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Rev.Judith's avatar

I also know (and am gob-smacked by) people who say Trump is doing a great job and then cannot make a reasonable argument to back up their claims. I know I will sound like Pollyanna-in-Denial when I say that a helpful strategy, right now, is simply to let go of this very justified anger and frustration. It's affecting our mental health, not theirs. It's clear that nothing we say will convince dunderheads that Trump is not a stable genius -- he is a drunk driver steering his clown car right off a cliff (and they're in the backseat!). My approach to get through these last few weeks before the election is to trust that hard-working, ethical journalists will continue to report the facts. To trust that the few GOP standouts who we see inching away from Trump (e.g. Romney, Thune, etc.) are just the beginning. To trust that we will certainly see elected members of what once was the Grand Old Party rapidly put miles between themselves and Trump when (God-willing) he loses the election and they are lame ducks. Those of us who are privileged (in whatever way we define that) are called now to stand fast and hang onto the hope we felt in 2008 when Obama was elected. Like you, I do feel terribly discouraged. But I refuse to give in to despair or to let Trump and his stupid followers rent space in my brain. I try to accept that some people will never "get it" -- but that I don't have to stop talking to them (especially since some of them are in my family!). It is annoying in the extreme, but now I just limit my exchanges with them to relatively neutral subjects like, "How about that World Series!" or "Wow, that was some thunderstorm!" or "Your Halloween decorations this year are great!!"

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Lynell(VA by way of MD&DC)'s avatar

Hey, Rev.Judith, I agree with all you say here. Especially enamored with not letting these folks "rent space in my brain!"

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Rev.Judith's avatar

Lynell Abbott, it sure is a wearisome time... :-/

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Bill Willis (SC from NYC, etc)'s avatar

Yesterday I posted a link to a video I think might help us, in Heather’s Herd, to better understand the opposite reactions of people to the same info. Here is the link:

https://youtu.be/W4eS2E-PoGo

I hope this helps.

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Rev.Judith's avatar

"Heather's Herd" !!! I love it !!!! Can we get some pale purple baseball caps with that slogan embroidered on the front?? Or at least a coffee mug...

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Bill Willis (SC from NYC, etc)'s avatar

I’m so pleased you like it and have become the charter member. Okay...about the pale purple baseball caps...?!!? Also, I think it’s time to discuss the dues!!! But seriously folks, I think the caps—in various colors—are a great idea, along with mugs. And tee shirts would be great, too, although a little out of season! Anyhoo...

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Stephen from Sunny Seattle's avatar

Thanks Bill, that was a well thought out presentation.

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Lynell(VA by way of MD&DC)'s avatar

Hey Bill. I finally got a chance to watch this video you shared. Very well done presentation, thank you!

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Elaine Hewitt's avatar

And that’s all the energy they deserve unfortunately

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Michael Merchant's avatar

Best explanation I’ve heard: It’s not so much that his supporters like Trump; it’s that they hate the people who hate Trump (urban, intellectuals, elites, etc. )

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Mitzi's avatar

“...rent space in my brain“ !!! 🙏🏼😂

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