Final thoughts on IMDB, Trump, and the country
Trump: Contrary to what some believe, I am not a Trump "bot." I believe I have a balanced view of him. I recognize his flaws--he is erratic (ie telling Flynn and Conway he had "full confidence in Flynn" hours before firing him lol), he can be impulsive, he is arrogant, he is undisciplined at times, he is vulgar at times, he unnecessarily seeks conflict at times, etc. But I also recognize his qualities: he is independent-minded, he is a thought leader (helps people see things in a different way), he is an emotional leader (connects emotionally), he is strong in spirit and in fortitude and knows how to embolden others with that strength, he has strong political instincts, he is able to face adversity and mocking and condescension head-on (this is a good example to set for those who may feel bullied in real life), he speaks blunt truth at times when it might not be convenient or popular (like standing on a Republican debate and stating Bush lied about WMDs), and he stands in rightness when necessary (for instance, not cowering on illegal immigration). He is a human being, a mixed bag. I remain concerned about his cabinet. I don't like most of the picks. I don't like his freezing federal government hires, I don't like him choosing an anti-environmentalist for the EPA, or a lightweight for Education. I don't like him choosing a right-winger for HHS. And on and on. I hope he course-corrects on these things and reclaims the Independent voice he had in the campaign. If he doesn't, I won't be voting for him again, full stop. But for the country's sake, I remain hopeful that it will work out. I hope his detractors at least give him a chance to succeed or fail instead of going crazy even BEFORE he has a chance. We will see how it all shakes out.
IMDB and the country: My posting on the IMDB Politics board largely coincides with the campaign and subsequent election of Donald Trump. It is through this lens among others that I have observed on a micro scale the state of our country. I am concerned. I'm concerned that so many seem to be driven by emotion over common sense, that so many seem susceptible to propaganda over seeking alternative vehicles for information. As an Independent, I seek various sources for information and try to sift through the propaganda to find a kernel of common sense-truth. I wish more would do this. If they did, we would not always agree, but we would at least be operating on the same reality plain. What concerns me about America at this juncture is people are living in vastly different realities. I wonder how long we can go on like this. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), we will not see the end-road in this forum. IMDB was a great sounding board as we traveled this historic political journey together and I hope we have learned from each other and learned not simply WHAT to think but also HOW to think, how to consider others' perspectives and how to respectfully disagree on SUBSTANCE. If we can do that here on a small scale and spread that approach in our respective circles throughout the country and the world, maybe the future is not so bleak after all. One can hope...
If I read any interesting articles between now and D-day, I will post them. If not, take care...of yourself and family, of your fellow citizens, of your country. Our country needs you to remain vigilant, independent, informed, reasonable, honest, respectful, sane. Wherever you go, please spread these values. Don't let us down. πΊπΈ
"If it doesn't make sense, it's not true." -- Judge Judy
Keep free speech and free thought alive!