Sunday, November 3, 2024 early afternoon

Consider this photo a representation of what most U.S. female Boomer voters feel like lately.

(stock image)

Democrats…Republicans…Independents…Undecided….no one is happy. In fact, most of us Boomers go to bed each night thinking “How in the hell did America get to this place? Oh…right. We are the ‘land of opportunity’… ‘the melting pot of the world,’ etc.” I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m rather proud that I live in a nation composed of citizens whose ancestors, or they, themselves, came from all over the planet. I like living in a melting pot…a “mixed salad,” as I sometimes say.

I’ve witnessed a lot in my 77 years….the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful of my country. There is much of which to be ashamed. There is much for which to be grateful. Throughout elementary school, junior high, high school, and college, we were coached in what a democracy is. Now we have learned how extremely fragile that concept is. If someone like Donald Trump could get elected in 2016, create his nonstop cult-like verbiage that resonated with millions of citizens, and be a daily topic of broadcast news every damn day for more than 9 years…well, it wasn’t long into those 9 years that most of us ordinary folks started feeling the development of an insidious division. For historians and politicians, it was no surprise. It’s been long in the making, apparently.

By the end of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, all the votes will be in. How remarkable that there have been record breaking numbers of early voters. I was one. I mailed mine with the hope that it would not get lost or “accidently destroyed.” I decided “NO” to standing in any line to cast my vote. I just wanted to mail it and be done with it.

The possibility of the first female president. Hmmmm. We’ve been here before, but this time, I’m trying to ride the wave of joy and hope, despite living with medically managed depression. No doubt, there will be plenty of chaos if Harris wins. I’m guessing there will likely be a record number of folks becoming expats to other countries if The Idiot is elected. Most of us are expecting acts of violence around the country…protests…accusations of voter fraud…illegal shenanigans from all over the place.

Gatherings with friends and family members of like minds…even network news hosts and their panels…we seem to be amazed that millions of people could fall for all the lies and put up with such unacceptable behavior for SO LONG from a presidential candidate. It’s so difficult for some of us to realize how divisive we’ve become. When we are reminded of human history, it becomes clearer.

This is the image that shocked most Democrats, Independents, and mainstream Republicans. Are we concerned that it could happen again? Yes, but we are voting in record numbers to make sure it doesn’t. Of course, there are no guarantees.

(photo by Brent Stirton)

No one in the U.S. is expecting a declared winner of next Tuesday’s presidential election. It will take a while to certify and count the votes. The news coverage will be exhausting. Many news show hosts and their panels will continue reporting and discussing in what, to me, will sound like near hysterical mode 24/7.

Ah, yes. I’m so tired.

(photo by Craig F Walker, The Boston Globe)

I do not plan to have the TV on to check up on election day commentary and happenings. It will drive me nuts. I will have zen/spa type music on continually when I’m inside. I’ll likely take myself out for a photo walk with my camera. Maybe some nature photography or some street photography time downtown or on campus. In the evening I will likely check news headlines on my tablet. The TV will remain off on election day.

One thing is certain, though. A bit of chocolate and a bit of alcohol will be part of my November 5th experience. I am going to hang on to hope and look forward to some joy while enjoying my self-imposed day away from broadcast news.

Thank you, Vice President Kamala Harris, for giving it your all. Billions of people worldwide are praying for you and our fragile democracy.