Friday, January 20, 2017

Taking a Stand

Today was the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States of America.  I did not watch it, refused to watch it.  I have since read that it was a very negative, hateful and dismal speech given by "him".  But I read this essay below and it pretty much sums up my feelings on the matter.  

I am pledging that I will not stand idly by while others are persecuted in this country.  I will speak up and not fold under or put blinders on when injustices occur.

I've been wearing my Pussyhat when I've gone out running errands and will continue to do so.  I will be supporting the Women's March tomorrow.  

((hugs)), Teresa :-) 




Let the Record Show

Let the record show that I did not consent to this.

Let it show that I did not vote for this man, that he did not represent me, that I did not believe he was deserving of being here, that I grieved his ascension.

Let History record my objection to him, to the ways humiliated women and vilified Muslims and threatened protestors and disregarded people of color.

Let it record my repulsion at his tremendous cruelty, his lack of compassion, his contempt for dissension, his absence of simple decency.

Let witnesses mark down my disgust at the way he boasted of infidelity, at how he ridiculed a disabled reporter, at the way he attacked female opponents for their appearance, at the way he marginalized immigrants.

Let it be remembered that I did not look the other way when women accused him of assault, when the reality of his Russian alliances came to light, when he refused to share his tax records—though large portions of the American media and its people chose to.  

Let it be remembered that I did not buy into the fear that he perpetuated of those with brown skin or hijabs or foreign birthplaces. 

Let the record show that I looked on with disbelief as he spent countless early morning and middle-of-the-night hours following the election on social media, broadcasting a steady stream of petulant, insecure, incoherent messages instead of preparing to do a job he was ill-equipped for and seemingly not all that interested in.

Let the record show that I watched him assemble a Cabinet of billionaires and bigots, of people woefully unqualified to steward our children, our safety, our healthcare, our financial stability—and that I was horrified by it all.

Let it be remembered that my faith would not allow me to fall in line behind this man while so many professed religious people did; that I saw nothing resembling Jesus in him, and that to declare him Christian would have been to toss aside everything I grew up believing faith in Christ manifested in a life.  

Let History record my grieving at the racism and bigotry and homophobia that characterized his campaign, marked his supporters, and is evident in his assembling Administration.

Let it be known that I was one of the more than 65 million people who voted for Hillary Clinton; who understood that though flawed, she was an intelligent, experienced, passionate public servant with the temperament, commitment, and qualifications to lead and lead well. 

Let the record show that I greatly lamented the day of his inauguration, and that I promised to join together with other good people to loudly resist and oppose every unscrupulous, dangerous, unjust and dishonest act this new Administration engages in. 

History has been littered with horrible people who did terrible things with power, because too many good people remained silent. And since my fear is that we are surely entering one of those periods in our story, I wanted to make sure that I was recorded for posterity:

I do not believe this man is normal.

I do not believe he is emotionally stable.

I do not believe he cares about the full, beautiful diversity of America.

I do not believe he respects women.

I do not believe he is pro-life other than his own.

I do not believe the sick and the poor and the hurting matter to him in the slightest.
I do not believe he is a man of faith or integrity or nobility.

I do not believe his concern is for anything outside his reflection in the mirror.

I believe he is a danger to our children.

I believe he is a threat to our safety.

I believe he is careless with our people.

I believe he is reckless with his power.

I believe America will be less secure, less diverse, less compassionate, and less decent under his leadership.

And if I prove to be wrong, it will be one of the most joyful errors of my life. I will own these words and if necessary, willingly and gladly admit my misjudgment because it will mean that America is a better and stronger nation, and the world a more peaceful place.

But right now I don’t see that happening. 

Right now I am worried for my country, concerned for our planet, scared for the future of my children, and greatly saddened that 62 million Americans seem okay with all of this.

Let the record show that I was not okay with it.


Not at all.

25 comments:

  1. It's heartening to know that so many good people are standing up for what is right. Sending you a hug on this difficult and dark day. CJ xx

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  2. Good for you for standing up for what you believe in. I am sure the whole world will be watching developments with interest, I know I shall. Take care.

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  3. Hello Teresa, Sending you hugs - I feel for you so much. I have felt your pain through your blog ever since 'he' was elected.
    I remember when Barack Obama was sworn in. It was all televised for many hours and I watched every hour and felt tearful.
    I had vowed to watch none of today's events - it seemed to have not been as widely covered. In the end I saw a little of 'his' speech-on the evening news, it was not pleasant. I felt tearful for different reasons!!! Barack Obama and his wife looked so dignified. I feel it is a sad, dark day in the history of the US and the rest of the world.
    Take care Teresa. x

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  4. So sorry to hear you are sad. You should rejoice that we live in a free country where we have a true democracy. Take care. Pat

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  5. I am with you all the way. I did not watch one second of the fiasco that is now our president and our current government. I will stand up to all of the hate. Your are the best Teresa.

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  6. I am always interested in what blog pals have to say and why. It is a challenging time for our country. I pray for us.

