Ilona Goanos: The followers are, as you so well point out, good, decent people trying to live harmoniously in their families and neighborhoods.
They are afraid of radical change.
This is a normal part of societal evolution, and the family men and women are innocent.
What is intolerable is the lack of good, sound, Conservative leadership. Russell Kirk, Bill Buckley, even Barry Goldwater had nothing in common with current neo-fascist rhetoric that targets helpless minorities for violence.
A Conservative neighbor has a right that a name-brand leading political party should responsibly represent their values.
A Conservative has a right to Bill Buckley, Mitt Romney leadership.
It is not their fault that the rhetoric of Joseph Goebbels that targets minorities has taken over the leadership of their Party.
We badly need a responsible, Conservative leadership.
Our neighbors and Conservative families cannot be expected to understand current developments.
The reason I am so sensitive to it is because my homeland through my Francophone-Belgian Mom from near Charleroi reared me on her lap with the horrors of the invasion by the Third Reich, its evils, and the devastation arising from it.
Although I was born a few short years after the War, in the late '40s, I felt like my Mom's contemporary in Charleroi with the authoritarian troops who would execute every tenth man in a town in revenge for the killing of an officer of the Wehrmacht. I felt like I was in the next village, hearing what had just happened.
So, when JD Vance and Trump target good, gentle and decent immigrants from Haiti with the racist slander, I chill and burn.
But we do not confuse our neighbor or Conservative family member with anything other than trying to live out the values of Bill Buckley and Mitt Romney, good and true leaders, with whom I disagree, but disagree with courtesy, mutual-respect, even friendliness.
Ilona Goanos: Thank you so very, very much for sharing so richly of our core values and hearts in your post.
You know it's funny that I have a friend who went through WW2 as a child, and has come to the opposite conclusion that you have. He is a Trump supporter, and fears what will happen if he doesn't get elected. I cannot understand it at all! I agree that targeting minorities is inexcusable, but this is what a greed for power looks like. Thanks as always for your valuable insight, Armond.
I am a "Recovering Protestant Republican" was who raised by WWII vets. They were the "I like Ike" variety of WASPs. As a young teen I was enthralled by Goldwater's "bootstrap conservatism". But alas, the reality of Vietnam (I did not fight - finding safe harbor as a National Guardsman), the horrors of Nixon and the exposure to so much unjust suffering moved me way to the left. To a place of science, compassion and fairness. I am now proudly a WOKE agnostic who respects any faith that wants to treat all people well and leave the Earth a better place.
For most of my life, I enjoyed conversations and finding common ground with people of the right side of the spectrum. I followed my parents example. Their best friends were Catholic Democrats. We drove a Ford, they drove a Chevy. So what. Next subject....
I hate the idea that we are so polarized now. There needs to be a balance between true classic conservative values and liberalism and socialism! We should be able to negotiate in good faith to achieve a better world.
But something has happened. The people we used to able to discuss politics with in a civil manner have adopted a scorched Earth approach that is committed to falsehoods and fascistic
fantasies. There is no reasoning with that. There is only defeating their dark evil bigotry.
So my approach is to be civil but direct. And very importantly, not let my anger at this insanity dominate my life. We do what we can to preserve democracy and freedom from their domination. But not allow them to ruin our day. If not, they win the battle of the mind.
I love your concepts ILona. But sadly, we are at war with a very powerful enemy. A large number of people who practice the very antithesis of their stated faith. I don't believe in a Devil. But I may need to adjust that thinking...
A very powerful enemy indeed. I'm trying to find the right way over or through, but I can't figure it out. Thanks for your thoughts. I hope Armand will circle back and read them. My wish is that Kamala Harris will put us back on the path to American Ideals.
"I want our family to stay intact no matter what happens or who wins the election, so I leave it alone."
