Mourning in America - Trump Year One: November '16 to

At this point, what can you do to make rust belt 'Reagan Democrats' understand that the only reason those middle-class w/ bennies jobs existed in the first place was unions and that they're voting for the party that isn't just kind of meh on unions and wages but actively hostile? It feels impossible.

― Kiarostami bag (milo z), Friday, November 11, 2016 1:10 PM (eleven minutes ago)

smug memes about economic anxiety seemed to work pretty well this election, i say we keep up with those

I understand the appeal of a Biden to DNC types because he has bad hair and doesn't follow scripts and can improvise on the stump, and I think Sanders would've done better than Clinton in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, but I've trouble thinking he would've survived "Jewish socialist" in September and October. Michael Moore seemed convinced this morning that many of those incoherent and inchoate Trump voters in those states I mentioned were willing to give the Jewish socialist a shot because they were suffering so badly.

they had one!

they did, and while I don't know if Bernie could have pulled it off against Trump, I clearly misread the electorate so who knows

not trying to look backward cuz what's done is done, just that moving forward that seems like the lesson to learn from a political party/strategizing viewpoint

xp

Not for profit so no specific names, but just circulated by the American Academy of Pediatrics (for all my fellow parents):

A Message from AAP CEO/Executive Vice President Karen Remley, MD, MBA, MPH, FAAP

Members of the AAP:

Following the results of this week’s national election, AAP members in communities across the country have reached out to us. They’ve requested advice on how to speak to children and families about the results, how to help each other cope with disturbing rhetoric, and how to explain news reports of protests. They have sought reassurance that our mission remains steadfast to advance policies that protect all children.

Even as we do everything we can as a national organization to represent children’s needs to our newly elected leaders, it is so important that all children feel safe and protected in their day-to-day lives. As pediatricians and pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists, parents and grandparents, we can serve as a source of comfort and safety, reassuring children and supporting families.

Here are some ways you can encourage parents to help their children:

TAKE CARE

Take care of yourself first. Children depend on the adults around them to be and feel safe and secure. If you are anxious or angry, children are likely to be more affected by your emotional state than by your words. Find someone you trust to help with your personal concerns.

TALK

Explain—as simply and directly as possible—the results of the election and what they mean for who is in charge of the country. Start by asking what your child has already heard and what understanding he or she has reached. As your child explains, listen for misinformation, misconceptions, and underlying fears or concerns. The amount of information that will be helpful to a child depends on his or her age. For example, older children generally want and will benefit from more detailed information than younger children. Because every child is different, take cues from your own child as to how much information to provide.
Pay attention to what your children are viewing on television, the internet and social media, especially younger children. When children watch news on television, try to watch with them and use the opportunity to discuss what is being seen and how it makes you and your child feel.
Consider sharing your feelings about the election with your child. This is an opportunity for you to model how to react to the news, especially if you talked openly about the potential results as a family in the weeks leading up to the election. Be sure that you are able to express a positive or hopeful approach about the future and be reassuring.
Share with your child your own values and beliefs, including how you as a family treat others who are different or who may disagree with you. Kindness is important. Teach your child that if you disagree with someone, you can talk with them kindly about the way you feel.

LISTEN

Encourage your child to ask questions, and answer them directly. Question-and-answer exchanges help to ensure ongoing support as your child begins to understand the response to current events. Don’t force the issue with your child. Instead, extend multiple invitations for discussion and then provide an increased physical and emotional presence as you wait for him or her to be ready to accept those invitations.
If your child has seen or experienced discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, either from other children or adults, encourage your child to discuss what he or she has experienced. Observing someone we care about being discriminated against, or experiencing discrimination ourselves, is scary, and reminds us that now more than ever it is important to reassure children that they deserve to feel and be safe in their schools, homes, and communities.
Allow your child to express what he or she is feeling, including fear, anxiety, or anger. Listen as your child talks about it, again and again if necessary. Reassure your child of the steps that are being taken to keep him or her safe. Children should be encouraged to tell a trusted adult, such as a parent or a teacher, if they are bullied or feel threatened.

