Searching for Joy in the Democratic Party
The Election Circus: A Keen-Eyed Cynic's Perspective
The Joy of Existence
As an older man, I've come to appreciate the ephemeral nature of joy and the pleasures of bodily function. I've also developed an immunity to fools, albeit with a reservation for those I've intimately shared a bed with.
The Political Divide
Politically, I find delight in the spectacle of it all. However, I struggle to comprehend how voters perceive the differences between Democrats and Republicans.
The Great Ethical Divide
Reinhold Neibuhr once observed, "The great ethical divide is between those who want to be pure and those who want to be responsible." In 2024, voters fell on neither side. They simply sought to feel good about themselves by ignoring their nation's history and their leader's intentions.
Words as Indicators of Actions
Democrats embraced misplaced joy, while Republicans clung to misplaced anger. Both parties expected the nation's future to revolve around the effectiveness of their memes. Meanwhile, the electorate seemed relieved to partake in another election based on vagaries rather than specifics.
A Lack of Enthusiasm
As for myself, I find myself in the same vein as Bob Dylan, "I ain't looking for nothing in anyone's eyes." I've lost faith in both my country and its religiously-inclined citizens. I'd simply prefer to make it to the inauguration without being driven insane by the superficiality of Blue No Matter Who proponents.
Trumpism: A Manifestation of American Insecurity
Trump is an unfiltered representation of the American psyche. His election was the culmination of decades of national insecurity and hyperbole. Our national anthem has become a hollow mantra, and our American flags are mere symbols of a lost identity.
Trump's Psychology
If Trump is unhinged, what does that say about us as a nation? How do we psychologically evaluate ourselves when polls consistently show dissatisfaction with our country's trajectory?
The Corporate Shackles
Trump is not just a threat to our democracy. He is the ultimate tool forged by corporate America to control the parameters of debate. The super-rich may have conflicting views on various issues, but they are united in their desire to prevent legislation that would hold them accountable.
Binary Choice: A Manufactured Dilemma
The rise of binary choice was a masterstroke of political manipulation. It forced decent people to accept a path they inherently knew was wrong. The existence of a maniac like Trump was essential to maintain the illusion of choice.
The Democratic Dilemma
Democrats are trapped in a perpetual cycle of rhetoric and inaction. Their focus on messaging and their aversion to unpopular policies have rendered them irrelevant in terms of governance.
Joe Biden and Absurdist Politics
Biden's presidential campaign was an exercise in absurdity. Despite his deteriorating cognitive abilities, party functionaries clung to the illusion of his leadership. I longed to witness his inevitable descent into incoherence, but the media and political establishment shielded him from public scrutiny.
The Shameless Politician
I find myself yearning to possess the shamelessness of Democratic strategists. They work tirelessly to undermine the will of the people by manipulating public perception. They are willing to sell out their convictions for a paycheck.
Class Matters
Class is the fundamental dividing line in our society. Many non-wealthy individuals find solace in hatred because it's often the only thing they can afford. I identify as an ass, and I make no apologies for it.
The Democratic National Convention: A Spectacle of Insincerity
The Democratic National Convention was devoid of substance. The Clintons, Obama, and others filled the stage with insincere platitudes. Obama, in particular, has become a master marketer of platitudes, skillfully obscuring his party's failures.
The Real Issues
Democrats focus on buzzwords such as access, opportunity, and freedom. However, they fail to address the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality. Homelessness, financial ruin, and healthcare are the real problems facing the nation.
Kamala Harris and the Vapid
Harris's presidential campaign required a delicate balancing act. She needed to appeal to the intellectually vapid while not alienating the left. Her endorsement of Israel's military might was a calculated move that showcased her willingness to ignore human suffering.
The Antisemitism Myth
I am not anti-Semitic. However, I find Benjamin Netanyahu to be a symbol of evil. His relentless pursuit of Israeli dominance has led to untold suffering in Gaza.
Polio Politics
During the campaign, Harris refused to criticize Israel's wanton brutality on Gaza. It was a shameful display of indifference that exposed the Democrats' blind support for Israeli aggression.
The Reagan-Buckley Myth
Democrats continue to pine for a mythical world where Reagan and Buckley Conservatives will collaborate with them. This is a foolish fantasy. Reagan and Buckley were the architects of modern conservatism, and their policies have led to systemic inequality.
Trump's Strange Charisma
Trump possesses an undeniable charm that masks his malevolence. If he were more consistent in his demeanor, he could have won by a significant margin.
The Age of the Maniac
Trump may be gone, but the Republican Party's embrace of maniacs will continue. The future holds ominous prospects, with the likes of J.D. Vance and Tom Cotton poised to lead the charge.
The Rank Choices
Instead of worrying about Trump, Democrats should have focused on implementing Ranked Choice Voting, which would have eliminated the need for two inferior choices.
Harris: A Pyrrhic Victory
Harris's victory was a hollow one. She rode to power on a wave of complacency and self-deception. Democrats have failed the American people, and their continued adherence to empty rhetoric will only hasten their demise.
The Worst Choice
My vote for Harris was an act of vengeance. I sought to force the Democratic Party to confront their shortcomings and to take responsibility for their actions. May the Democratic Party follow in the footsteps of the Whigs, relegated to the annals of political irrelevance.