"After all, there is no they, its just us." As a young girl all i wanted for Christmas was for everyone to get along. the Trauma that I carry throughout my life is something I have been working on ...well all my life. The divide in our beautiful country has grown bigger and bigger with news True or NOT in the palm of our hands. What do we do when you dont know what to believe anymore? And the pebble in your shoe causes more pain than you can endure...and all you want is peace. Peace in your home. Peace in your family. Peace in your heart. xo
You touched on something I was thinking about while writing. The trauma! We all carry it in different shades and forms. My parents fought constantly, and I could not stand it. I would lay in my bed with the pillow over my head trying not to hear what was going on. So yes, peace is the goal. Sweet peace.
I love the concept of "soft front, strong back." It's such a beautiful way to describe the balance between compassion and conviction. It's a reminder that we can stand up for what we believe in while still approaching others with kindness and understanding.
Your strong and courageous voice is getting stronger, Ilona. As one of those yoga teachers who for years taught with a similar philosophy, even when verbally or physically adjusting a student's pose, I instructed the teacher mentee's, to, "look for the good first." It's so much easier in an environment such as that. In a post a couple of months ago titled, "God's, Guns and Trump - Three words that don't belong together," a former student went full out on me in the comments. Wondering where the unconditional, forgiving, loving yoga teacher went? As if, loving means you aren't allowed an opinion that differs. These are wild times and your self-care concerns are real. Thanks for the great post.
People don't know that yogis were fighters, hence the warrior poses. Besides Arjuna had many conversations with Krishna about his reluctance about going into battle in the Bhagavad Gita. He was never told not to fight.
Modern day yogis fought against the British and were defeated. All that were left were the Bakhti (devotional) yogis who weren't fighters. That's who moved here into the US. Your student should know that one should always stand up for what is right, and doing no harm, especially to the disenfranchised, is imperative.
Truth and love will always reign supreme.
I have been on the fence for a long time about talking about politics on this platform, but it is currently a pebble in my shoe, and I think about it every single day. I also have read the work of another Substacker (wish I could remember his/her name) who said not to hide who you are from your readers. You have to bring your whole self here, and not parse out what you think people will tolerate.
Thanks Paulette, for always bringing so much depth and wisdom to the comment section. I appreciate you ❤️
And great examples from the yoga world! Agree, I think people often confuse yoga with passivity. Yoga isn’t about inertia. The poses are one way we build a strong container to be able to stand for what we believe in. I studied Buddhism years ago with a love monk who was a Tibetan refugee. He used to say, don’t be a stupid bodhichitta. Then he’d chuckle and tell us, don’t be a doormat.
I really like this: "Somehow, somewhere along the way, the media shifted from reporting cold, hard truths to catering to audiences with curated narratives. Outrage sells. Peace, harmony, and goodwill are boring." It's so hard for me, child of a journalist and a journalist myself for a time, to believe in "curated narratives." Even though when I was growing up, Seattle had a "Republican" and a "Democratic" daily newspaper. (Now it only has one). As for how to stay sane, like you, I practice compassion. In Al-Anon, they say "I didn't cause it, I can't cure it, and I can't control it" meaning what other people think or do or believe. To that I add "But I can practice compassion about it." Prior to Trump, I honestly didn't worry about what my friends or acquaintances believed. I'd never been spit on because I was wearing a mask, as I was during early Covid-19 years. What? How did health get politicized? Now I'm just secretly happy with people (like you!) who believe as I do. I don't consume any mainstream media. I read only selected newsletters. Thanks for yours.
I'm sorry and disgusted that someone spit on you. The COVID masks sparked outrage for those who didn't believe in science. The anger is not just being mad, but a boiling hot rage. Where did this come from? I don't know that society can be blamed for everything and generate that much hate. There's more here than meets the eye, but I'm not excusingthe behavior. I appreciate the Al-Anon quote, it helps. Thanks for you, your thoughtful comments, and your newsletter, Kirie!