ACT

Engage in activities with your children that demonstrate your values. Volunteer together at an organization whose mission is dedicated to a cause you care about, give your child ideas about individual actions he or she can take every day to help fight prejudice, and take care to discuss issues of shared concern as a family.
As we turn to our newly elected leaders, the Academy will continue to advocate for and promote healthy children, support secure families, build strong communities and ensure that the United States is a leading nation for children. We will remain constant in our pursuit of health and well-being for all children. We will be steadfast in our approach of using evidence, policy and our passion for children in our dialogue and discussion.

Thank you for all you to do to care for children in your community, and thank you for your partnership as we work together to represent their needs to our new government.

In gratitude,

Karen Remley, MD, MBA, MPH, FAAP
Executive Vice President/CEO, American Academy of Pediatrics

i feel this way too flopson. im not doing well

love ya, buddy. I can't honestly say anything optimistic politically or materially but I do know that being together will ease the pain. here for you and all ilxors if u ever need anything

good fuck I haven't felt this bleak about the world since I was a kid in the 80's. even bush winning a second term didn't seem as bleak and awful.

My solace has been realizing that it wasn't a close election -- Dems can re-win the districts and states they thought they owned in 2018 and 2020, respectively. But I don't know what the policy change would be. I don't seem to remember Barack Obama having a message in 2007 other than himself.

Sorry for another long cut and paste, but I find this stuff not to useful for kids but applicable to adults as well, especially since so many of us are a mess (thanks a lot, Leonard Cohen). This was sent from out school superintendent to all parents. Sad that it has come to this, but this makes me less sad:

During the past few days, I have seen and heard varying reactions to the results of the presidential election. As I have poured over the disparate dichotomy in perspectives, ideologies and philosophies about what the future holds for our country, what has emerged for me is a renewed belief in the importance of unity. It is the belief in unity that makes Oak Park such a special place. It is the belief in unity that rallies our community around the virtues of diversity, tolerance and mutual respect. It is also the belief in unity that helps drive our district's vision to create a positive learning environment for all students that is equitable, inclusive and focused on the whole child.

However, a steadfast belief in unity is not the only one we aspire to here in District 97. We also believe in ensuring that every child has access to equal educational opportunities and a nurturing learning environment regardless of color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity or immigration status. In addition, we believe in helping students understand and embrace each other's differences, while also instilling in them a sense of empathy and a commitment to caring that will guide their efforts and actions throughout their lives.

We are entering an unprecedented period of change where the need for togetherness and the maintenance of a strong and unified belief system will be more critical than ever. Here in District 97, these values will remain at the forefront of everything we say and do both in and out of the classroom. In fact, in the days ahead, I will share examples of collaboration between our students, faculty, staff, families and community members that are helping to fulfill the promise of education. Until then, I encourage each and every one of you to reflect on the powerful and impactful role you play in the growth and development of our students. You are their teachers, their mentors, their coaches, their role models and their friends. It is through your words and actions that they will realize their dreams, face their fears, achieve their greatest victories and overcome their toughest defeats. You are now and always will be the true key to helping them discover not only who they are, but also what they can become when they dedicate their hearts, minds and talents to unlocking their full potential.

I consider it a true honor to be your partner on this incredible journey, and look forward to continuing our work together to help prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In the meantime, I want to thank you for your passionate support of our schools and the children we serve.

I find it heartening to hear from leaders in and of community this measured recognition that this was no run of the mill election.

("Not just useful for kids," I meant)

xxxp - maybe it's self-deception but if there's a sliver of a silver lining here at least the difference between Bush-era neocons and the Father Coughlins of the next four years is that we probably won't get into a new land war in Asia. Maybe. Hopefully. Fuck.

