My dad is a Trumpie and my mom is a Never.
You wonder how I manage as a Never?
I love my dad, but I don’t like him anymore. He is stuck in the past, fighting with his demons, which includes a still living authoritarian father, who taught him that his worth was in dollars and privilege, not kindness and fairness.
I challenge him by using some middle path messages: Be against abortion but don’t tell me what to do with my body! So, yes on abortion and yes, with limits.
Similar to the issue on guns. Pro second amendment? Fine, but it’s not 1791 anymore, add limits!
Free speech, of course. But, hate speech is not okay and and while you’re here: MAKE LIES BY OUR ELECTED LEADERS (dear Trump) against the law!
Pro business? Of course, but don’t you dare hurt our planet to meet your greed.
Pro flag? Ok, but let me kneel in protest.
Immigration law, clearly. But, don’t lock babies up to prove your point.
Black Lives Matter. I won’t tell you his response to that. Mine to him though, in silence but with a sharp edge, “Dad, really? You disgust me!”
I put on CNN at the expense of propaganda Fox, for just one hour. But he says, “Fake news, darling. Turn this sh*t off.” I try a move closer to our metaphorical home and invite him to picture Trump grabbing my pussy. He covers his eyes, shakes his head and bellows, “STOP! That was before!”
I feel hopeless.
I used to get in the middle of my parent’s debates. And then I started seeing a therapist who taught me to mind my own business and fight like hell for what I believe.
So, I donate. I march. I send postcards to purple states. And, I walk away when they argue; if they want my company they’ll figure out how to find common ground. (And sadly, it won’t likely be on impeachment 🙄).
Until then, I stay woke.
#Democracy #impeachment #politics
