Yes, that was my point, partly. Although his "thank you" was sarcastic -- I thought I indicated that. He really meant "--- you." And when someone behaves that way toward me, even if I restrain myself from saying what a big part of me wants to, I can't stop the anger. I feel it -- in this case, for at least an hour afterward.
As for a "leftward bias," yes, that is my bias. I'm a liberal, although I may disagree with liberal orthodoxy here and there. I don't say LatinX or cisgender. But as far as my innate stereotyping, I left that in because I thought it made my point: I am stereotyping this jerk as a Trump supporter, because that is what is happening. All jerks must be Trump supporters, for people who disdain and fear Trump. And all jerks must be Trump opponents for his fans.
Of course, I understand jerks come in all political persuasions. And this guy in the parking lot may well, like many Americans, not have been particularly political.
Yes, it stands. But the greater fault lies with those who start the name-calling and the abusive mockery. With the jerk in the parking lot (not the word that I wanted to say at the time), although I restrained my urge to strike back verbally, I could not quash the angry feelings his behavior gave rise to. For an hour at least, my mind was poisoned with this anger, created by his unjustified provocation -- his intentional effort to anger me. Even if I had responded the way my gut urged me to, the greater fault would have been with him. I agree with Barbara, it's a mistake to let the negativity take you over and to start justifying your own lashing-out, your own attempts to provoke. But put the fault where it belongs. No national politician has abused people in the crude way Trump does.
Im guessing you’re referring to the situation in Oakland and other protests. Vandalizing is not okay and I don’t think anyone here would defend it. But those protests were infiltrated by a significant number of MAGAs including the shaman dude with the fur and the horns. Union organizers in the 20s and 30s were constantly being infiltrated by the bosses’ thugs who were trying to give unions a reputation for violence. It’s an age old ploy.
I find Trump to be a completely awful human being, with very few, if any redeeming qualities. I also find him to be stupidly crafty, if you all will allow me an oxymoron, in that he has always been exceedingly good at doing what’s best for himself in the moment, but is correspondingly blind to the long term consequences for himself and for others. Witness his continued bad-mouthing of E. Jean Carroll. I can’t tell if it just makes him feel good to do it, or if he perhaps thinks it helps with keeping his followers riled up for fundraising, but anyone else would have had the sense to just shut up already. This blind spot makes him easily manipulated by anyone willing to stroke his ego. I don’t think he cares about or even understands most of the policies he espouses. I worry more about the smarter people who are using him to their own ends. I do not think they have the best interests of the American people in mind.
And what matters is that people accept Trump’s behaviors and vote for him. Putting him into office has been seriously detrimental to our entire national discourse. His personal deficiencies have been reflected in his destructive policies.
As for Stefanik, although Ken and I have frequently criticized her lies about the 2020 election and other actions related to her job, neither of us has ever criticized her appearance, her name, her family or any other personal aspect of her life, nor will we. Trump does this all the time, such as his mocking of Biden's stutter.
Not interested in the contrived martyrdom of Cult 45.
Every letter you have published in the Post-Star blames Democrats for all the ills of the world and the bad weather. I can see why you feel targeted by this essay.
It's interesting the difference in the way Republicans and Democrats have voiced their support. Sadly since Trump, I have seen a very crass, bold, childish approach to politics. I was never concerned about having a bumper sticker, political sign or any demonstration of my support prior to 2016. Now people are driving around with F*&k Biden stickers, Trump painted on the side of their house or huge Trump signs in their yards. Sometimes they have multiple crude trump stickers on their cars with middle fingers raised to others. A hatred has been released and Republicans aren't afraid to be mean and nasty any longer. I remember my mother making fun of George Floyd for calling for his mother before he died. Fox "news" told everyone that this is what he called his girlfriend so he was actually calling for her. I was horrified. As we know many young men faced with dying as soldiers or in car accidents, etc. call for their mother. It breaks my heart. Fox found a way to invalidate this poor man's suffering and my 90 year old mother thought it was funny. That has never been her character but they brought out the worst in her as they have with so many over the past years.