Thanks Ilona! I'm glad you found some inspiration in my newsletter. As a yoga practitioner myself and one who shares yoga, don't we practice and teach people to be welcoming and open to others? I've always tried to live by the 'golden rule' - do unto other. This election season has got me thinking more about this, what I stand for and what I have taught my kids. I cannot stand by a person who does not believe in those values, is a bully and doesn't respect others. The Dali Lama said, "cherish all beings". May we continue to work together for a better 'us'!
I hate the contentiousness that currently exists in politics and our world in general, although it’s probably always been there, just more civil. I truly believe that in many cases (but not all) it’s perspective that forms people’s opinions . Others seemed to be formed out of hate. There are a couple of people that hold views opposite of mine that I am able to hold discussions on certain topics. We are able to share our (usually opposing) views calmly and still be friends. I find these conversations very helpful - I don’t always understand, but I try. Part of the reason that I look at both sides is because lately, I find myself saying “I don’t get this” so I want to make sure that I’m not missing something. However, I will be avoiding the negativity as much as possible till the election.
I agree that "it's probably always been there." It was just quiet, and people knew they didn't fit in with the Zeitgeist. I say "I don't get this" every single day, and it's quite exhausting. Great points, Carol. You are true diplomat.
It is exhausting! My husband reads the news too much and texts me different articles “you need to read this”. My standard reply lately is “ I don’t want to.”
Ilona...oh...how I relate to this one! Lately I've been focusing on how I "used" to think (much differently from how I think about politics now). There are a couple of ex Presidents I voted for who, finding out later some of the despicable things they did while in office, I would never vote for now. But because of how beloved they were to me "then," I still feel that old fondness in my heart for them. I can't seem to feel the same distain for them that I feel for one of the candidates we have now, no matter how much I find out about some of the things they did during their administrations. It has helped me to realize something about people who are still willing to go all out for a candidate that to me, is completely unfit. Maybe they liked that person a lot, for whatever reason, and now, no matter how much comes out about the candidate, they are willing to believe the best. Perhaps it's because of fear, as you suggested, and I think that's true. Knowing how I believed, thought, and felt years ago and how much that has changed has helped me to see people I disagree with in a more compassionate way...but I got to admit...it's still hard. I have to work on it.
Such interesting insight, Linda. Yes, it is hard and times, impossible. You bring up an interesting point about how supporters view Trump with unconditional positive regard, and how I struggle with it when I look at him. I, too, am wary about going all in on a candidate because I have been disappointed before-Bill Clinton comes to mind. Candidates are never perfect, and I don't think we can expect that. Consistency in their actions with the greater good in mind would be nice!
I try to avoid the storm of politics and confrontation of corruption. However, I will never forget, nor vote for, those who mandated mass vaccination with an experimental drug.
The American people were mandated into a phase 3 clinical trial of an experimental drug without their consent and stripped of their constitutional rights. There’s so much more to be said about this, but the end result is the injured and families of the deceased that have no recourse.
There’s more going on in our government than what we are being told. We all want the truth.
The question we should be asking is why are they sowing so much cultural discord?
Why do they want us fighting with each other and not joining together as one populace to make both sides of the government accountable to us, the people, as they are constitutionally bound to do? Imagine what we could accomplish!
My humble advice to everyone is be your own person and don’t let yourself get eaten up by the system. Follow your intuition—that first gut feeling is always right.
I'm glad you aren't getting into any further detail on the vaccine. I saw that you supported Kennedy for president, and now I understand why. By all means, vote your conscience.
Also, I couldn't get the votefwd.org link to work either from your newsletter or just in google. I'd love to do it, so can you check and let readers know for sure? thanks!
Ilona Goanos: The followers are, as you so well point out, good, decent people trying to live harmoniously in their families and neighborhoods.
They are afraid of radical change.
This is a normal part of societal evolution, and the family men and women are innocent.
What is intolerable is the lack of good, sound, Conservative leadership. Russell Kirk, Bill Buckley, even Barry Goldwater had nothing in common with current neo-fascist rhetoric that targets helpless minorities for violence.
