A Fragile Democracy
a personal commentary23 total reviews
Comment from judiverse
A lot to think about in this excellent essay. I hate to think of what is going to happen to the United States. You have to question people's values when they think that someone who hurls insults at everyone, including the party that he claims to represent is best suited to be president. Trump will be an embarrassment on the world stage. Obama, to many of us in the United States, came across as weak and incapable of standing up for his own country, but at least he wasn't an embarrassment. I live in Indiana, and our election is Tuesday, and it appears that Trump will claim another victory. In the general election, I plan to vote for candidates down the ballot. I will not vote for Trump. Our educational system is to blame, I believe, when people vote for the least qualified person for president. Love your last paragraph. What happens here in the USA will affect other countries, too. judi
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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A lot to think about in this excellent essay. I hate to think of what is going to happen to the United States. You have to question people's values when they think that someone who hurls insults at everyone, including the party that he claims to represent is best suited to be president. Trump will be an embarrassment on the world stage. Obama, to many of us in the United States, came across as weak and incapable of standing up for his own country, but at least he wasn't an embarrassment. I live in Indiana, and our election is Tuesday, and it appears that Trump will claim another victory. In the general election, I plan to vote for candidates down the ballot. I will not vote for Trump. Our educational system is to blame, I believe, when people vote for the least qualified person for president. Love your last paragraph. What happens here in the USA will affect other countries, too. judi
Comment Written 02-May-2016
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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The border is just a stone's throw from me, and we remain the US's 2nd biggest trading partner. Though people have bluntly told me to mind my own business, and you know, I think I do exactly that. Yes, what happens on the States affects the world. When the Koch brothers, who basically own the GOP, get on TV and support Hillary, it says something very loufly. They;s rather sacrifice 4 years than perhaps the consequences.
Trump has done one thing very well. He got Americans ti pay attention and get involved. Yes, your vote is tomorrow. Wishing you all the very best. Be brave! Thanks for the stars.
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You're welcome. People have blinders on when it comes to Trump. Whatever he says or does, they're with him. If elected, the "Mafia Don," as I call him, will try to emulate the dictators. Heaven help us. judi
Comment from Sasha
Excellent work with this one. I may live in Mexico, but I retain my right to vote and double checked to make sure I was still registered. To boost your ego (not that it needs any) this is the only post I've read in several weeks. I am preparing for surgery in May and have way too may rules to adhere to to make sure I remain a candidate. My new trauma specialist is terrific and knows what he is doing. Health care here is even worse than the US, if you can imagine that. Almost no one has health care and social services is a joke. Basically, you either live or die, no other choice if you need surgery. If you are rich you get it, if not you die. Scary stuff.
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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Excellent work with this one. I may live in Mexico, but I retain my right to vote and double checked to make sure I was still registered. To boost your ego (not that it needs any) this is the only post I've read in several weeks. I am preparing for surgery in May and have way too may rules to adhere to to make sure I remain a candidate. My new trauma specialist is terrific and knows what he is doing. Health care here is even worse than the US, if you can imagine that. Almost no one has health care and social services is a joke. Basically, you either live or die, no other choice if you need surgery. If you are rich you get it, if not you die. Scary stuff.
Comment Written 02-May-2016
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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Yes, if you had paid healthcare, your suffering would have been much shorter and you wouldn't have to second guess every dime. I'm truly sorry. Keep up the physical therapy--strengthen those muscles, girl. Thanks for the stars.
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The physical therapy has helped significantly. The pain has also decreased as the muscles and tendons have strengthened.
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So happy top hear some good news. Keep it up!
Comment from prettybluebirds
Excellent. I do so love to read your writing. I guess I never realized you were from Canada before now. It sounds like a great place to live. The United States is a good country but could use some of Canada's policies. If you don't have health insurance in this country they would just as soon let a person die. The rich and poor are not treated the same here. I found this extremely interesting.
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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Excellent. I do so love to read your writing. I guess I never realized you were from Canada before now. It sounds like a great place to live. The United States is a good country but could use some of Canada's policies. If you don't have health insurance in this country they would just as soon let a person die. The rich and poor are not treated the same here. I found this extremely interesting.
Comment Written 02-May-2016
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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I have two main contentious issues with the US. Universal health care must be treated like a human right. I accept there will be hiccups with 335M people, but it needs to happen. My second really serious issue is gun control--the complete disallowment of assault rifles for citizens. I'm not asking for people to give up their security blanket, just lessen the risk of mass murder. On those two issues, I have been crucified by Americans who think it's not my business. Well, it sort of is seeing as I live within an hour of the border. Thanks for the feedback.
Comment from jusylee72
Extremely well written essay on the United States and it's weaknesses and it's strengths. We all know the feeling of frustration from this presidential election, but the fact that we get a vote still remains one of the greatest gifts we have. You state it well.