You don't need to invite me, I read them all. I'm sorry but I don't see the the same level of vitriol. People can dislike or even hate someone for the way they approach governmental responsibilities. I'm not suggesting that people don't despise Stefanik. It is hard not to. The way it is expressed is not at a second grade level or even close to the crude, vengeful, destructive ways I've seen used by trump supporters. Who in their right mind thinks is it OK to make fun of anyone with a disability, grab a woman by the...., autograph a bible, on and on? trump and Fox have brought forward the darkest parts of our society.
I agree with Carl on this one. I’ve mentioned before that it makes me uncomfortable when people here, who I probably agree with on most things politically, use derogatory labels for Trump and Stefanik. Any name calling is wrong, even if the person being named is despicable. hmpy-trmpy, StefaniKKK…it lowers the level of civility and detracts from any point you might be trying to make.
I'm not comfortable with any name calling ever. No matter what the party. I never saw that before trump. At least not at this level ever. I'm afraid he has brought out the worst in everyone.
I am sorry to hear of your mother’s change. My husband has a brother that no longer will speak to us or visit since Trump came into the political realm. It is sad that he (and FOX) has had such a negative effect on personal relationships. So regrettable.
I'm sorry about your husband's brother. I think there have been many, many family problems created by Trump and FOX. The destruction has gone well beyond our political arena. I'm not sure it is measurable.
Being “leftward” is not a “bias.” It’s a worldview informed by critical thinking, and an ability to discern what’s credible. Add some kindness and there it is!
I heartily agree. Personal experience over decades has shown me a distinct difference between those who are open-minded and tolerant and those who are judgmental and intolerant and sometimes quite cruel. I don’t believe I need to explain which are liberal.
Trump’s mocking the reporter with a disability told me all I needed to know about him. Cruelty may be his most despicable quality. And it is untamed by his cognitive disintegration.
Conversely, I love hearing you tell of Bella’s interactions with others - so gentle and trusting. It isn’t always so, but character often evades dementia and sweetness remains. No wonder you two are still in love!
My Uncle has cerebral palsy. I only heard someone make fun of him when I was in 6th grade.
And it was a 3rd grade teacher in North Creek who told her entire class to * stay away from the monster*. No secrets in a small town. Complaint filed, nothing happened. I ran into this woman and actually said something to her. She denied the whole incident.
My Uncle didn't last long in North Creek and ended up in Amsterdam with my grandfather.
When trump mocked that reporter I had hopes that it would be a turning point for some of his supporters. The fact it wasn't showed me who these people are that can just ignore such horrifying behavior. Especially those who continue to support him.
I don't want to engage with these people. Ever.
A Republican running against Stefanik told me she voted for him because she wanted something "different" but has learned her mistake.
So she voted for cruelty and now wants us to trust her. NO THANKS.
I've been accused of being hateful. I admit that sometimes I feel that way. I'm so tired of these people .
There are always going to be ignorant people. I do my very best to avoid them....but if I see cruelty I speak up. That's all we can do.
I’ve experienced it too, Will. Rudeness. A get out of my way vibe. I may never meet the Muslim families who were denied entry to the US. I may never see the Ukrainian ruins that might have been stopped if it weren’t for holding aid hostage for a Hunter Biden investigation. But we all have felt the horrible impact of rudeness, meanness, even violence he made seem acceptable.
Your opinion of NATO is of no matter. Your ignorance of Euuropean politics is apparent and the justification for NATO is in front of your very nose. It is to prevent war, not make war that NATO exists. SMH.
Your memory isn’t fine, it’s faulty, and you prove it again and again with you mindless comments, Carl.
Bella is so fortunate to have you as a caring support. In turn, you are an excellent resource for the Alzheimer's community. I hope that Bella continues to have positive interactions with people in the community. Understanding and kindness is key to being a good citizen for all.
Wonderful to hear how people relate and react to Bella....something I think we all need to think about. How do I come across and how do people react to me, including in my own family. Am I doing something to cause a reaction I don't understand? The best words I can't repeat in my head often enough...."Be kind." It doesn't hurt to do that, ever.
Politics has always been a nasty back and forth business. It used to be called “mud slinging.” But the day Trump came down the escalator everything changed. His cheesy entrance to the world of politics was on display for all the world to see. It was almost as ridiculous as the time he made his entrance through a smoke-filled stage. However, nothing could have prepared us for the Pandora’s Box he brought with him.
