tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post3098897863572159816..comments2023-07-15T00:42:41.081-07:00Comments on Retired but Certainly not Retiring: A dark day for democracy, let's hope not for the worldJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04025838045532433538noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post-88706381497969205342017-01-29T09:15:01.983-08:002017-01-29T09:15:01.983-08:00Jude- it can feel very dark and troubled right now...Jude- it can feel very dark and troubled right now and I'm amazed that the American political system allows one person so much power. I'm sure he won't last and a positive that's emerging, certainly in the U.K., Is the number of mainly women who are actively expressing their opposition to Trump. Recent events seem to be galvanising and politicising a whole new group of people. That's where I pin my hopes.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04025838045532433538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post-22621002454992177672017-01-27T10:30:32.468-08:002017-01-27T10:30:32.468-08:00I have been in a black fog about Trump ever since ...I have been in a black fog about Trump ever since November. I have tried to write a couple of posts about it that remain in my drafts folder, but others have already said what I have tried to write, and more eloquently too. The potential global consequences are what most worry me. Trump's election signals a movement toward racism, intolerance, anti-intellectualism, sexism, anti-environmentalism, protectionism, and several other isms that destabilize our political, social, and environmental future. Put this together with Brexit, ISIS, Putin, global warming, and so on, and I fear for our future. Strangely, in Canada, our recent election of Trudeau and thereby ousting Harper reaffirmed liberal democracy over mean-spirited divisive policies -- a rare exception to what has been happening in so many other parts of the world. <br /><br />JudeDr Sock https://www.blogger.com/profile/13378594360241846301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post-55976240481878702122017-01-22T15:46:44.410-08:002017-01-22T15:46:44.410-08:00Well said and it really has stirred people into v...Well said and it really has stirred people into vocalizing their opposition to a hijacker of democracy.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04025838045532433538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post-68798608694258877592017-01-22T15:42:02.861-08:002017-01-22T15:42:02.861-08:00I completely agree and in a strange twist, these r...I completely agree and in a strange twist, these recent events may just make us all up and realize that democracy is not about voting once every 4/5 years, it's about ongoing participation and holding representatives to account day to day.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04025838045532433538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post-83724527240940233392017-01-22T15:38:03.174-08:002017-01-22T15:38:03.174-08:00Succinctly put. I also think we all have to now be...Succinctly put. I also think we all have to now be vigilant in ensuring fundamental human rights are not eroded. Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04025838045532433538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post-91180029905813623002017-01-22T15:36:08.025-08:002017-01-22T15:36:08.025-08:00I share your concern, but after marching yesterday...I share your concern, but after marching yesterday in my city and watching the media reports of the marches around the world, I feel more hopeful. We just need to remain vocal and involved.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post-67283414105027670702017-01-22T15:34:44.762-08:002017-01-22T15:34:44.762-08:00Although we don't have the extreme situation o...Although we don't have the extreme situation of a Trump at the helm in the U.K. I actually think that we are worse off than the USA as I really can't see Trump surviving more than a year whereas I think the U.K. Is heading for a long, slow decline. I hope I'm wrong.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04025838045532433538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post-70440152256109099032017-01-21T18:21:49.306-08:002017-01-21T18:21:49.306-08:00Speaking as an American, I can say this: Yesterday...Speaking as an American, I can say this: Yesterday I was in despair. Today, after seeing all the international protests and marches, it makes me realize that it is us plain old ordinary folks ("We, the People") who have a voice, and that voice was clearly heard today (Sat. 1/21/17) and it will have an effect. It is called Democracy. I am not afraid, I have faith, and I sincerely believe that the will of the people will eventually prevail. How long that takes is the question, whether in the UK or here, and the taking of that time might be difficult. But we WILL prevail. As "Addy" said "God help us all".Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06600362448046769570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post-17003663605959605992017-01-21T02:35:41.637-08:002017-01-21T02:35:41.637-08:00I feel the same. We live in an uncertain world. W...I feel the same. We live in an uncertain world. With Trump at the helm, not only in America but also as the main player worldwide, God only knows what lies in store for us all. Like you, eight years ago, I watched the Obama inauguration with hope that the world would be a better place. Whilst Obama may not have done much in political terms, he and his wife seemed genuinely nice people and there was no hint of scandal during his entire office. Yesterday's ceremony was altogether different. Trump came out glowering and ready for a dirty fight. Judging by the comparatively lower turn-out at yesterday's inauguration for him, many people must share our view. God bless America and God help us all.ADDYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01018958238940897902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744181540900970301.post-84053645141789136392017-01-21T02:33:06.026-08:002017-01-21T02:33:06.026-08:00You hit nails on heads! I am thankful that I proba...You hit nails on heads! I am thankful that I probably won't be around to witness the chaos and confusion that is bound to occur in both countries. Valeriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12099030819314552958noreply@blogger.com