Watcha Doin' - 2016.1 Showing 3,201-3,250 of 3,910

[Tejas Janet]

I feel like some history-bending moment just happened.

[Peggy]

It does feel that way. One of the reporters on Dutch tv said that this is one of those moments where people will still remember years from now exactly where they were and what they were doing on November 9, 9am (Dutch time ;-)) when Trump was announced as the winner.

[Tejas Janet]

Well, it feels fu**ing awful at this point. But I hate to be such a pessimist. Perhaps, it will lead to something good.

[Tejas Janet]

Hoping it's the Democrats turn to contest the election. And win.

Such a tryp

[Laura]

Destroyed doesn't begin to explain how I feel at the moment. Think of an anxiety attack that never ends.

We all have to find a way to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

[Sarah]

Tejas Janet wrote: "Well, it feels fu**ing awful at this point. But I hate to be such a pessimist. Perhaps, it will lead to something good."
This is how i felt the morning after the brexit vote. I feel your pain. I agree Peggy about this moment and the brexit moment - they will be talked about as being big moments in history. I'm scared what we all have in store for us this next few years.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I have watched the election coverage all day from polls closing at 11am my time, to leaving work at 6pm with it all but called, to arriving at dinner with Lexx's family with all our phones going off at once from our different news services telling us it was a done deal.

I have tried writing this next sentence so many times and it's just been deleted again and again. And I think that sums it up.

I just can't believe I am having this conversation. I cannot fathom it.

[Laura]

Hugs to all, wish I knew something more to say. Thanks for the consoling words and commiseration, it does help.

Hopefully, it all works out. We have to hold on to hope, I guess.

[Lisa]

Blimey! That was really unexpected! All signs were pointing to a Clinton victory but I guess the silent majority have spoken.

[Laura]

Kristie, I'm on my phone and can't reply to your last comment, but I hope you're doing ok.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I missed this entire page of comments. I hope you are all doing okay over there. As shocking and bewildering it is from outside the States, I can't imagine how it must feel inside.

[Laura]

They're saying she could still win the popular vote and lose the election the same way Al Gore did in 2000 because we have an Electoral College here. Each state is assigned a certain number of electors, and they are supposed to vote for whichever candidate the popular vote elected in that state.

IMO the EC should be abolished because if you live in a swing state, your vote matters a lot. In non-swing states, it almost doesn't matter at all. And there is something very wrong with that. Al votes should matter equally.

[Tasha]

Just understand that there are many who are extremely relieved Clinton didn't win...many who are excited by the results. It's not all doom and gloom over here.

Anyone following MSM is understandably shocked bc of the bias but those who followed the election trail on the ground and through sources other than MSM are not shocked at all! It would have been more shocking if Clinton had won.

I won't be debating or talking politics futher on here because it's way too volatile but I just wanted to add that not all of us here in the US are shocked or devastated. :)

[Laura]

I'd venture to say that most are both. Everyone I know is both, has been both for months. Ok, not everyone I know. But most everyone.

[Laura]

I'd add embarrassed. Mostly what we are is embarrassed.

And that's all I'll say as well.

I hope he does a much better job than I expect him to. It could happen! I hope it does.

[Tasha]

Laura wrote: "I'd venture to say that most are both. Everyone I know is both, has been both for months. Ok, not everyone I know. But most everyone."

Not according to the results though, even the popular vote is neck and neck so it looks more like half and half.

[Laura]

He wasn't our best choice, Tasha. He's a racist misogynist who hates Muslims. He's sexually assaulted at least a dozen women. You think she should be in jail. Well, last I heard, sexual assault is a crime. Maybe they both should be in jail!! I'm no fan of hers either, but neither one was a good choice.

I am embarrassed that we elected him and I will say this: He does not and will never represent me. Not ever. If I didn't have ties here, I would leave this country in a heartbeat because I'm ashamed to be associated in any way with someone so uninformed and hateful.

I also don't agree with his views on the issues. If I did, I'd at least have that consolation.

You and I will have to agree to disagree. I respect your views as your friend, but I had to say my piece.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Laura wrote: "Kristie, I'm on my phone and can't reply to your last comment, but I hope you're doing ok."

Thanks, Laura. I spent the whole day in the hospital with my daughter and came home to this news in the early morning. Worst day ever. Today I have a migraine from the stress of both. I am incredibly disappointed with the US right now and just praying that history does not continue to repeat itself with this type of hateful leader...

[Laura]

Kristie wrote: "Laura wrote: "Kristie, I'm on my phone and can't reply to your last comment, but I hope you're doing ok."

Thanks, Laura. I spent the whole day in the hospital with my daughter and came home to thi..."

Sorry to hear about your migraine, Kristie. I hope your daughter is ok, too. Sending virtual hugs.

[Lynn]

Oh no Krisite, is your daughter ok?