Lies, distortions, threats, misrepresentations, alternative facts (imagine??), bigotry, imaginary crimes by others (BLM), imaginary organizations (ANTIFAscism), voter fraud claims, on and on……..none of which have ever been proven - in fact they have been debunked. Every one of 60+ court cases denied or tossed out…..And yet they push on. Currently an absolutely shameful display of our “government at work” holding hearings with the goal of impeaching President Biden by using his recovering addict son as a 2x4 to try and create a case that simply does not exist. Shame on them.
Now he wants another shot at the Oval Office. I can’t (or try not to) imagine how much worse it will be if he is given a second opportunity to destroy this democracy/republic. He has already lined up positions in his phantom administration. (Stephen Miller is one of the more frightening members). He thinks he is smarter now after his 4 yrs experience. Guess what? He is (except for the dementia part). But those around him??? More than willing to take over…..which one do you pick?
Your first scenario is a sign of hope. Not all is lost. There are still many people who seek to think, feel, and act in their daily lives as participants in “the beloved community.”
As the Good Book reads: “Love is patient and kind…it is not arrogant or rude …it rejoices not in the wrong, but in the right.”
I enjoy reading your stories about Bella. I lost my wife to Early Onset AD over ten years ago. It was a long struggle for both of us. I always say that I felt closer to her during those years than I ever did.
integrity, kindness, compassion, understanding, a sense of community. I've been wearing a button that a friend gave me: "Make America Kind Again." On the other side; mocking, demeaning, insulting, attacking...Hard to understand why some people cheer and support cruelty. Thank you, Will, for your deep sense of kindness...may it spread.
Yes, that was my point, partly. Although his "thank you" was sarcastic -- I thought I indicated that. He really meant "--- you." And when someone behaves that way toward me, even if I restrain myself from saying what a big part of me wants to, I can't stop the anger. I feel it -- in this case, for at least an hour afterward.
As for a "leftward bias," yes, that is my bias. I'm a liberal, although I may disagree with liberal orthodoxy here and there. I don't say LatinX or cisgender. But as far as my innate stereotyping, I left that in because I thought it made my point: I am stereotyping this jerk as a Trump supporter, because that is what is happening. All jerks must be Trump supporters, for people who disdain and fear Trump. And all jerks must be Trump opponents for his fans.
Of course, I understand jerks come in all political persuasions. And this guy in the parking lot may well, like many Americans, not have been particularly political.
Yes, it stands. But the greater fault lies with those who start the name-calling and the abusive mockery. With the jerk in the parking lot (not the word that I wanted to say at the time), although I restrained my urge to strike back verbally, I could not quash the angry feelings his behavior gave rise to. For an hour at least, my mind was poisoned with this anger, created by his unjustified provocation -- his intentional effort to anger me. Even if I had responded the way my gut urged me to, the greater fault would have been with him. I agree with Barbara, it's a mistake to let the negativity take you over and to start justifying your own lashing-out, your own attempts to provoke. But put the fault where it belongs. No national politician has abused people in the crude way Trump does.
Im guessing you’re referring to the situation in Oakland and other protests. Vandalizing is not okay and I don’t think anyone here would defend it. But those protests were infiltrated by a significant number of MAGAs including the shaman dude with the fur and the horns. Union organizers in the 20s and 30s were constantly being infiltrated by the bosses’ thugs who were trying to give unions a reputation for violence. It’s an age old ploy.
I find Trump to be a completely awful human being, with very few, if any redeeming qualities. I also find him to be stupidly crafty, if you all will allow me an oxymoron, in that he has always been exceedingly good at doing what’s best for himself in the moment, but is correspondingly blind to the long term consequences for himself and for others. Witness his continued bad-mouthing of E. Jean Carroll. I can’t tell if it just makes him feel good to do it, or if he perhaps thinks it helps with keeping his followers riled up for fundraising, but anyone else would have had the sense to just shut up already. This blind spot makes him easily manipulated by anyone willing to stroke his ego. I don’t think he cares about or even understands most of the policies he espouses. I worry more about the smarter people who are using him to their own ends. I do not think they have the best interests of the American people in mind.
And what matters is that people accept Trump’s behaviors and vote for him. Putting him into office has been seriously detrimental to our entire national discourse. His personal deficiencies have been reflected in his destructive policies.
