I never set out to make Marla’s Musings a place to talk politics. When I started writing and posting my musings they were for the benefit of my daughters to know their mom in a different light. It was to let them read about my life as their mom, and as a woman who has other interests, so they can know other parts of me that make me who I am. I’m not a celebrity. Nobody famous. This place was my spot to tell them, And for me to think aloud, and to do some journaling.
I have always been aware of the running of our government and when I was really young I took a so-so interest in it. Once married, raising children was my first priority. I was busy. I was able to rely on the News programs (local at 6:00pm and Network at 6:30pm) and I felt I heard what was important. I never doubted that what was reported was not truthful. I remember hearing the numbers of American soldiers dying in Vietnam, and I remember the incident at Three Mile Island, and the shooting deaths of the Kennedys, and of Lennon. The attempts on the lives of Reagan and Ford. Big news stories – with facts. “Breaking News” was actually when something really big happened and regular programming was interrupted.
I graduated college with a Mass Communications degree and during my senior year I worked as an intern in a busy AM radio news station. Then later, when we moved to California, I worked for a TV station that had it’s on local news hour, and other local news related shows.
So, always, I have had some interest in what is going on in our country, and I have always felt living in America we had some bad times and bad people, but generally life here was better than just about anywhere else in the world.
As I got older, with my daughters grown up, and with media expanded with endless channels and programs to fit every belief, I had more time to listen, to focus on what was happening in our country, and I even decided to become an activist for some causes.
I had the time, and good health, and I cared about issues…. gun safety in America, and the need for racial equity, and helping the less fortunate (note: not lazy), Womens’ rights, and in starting young children on an even playing field. So, my Marla’s Musings often talked about these subjects and where I stood. My beliefs have lined up with the Democratic Party more than what I hear from the Republicans. Always have. And, I have always voted – in every state and national election. In recent years I have wanted to speak out, and I strongly believe to do that I need to participate in the system.
I find myself today living in such a different political world and I’m really not sure how we can get back on track. Speaking up abut an issue can get you verbally attacked, especially on social media. Even people I don’t know lash out and call me names. The last three presidents (Obama, Trump, Biden) have been scrutinized like no others – thanks to social media and the 24/7 pseudo-news channels. Some how everyone seems to be an expert these days and is ready to pounce on opposing views. I used to be able to have a discussion about political differences and still be friends. It’s really, really hard now. It takes work to stay respectful, and to keep any conversation or thread on FB, from becoming personally mean. I think many of us, myself included, have given and felt the hurt from it.
I have learned over time (finally) that it’s really hard, maybe impossible, to change minds. People ask for facts, and explanations, and even when given they are not going to believe what you say. Or if I give my opinion, they reject it and call me names. There is no gray area in politics anymore. People stick their feet (or heads) deeper into the ground and will not move.
I admit that when Trump first ran, and then became president, I really thought those who voted for him were either uninformed or living in a delusional world. My sadness was great over my disappointment in my fellowmen No need to rehash his past, his lack of core values, etc. . I tried to help them ‘see the light’ and I wrote here hoping a lightbulb would go off in their heads. It didn’t happen.
And now, here we are post-Trump – oh, but not! It used to be that when a new president came into office the focus on the past one went away. Past presidents respectfully stayed quiet. Not this time. It is surprising/not surprising to still see the flags flying, the rhetoric is still so strong, and I know it is partly because he himself claims he did not lose the election. He ignored fact and used social media to keep doubt in his followers minds. Yes – the big lie. The big lie is real.
President Trump was impeached and was voted out of office after one term, and was even banned from social media platforms – but the damage is done. His lack of respect for the office of the President, and his mean language and tweets over 4 years, woke up a group that felt they could not speak before – at least in the ways that they wanted. They are now. They have turned him into an idol. They are pushing back on life as we know it.
A little stirring up is fine. In fact, it’s American. Freedom of speech and all that. But the speech has to be truthful and respectful. From all sides. It is near impossible to find truth anymore. There is so much noise out there.
Some days I get so depressed about the meanness, and our loss of vision for us all to be Acknowledged and treated equally, with kindness and respect. If we can’t agree to do it to each other, how can we do it to strangers? How can we care about people of different colors, backgrounds, financial situations, religions? How can we ever leave this messiness behind? Will a political person ever be smart enough and likeable enough to please both sides of the divisions? If not, how can anything get done?
I know my writing here on Marla’s Musings isn’t going to solve these big questions. But, it’s a place I can put down my thoughts and not expect/hope for at least, a mean comeback. It’s MY place. Yes, it’s often political now. I wish it didn’t have to be.
Marla’s Musings 