The following is from a conversation I initiated on Facebook January 22:
Original Comment: I remain optimistic that the new President will be able to shake things up in Washington and change "the way it's always been" there for the better. However, the way he comports and expresses himself leads me to the inescapable conclusion that somehow Xxx Xxxxxx has managed to occupy the Oval Office.
Rejoinder: If you think " shake things up" means destroying the progress made toward slowing climate change, removing health care for more than 20 million Americans, preventing women from getting proper advice and help during or before pregnancy, or alienating the U.S. from the international community, then I think you need to study these and other issues more carefully. We are all in this together;it's how we get there that matters.
Response: Respectfully, Sir, I firmly believe that despite the many reservations I have regarding President Trump he is far better for the long-term well being of our country than the alternative choice in November would have been.
I have now awakened on two consecutive mornings following the inauguration to discover the oceans have not risen, the young and elderly have not all died, all women have not become pregnant and subsequently killed by their undesired parasites, we have not gone to war with anyone, and in the bonus round we aren't even speaking Russian. There is far more Chicken Little than substance so far to the shrill hysteria of the Opposition.
Climate change is unquestionably real. It has been taking place for billions of years before humanity stepped on stage and will undoubtedly continue long after we are gone. Climate change is not exclusively human caused, and no scientist can honestly ascribe a value between zero and one hundred percent that defines what our contribution to the current phenomenon might be. No amount of consensus will change that.
Regarding health care, the "removing health care for more than 20 million" scare relies on the assumption that nothing will be put in place to cover any repeals of the ACA which may take place. Heck the argument even conveniently ignores the false assumption that "health insurance" equates to "health care". There are many who are now insured but can not afford to use that insurance because of the mushrooming premiums, deductibles and co-pays that are a hallmark of the misnamed "Affordable" Care Act. Also, prior to implementation of the ACA and continuing through this very day it is against the law for any hospital to turn away an individual presenting themselves for care regardless of their ability to pay. It is an inefficient and needlessly cost inflated means of delivering health care, but the care is in fact available. Even without insurance.
Regarding women getting proper advice and help during or before pregnancy, I submit that such is in fact available without the intervention of the government. If one is unable to afford a condom, or incapable of insisting upon its proper use, then perhaps both individuals involved should not be engaging in sexual intercourse. Treat our citizens like irresponsible children incapable of making even the most basic decisions for themselves and you will indeed have the country of irresponsible children we find ourselves with today. Demand personal accountability from each and every citizen and it will not be necessary to assume that every failure to attain equality of outcome is someone else's fault.
The jury is still out on international relations, and I will wait to see how things develop rather than render a proactive judgment regarding results not yet in evidence. I will say though that if entities such as Iran, ISIS, and North Korea don't like the way we are treating them then my feelings will not be even a tiny bit hurt. And I certainly will not be at all apologetic over restrengthening ties with old and valued allies such as Israel.
I conclude, Sir, the way I began, earnestly and in all seriousness respectfully. I have given far more consideration to the issues you raise and many others than you appear to credit me with. My conclusions are far more considered than "Barry Bad - Donny Good!!" I firmly believe that the path we as a nation have been on for much longer than the past eight years is inadvisable and unsustainable, and that supporting the Democrat vision of the future would have brought about complete disaster sooner rather than later. I am far from totally sanguine about the map for the road ahead or our currently selected pilot. I do believe, though, that we stand a much better chance for a positive and prosperous future on our current path than on the road not taken in November.