A Conservative neighbor has a right that a name-brand leading political party should responsibly represent their values.
A Conservative has a right to Bill Buckley, Mitt Romney leadership.
It is not their fault that the rhetoric of Joseph Goebbels that targets minorities has taken over the leadership of their Party.
We badly need a responsible, Conservative leadership.
Our neighbors and Conservative families cannot be expected to understand current developments.
The reason I am so sensitive to it is because my homeland through my Francophone-Belgian Mom from near Charleroi reared me on her lap with the horrors of the invasion by the Third Reich, its evils, and the devastation arising from it.
Although I was born a few short years after the War, in the late '40s, I felt like my Mom's contemporary in Charleroi with the authoritarian troops who would execute every tenth man in a town in revenge for the killing of an officer of the Wehrmacht. I felt like I was in the next village, hearing what had just happened.
So, when JD Vance and Trump target good, gentle and decent immigrants from Haiti with the racist slander, I chill and burn.
But we do not confuse our neighbor or Conservative family member with anything other than trying to live out the values of Bill Buckley and Mitt Romney, good and true leaders, with whom I disagree, but disagree with courtesy, mutual-respect, even friendliness.
Ilona Goanos: Thank you so very, very much for sharing so richly of our core values and hearts in your post.
You know it's funny that I have a friend who went through WW2 as a child, and has come to the opposite conclusion that you have. He is a Trump supporter, and fears what will happen if he doesn't get elected. I cannot understand it at all! I agree that targeting minorities is inexcusable, but this is what a greed for power looks like. Thanks as always for your valuable insight, Armond.
Very interesting comment. Thank you.
I am a "Recovering Protestant Republican" was who raised by WWII vets. They were the "I like Ike" variety of WASPs. As a young teen I was enthralled by Goldwater's "bootstrap conservatism". But alas, the reality of Vietnam (I did not fight - finding safe harbor as a National Guardsman), the horrors of Nixon and the exposure to so much unjust suffering moved me way to the left. To a place of science, compassion and fairness. I am now proudly a WOKE agnostic who respects any faith that wants to treat all people well and leave the Earth a better place.
For most of my life, I enjoyed conversations and finding common ground with people of the right side of the spectrum. I followed my parents example. Their best friends were Catholic Democrats. We drove a Ford, they drove a Chevy. So what. Next subject....
I hate the idea that we are so polarized now. There needs to be a balance between true classic conservative values and liberalism and socialism! We should be able to negotiate in good faith to achieve a better world.
But something has happened. The people we used to able to discuss politics with in a civil manner have adopted a scorched Earth approach that is committed to falsehoods and fascistic
fantasies. There is no reasoning with that. There is only defeating their dark evil bigotry.
So my approach is to be civil but direct. And very importantly, not let my anger at this insanity dominate my life. We do what we can to preserve democracy and freedom from their domination. But not allow them to ruin our day. If not, they win the battle of the mind.
I love your concepts ILona. But sadly, we are at war with a very powerful enemy. A large number of people who practice the very antithesis of their stated faith. I don't believe in a Devil. But I may need to adjust that thinking...
A very powerful enemy indeed. I'm trying to find the right way over or through, but I can't figure it out. Thanks for your thoughts. I hope Armand will circle back and read them. My wish is that Kamala Harris will put us back on the path to American Ideals.
"I want our family to stay intact no matter what happens or who wins the election, so I leave it alone."
"After all, there is no they, its just us." As a young girl all i wanted for Christmas was for everyone to get along. the Trauma that I carry throughout my life is something I have been working on ...well all my life. The divide in our beautiful country has grown bigger and bigger with news True or NOT in the palm of our hands. What do we do when you dont know what to believe anymore? And the pebble in your shoe causes more pain than you can endure...and all you want is peace. Peace in your home. Peace in your family. Peace in your heart. xo
You touched on something I was thinking about while writing. The trauma! We all carry it in different shades and forms. My parents fought constantly, and I could not stand it. I would lay in my bed with the pillow over my head trying not to hear what was going on. So yes, peace is the goal. Sweet peace.
