I was planning doing an update on my Leitz Focomat 1C and 2C enlargers, but I thought this was more important. I promise, that I’ll get to that, just not today. I don’t get into politics to often here, except sometimes, and now is one of those times. The election is about five weeks away and it will certainly be the most consequential one in my lifetime.
I’ve been out there this week canvassing Republican and independent voters telling my story about working on Capitol Hill, serving in the Reagan Administration for both terms and resigning from the Republican party in 2015 after Trump got the nomination. None of the choices were that good except Kasich and when that didn’t work out I knew what I had to do. It didn’t take long before my worst fears were realized. To say the Trump administration was a train wreck would be an understatement, but just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse we had January 6th.. Unfortunately things have steadily gone downhill with Trump since then!
Here’s the thing about democracy … most of us take it for granted and have nary a worry about how fragile it is, let alone an appreciation what we have. Fortunately I’ve never felt that way, but I guess I really needed to travel abroad and see the Soviet Union and China, as well as other democracies during my time in government to fully appreciate our democracy and all we have here … for starters, the opportunity to make something of yourself and the personal freedom to make your own decisions. There really is nothing like America and as much as I could see myself living elsewhere, it just wouldn’t be the same.
The seeds were planted shortly after Trump was elected, and it only took a short time for things to start to change. Just ask most of the women in this country. What could be next if Trump is re-elected? The retribution tour and a whole lot more.
I think about Trump and what’s happening to America … a lot … like a good portion of every day. It takes up a lot of my pray time. Turns out I’ve been thinking and praying about it for over eight years now. That’s me, but I worry about how many others worry as much about it as I do … or if they do at all.
I think Joni had it right … then and now … “don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone”?
Please consider what is at stake for you and all those you care about. We only have one chance to get it right.
Stay well,
Michael
Of course. In a sense, we never know. “You don’t miss your water ’til your runs dry.” I will be doing a little work in this state to prevent what I consider will be catastrophic. But I’ve also decided to take the big bird just before the actual day, not necessarily because of the day however. But because of tickets rising but also to get back to what might be the photo “well” from which I drank too sparingly, not realizing how deep that well could be. So from some pub or another in front of a big screen I can watch the returns. (And have camera and flash at the ready)
Amen my brother! I am proud of you for your courage and dedication talking to people that I would be afraid to. For me it becomes too frustrating trying to get through to the other side. Unfortunately we are up against too many social media sites that spread misinformation that seems to be what the people believe is the truth. You help me to keep the faith. Keep on knocking on those doors.
Thanks Paul. Make sure you get your vote in before you leave!
Best,
Michael
Jeff,
Many thanks for your kind words. We should what we can whether its canvassing, donating money, or just talking to all we know … and of course making sure to vote!
Best,
Michael