As for Stefanik, although Ken and I have frequently criticized her lies about the 2020 election and other actions related to her job, neither of us has ever criticized her appearance, her name, her family or any other personal aspect of her life, nor will we. Trump does this all the time, such as his mocking of Biden's stutter.
And that is unfortunate.
Not interested in the contrived martyrdom of Cult 45.
Every letter you have published in the Post-Star blames Democrats for all the ills of the world and the bad weather. I can see why you feel targeted by this essay.
It's interesting the difference in the way Republicans and Democrats have voiced their support. Sadly since Trump, I have seen a very crass, bold, childish approach to politics. I was never concerned about having a bumper sticker, political sign or any demonstration of my support prior to 2016. Now people are driving around with F*&k Biden stickers, Trump painted on the side of their house or huge Trump signs in their yards. Sometimes they have multiple crude trump stickers on their cars with middle fingers raised to others. A hatred has been released and Republicans aren't afraid to be mean and nasty any longer. I remember my mother making fun of George Floyd for calling for his mother before he died. Fox "news" told everyone that this is what he called his girlfriend so he was actually calling for her. I was horrified. As we know many young men faced with dying as soldiers or in car accidents, etc. call for their mother. It breaks my heart. Fox found a way to invalidate this poor man's suffering and my 90 year old mother thought it was funny. That has never been her character but they brought out the worst in her as they have with so many over the past years.
You don't need to invite me, I read them all. I'm sorry but I don't see the the same level of vitriol. People can dislike or even hate someone for the way they approach governmental responsibilities. I'm not suggesting that people don't despise Stefanik. It is hard not to. The way it is expressed is not at a second grade level or even close to the crude, vengeful, destructive ways I've seen used by trump supporters. Who in their right mind thinks is it OK to make fun of anyone with a disability, grab a woman by the...., autograph a bible, on and on? trump and Fox have brought forward the darkest parts of our society.
I agree with Carl on this one. I’ve mentioned before that it makes me uncomfortable when people here, who I probably agree with on most things politically, use derogatory labels for Trump and Stefanik. Any name calling is wrong, even if the person being named is despicable. hmpy-trmpy, StefaniKKK…it lowers the level of civility and detracts from any point you might be trying to make.
I'm not comfortable with any name calling ever. No matter what the party. I never saw that before trump. At least not at this level ever. I'm afraid he has brought out the worst in everyone.
Name calling is wrong at all times.
I think if you defend someone who is clearly lying, that is not stereotyping it is simply calling you out for defending the behavior.
I am sorry to hear of your mother’s change. My husband has a brother that no longer will speak to us or visit since Trump came into the political realm. It is sad that he (and FOX) has had such a negative effect on personal relationships. So regrettable.
I'm sorry about your husband's brother. I think there have been many, many family problems created by Trump and FOX. The destruction has gone well beyond our political arena. I'm not sure it is measurable.
Being “leftward” is not a “bias.” It’s a worldview informed by critical thinking, and an ability to discern what’s credible. Add some kindness and there it is!
I heartily agree. Personal experience over decades has shown me a distinct difference between those who are open-minded and tolerant and those who are judgmental and intolerant and sometimes quite cruel. I don’t believe I need to explain which are liberal.
And you reveal your rightward bias in every letter you get published in the Post-Star. So what?
If the white sheet fits, wear it.
Trump’s mocking the reporter with a disability told me all I needed to know about him. Cruelty may be his most despicable quality. And it is untamed by his cognitive disintegration.
Conversely, I love hearing you tell of Bella’s interactions with others - so gentle and trusting. It isn’t always so, but character often evades dementia and sweetness remains. No wonder you two are still in love!
My Uncle has cerebral palsy. I only heard someone make fun of him when I was in 6th grade.
And it was a 3rd grade teacher in North Creek who told her entire class to * stay away from the monster*. No secrets in a small town. Complaint filed, nothing happened. I ran into this woman and actually said something to her. She denied the whole incident.
My Uncle didn't last long in North Creek and ended up in Amsterdam with my grandfather.
When trump mocked that reporter I had hopes that it would be a turning point for some of his supporters. The fact it wasn't showed me who these people are that can just ignore such horrifying behavior. Especially those who continue to support him.