[Sarah]

I hate to say it, but I even prefer Bush to Trump. And that's saying something. Politics does divide us though but I do like that we can all feel free to express ourselves on here without getting in to a scrap. Yes we might have to agree to disagree. I really wish we could time travel to the future a few years so everyone could see the consequences of each party / candidate / decision so we could then vote wisely. Sadly we can't do that and have to go with what we feel based on whether we agree or disagree with the policies/decision. And we all have different needs and opinions and therefore vote /agree with different people.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Laura wrote: "Kristie wrote: "Laura wrote: "Kristie, I'm on my phone and can't reply to your last comment, but I hope you're doing ok."

Thanks, Laura. I spent the whole day in the hospital with my daughter and ..."

Thank you. :) I'm sure we'll both be fine, just a rough couple of days.

[Joan]

Tejas Janet - you are so right, we just have to believe things will work out.

The anti-information bias in the US is worrying to me; information from experts on economics & science is dismissed while opinions spouted by anyone else are believed.
It's like the whole country is still rebelling against our high school teachers.

[Laura]

Kristie wrote: "Laura wrote: "Kristie wrote: "Laura wrote: "Kristie, I'm on my phone and can't reply to your last comment, but I hope you're doing ok."

Thanks, Laura. I spent the whole day in the hospital with my..."

I'm glad to hear that.

[Laura]

Sarah wrote: "I hate to say it, but I even prefer Bush to Trump. And that's saying something. Politics does divide us though but I do like that we can all feel free to express ourselves on here without getting i..."

I prefer Bush as well, and that's saying something, yes. Interestingly, George W Bush did not vote for Trump, and neither did his father, the first President George Bush, his wife, or his mother, even though they all belong to the same party.

Says a lot, IMO.

I love your idea of flashing forward, would be great if we could do that!

[Laura]

Joan wrote: "Tejas Janet - you are so right, we just have to believe things will work out.

The anti-information bias in the US is worrying to me; information from experts on economics & science is dismissed wh..."

I agree. It's very worrying.

I hope things will work out!

[Lisa]

I hope your migraine gets better soon, Kristie. Also, best wishes to your daughter. I hope she feels better soon too.

[Peggy]

I hope your daughter is okay Kristie, and that you feel better soon too!

[Travis]

Look foljs. Checks and balances. We are still a democracy. This isn't North Korea. Relax.

[Lisa]

Politics will always divide people as there is no way to please everyone as we all have different beliefs and views. What I don't like is the amount of hatred and nastiness that gets thrown at people the second their views differ from someone else's. I have been reading comments on online forums and on social media and some of them have been absolutely disgusting. The same thing happened here after Brexit and seems to happen after every election or political decision these days. If this is the way the world is headed, we are in for a very rough ride. Why can't we all just get along and agree to disagree? I'm just glad that we are all respectful of each other in this group :)

[KimeyDiann]

You beat me to saying what I was thinking, Travis. Let's be real, the president doesn't have all of the power, congress is there for a reason. Things aren't going to change dramatically one way or the other. Our local elections have a much greater bearing on our day-to-day lives than the presidential election, but drastically fewer people show up to vote for those.

I am not a fan of Trump, but in his defense, he is an extremely successful businessman so he should know something about leading. Let's just hope he does as good a job for our country as he has done for so many of his businesses. Let's not mention his businesses that went belly up though! LOL.

[KimeyDiann]

Lisa wrote: "What I don't like is the amount of hatred and nastiness that gets thrown at people the second their views differ from someone else's

Why can't we all just get along and agree to disagree? I'm just glad that we are all respectful of each other in this group :)"

Well said, Lisa!

I don't know if anyone read the blog post I shared the other day, but the author was talking about this hatred we have for each other over differing opinions...

She said:
"My honest hope is that we can see past the smoke and mirrors and realize that hate and anger have systematically awakened a monster in each of us. Our misguided rage is not empowering our humanity, it is fueling a societal nightmare that is pushing us past the brink of insanity.
[ ... ]
we, as a people, will have a choice to make.
We will either feed our inner monsters, turn against our brothers and sisters, close our minds and embrace the hatred that’s shredding us, or we will we seek what we’ve been stripped of."

[Debra]

I'm devastated and embarrassed to be an American.

[Lisa]

KimeyDiann wrote: "Lisa wrote: "What I don't like is the amount of hatred and nastiness that gets thrown at people the second their views differ from someone else's

Why can't we all just get along and agree to disag..."

That's very interesting, KimeyDiann. And sadly, all too accurate!

[Kristie, Moderator]

Thanks for the well wishes. Yes, Lynn. She'll be ok. She has a chronic illness and occasionally it gets bad and we end up in the ER. Yesterday was a terrible day of intense pain for her, but it seems to be managed at the moment. We will be following up with her doc soon. Thank you for asking.