I love the concept of "soft front, strong back." It's such a beautiful way to describe the balance between compassion and conviction. It's a reminder that we can stand up for what we believe in while still approaching others with kindness and understanding.
Yes, I love that phrase so much which is why it stuck with me. It's definitely a challenge to live this way, but there is no better way.
Your strong and courageous voice is getting stronger, Ilona. As one of those yoga teachers who for years taught with a similar philosophy, even when verbally or physically adjusting a student's pose, I instructed the teacher mentee's, to, "look for the good first." It's so much easier in an environment such as that. In a post a couple of months ago titled, "God's, Guns and Trump - Three words that don't belong together," a former student went full out on me in the comments. Wondering where the unconditional, forgiving, loving yoga teacher went? As if, loving means you aren't allowed an opinion that differs. These are wild times and your self-care concerns are real. Thanks for the great post.
People don't know that yogis were fighters, hence the warrior poses. Besides Arjuna had many conversations with Krishna about his reluctance about going into battle in the Bhagavad Gita. He was never told not to fight.
Modern day yogis fought against the British and were defeated. All that were left were the Bakhti (devotional) yogis who weren't fighters. That's who moved here into the US. Your student should know that one should always stand up for what is right, and doing no harm, especially to the disenfranchised, is imperative.
Truth and love will always reign supreme.
I have been on the fence for a long time about talking about politics on this platform, but it is currently a pebble in my shoe, and I think about it every single day. I also have read the work of another Substacker (wish I could remember his/her name) who said not to hide who you are from your readers. You have to bring your whole self here, and not parse out what you think people will tolerate.
Thanks Paulette, for always bringing so much depth and wisdom to the comment section. I appreciate you ❤️
I appreciate you as well, Ilona.
And great examples from the yoga world! Agree, I think people often confuse yoga with passivity. Yoga isn’t about inertia. The poses are one way we build a strong container to be able to stand for what we believe in. I studied Buddhism years ago with a love monk who was a Tibetan refugee. He used to say, don’t be a stupid bodhichitta. Then he’d chuckle and tell us, don’t be a doormat.
Love that!
I really like this: "Somehow, somewhere along the way, the media shifted from reporting cold, hard truths to catering to audiences with curated narratives. Outrage sells. Peace, harmony, and goodwill are boring." It's so hard for me, child of a journalist and a journalist myself for a time, to believe in "curated narratives." Even though when I was growing up, Seattle had a "Republican" and a "Democratic" daily newspaper. (Now it only has one). As for how to stay sane, like you, I practice compassion. In Al-Anon, they say "I didn't cause it, I can't cure it, and I can't control it" meaning what other people think or do or believe. To that I add "But I can practice compassion about it." Prior to Trump, I honestly didn't worry about what my friends or acquaintances believed. I'd never been spit on because I was wearing a mask, as I was during early Covid-19 years. What? How did health get politicized? Now I'm just secretly happy with people (like you!) who believe as I do. I don't consume any mainstream media. I read only selected newsletters. Thanks for yours.
I'm sorry and disgusted that someone spit on you. The COVID masks sparked outrage for those who didn't believe in science. The anger is not just being mad, but a boiling hot rage. Where did this come from? I don't know that society can be blamed for everything and generate that much hate. There's more here than meets the eye, but I'm not excusingthe behavior. I appreciate the Al-Anon quote, it helps. Thanks for you, your thoughtful comments, and your newsletter, Kirie!