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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Extremely well written essay on the United States and it's weaknesses and it's strengths. We all know the feeling of frustration from this presidential election, but the fact that we get a vote still remains one of the greatest gifts we have. You state it well.
Comment Written 02-May-2016
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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Thank you. I try to practice what I preach and participate in elections--sometime for just one reason. If I don't vote, I don't believe I have a right to complain.
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
A well-written commentary which I do happen to agree with. I finally turned my TV off before New Year's and quit watching it because the news was driving me crazy--especially the way Trump has gotten so much time while the 'real' candidates don't. Thanks for sharing this, my friend~Debbie
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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A well-written commentary which I do happen to agree with. I finally turned my TV off before New Year's and quit watching it because the news was driving me crazy--especially the way Trump has gotten so much time while the 'real' candidates don't. Thanks for sharing this, my friend~Debbie
Comment Written 02-May-2016
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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I seem to have gone the opposite way, keeping CNN on as background noise and periodically listen to the day's foibles of each candidate. Do vote. Thanks.
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I will definitely do that. I knew long ago who not to vote for. Can't people see he is an idiot? Take care, my friend~Debbie
Comment from Dean Kuch
I admired Obama's very real, altruistic intent to make a difference. I continue to respect the man for his resilience in the face of resistance, and his ability to represent America on a global stage without embarrassing or hiding behind his own country's escalating disenchantment. ............Really, Ingrid? You...admire... Obama? IMO, he is the worst President in the history of this country. He's taken the most elaborate, most expensive "vacations" in our nation's history. His darling wife, Michelle, has more White House aides and maids than Batman has gadgets, also the most in any First Ladies' history. All at a time when more Americans in history are struggling, with the exception of the Great depression.
His staff has done more to undermine this nation's reputation, besmirch its good name, and embarrass us in front of Israel, an ally since their nation came into existence in the '40s, than any other President in history.
Perhaps he'll go north of our borders and become your beloved Canadian Prime Minister? We'll see how well you like it when he decimates your health care system, your livelihood, and your country's good name.
While I may not always agree with what you have to say, I would die to defend your rights to say it...
~Dean
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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I admired Obama's very real, altruistic intent to make a difference. I continue to respect the man for his resilience in the face of resistance, and his ability to represent America on a global stage without embarrassing or hiding behind his own country's escalating disenchantment. ............Really, Ingrid? You...admire... Obama? IMO, he is the worst President in the history of this country. He's taken the most elaborate, most expensive "vacations" in our nation's history. His darling wife, Michelle, has more White House aides and maids than Batman has gadgets, also the most in any First Ladies' history. All at a time when more Americans in history are struggling, with the exception of the Great depression.
His staff has done more to undermine this nation's reputation, besmirch its good name, and embarrass us in front of Israel, an ally since their nation came into existence in the '40s, than any other President in history.
Perhaps he'll go north of our borders and become your beloved Canadian Prime Minister? We'll see how well you like it when he decimates your health care system, your livelihood, and your country's good name.
While I may not always agree with what you have to say, I would die to defend your rights to say it...
~Dean
Comment Written 02-May-2016
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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Dean, I enjoy nothing more than a political conversation. I'm reasonable well-informed, but I do live with the consequences of election results in the US. The actual fall-out and policies can only be experienced in day-to-day living in the US. My biggest issue in trying to have a reasonable conversation tends to always end with the words 'my constitutional right.' How do I have a conversation about assault rifles when it ends with those words? This essay was written, in part, to atone after I was told I never had anything 'nice' to sat about the US. I decided to end my political commentaries and mind my own business--as has been suggested several time--by writing something 'nice'.
I agree that Obama's obvious personal dislike for Netanyahu and his belligerent attitude towards this man is extremely dangerous, and Israel is the absolute strongest ally in the Middle East. I don't and won't ever give any politician a blanket pass, accept everything he/she does in office. I continue to believe in universal health care and feel it is a human right. When Canada first introduced its program. there were huge hiccups, as I am sure there were in other countries who followed. I can only hope that is the case in the US, and in time, no American will ever need to make a personal choice whether to liquidate assets in order to get care for a loved one. That, Dean is a noble wish. How this is accomplished is an enormous task.
I am not at all shy about expressing my views, but really, what difference does it make what I think?
It will be very interesting to see what both the Obamas do after the term ends. Of course, I accept that suggesting he could come to Canada and rule as Prime Minister was a touch petulant on your behalf, but I totally understand your feeling. In fact, something similar happened with Michael Ignatieff. Canadian born, he spent three decades outside of Canada, and was enlisted to come back to save the Liberal Party. He'd spent his career in the UK and then as a professor at Harvard. He did make it leader of the Liberal Party, but under his leadership, the party was decimated. He is back teaching at Harvard. The voters weren't impressed.