I've trouble thinking he would've survived "Jewish socialist" in September and October. Michael Moore seemed convinced this morning that many of those incoherent and inchoate Trump voters in those states I mentioned were willing to give the Jewish socialist a shot because they were suffering so badly.

― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, November 11, 2016 1:23 PM (four minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

As much as this week has reminded me that pre-Trump, Clinton was clearly a highly risky choice for a post-two terms incumbent party nom, but in second guessing Sanders, it's probably worth considering that we never saw the full Trump rage and hate machine pointed at him.

yep

Also, as far as some domestic economic policy and foreign policy (whatever it was) goes, Trump and Sanders were not totally at odds. Maybe some Trump voters felt like they were getting what they liked about Sanders in the same package. To the extent that any of the candidates offered clear, comprehensive plans and policies.

If you'd like to get some LOLs at the deputy Washington editor at the NYT getting his ass handed to him by All Of Twitter, today is your lucky day!!

https://twitter.com/jonathanweisman/status/797120114042793984

Jonathan Weisman

‏@jonathanweisman

Defeated Dems could've tapped Rust Belt populist to head party. Instead, black, Muslim progressive from Minneapolis?

adam serwer drives me nuts on twitter but he can write, great piece: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/11/welcome-to-the-second-redemption/507317/

The broad economic devastation [following Reconstruction] wrought by the Redeemers might have been seen by [turn of the 20th-century] Republicans as a political opportunity to forge an interracial coalition. But it was not to be. “The failure to develop an effective long-term appeal to white voters made it increasingly difficult for Republicans to combat the racial politics of the Redeemers,” Foner argued.

Democrats now face a renewed white-identity politics whose appeal will be immensely difficult to neutralize, and the notion that a more vigorous, left wing economics will return the white working class to the Democratic fold is likely a fantasy. The last Democrat to come close to winning the white vote was Bill Clinton, who combined his economic populism with promises to “end welfare as we know it” and advertised his willingness to use state violence against black Americans, turning the execution of Ricky Ray Rector to his political advantage.

The uncomfortable truth is that, whether you’re Donald Trump or Bill Clinton, economic populism is most effective in American politics when it is paired with appeals to racism. Maybe the Democrats can and will find a way to do so without such appeals. By the time they do, it may simply be too late to stop what is coming.

many xps to old lunch but otm and i'm with you there

CNN sez DT's 'inner circle' urging Priebus as chief of staff

NY Times published a few 'how dare you call me a racist' letters from Trump voters today. And this:

Political commentators just don’t get it.

I am a middle-of-the-road Republican. If Joe Biden had been nominated, I would have voted for him. If Bernie Sanders had been nominated, I would have voted for him. If my next-door neighbor had been nominated, I would have voted for her. Hillary Clinton was nominated. I voted for Donald Trump.

JIM PETERSON

San Diego

I'm a middle of the road Republican who will absolutely refuse to ever take orders from some woman she must be a criminal or something EMAIL

aside from his obvious qualifications and strengths, bernie sanders has a weird pull among low-information voters. my mom, a moderate democrat who for reasons i can't quite discern dislikes hillary (the trust issues and "too liberal", she told me last christmas or so) apparently wrote in bernie for president on tuesday.

he'd take orders from his neighbor woman

xp

kev what state did Mom vote in?

it's because he's smart enough to dumb down his rhetoric to catchy slogans and use them endlessly xxp

in addition to "bigly," i wonder if we could stop throwing around these "racist" and "fascist" bombs as often as we do, particularly as applied to whole swaths of the population we don't know very well, and whose votes we need.

Political commentators just don't get Jim Peterson from San Diego's particular voting preferences.

good fuck I haven't felt this bleak about the world since I was a kid in the 80's. even bush winning a second term didn't seem as bleak and awful.

― akm, Friday, November 11, 2016 10:26 AM (forty-four minutes ago)

yeah. I remember Reagan winning in 1984, and I think that might have been my strongest early memory of feeling like people were delusional and stupid and evil. I remember my best friend (this was 4th grade) saying she liked Reagan because he was so fond of jelly beans.