I don't want to engage with these people. Ever.
A Republican running against Stefanik told me she voted for him because she wanted something "different" but has learned her mistake.
So she voted for cruelty and now wants us to trust her. NO THANKS.
I've been accused of being hateful. I admit that sometimes I feel that way. I'm so tired of these people .
There are always going to be ignorant people. I do my very best to avoid them....but if I see cruelty I speak up. That's all we can do.
So very sad. And I bet that "teacher" thought she was "a Christian!" Stefanik too.
I enjoy joining you and Bella and Ringo on these walks around our community in print. Diane Collins
I’ve experienced it too, Will. Rudeness. A get out of my way vibe. I may never meet the Muslim families who were denied entry to the US. I may never see the Ukrainian ruins that might have been stopped if it weren’t for holding aid hostage for a Hunter Biden investigation. But we all have felt the horrible impact of rudeness, meanness, even violence he made seem acceptable.
Surely you remember Trump siding with Putin, weakening NATO, you have a selective memory.
Your opinion of NATO is of no matter. Your ignorance of Euuropean politics is apparent and the justification for NATO is in front of your very nose. It is to prevent war, not make war that NATO exists. SMH.
Your memory isn’t fine, it’s faulty, and you prove it again and again with you mindless comments, Carl.
Remember - Trump asked that a crippled soldier not be invited to his events anymore “no one wants to see that”
The number of times that man has shown his cruelty is immeasurable- before, during and after.
As always, a much loved commentary on the basic goodness of individuals and Bella's continued sweetness and good nature. She must really feel loved!
Bella is so fortunate to have you as a caring support. In turn, you are an excellent resource for the Alzheimer's community. I hope that Bella continues to have positive interactions with people in the community. Understanding and kindness is key to being a good citizen for all.
Wonderful to hear how people relate and react to Bella....something I think we all need to think about. How do I come across and how do people react to me, including in my own family. Am I doing something to cause a reaction I don't understand? The best words I can't repeat in my head often enough...."Be kind." It doesn't hurt to do that, ever.
Politics has always been a nasty back and forth business. It used to be called “mud slinging.” But the day Trump came down the escalator everything changed. His cheesy entrance to the world of politics was on display for all the world to see. It was almost as ridiculous as the time he made his entrance through a smoke-filled stage. However, nothing could have prepared us for the Pandora’s Box he brought with him.
Lies, distortions, threats, misrepresentations, alternative facts (imagine??), bigotry, imaginary crimes by others (BLM), imaginary organizations (ANTIFAscism), voter fraud claims, on and on……..none of which have ever been proven - in fact they have been debunked. Every one of 60+ court cases denied or tossed out…..And yet they push on. Currently an absolutely shameful display of our “government at work” holding hearings with the goal of impeaching President Biden by using his recovering addict son as a 2x4 to try and create a case that simply does not exist. Shame on them.
Now he wants another shot at the Oval Office. I can’t (or try not to) imagine how much worse it will be if he is given a second opportunity to destroy this democracy/republic. He has already lined up positions in his phantom administration. (Stephen Miller is one of the more frightening members). He thinks he is smarter now after his 4 yrs experience. Guess what? He is (except for the dementia part). But those around him??? More than willing to take over…..which one do you pick?
There is something to be said for being old…….
Thanks, Will.
Your first scenario is a sign of hope. Not all is lost. There are still many people who seek to think, feel, and act in their daily lives as participants in “the beloved community.”
As the Good Book reads: “Love is patient and kind…it is not arrogant or rude …it rejoices not in the wrong, but in the right.”
The second scenario speaks for itself.
Shalom!
Nice, nice articles Will. I wish you both warm wishes on this sad journey of yours.
I enjoy reading your stories about Bella. I lost my wife to Early Onset AD over ten years ago. It was a long struggle for both of us. I always say that I felt closer to her during those years than I ever did.
Thank you sincerely for sharing your wanderings with Bella (and Ringo).
integrity, kindness, compassion, understanding, a sense of community. I've been wearing a button that a friend gave me: "Make America Kind Again." On the other side; mocking, demeaning, insulting, attacking...Hard to understand why some people cheer and support cruelty. Thank you, Will, for your deep sense of kindness...may it spread.