Occasionally we are forced to confront uncomfortable truths
Some unfortunately we are inured to, others are such a jolt to ‘our worldview’ that we can’t readily escape the emotional prison they lead us to.
What’s powerful about the second type of event is that these can also lead to personal and societal change and growth, like physical pain, emotional pain also has a purpose.
It’s how we identify with and respond to this pain which is important.
My current pain is Donald Trump.
Only twice before have I felt this hurt and this mystified by an event where I have lost hours and hours searching for the why? (The other events were as primary witness to a serious crime, and a teen suicide).
Surprisingly there is a common thread between these three events.
It’s not the person!
Not: Trump/Criminal/Suicide.
It’s the communities around them.
Trump, amongst other things, is an outcome of the support of two of the many types of communities that have always existed in the United States (and elsewhere);
- One driven by fear, not wishing to change, ignorant and unwilling to think independently or beyond the borders of their town, state or country.
- The other driven by a lust for power, control, personal wealth and – in common with the other group – retention of the status quo (their power).
Communities that are so invested in their prior narrative that they cannot correctly discern when things have gone too far
Trump is just the Messenger.
It’s an uncomfortable truth.
As the various merits of John McCain demonstrate, it’s not truly a political divide but one conveniently dressed that way to Trump’s advantage. Playing voters who vote for one side of the canyon or the other – with no consideration of a bridge between.
Trump has played this in plain sight. And those absorbed in their own self-interest and without question as to the purpose of their loyalties, have followed.
Consider this:
You go to a party that is populated heavily with:
- White collar criminals
- Dishonest lawyers, financiers, publicists
- Dubious celebrities
- People you know who regularly lie, cheat, embellish
- People known for always promoting themselves above others
What do you conclude about the host?
What do you do?
…and you elect him as President!!
You can’t change him, but we can all face the uncomfortable truth that as a society, as connected communities, we need to find better answers so we don’t end up here again.
At present far too much energy is going into looking at the person and not the issues that brought this person to the top of the pile in the first place. There lies the true source of my/our pain.
Note: I’m no expert on American Politics, but having lived 5 of the last 6 years in America, I feel I can at least share my observations.
cROADWORKS 
Great article and observation about our current administration and the problem. As much as I disagree with, and yes, dislike the current President, he is only one individual, a very rude, arrogant, narcissistic one at that. However, his Evangelical and blue collar base which support him believe him because he is the loudest mouth in the room and they are unwilling to consider facts which they consider to be “fake news”. One needs to be willing to hear both sides of an issue and then look at the facts and discern what is real and untrue. I personally have not met one Trump supporter yet who will hear you out and consider facts. They consider facts a lie, biased or fake news. I always try my best to hear and understand their side but they are unwilling to hear the other side. This is my experience and opinion going into almost 2 years of the current administration. Peter
Hi Peter, thanks for dropping by and commenting as well. It took me some time to have the courage to bring this post forward not being a US citizen.
The small minded pettiness of the ‘man’ in not honouring John McCain was the final straw.
Hope you’re doing well, nice to hear from you.
Richard