I am beside myself…

I had a post prepared to put out for my blog, and then I started watching the proceedings of the day and just like Tillie said, in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, “All Hell done broke loose now…”

For two years, I have intentionally stayed away from politics in this blog as it never ends well. But today, I cannot refrain. Today has been totally disturbing, disruptive, and extremely dangerous. Our country is on fire.

Yes, we have a right to protest. I felt this way during all of the racial protests as well. But we do not have a right to destroy and disrespect property. Yes, I felt this same way during all of the racial protests.

Most of all, we do not have a right to put others at risk for any possible injury or harm.

I am most aware that most of you know who I voted for. I was not happy in 2016…I couldn’t believe that Donald Trump won. But I know that he was able to make a transition to the White House without turbulence, even though many of us were disappointed. I respected the process as I’m sure all of you did.

For the length of his presidency, I have only talked about Trump with my closest friends, those who love me unconditionally, because again, arguing doesn’t end well.  I also know that being quiet about such things is really not my style. You just know there are some things you can’t discuss with certain people. We all have them.

Today, I watched a crowd gather at the Capital. Then, I saw Vice-President Pence ushered from the Senate Chambers. I heard that Nancy Pelosi was moved to safety. It was then that I saw the Capital entrance breached and soon, I was watching protestors meandering through Statutory Hall…taking selfies, filming the police who were not making them leave, and wondering what the hell was going on.

Cameras were rolling when protestors were raising their fists on the platforms in the House and Senate chambers. Protestors were sitting in chairs and posing with papers left on desks.They were hanging from the balcony railing. They were climbing the scaffolding, in place for the Inauguration in two weeks. Our Senators and Congressmen and women were ushered to safety.

Where did my country go? These are the things we see in other countries…Iraq, Iran, Poland, Russia, etc…Not in the UNITED STATES of AMERICA! I was appalled like you that there was not more of a police presence but I don’t pretend to know how the system works. I was just glad to see when the National Guard arrived, imposing more force and trying to re-claim the area.

I have my theories, my thoughts on what should happen next, but first and foremost, we need to make sure our Capital and White House are secure. We need to make sure that no one else is shot and killed (yes, there has been a death). We need to stop the delay of our election, and get these electoral college votes certified.

We need to begin to heal. It’s not going to happen overnight, or even in two weeks. We have a long way to go. We need to find peace with our friends whom we have disagreed with, or in some cases, maybe it’s time to let go. We need to be careful when we choose our words on social media. We need to be united. Until we are, nothing will change.

I am not a Trump fan, that much is clear. Sadly, this will be his legacy. He could have gracefully conceded and worked on healing our country from the pandemic by an orderly vaccine program. He chose this way out by inviting the supporters to the Capital, knowing that getting that many people together, when fired up, will result in chaos and nothing good.

I also blame the senators and congressmen/women who chose to fight the certification. They were put in office to represent the majority and to uphold the Constitution of this great country we live in. There is a right to protest the vote, but we all know, that is ceremonial, as this was a fair election.

I apologize to you all for bringing politics into my blog, but I am beside myself. Please don’t tell me to stop watching the news. Please don’t argue on my page. Please just find a way to get through this time and get our country back on track for the things that matter most.

Love you all…xoxxo