Thanks Ilona! I'm glad you found some inspiration in my newsletter. As a yoga practitioner myself and one who shares yoga, don't we practice and teach people to be welcoming and open to others? I've always tried to live by the 'golden rule' - do unto other. This election season has got me thinking more about this, what I stand for and what I have taught my kids. I cannot stand by a person who does not believe in those values, is a bully and doesn't respect others. The Dali Lama said, "cherish all beings". May we continue to work together for a better 'us'!
Amen! Thanks Marlo. I needed some of your Zen after reading through the comments and feeling hopelessness creep back in. You're an inspiration.
Thank you Ilona, some very positive thoughts to consider here. I love the soft front/strong back. 🤍
Thanks, Wayward Yogini. I know you get the yogic piece to this.
Most definitely.
I hate the contentiousness that currently exists in politics and our world in general, although it’s probably always been there, just more civil. I truly believe that in many cases (but not all) it’s perspective that forms people’s opinions . Others seemed to be formed out of hate. There are a couple of people that hold views opposite of mine that I am able to hold discussions on certain topics. We are able to share our (usually opposing) views calmly and still be friends. I find these conversations very helpful - I don’t always understand, but I try. Part of the reason that I look at both sides is because lately, I find myself saying “I don’t get this” so I want to make sure that I’m not missing something. However, I will be avoiding the negativity as much as possible till the election.
I agree that "it's probably always been there." It was just quiet, and people knew they didn't fit in with the Zeitgeist. I say "I don't get this" every single day, and it's quite exhausting. Great points, Carol. You are true diplomat.
It is exhausting! My husband reads the news too much and texts me different articles “you need to read this”. My standard reply lately is “ I don’t want to.”
Writing this post was exhausting LOL! Hang in there, Carol.
Ilona...oh...how I relate to this one! Lately I've been focusing on how I "used" to think (much differently from how I think about politics now). There are a couple of ex Presidents I voted for who, finding out later some of the despicable things they did while in office, I would never vote for now. But because of how beloved they were to me "then," I still feel that old fondness in my heart for them. I can't seem to feel the same distain for them that I feel for one of the candidates we have now, no matter how much I find out about some of the things they did during their administrations. It has helped me to realize something about people who are still willing to go all out for a candidate that to me, is completely unfit. Maybe they liked that person a lot, for whatever reason, and now, no matter how much comes out about the candidate, they are willing to believe the best. Perhaps it's because of fear, as you suggested, and I think that's true. Knowing how I believed, thought, and felt years ago and how much that has changed has helped me to see people I disagree with in a more compassionate way...but I got to admit...it's still hard. I have to work on it.
Such interesting insight, Linda. Yes, it is hard and times, impossible. You bring up an interesting point about how supporters view Trump with unconditional positive regard, and how I struggle with it when I look at him. I, too, am wary about going all in on a candidate because I have been disappointed before-Bill Clinton comes to mind. Candidates are never perfect, and I don't think we can expect that. Consistency in their actions with the greater good in mind would be nice!
I believe our country has lost its way.
I try to avoid the storm of politics and confrontation of corruption. However, I will never forget, nor vote for, those who mandated mass vaccination with an experimental drug.
The American people were mandated into a phase 3 clinical trial of an experimental drug without their consent and stripped of their constitutional rights. There’s so much more to be said about this, but the end result is the injured and families of the deceased that have no recourse.
There’s more going on in our government than what we are being told. We all want the truth.
The question we should be asking is why are they sowing so much cultural discord?
Why do they want us fighting with each other and not joining together as one populace to make both sides of the government accountable to us, the people, as they are constitutionally bound to do? Imagine what we could accomplish!
My humble advice to everyone is be your own person and don’t let yourself get eaten up by the system. Follow your intuition—that first gut feeling is always right.
I'm glad you aren't getting into any further detail on the vaccine. I saw that you supported Kennedy for president, and now I understand why. By all means, vote your conscience.
Also, I couldn't get the votefwd.org link to work either from your newsletter or just in google. I'd love to do it, so can you check and let readers know for sure? thanks!
Thank you for this. I understand exactly how you feel.