NY, morbs

All right. Deep breath.

I made a blog. I put a bunch of the stuff I've written over the past few days on it.

I'm terrified.

http://rebuildingeverything.blogspot.com/

attaboy

Just linked, rushomancy

yeah. I remember Reagan winning in 1984, and I think that might have been my strongest early memory of feeling like people were delusional and stupid and evil. I remember my best friend (this was 4th grade) saying she liked Reagan because he was so fond of jelly beans.

― sarahell,

whereas we can't even say what Hillary was fond of -- the NYT crossword?

it's because he's smart enough to dumb down his rhetoric to catchy slogans and use them endlessly xxp

― global tetrahedron, Friday, November 11, 2016

this is it -- precisely it

in addition to "bigly," i wonder if we could stop throwing around these "racist" and "fascist" bombs as often as we do, particularly as applied to whole swaths of the population we don't know very well, and whose votes we need.

not sure this concession is warranted or appropriate at this time, perhaps this perception is simply a failing of mine

HuffPo discontinuing, removing Editors' Note from Trump stories about his history of racism and xenophobia:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-media/2016/11/the-huffington-post-ending-its-editors-note-about-donald-trump-231044

THE LIBERAL MEDIA

wtf

The cute dude who didn't return my OKCupid text? I called him a fascist a month ago. That's when I knew I abused the word.

in addition to "bigly," i wonder if we could stop throwing around these "racist" and "fascist" bombs as often as we do, particularly as applied to whole swaths of the population we don't know very well, and whose votes we need.

― Thus Sang Freud, Friday, November 11, 2016 7:16 PM (four minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

i don't think we should ignore the fascist and racist tendencies of people who voted for trump, or the tendencies of people to just not care about that issue as long as they aren't the ones affected. but obviously their votes are important and need to be won over with something, particularly since they have these tendencies of fascism and apathy.

bernie sanders has a weird pull among low-information voters. my mom, a moderate democrat who for reasons i can't quite discern dislikes hillary (the trust issues and "too liberal", she told me last christmas or so)

yeah, I have an unfortunately large number of "low-information" friends that were all about Bernie. Had never seen them enthusiastically support any other political candidate before. My mom is a bit like your mom, though she voted for Hillary anyway. My mom believed a lot of the Clinton conspiracies/issues from when Bill was president.

attaboy

Just linked, rushomancy

― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn)

thanks

i'm going to take a little break until i stop shaking again :)

whereas we can't even say what Hillary was fond of -- the NYT crossword?

bourbon

Good news for us this side of the Atlantic is that we are already starting to see fewer obnoxious Republican wankers infesting our TV screens.

... back to our homegrown Tory wankers.

also given that Clinton won the popular vote and roughly half the population stayed home, i struggle with the notion that courting the votes of racist misogynists is necessary or even worth the moral compromise required but again im still boiling and keeping this shit largely to myself outside this space

come January you will see a lot more of them! They will meet with your elected officials, shake hands with the royal family ... sorry Britain.

So, what if the things that need to be done to "win over" the votes of people who have racist/fascist tendencies (or, you know, are racist or fascist), or are willing to ignore them, aren't worth doing? What if they're *bad things*?

yeah some of these arguments about meeting the 'other' halfway makes it seem like trump won a resounding victory. dude barely fucking won and half the population didn't vote.

the goal should be to make more voters who are not racists/fascists/etc.

also we should stop generalizing about half the population of the country. that's a lot of people.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/11/11/trump-got-more-votes-from-people-of-color-than-romney-did-heres-the-data/

NY, morbs

well they didn't count her vote (not that it mattered, Clinton winning the state by 22 points). There were 32 sanctioned write-in candidates in NY. All other prez ballots w/ unapproved choices were disregarded.

Are you really going to do this?