[KimeyDiann]

I'm so sorry to hear of your daughter's illness, Kristie. Sending thoughts of comfort to you both. *hugs*

[Kristie, Moderator]

Thank you, Kimey.

[Annerlee]

Debra wrote: "I'm devastated and embarrassed to be an American."

I think a lot of people abroad realise that there are voters in the US who are disillusioned with politics and feel they are voting for change against the 'establishment' (whether you agree with their point of view or not). It's something that's happening in Europe too e.g. the rise of parties with similar right wing rhetoric / Brexit etc. We're due for some interesting times I think.

You shouldn't be embarrassed Debra. Be proud of your democracy. It's something to stand up for!

[Tejas Janet]

Annerlee, your saying 'We're due for some interesting times' makes me think of that purportedly old, Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times."

Let's hope the times don't get too interesting!!

[Casceil]

Tejas Janet wrote: "Annerlee, your saying 'We're due for some interesting times' makes me think of that purportedly old, Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times."

Let's hope the times don't get too interest..."

I believe the full version of that curse goes, "May you live in interesting times, may you come to the notice of high officials, and may all your dreams come true."

[Joan]

I heard an interesting nugget on the news: when John Adams was running against Thomas Jefferson, Adams' campaign told men that if T.J. was elected all their wives and daughters would be forced into prostitution and Bibles would be burned in bonfires!

Plus ca change, plus reste le meme chose - or however the French put it.

[Annerlee]

Casceil wrote: "I believe the full version of that curse goes, "May you live in interesting times, may you come to the notice of high officials, and may all your dreams come true."

Very astute the Chinese....

[KimeyDiann]

Saw this earlier... sounds like good advice following the election. LOL!

[Lisa]

KimeyDiann wrote: "Saw this earlier... sounds like good advice following the election. LOL!

"

Lol, that's good advice! Books are the answer to everything IMO.

[Cherie]

KimeyDiann wrote: "Saw this earlier... sounds like good advice following the election. LOL!

"

That is my plan!!!!

[Laura]

KimeyDiann, love that graphic!!!

I wanted to make a book recommendation to anyone who, like me, has been struggling to come to terms with Trump's election. Yes, it's a self-help book, but it may be one of the best ever written.

Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life

I found myself in semi-freak mode this morning, called my sister, long story short, she brought me back to a book she told me about 10 years ago, and it really is great.

What it boils down to is this: It's not reality that scares us so much as our interpretation of reality that can do us in. Or empower us. I choose to be empowered. I have no choice, it's either that, or be tempted to hide under my bed until four years have passed.

Not sure if anyone just saw the public portion of the first meeting between Obama and Trump, but after watching it, I'm encouraged. It's a 3-min. video, and worth seeing IMO. Trump is now receiving the daily security briefings that the president receives, and it's changing him. He probably now realizes that maybe he doesn't want this awesome responsibility, but he campaigned and won. So, now he's got a very big job to do. We have to support him and, as Hillary said yesterday, keep an open mind and give him a chance to lead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX0cR...

Not defending him, but trying to look at the bright side. I was impressed by his short speech (apparently not scripted) and it's clear to me that if he never respected Obama before, he sure does now, and will be seeking his advice and counsel. (Thank God!)

I feel encouraged and wanted to share with you all too. Did/do I expect him to be a great president? Not really, but he may surprise us all - and I fervently hope that he does.

[Travis]

Truthfully. I think Trump is as surprised he won as the rest of the nation and is in oh shit now what do I do mode. I really do. He wanted to turn the system upside down yes but I don't think he really wanted the hat

[Travis]

Of course these wacko Hillary supporters will destroy America before he is inaugorated if they don't chill out

[Laura]

I agree re your first post, Travis. Honestly I think he just wanted the free publicity, which he did receive for months, and now he can't even believe he won. I think it's all just sinking in, just as you said. But I think we need to give people the time and space to protest. Yes they should be peacefully protesting, but they are protesting what they see as a bigoted racist misogynist. They don't want someone like that representing them. I understand that concept well. He just may surprise us, and I really hope he does.

Saying all that, I think we need to do away with the electoral college so that more people would be encouraged to vote. Under the current system, unless you live in a swing state, it's unlikely that your vote will really count! That is ridiculous, and it's not what democracy should be about. It may have had its place 200 years ago, but now it's time to say goodbye.

People understandably become very frustrated when someone who did not win the popular vote winds up in the Oval Office. I think the only reason it continues is that it makes it easier for presidential candidates to campaign. It limits the number of states they really need to spend time in. Meanwhile the rest of the electorate feels abandoned and, of course, half of them didn't even vote this year. Ridiculous.

/rant

[Roz]

True, the "wacko Hillary supporters" need to take a breath and knock out off, but it would have been far worse if Trump had lost and his "wackos" were loose in the streets.