Hillary-Shaming
Why should I feel bad about supporting the Democratic nominee for President, Hillary Clinton? The logical answer is, of course, that I should not. However, the emotions are so raw and visceral right now; it is literally much easier to hide my support for the candidate with, arguably, the most robust curricula vitae of any candidate for the office… ever.
Much like fat-shaming and slut-shaming, Clinton supporters have been and are being shamed for their support. Would I love to be waving my lifelong-liberal-Democrat-Hillary-loving flag right now? Hell yes, but the false god being thrust upon us by the hate-mongering GOP (which is virtually unrecognizable to the historic party establishment) leaves me in fear.
I have fear in social media platforms, for vocally and publically supporting Secretary Clinton, as it subjects one to hate-filled rants, rife with divisive language and personal ridicule. I have fear of putting a Clinton-Kaine sign in my front yard. What will the neighbors think and would someone actually do harm to the property or, worse still, my person or my family? I do not think that is an entirely irrational leap, given the particular brand of hatred and violence Trump incites! I am most certainly not openly espousing my beliefs at work for fear of putting my job in jeopardy. That, in and of itself, is ironic since I am openly out as a lesbian, who recently got married and was overwhelmingly loved and supported by management and colleagues.
Yet, somehow I have faith in humanity and in reason. I personally believe any intelligent, semi-educated human being with a modicum of common sense can see right through the façade of Donald Trump’s rhetoric. They don’t always see what is right in front of them. I fear, not only for people of color, people with differing religious beliefs or LGBT folks if he is elected, but for our country, in general. Our national safety hangs precariously in the balance on the outcome of the November election.
His candidacy has ripped the bandage off of festering racism, bigotry and homophobia. The civil rights and liberties, which were fought so hard for, with blood, sweat and tears, have the potential of being tossed right out the window. The United States of America was founded on freedom from tyranny, on freedom of speech and on freedom to safely practice the religion of one’s choice. Let us not forget our Founding Fathers and their carefully worded Constitution, because the winner of this election will be responsible for nominating three to four Supreme Court Justices, who interpret those precious words.
Further, it speaks volumes when you have five living former Presidents, two of whom are in the same party, and not one of them will openly admit supporting him. Think about that. They did not attend the convention and/or were likely not even invited. The audacity of this candidate in not setting aside his ego and trying to unite the party is unprecedented. That said, W. is pretty much persona non grata with the GOP these days, who would much rather lump all the blame for the problems our country is experiencing on President Obama.
Trump is a classic egomaniacal narcissist, who is and has only ever been, worried about himself and those who share his last name. I have to admit that I did find some amusement in the primary process, mainly because I could not fathom Trump coming out of the RNC as the nominee. I guess the joke is on me… and, of course, the American people.
Wake me up, please, on November 9th. While this would make a great story arc for House of Cards, it is simply too frightening to experience in real time.