Sure, I'd love to hear where you stand politically and how you view the current political situation. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, but I always hope people tell me what they're thinking and the experiences that support their POV. Thanks.
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As I stated, Ingrid, you have every right to your opinions and I respect that. We all formulate our ideas based upon the facts we've gleaned.
As for politics in general, I belong to the Tea Party. I am a proud, vocal member of that party. I have little use for the left-winged, mush-mouthed Democrats, or the greedy, money-grubbing Republicans.
I too am an advocate for national health care. But Barak Obama has made a shambles of his attempts. Many small companies are being forced to close their doors because they simply cannot afford the exorbitant costs of Obamacare.
Meanwhile, Obama goes golfing in Hawaii.
To me, that is unconscionable.
Take care, my friend...
~Dean
Comment from jpduck
I find it extremely hard to know how to write a literary review of any piece of non-fiction. I get far too snarled up in the content. So, let me just say that this was well written. There . . . that's the review bit done.
Now for the juice. As a stridently left-wing Brit, I am constantly astonished at the utter arrogance of American political man. He tells us he invented democracy. He didn't; the people of classical Greece did, and the Brits established a version of it long before colonists stole the American continent from its people.
American political man will also sing the praises of his constitution -- the one that allows everyone to own instruments of murder, as a right, for God's sake; the one that regards any interference by the state (eg health care) as unconstitutional. How else does Trump even get a whisper?
I will always be an admirer of Canada's and your liberal attitude to life. But I feel you are far too generous about the US of A.
Counter-rant over.
With love and respect,
Adrian
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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I find it extremely hard to know how to write a literary review of any piece of non-fiction. I get far too snarled up in the content. So, let me just say that this was well written. There . . . that's the review bit done.
Now for the juice. As a stridently left-wing Brit, I am constantly astonished at the utter arrogance of American political man. He tells us he invented democracy. He didn't; the people of classical Greece did, and the Brits established a version of it long before colonists stole the American continent from its people.
American political man will also sing the praises of his constitution -- the one that allows everyone to own instruments of murder, as a right, for God's sake; the one that regards any interference by the state (eg health care) as unconstitutional. How else does Trump even get a whisper?
I will always be an admirer of Canada's and your liberal attitude to life. But I feel you are far too generous about the US of A.
Counter-rant over.
With love and respect,
Adrian
Comment Written 02-May-2016
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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Oh my darling British mentor, I am very critical of the US, and this essay was written as a direct result of someone accusing me of being anti-American. You know, I tell people I don't much like children. I don't yearn to hold a baby or get on my hands and knees to play on the floor, but I adore some--selectively. I have been extremely critical about gun control and Republicans--in general--make me uncomfortable. I find those I've met to be down-right frightening, narrow minded and intolerant, but I wrote this article with sincerity--trying to be nice. Thanks.
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You know what, Ingrid? You can't win!
Adrian
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I ABSOLUELY AGREE...therefore... I have decided to shut up unless my ideas surface in fiction.
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Sorry to hear that, because, although I find them hard to review, 1 very much enjoy reading yours
Adrian
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Too much cheeky backsplash. I may start a mining excavation looking for open minds.
Comment from ~Dovey
Hi Ingrid,
I read the entire post hoping you'd discovered a viable candidate I might have overlooked. Wishful thinking... The following is a great thought...
Democracy is a fragile right, dependant on the recipients of this rare global gift. Make a difference and stay involved. It is your country and your future. (dependent) However, this is the first time in my adult life that I can't find justification to vote for even one of the candidates who have the potential to be on the ballot for President.
Just some thoughts:
Americans don't understand why I wanted vinegar for my French fries, and I surely have never understood white gravy, but we generally dismiss our differences. (You seem to change tenses within this sentence - don't understand and dismiss being present tense and then wanted and understood past tense.)
investment in the early days goes a long was in producing responsible adults. (was should be way?)
It is an interesting essay, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Kim
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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Hi Ingrid,
I read the entire post hoping you'd discovered a viable candidate I might have overlooked. Wishful thinking... The following is a great thought...
Democracy is a fragile right, dependant on the recipients of this rare global gift. Make a difference and stay involved. It is your country and your future. (dependent) However, this is the first time in my adult life that I can't find justification to vote for even one of the candidates who have the potential to be on the ballot for President.
Just some thoughts:
Americans don't understand why I wanted vinegar for my French fries, and I surely have never understood white gravy, but we generally dismiss our differences. (You seem to change tenses within this sentence - don't understand and dismiss being present tense and then wanted and understood past tense.)
investment in the early days goes a long was in producing responsible adults. (was should be way?)
