flat yellow ass off.
However. This is reality, minus the show, and it’s horrifying. This is the team that’s going to take over the presidency? We’re going from PBO to THIS? I’ve been stuck in denial for the past several days because my brain simply refuses to believe this is actually happening. The last week has been surreal, and I desperately want it to be just a dream. A nightmare. And from which I’d like to wake up.
One thing I’d like to suggest is that we all slow our roll on the rumors of whom Trump is appointing to what position. Unless it’s already been officially stated, we don’t know what the hell he’s going to do because he doesn’t know what the hell he’s going to do. So, while it’s understandable to get riled up over possibilities such as Rudy Giuliani as Secretary of State or AG, it’s not productive until he’s actually appointed. I’m not saying not to protest or start gathering our resources because we only have two months, but save the outrage for actual events–not just reports and rumors.
I have my doubts as to whether Trump will actually make it to the inauguration. He’s out of his depth, and I have a hunch that he realizes it. His defensive tweets show it. His staff doubling down on ‘everything’s fine’ shows it, too. Every time he opens his mouth, he shows his ignorance. PBO has realized it as well and is spending more time with Trump than a president usually does with his successor.
Side note to Chuck Schumer, the newly appointed Minority Leader: If you throw people of color under the bus, I’m done with the Democratic Party. He’s saying there’s dissension in the party as to whether to go for the Obama coalition or the blue-collar heartland coalition, and I just want to punch him in the throat. First of all, it’s not an either/or situation. You can reach out to the Obama coalition (shorthand for PoC and other marginalized groups) and the blue-collar heartland (shorthand for whites) simultaneously! I know it’s possible because Candidate Obama did it–and I wrote about it before. Also, the two groups aren’t discrete and there is much crossover. Secondly, Obama won two presidential elections pretty decisively. It would behoove the Democratic Party to study what he did and adapt his tactics for themselves. Third, marginalized people have been loyal to the Democratic Party for a fucking long time. If the Democratic Party chooses to repay us by shoving us in the back of the bus again, then I’m done.
Democrats always learn the wrong lessons–always. It’s why we end up in the wilderness for such a long time. Candidate Obama was an exceptional candidate, yes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find other quality candidates as well. If the Democrats choose to throw away years of progress in a misguided attempt to woo ‘heartland’, then I will walk away until they come to their senses. I’m not going to vote Republican, of course, but it’ll be the last straw for me.
The safety pin brouhaha. I’m over it. I’m not against it, but I’m not wedded to the idea, either. The thing is, if you’re going to wear it, you have to make sure that it’s not an end in and of itself. Don’t just put it on and think, “I’ve done what I need to do.” You have to be sure you’re ready to handle whatever might come your way, including violence. If not, and there’s no shame in it, then don’t wear it. Part of the problem is that in a bad situation, the victim doesn’t have the luxury to think about who’s safe and who isn’t. If you’re going to approach a situation, make sure you identify what you’re trying to do and more importantly, ask if your assistance is wanted. In addition, I’m seeing a lot of people talk about how they put the pin on and go around nodding at other people wearing them. Don’t let it become a way to congratulate yourself and others for being good people.
I want to say, though, don’t listen too hard to naysayers. I mean, hear what they have to say, but also realize that there will always be people who think anything being done is not enough. Especially on the internet. It’s really easy to get overwhelmed with the negativity, which then might make you think that you shouldn’t do anything at all. I saw someone post on Facebook about her frustration at trying to do anything to show support, only to be told not to take it personally and to shut up, basically. I said that do what you think is right in your heart, and I still believe that. Decide what you’re going to do; fully commit to it; ignore the haters. I think it’s good to listen to the qualms from people in marginalized groups, but realize that we’re not a monolith. What works for one person won’t work for another.
I know this is something I’ve been harping on for the past few days, but it’s really irritating to watch liberals constantly cutting each other down. Whether it’s misplaced anger or a sense of superiority or both, I’m tired of it. I’m going to say something harsh that people don’t like to hear: You. Are. Not. Always. Right. I am not always right, either. No one is always right. It’s OK to say you don’t know or to walk away and think about things. Some people have lost their shit since the election, and not in the completely understandable ways.
It’s hard when your worldview shatters. Because of the election, I have no idea what’s going to happen next in America. If we are capable of electing him, then we’re capably of pretty much anything. Now, understand, I knew this on a subconscious level, but you can’t function every day if you don’t take some things for granted. That’s why people flipping their shits is understandable, but some of it isn’t helpful. I know it’s not up to me, but I want people to take care of themselves. I would suggest to everyone to limit their social media intake. Having a constant feed of negativity to the brain isn’t helpful. It’s OK to take a break. It’s OK to feel better for a bit. It’s OK to escape. The world will still be there when you return, and Donald Trump is still going to be president.