OUR NATIONAL POLITICS 2022

 I have been a persistent reader of major news outlets, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy. Watching various news outlets, e.g., CNN and even Fox (want to be aware of those whose views are very different from mine). Yet, having finished now both THE DIVIDER by by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser and THE CONFIDENCE MAN by Maggie Haberman, I am exhausted by the more detailed knowledge of Donald J Trump.  Their ability to gather their information, including the multiple times that Trump participated in such conversations was unbelievable. 

Their writing is preciously precise and well articulated.

There are few adjectives to epitomize Trump, but for me, I am struck that there is virtually no consistency in anything he says. He can say in one breathe one thing and a contradictory point in the next breathe. 

What became mind boggling is that so many continue to support him and his views of political reality. Many extremely well educated members of Congress are congruent with his views. In addition, there are so many fellow human beings who join in major political rallies that continue to repeat Trump’s views. 

Watching the recent FRONTLINE that focused on General Michael Flynn provided new information about his support of Trump. Surely he is a genuine supporter of Trump but his views are even deeper than those of Trump because they are based on his religious ideology (Catholic) even though Trump himself is no more religious than a worm.

All that being shared, it is astounding to me that such well educated and intelligent people like Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton,Josh Hawley, Joni Ernst, as well as many others like Linsey Graham who at one time voiced opposition to Trump’s attempt to be the Republican nomination for president. In fact, Ted Cruz even ran against him hoping to be the nominated candidate. And, lo and behold, they are all not only supporters of Trump, but advocates for views that are counterproductive for so many of the citizens. It has been most difficult for President Biden to get anything approved by Congress. 

I, and so many others, are left to deal with the consequences. Should the Congress in the 2022 election result in the Republican control of its legislation, it is not difficult to predict the consequences for many Americans. Of course, they will be Republican supporters who will benefit temporally. And should this situation materialize in a another Trump or a similar voice become president in 2024, it is difficult to imagine our constitutional government survival.

God Bless America!!

Response from the Vice President

 

October 27, 2022   Dear Mr. Toomey, Thank you for taking the time to write to me.  I am motivated every day by passionate individuals like you, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your letter.  Today, our Nation faces many challenges.  Together, we are responding with what I call American Aspiration.  American Aspiration is the ability to see what can be, unburdened by what has been.  It is the determination to do, not only to dream.  I see it in America’s innovators, educators, small business owners, and nurses.  I see it in people like you.  That is why, despite these tough times, I have never been more hopeful about our Nation’s future.  While we may not agree on how to solve every issue, I promise to work hard for all Americans each and every day.  I look forward to working with you to shape the future for generations to come. Sincerely,               If you wish to receive regular email updates from the White House, please click here. You may also follow Vice President Harris and the White House on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. White House Website | Privacy Policy | Contact the White House

The Future of our Nation is in Peril

 A neighbor walking by stopped to talk with me. He lives nearby during the summer but stays in warmer weather as it gets cold. He initiated a conversation about what was occurring in the political discussions between political candidates for office. He shared his concern about how those who state what it seems clearly false are supported by so many. I totally agreed with him stating that it is like not being able to agree that east is east, pointing to the ocean, and west is west.

Whatever I read in Boston Globe, NY Times, WP, Foreign Affairs, I am aware that our political differences are not unique. So many nations are politically divided. Admittedly, I have not read anywhere matching the relentless lies on Donald Trump. The Divider by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser or Maggie Haberman’s new book, Confidence Man, are enthralling by virtue of the detailed instances where Donald Trump lied beyond any credibility, only to be supported by some of those supporting him. They were aware that so many of those who preceded them were fired by Donald Trump because they had the audacity of disagreeing with him.

I sometimes wonder whether I would run for office if I were younger. But I am more than aware that the monies involved in political events are more than outrageous. I consider that there is a need to limit the funding of candidates to attract alternatives. But this idea seems to be absurd in the current political scene.

I am left with the realization that our constitutional government is in peril. Given my age, the future will have little impact on me. But, the younger population and their descendants will read in their history books what has been occurring the Unites States of America since Donald Trump took office in 2017.

How I Cope with our National & International Dichotomy

 I watch most news channels, read Boston Globe, NY Times, and Washington Post. I also read Foreign Policy and Foreign Affairs. I also, believe it or not, watch the Ingram Angle on Fox News to be aware how disparate our understanding on world and national affairs is. 

So, how do I cope with this disparity.

First, I understand everything in terms of evolution. Included in this understanding is God. While my theological studies did not include this, I perseverated on reading the Jesuit Paleontologist, Pierre Theilard deChardin. And to this day, I continue to read those who have advanced his thinking, most recently the extensive writing of a Franciscan Sister, Ilia Delio. who teaches at Villanova College. There is nothing that she has written that I have not read, at least once.

Second, in terms of evolution of the Cosmos, I am aware that our origins were pigmies and other primitive life.  Most people think the Earth is the epitome of evolution of the cosmos. The also think that we humans are epitome of the evolution of the brain.

To consider the current dichotomy in international and national affairs, I surely am depressed thinking of what will happen in the life times of future generations who will have to deal with the decisions not to address Global Warming, political stagnation noted currently in Iran and the politics identified with the orientation of President Trump and his followers.

Given my understanding of evolution, I can bear to read what is happening with these views. 

1. I do not assume that Earth will last forever. We are pushing it forward badly and it is not clear to me the Earth is the epitome of creation. I can foresee another planet, possibly one not yet found (no has technically reached the ends of the cosmos). So, I can envision another planet in the far distant future that will transcend Earth when it collapses.

2. I do not assume that we humans are the height of the evolution of the brain. What I consider “primitive thinking” among some humans only strengthens my vision that as we evolve, most likely in another planet, we will be considered “pygmies” relative to their brain power.  

And so, I cope with our national and international dichotomy closing my eyes and allowing myself to be aware of the Divine that is with us as with all elements of the cosmos, vegetation, animals, trees. Being present with the Divine now provides me enough strength to bear the fragmentation of what I am experiencing.