Yes, I am angry.
I am also worried and afraid. I'm afraid for my queer trans kids. I'm afraid for my Jewish friends. I'm afraid for my immigrant in-laws. I'm afraid for myself.
Up until now I've felt a measure of safety. There was some sort of wall in checks and balances in our government that held the predators, economic, social, and yes, even sexual, at bay somewhat. There were laws protecting people from the worst behaviors of other people -- or at least laws that made it clear that these behaviors were unacceptable and would result in punishment. Now those laws don't apply to people in power-- not that the powerful were ever held to the same justice system most citizens were, but now the abuse of power to warp justice has become more in-your-face, loud, and a source of pride to the noxious individuals who wield that power, fueled by money earned by the sweat of the very people they are looking down on.
It's not that I didn't see this coming. I worried it would happen in my kids' lifetime, probably in their old age. I didn't think it would-- or I was just wishing that it wouldn't-- happen in my lifetime.
But it's here.
I feel like we've modeled our society on the worst models in science fiction: The Handmaid's tale. 1984, Fahrenheit 451, but I think one book that probably had the start of this all down in a uniquely perceptive way was Friday, by Robert Heinlein
This fear I've had for the direction the nation has been going in since 1981 has been only growing, to the point where I made my move to CA, and encouraged my kids to go to either NY or CA out of concern. My kids at times think I'm an alarmist, and perhaps I am in some respects, but when I see people like Robert Reich voicing concern about the future of democracy in the US, I have to believe that at least some of my concern is justified.
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