It is an interesting essay, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Kim
Comment Written 02-May-2016
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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You know, Kim, I don't understand why the primaries are not on the same day. By the time you get your chance to vote, most of the other choices have been eliminated, quite possibly with your candidate of choice gone. As appealing as it may be to focus on the presidency, I think I'd pay very careful attention to who is running for congress and the senate in your state and vote for THE BEST PERSON regardless of party affiliation. Now I tell you, that would be bloody hard for me to do if my first choice was a Trump or Cruz supporter, but I'd try to make decision for my state.
In the last election here, I voted against my usual party--not because I had major issues, but the conservative was a brilliant candidate who raised 4 sons all the while working in pivotal government positions that required enormous commitment. She was passionate, tireless and completely dedicated to my area and country. She lost, but I felt I did the right thing. I can only wish you luck. It's a very tough time. I believe Trump is far more dangerous than most people can even imagine. It would be terrifying--seriously--to be so close to the border with him in charge.
Thanks for the spag alert.
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Hi Ingrid,
Alaska is one of the states the politicians don't care much about because of our low population. We make no impact at all in their elections. Yes, we just try to do the best we can with our choices. I'm not registered for anything, I always vote for the best candidate I can choose, rather than standing on a specific party affiliation. That keeps me from being allowed to vote in the primaries, however, as you must be registered (at least here) for that particular party to vote. I always vote in the general elections though, for what good it does. As I said, we have the least amount of representation of any state, and they've often been announcing the winners (Presidential elections) when I'm on the way to the polls.
Comment from Jay Squires
This is a very balanced account, and I'm sure, was difficult for you to write while keeping a straight face. But you did it and I applaud you. Not one jab at our national embarrassment, Trump, or Ted Cruz, who suffers as much as anything else by not having the voice transplant I'm sure his high school elocution professor recommended in order for him to have a modicum of believability if ever he ran for political office. Yes, I took an ad hominem risk in saying that, but as a voter I feel I would be taking a more devastating risk in voting for him.
Only one teeny nit, an oversight I'm sure you've already corrected.
parental bonding and investment in the early days goes a long was in producing responsible adults. [...goes a long WAY ? in producing...]
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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This is a very balanced account, and I'm sure, was difficult for you to write while keeping a straight face. But you did it and I applaud you. Not one jab at our national embarrassment, Trump, or Ted Cruz, who suffers as much as anything else by not having the voice transplant I'm sure his high school elocution professor recommended in order for him to have a modicum of believability if ever he ran for political office. Yes, I took an ad hominem risk in saying that, but as a voter I feel I would be taking a more devastating risk in voting for him.
Only one teeny nit, an oversight I'm sure you've already corrected.
parental bonding and investment in the early days goes a long was in producing responsible adults. [...goes a long WAY ? in producing...]
Comment Written 02-May-2016
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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I actually believe every word I wrote. It's what I didn't say--in my very direct, brash biting way that is funny. Being nice is not my usual style--more straight for the jugular. I love the idea of a voice transplant. In fact, if I were to sacrifice myself and rip open Ted's neck, perhaps you could step in and do that procedure before he bleeds out. Imagine how much my gut reaction would save in medical costs. You know how I feel.
What I've really tried to get my head around is what all these candidates do to stay with the program. The stamina required is amazing/ Hell, if I take a walk down the street I have to stop for a rest. How the hell do they do the campaigning 24/7? Watching Trump in his scripted policy speech, he sniffed so much that I wondered if he'd snorted coke before he hit the stage. Whatever each person's motivation might be. all of them are at it day in and day out. I'd like the recipe.
Thanks so much for the stars.
Comment from A.R. Curry
Again, very well written. For my part, I'm not a political junkie, and I hang my head low as I admit I can care less about voting. Now with that said, Reading this has me second guessing my stand, so good job with that.
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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Again, very well written. For my part, I'm not a political junkie, and I hang my head low as I admit I can care less about voting. Now with that said, Reading this has me second guessing my stand, so good job with that.
Comment Written 01-May-2016
reply by the author on 02-May-2016
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There have been election in Canada when I haven't voted, and I never suspected that one candidate was any better than the other. Very few Canadians are registered members of any political power and tend to vote across party lines. Yet, if I suspected my apathy might buy me a future I wasn't prepared to support, I'd be damned pissed off at the results. I wouldn't feel entitled to rebel or make political demands. I got what I deserved.
I can't and won't tell you to do with your vote, but if I knew you didn't vote, and after the fact, you complained about the leadership, I'd be the first one to tell you that you have absolutely no right to complain. Think hard, my cousin. Your vote counts--especially knowing it's a privilege to live within a democracy that allows you to have a voice.
Thanks for reading and the feedback.