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If you are an American Citizen, then I regardless of how you feel, he IS your president. You may not like it. You may want to call foul. But, until the next election, and be careful what you wish for, you must accept that he is your President.
The headline for this piece, was based on a quick internet search. I first discovered, that all members of losing political parties are given signs as consolation prizes. Each sign has a picture of the president elect, with the words, “He’s Not My President” printed underneath the picture.
There were countless articles denouncing President Trump with various version of, “Not My President.” As I suspected, with little effort, I could add the search term, “Obama” and find the same thing. My researched also showed that the number of websites selling “Not My President” swag goes way back before both Obama and Trump.
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We are a nation divided. We always have been, and may always be.
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In light of this knowledge, when confronted with political conversations I avoided the easy quip, “Orange is the New Black.” Instead, I sought solace through the immortal words of the oft quoted 90’s poet, Jon Bon Jovi. Where he tells us, in his classic quatrain, Dead or Alive, “it’s all the same, only the names will change.” For emphasis, and as means of an exit, I would follow my words with an epic air-guitar solo and slowly back out of the conversation.
We are a nation divided. We always have been, and may always be. We gravitate towards a tribe mentality. Our choice of sides shows we belong to something. It validates are thoughts and beliefs. A tribe’s power comes from its internal similarities and it opposition to outside views, no matter how similar. This identity creates camaraderie within the tribe, but it augments separation between tribes.
I used to attend Bronco football games on a regular basis. I sat in the South Stands at Mile High Stadium, where most seats were owned by season ticket holders. Inevitably, through reseller outlets, a visiting team’s fan would find their way into the section. Often, they were greeted with alcohol fueled jeers, followed by mutual jawing. A technical term that means, a spirited Socratic dialogue around the merits of the two-team’s players and their abilities.
Once the liquid courage overtook the streaming plasma and red blood cells, of two or more opposing fans, fights would break out. Security would arrive, to remove the offending visiting team’s fan. I suspect the results would be the same at any stadium. The advantage going to the home team; regardless of who was at fault.
I have always been baffled by fans fighting. Without an opposing team, the game would be far less interesting. Would fans be willing to spend hundreds of dollars to watch scrimmage games, where the team’s own offense and defense played against each other? I doubt it. We need a “good guy” and a “bad guy.” A winner and a loser.
After a game, the losing team sets about analyzing film. Looking for where they went wrong. Identifying their opponent’s weaknesses and strategizing on how to win when they play again. Meanwhile the winning team does the same thing, to ensure that they stay on top.
Meanwhile, the fans, of the winning team, sway arm and arm, singing Queen’s, “We are the Champions.” The losing team, heads slung low, attempt to shuffle away unnoticed. Trying to block the chiding of “Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye” that carries on the air behind them. The message is, “winners stay, losers go away.” Elections outcomes are no different and that’s a problem.
Football as well as presidential elections are a fight to the proverbial death. Without a winner and a loser, it is simply not entertainment. Since the Romans and their coliseums, we have always demanded to be entertained. I have now doubt, our future holds a cable network program called “The Real Ex-Presidents of Mar-a-Lago” starring, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Hosted by Danny Bonaduce and Omarosa.
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If Democrats were to help Republicans, when Republicans are in power, then Republicans would look successful, which would lead to their reelection.
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Rival political parties are no more interested in working together than a sports team is interested in scoring points for their opponent. If Democrats were to help Republicans, when Republicans are in power, then Republicans would look successful, which would lead to their reelection.
The opposite holds true when Democrats are in power. Any success they have would keep Republicans out of power. Unity sounds nice in campaign speeches, but it is political suicide. The most altruistic candidates, eventually learn that.
Politicians say they are for America. They are not. They are for their party agendas, their constituents, and their own professional gain. It’s not their fault. It is the way the game of elections is structured. One winner and one loser. These rules insure that the country stays divided.
There’s only one thing that is for certain. Until we see a woman in the White House, the phrase, “He’s Not My President” will continue to follow the results of every presidential election. When a woman is in charge, we will finally see real progress. For the first time ever, members of the losing party will receive signs that say, “SHE’s Not My President!” Now, THAT will be real Change!
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