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  7. Thank you for taking a stand, for all the reasons outlined in that eloquent essay. I'm not okay with it, either. Sad day for our country.
    My television is silent today. I'm art making, which always calms my mind and gives me focus.

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  8. I did listen to the speech, and it was not nearly as bad as the media portrays it to be. He talked about how we need to be united. He said that regardless of our race, we all bleed the same color. The pain of others in our country is our pain. "We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny." From what the news says, one would think he was terrible, but he wasn't.

    I made a point of going to all the candidate's speeches--Democrat and Republican. And I voted third party. I don't trust Trump, but I do believe this was one of his better speeches.

    In any case, I too hope it all works out. Thanks for sharing your views, and all the best.

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  9. Thumbs up to you. We must resist.

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    1. yes, like Keith Olbermann says "resist, peace"

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  10. Although I have not watched the inauguration of many of the presidents in my lifetime, I felt compelled to watch the ceremonies today, and I am glad I did. I am so grateful our past living presidents who were able to, attended the event and made an effort to exchange handshakes, and sometimes hugs with the incoming president. It is amazing to live in a country where it is possible for opposing sides to unite to pass leadership from one to another in a civil and peaceful manner by rule of law. I am also so grateful to live in a country where we have freedom of speech, and are free to express our concerns as you and others are in this post and comments. While I can understand why some have judged President Trump's speech as negative, I heard him express desire that we the people of the USA will be in control of our country and can make it an even greater country. I love and respect you and Dayle and your family, Teresa. Thank you for your friendship. xx

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    1. I like you watched, listened and believe working together will move us forward toward a better country. If we stomp our feet and act like children we will be treated like children. I would expect more from adults. President Trump, Obama, Bush, Carter & The Clinton's all showed today that our country is much more than the sum of it's parts. America is great and can be even better if we all pull together.

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  11. I and the fast majority of intelligent americans are right there with you on this. I'm waiting for the minority of misguided americans who put there hope and trust in that con-artist to wake up....and they will very shortly. When it all starts falling apart. It's time to Make America Think Again!!!

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  12. Thanks for sharing this, Teresa. We are not in this fight alone. He truly has no mandate and as long as we support each other and don't give up, he cannot turn America into ameriKKKa. XOXO

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  13. I was a little worried to read that you're wearing your "pussy hat" as a protest. Was relieved to see the hat has cat's ears(and not another part of anatomy). I listened to the speech you avoided (the way I avoided Obama's) and think the new President stated goals many Americans want to see achieved.

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  14. Thanks for taking the time & effort to write this. I SO totally agree with you. Did the Women's March in San Diego today & I can only hope that SOMETHING GOOD comes out of this. We have to remember, good overcomes evil.....sooner or later!

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  15. Thank Teresa! Agree, agree, agree! More power to strong women and the men who support them/us!
    This writing you share (thank you) are my thoughts to a tee!
    Little Donnie will NOT be able to deny the protest numbers today even though he is now fighting over his low inaugural turn-out. Oh yes...everyone lies but him.

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  16. Thanks for sharing that essay, Teresa. Lots of folks turned out here for the Women's March, including our daughter, her friend and some others we know. I was there in spirit thanks to a long scheduled choir workshop.

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  17. I'm feeling sad for your and your country. ((Hugs)) You look cute in that pussycat hat.

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  18. Teresa .. twice in the last 12 months I have awoken to unbelievable news. The United Kingdom leaving The European Union and Donal Trump becoming the next president. I wonder what is happening to the world. I understand and empathise with every word you gave written xxx

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  19. Thank you for taking a stand and publishing the essay above that I TOTALLY agree with. There was a comment by another saying if we stomp our feet and act like children we will be treated as such because we didn't get our way. The only person I have seen constantly stomping his feet and blasting anyone that has a different opinion is now the president of the USA. so we need to not try and normalize this individual's behavior as O.K. because it isn't. We must be vigilant in protecting the rights of ALL people. He was unwilling to even acknowledge the millions of women and men that peacefully protested yesterday. Love your hat. Take care.

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  20. Thank you for your post. I am hoping that all of those that protested stay involved. I have been calling the office of my Congressman stating my views of certain nominees, upcoming issues, etc. I took a class instead of watching the inauguration. I also took a class instead of protesting. Then I dropped off a check to Planned Parenthood. I loved the marches that took place across the country. Well done. But now there is work to be done, we can not drop our vigilance. I admire your post. It is good to get the word out. I always enjoy your blog, but to me this one stood out in a wonderful way. Thank you again.

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  21. You know I stand with you. I like this idea of 10 actions in 100 days.
    https://www.womensmarch.com/100

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  22. I enjoyed the essay. Like the writer, I will be overjoyed to be proven wrong because it will mean our country is growing and becoming better. However, I feel in my heart and soul that we, America, are heading into a really sad future, one which will see a future of loss of the advances we have so recently achieved. I did not watch the inauguration. I have not missed one in years but I just could not bring myself to witness this one. I fear for my grandchildren. I fear the country they will go with up in. Thank you for posting your feelings and opinions honestly.

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