Well, we kinda knew this was going to happen, but it’s still a pretty damn dark day for Our Democracy.
There seems reason for optimism, but in these crazy times, who knows how this all shakes out.
I can’t help but think about the comparison between the supposed choices right now. Our aggressively polarized tribalism has turned politics into a kind of social warfare rather than the effort to find social consensus.
Make no mistake, the Left share plenty of blame. The problems are systemic and universal in our culture.
But I can’t help but compare the Left and Right in terms of the values I — and our history and our literature —consider important.
Things like:
- Racial equality
- Gender equality
- Respect for others
- Belief in facts and science
- Honesty
- Regard for education and expertise
- Regard for the rule of law
- Openness and tolerance
- Curiosity
Given politics the last couple of decades, the scorecard for the Right doesn’t seem too good to me. The Left isn’t perfect, but it does a lot better in upholding these values.
The current administration and its cult members not only don’t uphold these values, they actively disdain them.
§
It really makes me wonder what’s happened to us.
When did racism, misogyny, fascism, contempt for the law, disdain for science, fear, hate, and blatant dishonesty, become acceptable values?
Did I miss a memo?
Stay safe, my friends! Go forth and spread beauty and light.
∇
Logos con carne 
November 5th, 2020 at 10:33 pm
And the Left has better music!
November 6th, 2020 at 8:28 am
Things are looking good for Biden. Decision Desk HQ has actually already called the whole race in his favor. If Biden wins Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Arizona, then the polls would have only gotten two states wrong: Florida and North Carolina, albeit with about a 3-4% polling error.
Even though there were many warnings about the red mirage we would all see on election ight, living through it was a whole other matter. I hope it ends today. Although the orange stain will still have to be dealt with for the next ten weeks.
November 6th, 2020 at 8:49 am
Agreed on all counts!
November 6th, 2020 at 9:26 am
I just took a look at the news. It is looking much better for Biden/Harris than it was last night. Leads in all four of those states. Big lead in the popular vote, too. 🤞🏼
November 6th, 2020 at 10:49 am
I’ve actually felt pretty good about it since Wednesday afternoon, although with considerable nervousness. But the possible outcomes are constrained enough now that it’s hard not to feel like its almost over.
November 6th, 2020 at 11:50 am
At least Act I will be over. Now cue the lawyers…
November 6th, 2020 at 4:54 pm
I think the fallacy we glom onto is that we expect others to be like us. Not regarding their appearance, or histories or anything that would individualize them. No, I’m referring to rationality. We drive down the highway with cars obeying the laws and signs and social contract. We grocery shop with thousands of others throughout the year. And we walk down the street and smile at others. They’re wearing clothes, shoes, holding their kids’ hands, and so on.
So, we naturally think — hey, they must be like me, rational. Capable of calmly listening to conflicting points of view and making intelligent comments and suppositions. Capable of reading Smithsonian or Nature and generally accepting the findings there. Reading the covers on tabloids and dismissing them for the sensationalized lies they are.
But this is not the case.
I suspect less than 40% of folks are reasonable, rational, balanced human beings.
The issue is not that most folks will fail to agree with your stated values, it’s that we expect them to do so in the first place.
November 6th, 2020 at 9:46 pm
I do think there’s a degree of irrational behavior in play. Part of it involves how we’ve devalued intellect and critical thinking over feelings and needs. There’s a lot to unpack here, and my WiFi issues have become so intractable that I’ll have to come back to it.