Trump Loses, Georgia Wins

Well, look who’s back!  When it was decided I would write for the Reporter again, I wondered how I would do it; how I would jump back in the fray.  After all, I thoroughly enjoyed my hiatus from the various stresses one faces writing an opinion column in an otherwise right-wing newspaper.  Then I remembered playing jump rope as a kid on my school playground.  I hated “jumping in.”  I was awful at it.  The rope would slap me on the legs, but I would get up and do it again.  So, here I am again!

A lot happened while I was gone.  The shootings and protests were happening so fast I got them confused.  It was a heart breaking time.  Each time I heard the words, “This just in” my heart would skip a beat.  But I don’t need to remind you of those dark days.

Also while I was off, the GOP had their much-heralded national convention.  Remember when Trump promised us the biggest extravaganza in history with the biggest stars?  Turns out, our Backlot Players could teach him a thing or two about production!  No doubt about it, my favorite part was when Melania Trump gave Michelle Obama’s speech. The rest was like something on local access television.

As for the Democratic Convention, it was everything the GOP’s convention was not.  It was choreographed down to the minute.  It was truly a star­-studded event with speakers from all walks of life.  President Obama’s speech was nothing short of oratorical excellence.  And what about Khizr and Ghazala Khan!  I call them the gift that keeps on giving.  I wish I could have seen the look on Trump’s face when he saw that Hillary’s balloons were bigger than his. When this convention was over, I have never felt more proud to be a Democrat. Did you Republicans feel the same about your convention?

I know you want to hear about Donald Trump.  Seems no one can get enough of him.  Watching him is more mind-boggling than visiting Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.  Quite frankly, I don’t know what more I can say about this man that others and I haven’t already said. 

As preparation to write Unfair and Unbalanced again, I reviewed my previous columns. In my column dated September 3, 2015, I wrote this:  “I want a kinder, gentler nation.”  Does that sound familiar?  That was the vision revealed by George H. W. Bush in his 1988 speech when he accepted the Republican nomination for President.  In that same speech, he observed that the Presidency provides an incomparable opportunity for “gentle persuasion.”  Evidently the electorate agreed and he was elected.  What a difference twenty-seven (27) years make!

I long for a kinder, gentler nation. I fear it’s not going to happen in my lifetime. Trump has damaged the psyche of Americans so badly, it’s going to be difficult to recover.

I also noticed from my column review, that from the day he rode down that escalator, Trump has continued to ramp up his hate filled speech, pushing the envelope further each time.  We have become immune to his psychotic behavior.  I hear it from his supporters, “Oh, that’s just Trump.”  If you had a neighbor that said the things that Trump does, you would move! 

But the good news is more and more people in this country are refusing to drink his Kool-Aid.  The same is true for our very own State of Georgia.  At this writing, one Georgia poll shows Hillary Clinton up by 4 percentage points.  Another poll shows her up by 7 points.  The kicker is 10% of voters are undecided and Hillary has the momentum.  Hillary’s internal polls must have convinced her that Georgia has a great chance of turning blue because she has started sending resources to Georgia and hiring staffers.  It’s very exciting to be a “Battle Ground State.”  We will get lots of national attention. The Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee will spend millions in Georgia, as well as Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee.  The media in Georgia will benefit greatly from increased advertising.  Regardless of which candidate wins, Georgia will be the real winner.

As this campaign ridiculousness continues, please take my sage advice.  Do not discuss politics with your family, close friends, or the man that repairs your computer.