I wish I had the words our nation needs during this time of political crisis to keep us from losing hope, words that could assure all of us we were going to be alright, that negative news and tabloid headlines in once respectable newspapers will not have the last word, that we as a people will.
Our national trial, of course, is inextricably bound to the four trials of Donald Trump that represent his numerous attempts to tear us apart as a people.
As a wordsmith of sorts, I should know what to say, but I don’t. The words escape me.
I seem only to be able to confess of being sick of Donald Trump, sick of everything he stands for, sick of everyone who stands with what he stands for, sick of his sucking up all the oxygen in every room he enters, indeed, all the oxygen in the nation.
His very existence makes breathing difficult for most of us. He serves no useful purpose in life because he is consumed with his own at the expense of everyone else’s. If he were to disappear in an instant, his memory would fade quickly and, if recalled at all, would be as a reminder of a selfish and self-centered president who betrayed his oath of office and the people he was supposed to serve.
Donald Trump has repeatedly said he is the only person who can solve the nation’s problems when in truth he has been and remains the biggest problem we have. He’s not the only problem America faces, but he is the one that most distracts us from dealing with all the rest.
That he is the problem has made a few good leaders more determined than ever to be the instruments of his ultimate undoing. I’m thinking of Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, retired Judge Michael Luddig, Barbara Comstock, Norm Ornstein, Mitt Romney, and others, genuine conservatives who see what must be said and done because of Trump.
These are leaders whose political philosophy and policy positions I could not disagree with more, but who embody the best about what it means to be an American at a time like this. Yes, there are many progressives showing the same courage and wisdom, but the impact of these conservatives is greater precisely because they are conservatives who see clearly the threat their own political party poses to the nation.
They have the words for the hour, and represent the word made flesh in our own time as they act on principles that have enabled our republic to endure for over 240 years.
These true American patriots are living reminders that Trump and his cult following never have and never will represent what is good and right about our country. They remind us that words matter only if they lead to right actions whatever the risk involved or the price that has to be paid.
As I think about them, I realize that I don’t need to have the right words to share with you, only the courage to do what is right in my own life as they are doing in theirs.
If together the majority of Americans do that, collectively our actions will have the last word, and that is what will preserve the future of our democracy and our way of life.
linnposts.com 
Perfect and exactly how I feel. You DO have the right “words”; we ALL need to have the right “actions”, and give credit to those who deserve it- like you have done. Not all Republicans are “evil”; not all Democrats are “good”.
Your words are encouraging, Kay. Thank you.
Amen! Again! But, hang on because it’s going to be a long, bumpy ride. The biggest threat we face is not offshore, but right here by one of our own! And, it would appear, there is no one of strength, character, smarts and charisma waiting in the wings to unify the American people. United we stand…divided we fall. The Grand Experiment is on the verge of being remembered as just that! An experiment!
Your last sentence, Joe, is what we MUST avoid. You’re right, It will be a bumpy ride, but I believe enough of us will hang on to ensure all of us get through it.
Donald Trump is evil, pure and simple. He must “go” !!
Absolutely, Bill. That’s why we have to vote!
Oh wow, as I read your words I felt like I was exhaling all the thoughts that have been sickening me since Trump appeared on the scene. I have no words anymore as I listen to his rants and lies and self aggrandizing behavior. He is truly a very sick individual and becomes sicker as he seeks more power. I find myself in utter fear some days thinking of what will become of us if he gets back into power. After the fear subsides I am once again disgusted. I have never felt such vitriol towards another human being. And then I chastise myself for feeling such terrible things towards another person for it is not like me. I usually try to see the optimism in things but I am struggling to find it here.
What troubles me even more is that millions of people share his views and are willing to elect a person who is a criminal and a liar and a racist. What kind of world are we living in????? Who are these people that think all that is ok? It is frightening to think that there are so many out there. What has happened to our world?
I don’t know………I’m trying to wrap my head around it but no answers are coming. Please Lord don’t let this man become the leader of the free world!!!!!!!
The thoughts and feelings you shared, Jackie, are exactly how many of us think and feel, and that is a good thing. There are more of us who find him detestable than those who don’t. We can’t take his defeat for granted, but we also have to guard against the media convincing us that he has a real chance of winning. He doesn’t. He lost by a large margin in 2020 and he is certainly not more popular now than he was then. Be concerned, but don’t lose heart. Thank you for your comment.
spot on Jan, but I believe when we are down to the crunch the true patriots will show up and rid the country of this disease
I agree, bro.
Jan, in “your words” of the past months and years, you have been the most articulate, truthful and spot on descriptive of where we all are today in America. And in spite of where we are, you and yes many of us too, are “hopeful” that American citizens will come together at the polls next November and right this sinking ship. After all is said and done, we are “all” good people and good people will rise to the occasion – yes?
But, to suggest that the ship is sinking (many feel it is sunk), is not “pessimism” it is “truth”.
We have analyzed till the cows come home as to why we got here. And we have all suffered greatly literally “experiencing” what has taken place and what is taking place.
Our history is full of “unresolved conflicts”! And these conflicts have now permeated our cultures in America to the extent that what all of us thought “could not possibly happen”, has happened and is continuing to happen seemingly “unchecked”.
We are at this point in time, under the direct and successful attack on American Democracy, from an “American Facist Movement” that was orchestrated years ago and is now in full operation going forward to achieve its objectives. When we say that “words can not describe how we feel” that is, in effect, a “victory signal” to their goals. Notice I use the word “Movement” to describe their efforts.
Movements are not just “words”. They are well orchestrated, well funded, well articulated (truthful or not), emotional “experiences”.
What is needed now, while there is still time, is a well orchestrated, well funded, well articulated (truthful) “Movement to Protect American Democracy”!
And it needs to be a Bi-Partisan “Coalition” of the most admired public servants we have left. And it must be established quickly.
All good Americans, of which there are many and most certaintly are a majority, must somehow, someway, be “Moved to Unity of Action” to save this sinking ship.
John Hamerski
PS. Also please notice that I did not use a “particular president’s” name in my comments. That was extremely hard to do!
John, you have said everything that should and needs to be said. Calling what is happening a “movement” is spot-on, not least because, as you point out, it has been a long time coming. This didn’t happen overnight, but it must be stopped decisively. “Unity of Action” is now the key. Party differences don’t matter when democracy itself is under threat. I am hopeful we will meet the challenge, but clear about how difficult it will be.